Cusco, Peru, is a city full of history and culture, it was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco is home to a rich heritage that combines impressive archaeological ruins, colonial architecture and spectacular scenery. If you are planning a trip to this fascinating city in Peru there are a wide variety of attractions in Cusco, Peru that you cannot miss. Below, we offer you a guide to the main tourist attractions in Cusco so you can enjoy its magic, either on your own.
Attractions in Cusco Peru
Cusco is the perfect starting point for exploring some of Peru’s most iconic monuments. From majestic archaeological sites to colorful markets and beutiful landscapes, the attractions in Cusco, Peru offer a unique experience for every type of traveler.
In this list, you will discover a variety of places that will allow you to immerse yourself in the ancestral history of the region and enjoy its natural beauty:
Main Attractions in Cusco, Peru
1. Machu Picchu
Elevation: 2,430 meters above sea level (7,970 feet).
Location: 112 km northwest of Cusco, located in the region of Urubamba province.
How to get there: From Cusco, you can take a car to Ollantaytambo and then a train to Aguas Calientes or you can also travel to Machu Picchu by car tfrom Cusco to San Teresa then go up by bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. You can also get there walking through the famous Inca Trail 4 days, which is a more challenging route and requires permits in advance.
Description: Machu Picchu is Peru’s most emblematic destination and one of the seven wonders of the world. This ancient Inca city, built on a mountain peak, offers breathtaking views and is a site of enormous historical importance.
2. Cusco Cathedral
Elevation: 3,399 meters above sea level (11,152 feet).
Location: In Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, in the historic center of the city of Cusco.
How to get there: You can easily reach it walking from your hotel located at any part of the historic center of Cusco.
Description: The Cathedral of Cusco, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, is one of the most representative examples of colonial architecture in Peru. It was built between 1559 and 1654 on the original bases of the former palace of the Inca Wiracocha. This cathedral houses an impressive collection of religious art, including paintings of the Cusco School and a series of sculptures and altarpieces carved in wood. It is a must-see for those interested in the religious history and colonial architecture of the region.
3. Sacsayhuaman
Elevation: 3,700 meters above sea level (12,139 ft).
Location: 2 km from the historic center of Cusco.
How to get there: It is easily accessible from the center of Cusco on foot, you can start at the Cusco palaza de armas or by taxi, read our artilcle for more info on how to get to Sacsayhuaman ruins.
Description: Sacsayhuaman was a sacred temple, today famous for its huge blocks of perfectly fitted stone. It is one of the main attractions in Cusco, Peru, and offers spectacular views of the city. To visit the ruins you need to buy the boleto turistico that allows you to visit the ruins.
4. Cusco Plaza de Armas
Elevation: 3,399 meters above sea level (11,149 feet).
Location: Cusco’s main square is located in the heart of Cusco’s historic center.
How to get there: Accessible on foot from any part of the city center, although you can also take a taxi, you are staying in an aribnb far from the city.
Description: The Plaza de Armas is the central meeting point in Cusco, surrounded by colonial buildings, the Cathedral of Cusco, churches and museums. It is ideal for walking, enjoying the local gastronomy and observing the vibrant city life.
5. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Elevation: 3,399 meters above sea level (11,149 feet).
Location: The Sun temple is located in the center of Cusco, near the Plaza de Armas.
How to get there: It is a few minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas or your hotel located in the center of the city of Cusco.
Description: The Qorikancha was the most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the ancient cult of Inti (the sun). Currently, you can see a mixture of Inca and colonial architecture, as it was transformed into the Convent of Santo Domingo. If you are looking for extra informarion you can read our article here.
6. Sacred Valley of the Incas
Elevation: Between 2,500 and 3,200 meters above sea level (8,202 ft – 10,499 ft).
Location: North of Cusco, it includes several villages and archeological sites, like Ollantaytambo ruins, Pisac, chinchero ruins, Moray and the Salt Mines.
How to get there: You can tour the Sacred Valley on an private tour from Cusco or by private transportation from Cusco.
Description: The Sacred Valley is famous for its beutiful views and impressive ancient ruins. This valley is home to many of the most important archaeological sites of the Inca Empire, as well as being an excellent place for exploration it is also the best place for aclimazation.
7. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Elevation: 5,200 meters above sea level (17,060 feet).
Location: About 100 km / 62 miles southeast of Cusco, in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
How to get there: From Cusco, you can take aday trip to Rainbow Mountain or hire private transportation to the trekking starting point (No recommended). The hike up the mountain takes about 1.5 hours.
Description: The Montaña Arcoiris, known as Vinicunca, is famous for its geological formations that create a breathtaking view of facinating colors. This is one of the newest attractions in Cusco, Peru, attracting thousands of tourists everyday.
8. Humantay Lake
Elevation: 4,200 meters above sea level (13,779 feet). (Need to be well acclimatized).
Location: About 120 km / 75 miles northwest of Cusco, in the Peruvian Andes, near the Salkantay glacier.
How to get there: From Cusco, you can take an tour to Humantay Lake that includes private transportation to the trekking starting point in Soraypampa, meals and en English speaking guide. The hike to the lake takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on the pace).
Description: The Humantay Lagoon is an impressive turquoise body of water located at the foot of the Humantay snow-capped mountain, which is part of the Vilcabamba mountain range. The beauty of its crystal clear waters, surrounded by a mountainous landscape, makes it a favorite destination for many travelers. The trip to the lake offers spectacular views of the mountains and is an ideal place to take photographs and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
9. Qenqo Ruins
Elevation: (11,646 pies / 3.55 km)
Location: About 3 km north of Cusco.
