Touristic Places of Cusco

Cusco and its world-renowned tourist sites due to its rich history and impressive cultural heritage. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is a tourist destination that enchants visitors from all over the world. Surrounded by towering mountains and fertile valleys, this Peruvian city offers a perfect combination of history, culture, colonial architecture and breathtaking natural landscapes.

History and culture

Cusco was the capital of the ancient Inca Empire and preserves a valuable historical and cultural legacy. Its ruins, archaeological sites and colonial architecture are testimonies of a rich cultural heritage.

Machu Picchu

Considered one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is a well-preserved and mysterious Inca citadel that attracts millions of visitors each year. It is an iconic destination and an unforgettable experience.

Archaeological heritage

Cusco and its surroundings are home to a wealth of archaeological sites, such as Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo and Pisac, which offer tourists the opportunity to immerse themselves in ancient history and explore the vestiges of Inca culture.

Nature and breathtaking landscapes

Cusco is located in a privileged natural environment, surrounded by mountains, valleys and rivers. The Sacred Valley of the Incas and the diversity of landscapes it offers attract nature lovers and adventurers.

Traditions and festivities

Cusco is famous for its traditional celebrations, such as Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) and Carnival. These festivities showcase the cultural richness and living heritage of the region.

Hospitality and gastronomy

Cusqueños are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. In addition, Cusco’s gastronomy is varied and delicious, with typical dishes that combine authentic flavors and local ingredients.

These are just some of the reasons why Cusco is a world famous tourist destination. Its history, culture, natural beauty and hospitality make this place a must-see destination for any traveler looking for a unique and enriching experience.

Cusco Tourist Attractions

• Cusco City Tour: Visit the Main Square, the Cathedral, the Qorikancha Temple and nearby archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay.
• Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour: Explore Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and other traditional villages, as well as the Inca ruins in each place.
• Machu Picchu Excursion: Enjoy a train ride to Aguas Calientes and explore the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Inca Trail: Hike for several days through beautiful landscapes and ancient Inca sites to Machu Picchu on a 4 or 2 day trek.
• Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca): Embark on a challenging hike up this impressive mountain with its unique bands of colors.
• Humantay Lagoon: Hike to this beautiful turquoise lagoon, located in the Andes Mountains.
• Tour the archaeological sites of southern Cusco: Visit Tipon, Pikillaqta and Raqchi, which are important archaeological sites in southern Cusco.
• Tour to Moray and the salt mines of Maras: Discover the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt mines in Maras.
• Rafting on the Urubamba River: Enjoy the thrill of white water rafting on the Urubamba River.
• Sacred Valley Bike Tour: Bike through the Sacred Valley and visit places of interest along the way.
• Visit to Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Mountain: Hike to the impressive Humantay Lagoon and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
• Tour to the archaeological complexes of Pisaq and Chinchero: Explore the Inca ruins of Pisaq and Chinchero, and learn about their history and culture.
• Tour to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary: Get up close and personal with native Peruvian wildlife species, such as llamas, alpacas, condors and pumas, at this animal sanctuary.
• Manu Cloud Forest Birding Tour: Explore the diversity of birds in the Manu Cloud Forest, one of the best birding destinations in the world.
• Tour to Maras salt mines: Discover the ancient salt mines of Maras and learn about their historical and cultural importance.
• Tour to Machupicchu through Salkantay treks of 5 and 4 days.

Tourist attractions in the city of Cusco

Here you have a list of 60 tourist places within the city of Cusco, along with their location and brief information about each one:

