Cusco is the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. It is also a living archive of Andean history and culture. Among the most unforgettable tourist attractions in Cusco are its sacred temples, massive stone fortresses, colorful markets, and festive plazas that echo with centuries of tradition.
This city has tall buildings and spiritual rituals. It invites travelers to explore a place where the past and present meet. In Cusco, you can follow the paths of the Incas or see colonial cathedrals built on Inca foundations.
To enjoy everything fully and comfortably, Machu Travel Peru is here to help you. They offer custom trips through the Cusco region, the Sacred Valley, and the stunning Machu Picchu.
Let us take you beyond the surface, into the living heart of the Andes
- Highlights
- Main Square
- Qoricancha
- Sacsayhuaman
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Ollantaytambo
- Frequently questions
Highlights
- Cusco is not just a place to visit; it’s a place to study, to observe, and to experience with all senses. Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city shows a unique mix of cosmology, craftsmanship, and community.
- For archaeologists, it is a masterclass in urban planning built according to symbolic patterns, cosmological alignments, and socio-political hierarchies. For anthropologists, this area is a living store of tradition, people still speak Quechua in the streets, and Inca times are remembered in festivals, clothing, and rituals.
- The city designers laid out the city in the shape of a puma, a sacred animal in Andean belief. Its belly is the Plaza de Armas, its the art the Qoricancha, and its head the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. This spatial symbolism is not random; it reflects a deep connection to the cosmos and the earth. Modern Cusco still respects these alignments, spiritual, social, and ecological.
- The city has world-class museums like the Museo de Arte Precolombino. It also has community theaters, open air concerts, and daily markets.
- The city keeps changing, but still holds on to its essence. You can explore everything from ancient temples to colonial-style hotels in Cusco, and do this on foot with a detailed walking tour or an immersive city tour.
Main square
In the Inca city, you will find the magical Plaza de Armas. It is a great place to start your walking tour in Cusco. This square has been a meeting point between the Incas and the Spaniards. It was also the main point of organization and administration of the Inca Culture.
In Quechua, people call it Huacaypata. Its architecture features colonial buildings built on Inca foundations. It has important cathedrals and showcases all Cusquenian art in one place, such as the Cusco Cathedral.
Activities & Cultural Events:
- The Inti Raymi takes place on June 24 in this place, where the Sun God is venerated.
- Religious festivals are celebrated, like Corpus Christi. During this event, saints and virgins join a procession around the Plaza de Armas.
- Many events are held, such as concerts, dances, and theater.
Qoricancha
One of the most unique places in Cusco is Qoricancha, which is an important temple in Inca culture. This temple was built to honor the Sun God, and the buildings were made of gold. Its purpose was to serve as a workshop for astronomy and studies of the Inca Calendars. In addition, it is important to mention that in the Qoricancha we can find the Convent of Santo Domingo, where you can find the syncretism of the Cusquenian culture.
Activities & Cultural Events:
- The are musical recitals where cultures merge through music and art.
- In the Santo Domingo Church, archaeological exhibitions can be enjoyed.
- Musicians develop musicals and recitals using classical instruments, revaluing the art of the Andes.
- Theater shows are organized where actors and artists can advance and show their art on stage.
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman is a famous Inca ruin in the city of Cusco. It features impressive stones, architecture, and skill all in one place. Likewise, the builders who erected the temple can attest that their work represents the cosmovision of the Andes. The blocks fit perfectly, and different specialists argue that it served as a fortress and for ceremonial purposes.
Activities & Cultural Events:
- Inti Raymi is a festival that celebrates the sun. It happens in Sacsayhuaman on June 24 every year. Many artists, dancers, and other people join in to make this event special.
- Celebrations of the Incas happen in Sacsayhuaman, events like Warachicuy, workshops, and plays about Apus occur all year. Cusquenians participate in these activities.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley is a green and fertile area by the Urubamba River in Cusco. The high Andean mountains surround it.
It is a space that has cultivation terraces and impressive ruins. Likewise, it is the home of the charming villages of Pisaq, Chinchero, and Moray, showing all the Inca heritage. It is a good place for trekking and is also the gateway to the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Activities & Cultural Events:
- Harvest Festivals in Pisac and Chinchero with agricultural rituals, music, and traditional clothing parades.
- Weaving Workshops with Quechua weavers.
- Local Theater with the village performs dramatizations of Inca legends or resistance stories against Spanish colonizers.
- Traditional Cooking Fairs.
Ollantaytambo
The town of Ollantaytambo is at the western edge of the Sacred Valley. It is the only place in Peru where people still live in buildings on original Inca foundations. Its cobbled alleys, aqueducts, and Inca walls remain largely unchanged since the 15th century.
This complex has terraces, temples, and ceremonial buildings. These structures were important for both strategy and religion in the Inca Empire.
Activities & Cultural Events:
- The festivals of the lord of Chokekillka take place where there is dance and music.
- Spiritual retreats are held to connect with nature.
- Gastronomic fairs and tasting of Andean products are held.
More to Explore in Cusco
Beyond these five major attractions, Cusco is rich in cultural gems:
- San Blas Neighborhood: Known as the artist’s district, San Blas is full of workshops, galleries, and cozy cafés. Its steep streets provide amazing views of the city. The de San Blas church has a beautifully carved pulpit made from one tree.
- Mercado de San Pedro: This lively place is full of colors and smells. It is perfect for trying local snacks, buying souvenirs, and watching daily life in Cusco. San Pedro Market is a truly unbelievable experience in Cusco, and you need less than 30 minutes to walk through it.
- Museo de Arte Precolombino: This museum showcases exquisite artifacts from pre-Inca and Inca civilizations, offering insight into thousands of years of Andean culture.
- San Francisco Church: This colonial church is not often visited. It has a catacomb and an art museum. These features add to Cusco’s rich spiritual and architectural diversity.
Frequently Questions
When is the best time to travel to Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco is in the dry season, we suggest visiting this place between May and September. Don’t forget that a Cusco city tour will help you acclimate in the first days of your arrival.
How many seasons are there in Cusco?
There are two marked seasons in Cusco: the first one is Cusco in the low season, which goes from October to April. Since fewer people visit Cusco, this is due to the climatic factor, constant rains, wind, and marked changes in the climate.
The other season in Cusco is high season, which runs from May to September. As its name suggests, many people visit the imperial city during this time. This is due to traditional festivals like Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi. The weather is usually good, with sunny days and very little rain. However, it can be quite cold.
What should I bring to visit Cusco?
You should wear warm clothing, keep an eye on your tickets for entry to the attractions in Cusco, and be careful with your things. Don’t forget to bring in your pocket some chocolates or snacks bars.
Why does Cusco have so many visitors?
Cusco Tourist place has many visitors, since it is a place that preserves its Inca and Spanish identity through its beliefs and traditions. In addition because we have many routes for trekking, hiking, and adventure sports.
What is the most important tourist attraction in Cusco?
However, it is important to mention that all the tourist attractions in Cusco are special and serve different functions. There is no single answer. From Machu Picchu to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you can connect with Andean culture.
How many days do I need to travel all over Cusco?
You will need a minimum of 3 to 5 days if you want to visit all of Cusco with a stop at Machu Picchu, since a City Tour, Sacred Valley, and one hiking day would complement your visit in Cusco.
“DARE TO LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED”
Cusco is a unique and incredibly intertwined place. From the pre-Inca cultures to the processes of Spanish evangelization. We are sure that your visit will mark a before and after in your memory.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact Us today to plan your dream adventure!