How to get there: It can be reached by taxi from the Plaza de Armas or as part of a Half Day Tour in Cusco that also includes other nearby ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
Description: Qenqo is an archaeological complex that is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies. It is known for its labyrinth of tunnels and altars carved in stone.
10. Tambomachay Ruins
Elevation: (12,139 ft / 3.7 km)
Location: About 8 km from the city of Cusco, in the direction of Sacsayhuaman.
How to get there: The site is accessible by taxi or also on a Cusco City Tour, you can also walk from Sacsayhuaman ruins.
Description: Tambomachay was dedicated to the cult of water in Inca times, today it is known as the “Bath of the Inca”, as its fountains and water channels were probably used in purification rituals. This area also shows the impressive hydraulic engineering of the Incas.
11. Puca Pucara
Elevation: 3,700 meters above sea level (12,139 feet / 3.7 km).
Location: About 7 km from Cusco, on the road to Tambomachay, it is also on the way to Sacsayhuaman.
How to get there: You can easily reach Puka pukara by taxi from Cusco or on foot from Sacsayhuaman ruins.
Description: Puca Pucara, also known as the “Red Fortress”, is an archaeological site believed to have been used as a military post and resting place for travelers. Its strategic location offers impressive views of the surrounding valley,s of Cusco and it is known for its well-preserved stone structures, including terraces, walls and stairways.
12. Ollantaytambo
Elevation: 2,792 meters above sea level (9,160 feet).
Location: In the Sacred Valley of Peru, about 70 km / 43 miles from Cusco.
How to get there: You can reach Ollantaytambo by public bus or taxi from Cusco. Ollantaytambo is a popular stop for travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.
Description: Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca city and fortress, it is well known for its well-preserved ruins and impressive architecture. The site was used as a military and ceremonial center in Inca times. The site alos served as a strong hold duing the spanish invasion. This site can be visited also on a guided tour from Cusco.
13. Pisac
Elevation: 2,972 meters above sea level (9,751 feet).
Location: Pisac is located about 33 km from Cusco, in the Sacred Valley, in the province of Calca.
How to get there: You can reach Pisac by bus or taxi from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, or as part of a tour of the Sacred Valley starting in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Description: Pisac is well known for its impressive archaeological site located on the mountainside, consisting of agricultural terraces and workshops for the production of pottery in Inca times. It is also well known for its market, where you can find local handicrafts, textiles and fresh produce.
14. Moray Ruins
Elevation: 3,500 meters above sea level (11,483 feet).
Location: About 50 km from Cusco, in theUrubamba province in the Sacred Valley.
How to get there: You can get to Moray by taxi from Cusco or Urubamba or as part of a tour of the Sacred Valley.
Description: Moray is an archaeological site made up of of circular terraces that are believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory. The terraces created different temperatures and it is also believed that the Incas experimented with different crops at different altitudes.
15. Chinchero
Elevation: 3,762 meters above sea level (12,343 feet ).
Location: About 28 km from Cusco, in the Sacred Valley in the province of Urubamba, around 30 minutes by car from Cusco.
How to get there: You can get to Chinchero by public bus, taxi or during the tour of the Sacred Valley.
Description: Chinchero is a charming Andean village known for its colonial church, Inca ruins and traditional textile workshops. The site offers spectacular views of the Peruvian Andes, and is an excellent place to learn about the ancient weaving techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation, aldo here you can visit an alpaca farm.
16. Salt Mines of Maras (Salineras)
Elevation: 3,380 meters above sea level (11,090 feet / 3.38 km).
Location: About 50 km / 31 miles northwest of Cusco, near the town of Maras, in the Sacred Valley.
How to get there: You can get there by taxi or as part of Maras Moray Tour from Cusco. There is also public transportation that goes to the town of Maras, from where you can walk to the salt mines. This places can be reached easily from Urubamba if you are planning to stay there.
Description: The Salt Pans or Salineras de Maras are an impressive set of pre-Inca salt mines that are still in operation to this day. It is believed that this system of salt ponds was used since before Inca times. Today it is an important source of salt in the country. The salt pans, with their white salt pools, create a spectacular landscape that attracts many tourists. The pools are located on a slope, which creates a breathtaking view.
Tips and Considerations:
There are several things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience when you visit Cusco. From the purchase of the tourist ticket to acclimatization to the altitude, here are some key recommendations to enjoy all the attractions in Cusco, Peru.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
One of the important things to consider when planning your visit to the attractions in Cusco, Peru, is the purchase of the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket). This ticket is a single pass that allows you to access several of the most important attractions in Cusco. There are two types of tickets:
Full Tourist Ticket: This ticket includes access to 16 attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. It is ideal if you have several days to explore Cusco. The cost of the ticket is 130 Soles (PEN).
Partial Tourist Ticket: This ticket is more economical and allows you to access 4 attractions in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, ideal if you only have a limited amount of time to explore.
It is advisable to purchase the ticket at the authorized offices in the city or directly at the archaeological sites. Be sure to bring cash in Peruvian currency.
Conclusions
Cusco offers a wide variety of attractions, ranging from imposing Inca ruins, colonial building to typical markets and of course beautiful landscapes. To fully enjoy this fascinating region, it is important to take into account aspects such as the tourist ticket, acclimatization to the altitude, climate, transportation and safety. With the proper preparation, you will be able to immerse yourself in Cusco’s rich history and explore every corner of this unique city, full of cultural wonders.
Don’t forget to bring with you an adventurous spirit and a great enthusiasm to discover the riches of one of the most impressive civilizations in history: the Incas.