1. Main Square: Located in the historic center of Cusco, it is the heart of the city and houses the Cathedral and the Temple of the Society of Jesus.
2. Temple of Qorikancha: Located on Avenida El Sol, it was the main temple of the Inca Empire and today shows a mixture of Inca and colonial architecture.
3. Cusco Cathedral: Located in the Plaza de Armas, it is an impressive cathedral built over the Inca palace of Wiracocha.
4. Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús: Located in the Plaza de Armas, it is a baroque church with an impressive facade carved in stone.
5. Sacsayhuaman: Located on the outskirts of Cusco, it is an impressive Inca fortress composed of huge stone walls.
6. Tambomachay: Located a few kilometers from Cusco, it is an archaeological site with water fountains and stone canals.
7. Qenqo: It is located a few minutes from Cusco and is an archaeological complex that includes a rock carved with canals and stairs.
8. Puka Pukara: Located near Sacsayhuaman, it is an archaeological complex that includes defensive structures and terraces.
9. Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: Located in the Plaza de las Nazarenas, it exhibits a collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian art.
10. Inka Museum: It is located in the Casa del Almirante, near the Plaza de Armas, and displays Inca artifacts and objects.
11. San Pedro Market: Located a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, it is a local market where you can find fresh food and handicrafts.
12. Barrio de San Blas: Located on a hill near the Plaza de Armas, it is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and artists’ workshops.
13. Coricancha: Formerly the main temple of the Inca Empire dedicated to the cult of the Sun, today is the church of Santo Domingo.
14. San Pedro Central Market: It is a traditional market where you can find a wide variety of local products, from food to handicrafts.
15. Hatun Rumiyoc Street: In this street is the famous Stone of the Twelve Angles, an impressive example of Inca architecture.
16. Casa Concha – Machu Picchu Museum: Located on Santa Catalina Ancha Street, it is a museum that exhibits artifacts from Machu Picchu.
17. San Blas Church: Located in the San Blas neighborhood, it is a colonial church with a beautiful facade carved in stone.
18. San Cristobal neighborhood: Located on a hill with panoramic views of the city, this neighborhood has cobblestone streets and charming colonial houses.
19. Convent of Santa Catalina: A former convent that now houses a museum that shows the history and religious life in Cusco.
20. Museum of Regional History: Located on Garcilaso Street, it shows the history of the region from pre-Inca times to the present.
21. Mirador de San Cristobal: A panoramic viewpoint from where you can appreciate a spectacular view of the city of Cusco and its surroundings.
22. San Pedro Church: A beautiful colonial church located in San Pedro Square, known for its baroque façade and its impressive carved altarpieces.
23. Plaza San Francisco: A quiet square that houses the Church of San Francisco, characterized by its beautiful murals and colonial architecture.
24. Qosqo Native Art Center: A place where you can see traditional dances and music of the region.
25. Barrio de Santa Ana: A charming neighborhood located on the outskirts of the historic center, known for its narrow streets and colonial houses.
26. Museum of Contemporary Art: Located in the Casa Garcilaso de la Vega, it exhibits a collection of contemporary Peruvian art.
27. Templo de San Francisco: An impressive Franciscan temple with a rich history and beautiful colonial architecture.
28. San Blas Market: A handicrafts market where you can find handmade products made by local artisans.
29. Plaza Regocijo: A lively plaza located near the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by restaurants, stores and historic buildings.
30. Barrio de Santiago: A picturesque neighborhood that houses the Santiago Church, known for its carved stone façade.
31. Museum of Sacred, Magical and Medicinal Plants: A museum dedicated to the medicinal plants and rituals of the region, where you can learn about the ancestral tradition of Peruvian medicine.
32. Folk Art Museum: Exhibits a collection of Peruvian folk art, including textiles, ceramics, and sculptures.
33. Santa Clara Temple: A former Franciscan temple that now houses the Santa Clara Museum of Religious Art.
34. Barrio de San Sebastián: A traditional neighborhood where the church of San Sebastián is located, known for its beautiful façade and altarpiece.
35. Museum of Natural History of the National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco: A museum that exhibits a variety of specimens of the flora and fauna of the region.
36. Mirador de Ttio: An observation point located on the outskirts of Cusco, from where you can appreciate a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
37. Coca Museum: A museum that explores the history and traditional uses of the coca leaf in Peruvian culture.
38. Cathedral Museum of Sacred Art: Located inside the Cusco Cathedral, it exhibits a collection of colonial religious art.
39. Center of Traditional Textiles of Cusco: A place where you can learn about traditional weaving techniques and purchase authentic textiles.
40. Pukapukara Archaeological Complex: An archaeological site that was used as a military fortress and checkpoint in Inca times.
41. Museo de la Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco: Exhibits a variety of art and artifacts related to the history and culture of Cusco.
42. La Merced Church: A beautiful church located in the Plaza de La Merced, known for its impressive facade and gilded altarpieces.
43. Qoricancha Site Museum: Located inside the ancient Inca temple of Qoricancha, it exhibits a collection of Inca artifacts and shows the religious and cultural importance of the site.
44. Plaza de San Francisco: A historic plaza that houses the Church and Convent of San Francisco, as well as a handicrafts market.
45. Templo de la Compañía de Jesús: An impressive Jesuit temple with a baroque façade and detailed interior decoration.
46. Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: Located in an old colonial mansion, it exhibits a collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian art.
47. Casa Concha: A colonial mansion that houses an exhibition on the history and discovery of Machu Picchu.
48. Templo de San Blas: A colonial temple located in the San Blas neighborhood, known for its beautiful façade and carved altarpiece.
49. Regional Historical Museum: Located in the former Admiral’s Palace, it exhibits a collection of art and artifacts related to the history of Cusco.
50. Tambomachay Archaeological Complex: An archaeological site that was used as a place of worship and rest by the Incas.
51. Monument to the Inca Pachacutec: Located on Avenida del Sol, it is a monument that pays homage to the great Inca leader Pachacutec, who was fundamental in the expansion of the Inca Empire.
52. Tupac Amaru Square: Located in the district of Wanchaq, this square is named after the indigenous leader Tupac Amaru II, known for leading a rebellion against Spanish rule in the eighteenth century.
53. Museum of Natural History: Located in the San Antonio Abad National University of Cusco, the museum houses an interesting collection of flora and fauna species of the region.
54. Parque de la Reserva: A beautiful park located near the center of the city, it offers green areas, fountains and recreational spaces to enjoy the outdoors.
55. Wasi Cultural Center: A space dedicated to promoting the culture and art of Cusco, where exhibitions, workshops, and cultural activities are held.
56. Pumapunku Viewpoint: From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Cusco and the surrounding area, including the ruins of Sacsayhuaman.
57. Templo de Santa Clara: A beautiful colonial temple located in the Santa Clara neighborhood, known for its architecture and carved altarpiece.
58. Museum of Inca Culture: Located in the Casa del Almirante, this museum exhibits archeological artifacts and pieces related to the Inca culture and the history of Cusco.
59. Plaza de San Francisco: A historic plaza that houses the Church and Convent of San Francisco, as well as a handicrafts market.
60. Sun Gate (Intipunku): Located in the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate is a ceremonial structure that marks the entrance to the citadel and offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and the famous archaeological site.

