We have compiled crucial advice to help you create a great script that covers the key attractions of Cusco.
Visiting the historic heart of the Inca civilization, amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian Andes, is a must-do experience that should be on your travel wish list. To help you explore the top attractions in Cusco, we have curated some excellent tour recommendations.
Many people are aware that Cusco is often viewed as a brief stop before heading to Peru’s most popular tourist destination, Machu Picchu. However, Cusco offers plenty of attractions, delicious food, and comfortable lodging options for travelers to enjoy during their visit.
It is crucial to remember that it is beneficial to spend one to two days adjusting to the high altitudes in order to appreciate the blend of Hispanic and Inca cultures in the city center. Given that Cusco is situated at an altitude of 3,400 meters, acclimatization is important.
Therefore, certain signs like nasal dryness, headache, or nausea are typical symptoms experienced by Brazilian travelers. This is known as “Mal de Altitude” or “Soroche” in Peru. However, there is no need to be concerned. The suggestion is to use serum or rhinosoro to alleviate these symptoms, stay hydrated, and be patient with your body. 😉
Now that we have shared important details about this amazing location, get ready with a pen to note down the list of tours in Cusco that we have compiled for you.
In this article, you will find:
- Top sightseeing options in Cusco include Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, San Blas District, Sacsayhuaman, San Pedro Central Market, Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, biking tours, Cerro Colorado Vinicunca, and interacting with llamas and alpacas.
- Main Square
- Text:2 – Cathedral of Cusco
- District of San Blas – Text 3
- Paraphrase: Fourth Text – Sacsayhuaman
- Paraphrased: The text discusses Machu Picchu.
- Paráfrase: Sétimo texto sobre Choquequirao
- Text: 8 – Cycling Excursion
- Text 9 – Vinicunca’s Cerro Colorado
- Feed llamas and alpacas – Provide food for llamas and alpacas.
- Tickets available in Cusco
- Hotels in Cusco
- Explore additional advice regarding Cusco.
- Commonly Asked Questions
- Main Square – Text 1
- Text:2 – Cathedral of Cusco
- Is there anything else you would like help with?
- Paraphrased: Text 4 discusses the historical site of Sacsayhuaman.
- San Pedro Central Market – Text 5
- “The sixth text discusses Machu Picchu.”
- Paraphrased: Text number seven discusses Choquequirao.
- Text 8 – Cycling Adventure
- Text: 9 – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
- Interact with llamas and alpacas by giving them food.
Top Tours in Cusco
The top tours in Cusco and the surrounding area include visits to historic Inca sites, sampling local food at the city market, and exploring stunning landscapes through biking excursions. Explore these and more activities on the list provided.
Text:1 – Main Square
The Plaza de Armas serves as the city’s cultural hub, with surrounding restaurants, bars, and cafés offering a picturesque view of the city and the grand Cathedral of Cusco. These establishments are ideal for acclimating to the city’s high altitude while enjoying a leisurely afternoon.
Paraphrase: Text 2 – Cusco Cathedral
Discovering the crypts located in the vast Cathedral of Cusco is easily accessible. A representation of the Spanish conquest, the cathedral features a Peruvian influence with a replica of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” showcasing a guinea pig (known as Cuy in the region) on one of the panels. This is a noteworthy detail to observe.
District of San Blas
The San Blas area stands out in the city for its charming ambiance filled with artisan shops and beautiful architecture. Located near the Plaza de Armas, the neighborhood of San Blas requires climbing a steep hill to reach it.
When visiting the area, be sure to explore Hatunrumiyoc, an ancient Inca path that runs through the area. The neighborhood is also known for its charming shops and art galleries, offering unique gifts and souvenirs that are more authentic than those found in Plaza de Armas.
Paraphrased: Information about Sacsayhuaman
A visit to this impressive Inca monument, located a 45-minute walk from the city center, is well worth it for the opportunity to admire stunning panoramic views of Cusco.
Sacsayhuama served as a sacred location and was the scene of a violent conflict between the Inca army and the Spanish invaders. It is recommended to either hire a guide for a fee or join a city tour that covers the site in order to receive a detailed explanation of its history.
In fact, an ideal option is to purchase the tourist pass from Cusco, which provides entry to the primary archaeological sites in the city and surrounding area, along with significant museums that will enhance your travel experience. This ticket allows access to these locations for a period of 10 days.
Text: 5 – Central Market of San Pedro
Text: In contrast to popular tourist markets in cities worldwide, the San Pedro Central Market is not widely recognized as a tourist hotspot. Nonetheless, it is worth a visit for a more authentic experience, offering insights into the daily lives of locals, opportunities to try traditional foods, and more.
You can reach Plaza das Armas in just an eight-minute walk, where you can discover authentic Peruvian cuisine and shop for souvenirs to bring back home.
Paraphrase: The sixth text is about Machu Picchu.
Board a train in Cusco or Ollantaytambo to reach Machu Picchu Pueblo or embark on one of the trails that lead to Machu Picchu. The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates numerous visitors annually with its energy, narratives, and allure.
You have the option to purchase tickets for Machu Picchu online through the official Peruvian government website, buy train tickets from PeruRail or Inca Rail, or book a tour with Civitatis.
Paraphrased: Text number 7 discusses Choquequirao.
Not many are familiar with Choquequirao, the lesser-known counterpart of Machu Picchu. This makes it a hidden gem among the historical landmarks of the country. The site served as a significant trading and religious hub for the Inca Empire, featuring various architectural structures like platform systems, irrigation systems, villas, and temples akin to those found at Machu Picchu.
