Cusco is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many interesting places to visit. Let’s not forget that in 1983, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here are some of the main tourist attractions you shouldn’t miss
Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
It is the main square located in the historic center of the city. Also known as Plaza Mayor or Plaza de la Ciudad, it is one of the most touristy places in the city.
Surrounded by colonial buildings, including the Cathedral of Cusco, the Church of the Society of Jesus, and the Archbishop’s Palace, it is an ideal place to sit and relax, as well as to take photographs of the historical buildings. Additionally, there are several restaurants and cafes around the square where you can enjoy local cuisine and the panoramic view of the city.”
Qorikancha
Qorikancha (also written as Coricancha or Koricancha) is an ancient Inca temple located in the city of Cusco, Peru. It was one of the most important temples in the Inca Empire and was dedicated to the sun and other Inca gods.
The Church of Santo Domingo was built on the ruins of the temple, but some of the original Inca remains can still be seen.
The Quechua word “Qorikancha” translates to “enclosure of gold,” as the temple was adorned with large quantities of gold and silver. The original building was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of Inca Pachacútec and was expanded and remodeled by several of his successors.
Qorikancha was considered a sacred place by the Incas and is believed to have housed various important religious objects, including a solid gold statue of the Sun god. During the Spanish colonial period, Spanish conquistadors looted the temple and melted much of its gold and silver to send to Europe.
Today, much of Qorikancha lies in ruins, but some of its impressive walls and archaeological remains can still be seen. There is also a nearby museum that exhibits some of the Inca artifacts found in the temple.
Sacsayhuamán
This ancient Inca fortress is located on a hill above Cusco and offers breathtaking views of the city.
Situated on the outskirts of the city of Cusco, this archaeological site is famous for its massive stone walls built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century.
The Sacsayhuamán complex consists of three walled platforms and several auxiliary structures, including a temple, a plaza, and a fountain. The walls of the platforms are known for their imposing size and the precision of their construction, with intricately carved stones fitted together without any mortar.
Sacsayhuamán is believed to have had a significant role in Inca religious and ceremonial rituals, and it was also used as a defensive fortress.
Mercado de San Pedro
It is one of the most popular and bustling markets in the city of Cusco, located a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It is a large and colorful market with a wide variety of products and crafts.
In the market, you can find fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and seafood, as well as local products like cheese, jams, honey, medicinal herbs, and a variety of grains and cereals. There is also a section dedicated to the sale of textiles and crafts from the region.
The atmosphere of the market is lively and bustling, with vendors trying to attract buyers and haggling over prices. It is an ideal place to try local foods and drinks, such as fresh fruit juices, empanadas, anticuchos, and the famous local coffee.
It’s important to note that the San Pedro Market is a very crowded and bustling place, so it is advisable to take precautions regarding safety and the care of personal belongings.
Machu Picchu
Cusco is the gateway to one of the new wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca city is a breathtaking archaeological site and a globally renowned tourist destination. You can reach Machu Picchu from the city by train or by hiking.
Conocer Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is a beautiful region filled with traditional villages, Inca ruins, and breathtaking landscapes. Some of the notable attractions include the Moray terraces, the Maras salt mines, and the ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Montaña Vinicunca
Also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors or Rainbow Mountain.
You can hike to the top of the mountain to get panoramic views of the stunning colors formed by minerals and sediments in the rock layers. The hike to Rainbow Mountain is an experience in itself. As you venture into the region, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, see llamas and alpacas, and explore the mountainous terrain.
At the base of the mountain, you’ll find the ‘Piedra de la Mama Simona,’ a sacred site for locals and a landmark in Andean culture.
During your visit, you’ll also have the opportunity to interact with the local community living in the area. This can provide you with a unique insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Andean population.
The Vinicunca region is rich in wildlife, including various bird species. If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Additionally, you can enjoy the beauty of Andean flora along the way.
To reach Vinicunca, it’s advisable to acclimate beforehand, and Cusco is ideal as it is located at a considerable altitude. Take at least a day to rest and drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness.
The most common way to reach Vinicunca is through an organized tour. If you prefer to do it on your own, you can take a shared minivan or bus from Cusco to the town of Pitumarca, which is the starting point for the hike to Vinicunca. The minivan journey may take approximately 3-4 hours.
From Pitumarca, you’ll have to embark on a steep hike, which can take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your fitness level. You can also choose to rent a horse if you prefer not to walk.”
Cordillera Arcoiris de Pallcoyo
It is an impressive mountain formation located in the Cusco region. Although less known than the nearby Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca or Mountain of Seven Colors), the Cordillera Arcoiris de Pallcoyo offers a similar experience in a less crowded setting.
The stunning array of colors is due to the presence of minerals in the rock layers. These colors range from red and green to purple and yellow, creating a spectacular landscape.
To reach the Cordillera Arcoiris de Pallcoyo in Peru, you should start your journey from the city of Cusco and travel by bus or organized tour to Pallcoyo. The bus journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions. Upon reaching Pallcoyo, you have the option to take a self-guided hike to the colorful mountains or hire the services of a local guide. The walk from Pallcoyo is approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace, to reach the colorful mountains. Make sure to bring enough water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing, as the weather can be variable.”
Those are just a few of the tourist spots you can visit in Cusco. There is much more to discover in this beautiful Peruvian city, so be sure to take your time and enjoy everything it has to offer.
