Cusco Travel Guide – Tourist Attractions, Sights, Tips & Things to do

Cusco is a city in Peru that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is a popular destination for travelers who want to explore the rich history and culture of the region. Here are some of the top attractions and sights in Cusco that you should not miss:

• Plaza de Armas: The main square of Cusco, where you can admire the colonial architecture and visit the Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía.
• Sacsayhuamán: A massive fortress built by the Incas on a hill overlooking Cusco, with impressive stone walls and towers.
• Qorikancha: The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti. It was partly destroyed by the Spanish, who built the Santo Domingo Church on top of it.
• San Blas: A charming neighborhood with narrow streets and colorful houses, where you can find many art galleries, cafes and souvenir shops.
• Museo Inka: A museum that showcases the history and culture of the Inca civilization, with artifacts, textiles, pottery and mummies.
• Moray: An archaeological site that consists of circular terraces that were used by the Incas for agricultural experiments.
• Salinas de Maras: A salt mine that has been in use since pre-Inca times, where you can see thousands of salt pools on a hillside.
• Ollantaytambo: A town and an archaeological site that was once a royal estate and a fortress of the Inca Empire. It has well-preserved terraces, temples and water channels.
• Machu Picchu: The most famous attraction in Peru, a citadel built by the Incas on a mountain ridge. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Huayna Picchu: A mountain that rises above Machu Picchu, where you can hike to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the citadel and the surrounding landscape.
• Aguas Calientes: A town at the base of Machu Picchu, where you can find hotels, restaurants, hot springs and a train station.
• Pisac: A town and an archaeological site that is known for its colorful market and its impressive ruins on a hilltop.
• Chinchero: A town that is famous for its weaving tradition and its colonial church with paintings by local artists.
• Tipón: An archaeological site that features an elaborate system of water fountains and canals built by the Incas.
• Raqchi: An archaeological site that contains the remains of a large temple dedicated to Wiracocha, the creator god of the Incas.
• Andahuaylillas: A town that is home to the San Pedro Church, also known as the Sistine Chapel of America, because of its ornate paintings and sculptures.
• Tambomachay: An archaeological site that was used by the Incas as a ceremonial bath and a water temple.
• Puka Pukara: An archaeological site that was used by the Incas as a military outpost and a checkpoint.
• Q’enqo: An archaeological site that was used by the Incas as a place for rituals and sacrifices. It has a large rock carved with niches, stairs and channels.
• Cristo Blanco: A statue of Christ that overlooks Cusco from a hill. It was donated by Palestinian refugees who settled in Cusco after World War II.
• San Pedro Market: A bustling market where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, flowers, handicrafts and more.
• Museo de Arte Precolombino: A museum that displays a collection of pre-Columbian art from different cultures of Peru, such as Chavín, Paracas, Nazca, Moche, Wari, Lambayeque and Chimu.
• Museo de Arte Popular: A museum that exhibits folk art from different regions of Peru, such as ceramics, textiles, masks, dolls and toys.
• Museo Histórico Regional: A museum that traces the history of Cusco from pre-Inca times to the present day. It is housed in the former palace of Inca Roca.
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: A museum that showcases contemporary art from local and national artists. It is located in the Municipal Palace of Cusco.
• Museo de Plantas Sagradas Mágicas y Medicinales: A museum that explores the use of plants for sacred, magical and medicinal purposes by different cultures of Peru. It has live specimens of coca, ayahuasca, san pedro and other plants.
• Planetarium Cusco: It is a unique attraction in Peru where visitors can explore the night sky and learn about astronomy and Inca culture. It offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and stargazing sessions with telescopes.