Paraphrased: For those interested in visiting Choquequirao, it is essential to have good physical fitness as the trek takes approximately four days. So, it’s clear that this destination should be on your must-visit list, right? 😉
Text: 8 – Cycling Trip
An excellent day excursion from Cusco involves taking a bicycle tour through the key towns of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Explore the archaeological site of Moray, see the Salinas de Maras, the Address of the Gods, and the Valle Sur by joining a bike tour starting from the Inca capital. It’s a great way to experience the region! 😉
Text: 9 – Vinicunca’s Cerro Colorado
Have you witnessed the colorful mountain range in Peru known as Cerro Colorado Vinicunca? This stunning natural attraction in South America should be protected and shared with nature enthusiasts. Several reputable tour companies in Cusco provide day trips to the mountain, although be prepared for large crowds of tourists.
You can also take the bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach the starting point of the trail from Cusco. It is approximately a three-hour drive followed by a 15 km trek to explore the area.
Feed llamas and alpacas – Provide food to llamas and alpacas.
Text: Who doesn’t fantasize about encountering a llama? For those seeking a closer interaction with the iconic Andean creatures, visiting Awana Kancha presents a great opportunity. This tour is especially well-suited for families and children.
Do you already have a plan for which tours you will select for your trip to Cusco? Visit us and take advantage of the opportunity to purchase your tickets early through Civitatis.
Tickets available in Cusco
Text: Have you arranged your sightseeing trips in Cusco? Leave your home fully prepared to avoid wasting time in ticket lines and pay in installments of up to 12 times without foreign transaction fees. Explore tour prices or browse through our curated list of top choices.
- Complimentary guided tour of Cusco
- Tour of Machu Picchu for $275
- Rainbow Mountain Trail – $22.60
- Incas Sacred Valley Tour – $14.60
- Tour to Humantay Lagoon costs $74.40.
Explore additional fantastic tours to enhance your complete travel experience in Cusco.
Accommodations in Cusco
Do you need a place to stay in Cusco? I recommend the Costa del Sol Wyndham hotel, where I recently stayed. It is conveniently located just a few minutes from the Historic Centre and offers excellent comfort and a tasty breakfast. Explore more of the best hotels in Cusco:
- Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco offers daily rates starting at $88, with a rating of 8.8.
- JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is available daily starting at a rate of $314, with a rating of 9.3.
- Madre Tierra Hostel – Starting at $49 per night – Rating of 9.3
- Taypikala Hotel in Cusco is available for daily stays starting at $79, with a rating of 8.7.
Discover additional accommodations in Cusco to guarantee a flawless lodging experience.
Find additional advice regarding Cusco.
The tips are not finished yet! Below, we provide a list of detailed posts to help you in organizing your trip.
- Cusco, a city located in Peru.
- Accommodations in Cusco
- Accommodation options in Cusco
- Activities to enjoy in Cusco
- Where to dine in Cusco
- New Year’s Eve celebration in Cusco
- Suggestions for activities in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Accommodations available in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Paraphrase: The Valley of the Incas that is considered sacred.
- How to reach Machu Picchu
- Inca Rail – Text about Inca Rail
- PeruRail is a train service in Peru.
- Machu Picchu is a historical site located in Peru.
- Accommodation options in Machu Picchu
- Accommodations available in Machu Picchu
- Text: Romantic getaway in Machu Picchu
- Could you please provide more context or specific information from the text “Lima” that you would like me to paraphrase?
- Activities to enjoy in Lima
- Accommodation options in Lima
- Accommodations available in Lima
- Text: Dining options in Lima
Commonly Asked Questions
What is something you can’t help but do in Cusco?
You must visit Plaza de Armas in Cusco, the San Pedro Market, as well as the archaeological sites like Saqsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Qenko, along with the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha).
Where is a good place to go for a walk in Cusco?
The historical district of Cusco is an ideal place for exploring with its museums, churches, and dining options that can brighten your day. Key points of interest in this area include Plaza de Armas, the Pre-Colombino Art Museum, the Basilica Cathedral of the Virgin of the Assumption, and the Cicciolina restaurant.
How many days are needed to explore Cusco fully?
You can easily explore Cusco in two to three days, visiting key archaeological sites like Saqsayhuaman and Tambomachay, exploring the Plaza de Armas, checking out the San Pedro Market, and even visiting the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.
What should I be aware of before traveling to Cusco?
Cusco’s high altitude of 3,400 meters may lead to symptoms like dry mouth, headache, or nausea due to the “evil of attitude” or “soroche.” This condition is common and typically lasts a few days until the body acclimates. Staying hydrated and engaging in gentle physical activity can help alleviate these symptoms.
What activities can be done in Cusco within a 5-day period?
Summary of a 5-day schedule in Cusco:Day 1 – Explore Písaq and OllantaytamboDay 2 – Visit Machu PicchuDay 3 – Discover Salinas de Maras and MorayDay 4 – Tourist ticket of Cusco (Saqsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Qenko)Day 5 – Hike the Rainbow Mountain Arch of Vinicunca.
What are the top sightseeing options in Cusco?
Some of the top tours in Cusco include the Free Walking Tour, the Machu Picchu Excursion, the Rainbow Mountain Trek, the Sacred Valley Exploration, and the Humantay Lagoon Visit.
Where can I purchase tickets for Cusco?
You can secure your tickets to Cusco through the Civitatis website, where you can purchase in advance, pay in local currency, and also have the option to pay in installments.
