Cusco, Living Empire!

Welcome to Cusco

the captivating former capital of the Incan empire.

Explore CUSCO

The undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas

Cusco is the historical heart of South America and is home to a huge amount of archaeological and historical sites. As well as this, there are an array of great restaurants and bars to enjoy the delicious gastronomy of Peru.

For these reasons and more, hundreds and thousands of tourists visit the city every year. Many think that Machu Picchu is the only site to visit, but there’s so much more. Read on to find out the top places to visit in the city to learn more about its incredible past.

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Cusco Tours

Best Things to Do

Cusco is the gateway to the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu where crisp mountain air and clear Andean sky provide the perfect backdrop to the city’s cobbled streets. Here you’ll find the best activities you'll be able to experience in this magnificent city.

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Great Experiences & Magical Places

The Journey is the Destination

What better way to explore a magic destination than by following in the footsteps of the people who know it best? To find out the best places to view during your Salkantay Trek, take a look at some of our traveler's favorite places.

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Cusco Travel Guide

Before You Go, What You Should Know

Highlights of Cusco

  • Explore the cobbled streets that take you back in time to when the Incas ruled.
  • Enjoy trips to the nearby archaeological sites and learn all about its fascinating history.
  • Try out the local cuisine in one of the hundreds of restaurants.
  • Feel the warmth of the friendly locals who will be more than welcoming.
  • Walk to colorful markets and enjoy some shopping to buy local artisanal products.

Experience Cusco

To make the most of your time in this wonderful city, you should try to visit as many of the sites as possible. This way, you’ll leave with a great knowledge of the history and some lovely memories. Below you’ll find all the one day tours.

Places to Visit

To help you decide which of the places you want to prioritise, we’ve provided a short description of each.

Cusco Cathedral

Sat overlooking the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) of Cusco, this grand cathedral is a must. It was built between 1560-1654 and is even more beautiful on the inside. Attached to the cathedral is the smaller Triumph Church, which was the first Christian church in Cusco and built around the same time as the cathedral.

Within its walls, the cathedral boasts some incredible artifacts and relics, as well as some expert architecture. It's an excellent example of the colonial art in the city.

Qoricancha

It is said that Qoricancha was a political and religious centre during the Inca times. It was possibly the most important building at the time. Its name means Temple of the Sun, or Golden Temple, because its walls were covered in gold.

If you take a trip to the Santo Domingo Convent and Qoricancha you’ll find a detailed museum, original Inca structures that show off their amazing architectural skills, as well as the fascinating and beautiful convent. Unfortunately the gold is no more, as during the Spanish invasion it was all taken. However, it's one of the most visited places in the city and is a great addition to your itinerary.

Tambomachay

Situated 7km from the city centre of Cusco, you’ll find Tambomachay. Experts believe that the site was very important for the worship of water, which is why it’s sometimes known as the ‘Inca Baths’.

You’ll find an interesting complex of canals, walls, and windows. These all show how great the Incas were at architecture and understanding hydraulics. It’s very close to the city of Cusco, so can easily be visited during the morning or afternoon.

Puca Pucara

Puca Pucara is another Inca site close to Cusco that was a military construction. The fort is made up of large walls, terraces, and steps. It was part of the defensive buildings that protected the city from invasion.

Puca Pucara in Quechua means ‘Red Fort’. It got this name due to the red color the rocks took on during sunset. As well as being a military centre, it was used for administration.

Ollantaytambo

This archaeological site was a former administrative centre as well as an entrance to the Antisuyo corner of the Inca Empire. It sits in the north of the Sacred Valley. During the Spanish invasion, it was the last stronghold for the Inca leader at the time.

The town itself is quaint and home to the train station from where many tourists set off to go to Machu Picchu. The ruins sit up high overlooking the main square of the small town.

Pisaq

Pisaq is another site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As well as the inca ruins there, you’ll find a large market 3 times a week on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. This attracts many tourists from all around.

The terraces constructed by the Incas above the town are still used today. The archaeological site served at least three purposes in its day. These were military, religious, and agriculture.

Maras Moray

These are two sites about an hour out of Cusco. They are often visited together as they are very close to each other. Maras is fascinating as they are salt mines that are still in use today and have been around since the time of the Incas. They make for an incredible sight when you look out over them.

Moray was likely used for farming in the time of the Incas, but it’s unclear. The site itself is very unique, and almost looks as though something extra-terrestrial created it. It’s a view you shouldn’t miss when in Cusco.

Travel Information

  • Highlights
  • Experience Cusco
  • Places to Visit
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What makes these trips different?

We believe that a vacation should be more than a hotel room, a flight and a rental car. It should be more than the sum of its parts. We also believe a challenge can help you grow and a trip can stir the soul. We create journeys worth taking - for the traveler, for the host and for the world.

Travel Associations & Certifications

  • Logotype: TOURCERT - Travel for Tomorrow
  • Logotype: ATTA - Adventure Travel Trade Association
  • Logotype: AATC - Asociación de Agencias de Turismo de Cusco
  • Logotype: CALTUR - Plan Nacional de Calidad Turística
  • Logotype: DIRCETUR - Dirección Regional de Comercio Exterior y Turismo Cusco
  • Logotype: MINCETUR - Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo
  • Logotype: PERU BRAND - Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru
  • Logotype: SERNANP - Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado

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