Questions and answers about the tourist sites of cusco

What is the best time to visit Cusco?

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September, when there is less rain and the weather is more stable.

What is the altitude of the city of Cusco?

The altitude of the city of Cusco is approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.

What is the main tourist attraction of Cusco?

The main tourist attraction in Cusco is the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, considered one of the wonders of the world.

How long does it take to visit Machu Picchu?

The visit to Machu Picchu can take a full day, although some tourists choose to spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the nearby town, to enjoy more time at the site.

What other tourist sites can be visited in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

In the Sacred Valley of the Incas you can visit archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, Chinchero and the salt mines of Maras.

What is the most common way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

The most common way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco is by train from Ollantaytambo station to the town of Aguas Calientes, and then take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

What activities can be done in Cusco besides visiting archaeological sites?

In Cusco you can do activities such as hiking along the trails of the Sacred Valley, visiting local markets, enjoying Cusco cuisine, adventure sports such as rafting or cycling, and participating in traditional festivities.

Is it necessary to buy entrance tickets in advance for Cusco’s tourist sites?

Yes, it is recommended to purchase entrance tickets in advance, especially for Machu Picchu, as the daily quota of visitors is limited.

Do I need any special permission to visit Machu Picchu?

No special permission is needed to visit Machu Picchu, but it is mandatory to purchase an entrance ticket and follow the site regulations.

What are the precautions to take when visiting Cusco due to the altitude?

When visiting Cusco, it is important to take measures to prevent altitude sickness, such as resting the first day, drinking enough water, avoiding heavy meals and consulting a doctor before the trip if you have any medical condition.

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