16 Cusco Experiences That Will Make Your Trip Better Than Expected
Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail or taking the Inca Rail, all roads to Machu Picchu start in Cusco. But the former capital of the Incan Empire is much more than the gateway to one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Unfortunately, a lot of people aren’t sure what to do in Cusco. I would know; I used to be one of them.
Before my trip to Cusco, I knew exactly two things: it has an elevation of 11,152 feet and I wanted to spend more than 2 days there. But even after all the research and planning, I still wasn’t sure what to expect. It was my first trip to South America, and it was a complete departure than my usual trips to Europe. In fact, I was ready to be underwhelmed or not like it at all. But after spending 5 days in Cusco, I realized how beautiful and underrated this area of Peru is. And that was before I went to Machu Picchu!
So if you’re looking for activities to add to your Cusco itinerary, I’ve put together the top things to do, as well as the most popular day trips and best Cusco hotels.
Jump to:
What to Do in Cusco
Day Trips from Cusco
FAQs About What to Do in Cusco
The Best Cusco Hotels
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What to Do in Cusco (Besides Visiting Machu Picchu)
If you’re wondering what to do in Cusco before or after you visit Machu Picchu, this list will answer that question.
Explore Sacsayhuaman
If there’s one thing the Incas knew how to do, it was precise stone work. And there’s no better example of that than Sacsayhuaman. (Kind of pronounced like “sexy woman.”) This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a military fortress and ceremonial complex. The photos of Sacsayhuaman don’t do this place justice. You have to see in person to fully appreciate it.
Go on a Walking Tour
One of my favorite things to do on my first day in a new city is to go on a walking tour. It’s usually the best way to get the lay of the land and see the most popular sites. Tour companies, like Guru Walks and Free Walking Tours Cusco, offer daily free tours led by licensed tour guides. And they all stop at the must-see Cusco landmarks, like Plaza de Armas, the Sun Temple (Qorikancha), the Twelve-Angled Stone and more.
Horseback Ride Through Inca Temples
Worried about the high altitude, but still want to see Cusco? Horseback riding is the perfect first day activity while you acclimate. I booked this 3-hour horseback riding tour through Inca temples and it was one of the best experiences I had in Cusco. Just make sure you bring a hat and wear sunscreen because the UV rays are more intense than you think.
Visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
Want to support a good cause while walking amongst cute animals? Of course you do! The Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary is home to rescued and rehabilitated animals like alpacas, pumas, Andean bears, condors and other exotic birds. This sanctuary is doing incredible work to not only protect some of the most vulnerable species, but educate the community and visitors on the importance of biodiversity conservation. Tickets sell out fast, so buy them in advance.
Take Instagram-Worthy Pictures at Calle Siete Borreguitos
Spanish for the street of seven little lambs, this street is one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable spots in Cusco. The walk to get there is mostly uphill, so keep that in mind if you’re still acclimating to the altitude.
View the Sapantiana Aqueduct
Across the way from Calle Siete Borreguitos is a colonial aqueduct that dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Even better? It’s free to visit.
Explore the San Blas Neighborhood
Known for its white adobe walls, wooden balconies and cobblestone streets, the San Blas neighborhood is one of the most picturesque areas in Cusco. It’s also home to artists, workshops and some of the best restaurants in Cusco. (The food at Green Point was amazing.)
Go Shopping at the San Pedro Market
A local favorite, the San Pedro Market is the go-to destination for authentic Peruvian food, handmade crafts and souvenirs. Even if you’re not much of a shopper, it’s neat to look at all the different items for sale. And maybe you’ll get to see a dried alpaca fetus like I did.
8 Popular Day Trips from Cusco
Some of the best things to do in the Cusco area are an all-day adventure. That isn’t hyperbole; it really will take an entire day. Most day trips from Cusco leave early, usually between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. That being said, the early departure is worth it for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Rainbow Mountain
One of the most popular day trips from Cusco is Rainbow Mountain. Most of the Rainbow Mountain day trips are hikes — about 4 miles round trip. Or you can do what I did, and get to Vinicunca the easy way: riding an ATV. You can read all about my Rainbow Mountain experience here.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
Want the Rainbow Mountain experience without the tough hike? Palccoyo, the Alternative Rainbow Mountain, is for you! Compared to Vinicunca, the hike is relatively flat and less than 2 miles down and back. For more tips about visiting the Alternative Rainbow Mountain, read my Palccoyo day trip guide.
Maras
Maras is home to over 4,000 terraced salt ponds that produce pink salt. Salt mines may not sound interesting, but I thought the sparkling ponds were beautiful. And the chocolate made with the pink salt wasn’t bad either. (You can buy it at one of the many shops family-run shops there.)
Moray
Just a short drive away from Maras is Moray, a fascinating Inca archeological site. The circular terraces create different temperatures at the top and bottom, which you can actually feel as you walk around them. It’s kind of mind boggling to think that the Incas did this without any kind of technology.
