Cusco, Peru, is an adventure destination in the heart of South America, a place that piques the curiosity of travelers in search of unique experiences. Located in the stunning Sacred Valleys and near the majesty of Machu Picchu, Cusco serves as the perfect starting point for exploring this fascinating region.
If you’re a photography enthusiast looking for the most instagrammable places in Cusco, the heart of the Andes, you’ve come to the right place. From panoramic mountain views that will leave you breathless to cobblestone streets and majestic Inca ruins, Cusco is brimming with visual treasures that will have you reaching for your camera at every corner. Get ready to discover the most photogenic locations in this ancient city and share your experiences on Instagram. Let’s start this journey!
- Top Most Instagrammable Places in Cusco
- Plaza de Armas de Cusco (Cusco’s Main Square)
- Piedra de los 12 Ángulos / Hatun Rumiyoc Street
- San Blas Neighborhood
- Calle 7 Borreguitos (7 Borreguitos Street)
- Colonial Sapantiana Aqueduct
- San Cristobal Viewpoint
- Eucalyptus Forest in Qenqo
- Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
- Sacsayhuaman
- Qoricancha
- Mural of Cusco’s History
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- What to See Around Cusco
Top Most Instagrammable Places in Cusco
Plaza de Armas de Cusco (Cusco’s Main Square)
Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is in the city’s heart and is undoubtedly one of Peru’s most iconic locations. You can enjoy panoramic views of the cobblestone streets and the ancient city, making it an unparalleled place for photographing. You have excellent locations to pose and capture beautiful mementos:
- Central fountain of Plaza de Armas de Cusco.
- Cusco Cathedral.
- Church of the Sagrada Familia (located to the right of Cusco Cathedral).
- La Compañía de Jesús.
- Church of El Triunfo (located to the left of Cusco Cathedral).
Plaza de Armas de Cusco is a starting point for exploring the city and its rich cultural heritage. It is the perfect place to take a selfie while immersing yourself in its historical past.
Piedra de los 12 Ángulos / Hatun Rumiyoc Street
Just a few minutes from Plaza de Armas, you’ll find this incredible place that professional photographers and casual visitors highly covet. This iconic archaeological relic extending along Hatun Rumiyoc Street is a living testament to the mastery and skill of the ancient Inca civilization in stone carving. Today, it has become a must-visit spot to capture a photo filled with history and architectural beauty during your visit to Cusco. You will want to take advantage of it!
San Blas Neighborhood
The charming San Blas neighborhood is a 5-minute walk from Plaza de Armas. This area is known for its scenic beauty and is called the “neighborhood of artisans” due to its creative community and characteristic narrow streets. San Blas is one of the most picturesque places in Cusco, a top choice for influencers and photography enthusiasts visiting the city. In addition to its winding alleys, the neighborhood is home to a variety of cozy cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as stunning viewpoints offering panoramic views of the city.
Calle 7 Borreguitos (7 Borreguitos Street)
Calle 7 Borreguitos, one of Cusco’s oldest and most picturesque streets, is a must-visit during your stay in the city. What makes the street even more remarkable is its reputation for housing colorful colonial houses and being the residence of numerous local artists and artisans. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to admire a diverse selection of artwork and crafts displayed in shop windows, and you can also take home unique and authentic souvenirs as mementos of your unforgettable trip to Cusco.
Colonial Sapantiana Aqueduct
The Sapantiana Aqueduct is an architectural treasure located about 15 minutes from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, nestled between the traditional neighborhoods of San Blas and San Cristóbal. It features three levels of arches that resemble a bridge and is constructed over the Saphi River, which descends from Sacsayhuaman.
While it has been a part of the city for centuries, it was discovered during the pandemic in mid-2020, gaining the attention it deserves. This site became a viral sensation on social media. You can take a half-day walking tour to explore Sapantiana and other major city attractions.
San Cristobal Viewpoint
For an unforgettable experience in Cusco, we recommend heading to the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, located in the neighborhood of the same name. Just a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de Armas, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city. In the evening, you can visit this place to witness the beautiful sunset as it descends on the horizon, painting the sky with warm colors. So, suppose you’re looking for a spot to admire the grandeur of Cusco from above. In that case, the San Cristóbal Viewpoint is a must on your itinerary, perfect for capturing memorable photographs during your visit to Peru.
Eucalyptus Forest in Qenqo
If you’re a nature lover, the Eucalyptus Forest in Qenqo is a natural treasure that combines the beauty of eucalyptus trees with the magic of panoramic views. If you want to escape the city without going too far, it’s the perfect place to relax and connect with nature. Many visitors take advantage of the picnic areas in the forest to unwind and enjoy an outdoor lunch. It’s a perfect place to savor a meal in a natural setting. Undoubtedly, it’s a gem you must discover during your visit to Cusco. Remember to include it in your itinerary and capture the magic of this place with your camera!
Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
The Cristo Blanco monument is one of the most unmistakable landmarks in Cusco’s landscape, and it’s also a top spot on the list of places to immortalize on your social media. This viewpoint is next to the Sacsayhuaman fortress and offers a genuinely dazzling panoramic view of the city. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the city’s beauty from above and a place of reflection and spirituality that adds depth to your experience in Cusco. Dare to witness the majesty of this iconic sculpture and immortalize this magical sunset in your photographs.
Sacsayhuaman
The Sacsayhuaman ruins are a direct link to the Inca past and a perfect spot to captivate your Instagram followers and other social media audiences. These astounding stone structures, meticulously assembled without mortar, bear witness to Inca engineering. While exploring Sacsayhuaman, you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of mysticism and grandeur. The magnitude of the stones and their precision in fitting together are a true architectural marvel. You’ll be awed by the skill with which the Incas constructed this monumental site.
Qoricancha
Qoricancha, or the Temple of the Sun, is an iconic site in Cusco that, in addition to its historical significance, offers unique opportunities for sharing on your social media. This place was one of the most important temples in the Inca civilization, dedicated to the Sun God. While much of the original temple has disappeared due to the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent on its foundations, it has now transformed into a museum that reveals a fascinating blend of Inca heritage and colonial architecture. Qoricancha is located on the main avenue in the city center (Av. El Sol) and offers an opportunity to explore Inca architecture and religious art while capturing the rich history of Cusco in spectacular photographs.
Mural of Cusco’s History
Just steps away from the Temple of Qoricancha, you’ll find a mural that depicts a visual narrative from the pre-Inca era to the arrival of the Spanish. This place is an impressive work of art and encapsulates history and culture in a visually captivating manner. The meticulously painted colors and details make every corner of the mural worthy of being captured in a photograph. This Instagrammable destination in Cusco is a visual testament to the city’s history and culture, deserving to be shared and appreciated worldwide. I challenge you to find the black owl with red eyes. Good luck!
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La Merced Convent
La Merced Convent is just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas and a visual delight combining Baroque and Renaissance styles. One of its highlights is the main cloister, a true oasis of serenity and beauty. Its elegant columns, arches, and mural paintings in the cloister allow for the creation of unique and captivating visual compositions. Here, you’ll find stunning architecture, a peaceful atmosphere, and an enriching history, making it the perfect backdrop to share the beauty of Cusco on social media and unforgettably document your journey.
What to See Around Cusco
Machu Picchu
The archaeological site of Machu Picchu is more than just natural beauty; it is undeniably the most Instagrammable place on the planet. Its rich history, Inca legacy, and mystery have captivated generations, and sharing its splendor on Instagram is not just about capturing stunning images but also about sharing admiration for an ancient civilization. Choose one of the incredible Machu Picchu tours to reach this sacred place and take creative photographs while immersing yourself in Peru’s history. It’s simply s-pec-ta-cu-lar!
Inca Trail
The breathtaking panoramic views along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are simply stunning. Moreover, this ancient trail that follows in the footsteps of the Incas offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, history, and adventure, making it a visually captivating backdrop. Each snapshot captures the excitement and satisfaction of conquering a physical and emotional challenge.
Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca
Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca is a natural treasure that has become the quintessential Instagrammable place in Cusco, Peru. It sits at 5,100 m (16,732 ft) above sea level in the Peruvian Andes and offers a palette of colors that seems to be taken from a painting. The hike to Rainbow Mountain Peru is challenging, adding a dose of adventure to any photo you share on your social media. You can capture your journey as you ascend to high altitudes and finally reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views.
Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake is undoubtedly one of the best Instagrammable places in Cusco, Peru. Its crystal-clear water reflects the blue sky and surrounding mountains, creating an irresistible picture-perfect scene for any photo. Located in Mollepata, in the Anta province, you can reach this magical place with an approximately 3-hour hike from Soraypampa. Thousands of travelers arrive at this sacred location during the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, the first day, they ascend to witness Humantay Lake.
Maras and Moray: Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Salt Mines of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray in Cusco are undoubtedly quintessential Instagrammable destinations. These places spark the imagination and capture the attention of photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking unique visual experiences. The thousands of salt ponds at Maras create a stunning visual mosaic that immerses you in an experience of colors. On the other hand, the circular terraces of Moray are an archaeological enigma and an engineering marvel that defies logic. Their history and mystery add an extra dimension to any image taken here. Explore this super tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Capture the Magic of Cusco
Cusco is a city whose visual heritage is as vast as its historical legacy. Every corner, every square, and every mountain landscape tells a rich story that deserves to be immortalized in images. With your camera in hand, you can capture more than just photos. You’ll also immerse yourself in the richness of the region’s history, culture, and nature. So, get ready to discover Cusco through your camera.
Every shot is a visual account of the diversity and charm that await you in this special corner of Peru!
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