Pisac
Located about an hour away from Cusco are the Pisac ruins, an Inca archeological site featuring agricultural terraces, sacred temples and stunning views of the Sacred Valley. Because of its lower elevation (about 9700 feet), many travelers choose to visit Pisac on their first or second day in Cusco to acclimate.
Visit Maras, Moray and Pisac in One Day
Ollantaytambo
There’s only one word to describe the stonework of this 3,500 year old hillside fortress: impressive. There are around 200 steps to get to the unfinished Sun Temple, but the views are worth all the huffing and puffing. My favorite part? The wild alpacas grazing throughout the site. Since Ollantaytambo is pretty much right next to the train station, you could easily do this before heading to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu.
Lake Humantay
Want to see Laguna Humantay without the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu? Do a day trip from Cusco instead! Most people who go say the hike to the turquoise glacial lake is challenging, so keep that in mind before you book.
7 Lakes of Ausangate
If the 7 Lakes of Ausangate isn’t on your list of day trips from Cusco, it needs to be. This hidden gem is so beautiful and made me fall in love with Peru. (It’s also a lot less crowded than Lake Humantay.)
I found THE BEST AirBNB experience, which included horseback riding, a llama farm visit and breakfast at a local’s house. And our tour guide, Coco, went above and beyond to make sure we all got amazing pictures. I can’t recommend this 7 Lakes of Ausangate day trip enough.
I did this excursion on my second full day in Cusco. And even though the elevation was over 15,000 feet, I only felt out of breath when I had to walk 20 feet up a hill.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do in Cusco
If you’re like me, and visiting Cusco for the first time, you probably have some questions. I’ve got you!
How bad is altitude sickness in Cusco?
As someone who lives at sea level and only traveled to Denver, getting altitude sickness in Cusco was my biggest fear. It’s also the biggest unknown because altitude sickness or “soroche,” affects everyone differently. You could be in the best physical shape and still get taken out by it.
Altitude sickness symptoms can range from headaches, fatigue, trouble sleeping and shortness of breath. On my first day in Cusco I slept most of the day. I also wasn’t very hungry, which is unlike me because I’m always down to eat.
The best way to avoid altitude sickness, or at least reduce the effects of altitude sickness, is to stay hydrated, eat meals high in carbohydrates and take it slow. You also want to avoid heavy, greasy foods and alcohol.
Drinking Coca Tea is a popular, natural remedy for altitude sickness. You’ll find it everywhere in Cusco and the locals swear by it. (I thought it tasted and smelled awful, but I also don’t like tea.) My favorite natural remedy for altitude sickness is Agua de Florida. You rub it on your hands and inhale it. I used this a lot when I hiked Rainbow Mountain and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.
If you’re really worried about altitude sickness in Cusco, I strongly suggest getting a prescription for Diamox. However, you may experience some side effects, so talk to your doctor to decide if it’s right for you. My least favorite Diamox side effect is how it made Diet Coke taste rancid. I thought it would take days for this to happen. Nope. Less than 15 minutes.
How many days in Cusco do you need to acclimate?
You need at least 2-3 days in Cusco to fully acclimate to the high altitude. I also recommend avoiding any strenuous activities, like hiking, during those first days. If you plan on visiting Rainbow Mountain or the Alternative Rainbow Mountain, spend at least 3 days in Cusco. I added those day trips toward the end of my Cusco trip and I had no issues.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which is from May to September. The dry season in Cusco means less rain and average temperatures in the 60s. However, May to September is also the busiest time to visit Cusco.
If you want to experience fewer crowds in Cusco, visit in April (the end of wet season) or October (the end of dry season). I went to Cusco in mid-October and the weather was great and it wasn’t crowded.
What should I pack for Cusco?
The weather in Cusco can change by the hour. One minute it’s sunny and warm, the next it’s a full on downpour. And due to its high elevation, Cusco can be quite cold, especially at night. That’s why it’s important to bring layers. For tips on what to pack for Cusco (plus Machu Picchu and Lima) check out my two-week Peru packing list.
The Best Cusco Hotels
Now that you know what to do in Cusco, you’re probably wondering where to stay in Cusco. These Cusco hotels are not only highly rated, but have the best locations in the city.
📍 JW Marriott El Convento ($$$)
Why you should book it: You want to stay in a Cusco hotel that’s both historic and luxurious. As a bonus, the rooms are oxygenated to help you acclimate to Cusco’s high altitude.
📍 Novotel Cusco ($$)
Why you should book it: It’s right next to the JW Marriott El Convento, but not as expensive.
📍 Palacio del Inka ($$$)
Why you should book it: You don’t need to be in the heart of Cusco, but still want a luxury experience
Final Tips on What to Do in Cusco for First-Time Visitors
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in and around Cusco, Peru before you head to Machu Picchu. I spent nearly a week there, and I could have stayed longer! Just remember to take it slow, stay hydrated and enjoy everything that this historical town has to offer.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Cusco Peru?
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