Things to Visit in Cusco: Inca Ruins and Andean Culture
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco sits at 3,400 meters in the Peruvian Andes and serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain. This guide covers the ruins, markets, food, and altitude tips you need for a trip to Peru's cultural heart.
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Historic Center
Explore Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo took nearly 100 years to build (1559-1654) and holds 400+ colonial paintings including a famous Last Supper depicting Jesus eating cuy (guinea pig). Entry costs 25 PEN ($7). The plaza is at 3,399 meters — take it slow on your first day.
Visit the Cathedral interior (open 10 AM-6 PM)
Sit in the plaza and watch the daily flag-lowering ceremony at 6 PM
See the Inca stone walls at Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
This site layers Spanish colonial architecture directly onto Inca foundations — you can see both construction styles side by side. Entry is 15 PEN ($4). The Inca stonework features joints so precise that a knife blade won't fit between the blocks.
Find the 12-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoq street
This famous Inca stone, fitted perfectly into a wall without mortar, is on the pedestrian street connecting Plaza de Armas to the San Blas neighborhood. It's free to see — just look for the small crowd and the police officer guarding it. The street is about 200 meters long.
Walk through the San Blas artisan quarter
This steep neighborhood 10 minutes uphill from Plaza de Armas is packed with ceramics workshops, textile studios, and galleries. The San Blas church (15 PEN / $4 entry) has an ornate cedar wood pulpit carved from a single tree trunk.
Inca Ruins Near Cusco
Visit Sacsayhuamán fortress above the city
This massive stone complex sits 2 km uphill from Plaza de Armas (20-minute walk, steep). The largest stones weigh over 100 tons and stand 9 meters tall. The Boleto Turístico (130 PEN / $36) covers entry here plus 15 other sites across Cusco and the Sacred Valley — it's valid for 10 days.
Buy the Boleto Turístico at the COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol
Walk up from Plaza de Armas or take a taxi for 8-10 PEN ($2-3)
Explore Tambomachay, Q'enqo, and Puka Pukara
These three smaller ruins are clustered within 3 km of Sacsayhuamán along the road to Pisac. A taxi to all four sites (including Sacsayhuamán) and back to Cusco costs about 60-80 PEN ($17-22) and takes 3-4 hours total. All are covered by the Boleto Turístico.
Tour Moray's circular agricultural terraces
These concentric stone rings functioned as an Inca crop laboratory — temperature differences between the top and bottom terraces span 15°C. Moray is 50 km from Cusco (1.5 hour drive). Most tours combine Moray with the Maras salt mines for 80-120 PEN ($22-33) per person.
Combine with a visit to Maras salt mines (3,000+ evaporation pools dating to Inca times)
Sacred Valley
Spend a day exploring Ollantaytambo
This living Inca town has continuous habitation since the 13th century — locals still use the original Inca irrigation channels. The terraced fortress has 200 steep stone steps to the top. Colectivo minibuses from Cusco to Ollantaytambo cost 10-15 PEN ($3-4) and take 2 hours.
Climb the terraces to the Temple of the Sun at the top
Explore the narrow Inca-era streets on the east side of town
Visit Pisac ruins and the Sunday market
The Pisac ruins sit 600 meters above the town with terraces carved into near-vertical cliffs. The Sunday market (also smaller versions on Tuesday and Thursday) fills the main square with 300+ vendors selling textiles, ceramics, and produce. Colectivos from Cusco run every 15 minutes for 8 PEN ($2).
Visit Chinchero for its textile traditions and Inca ruins
Chinchero sits at 3,762 meters — higher than Cusco — so acclimatize first. The textile cooperatives here demonstrate ancient dyeing and weaving techniques using cochineal insects for red dye and local plants for other colors. Entry to the ruins and colonial church is included in the Boleto Turístico.
Machu Picchu
Book Machu Picchu entry tickets well in advance
Only 4,044 visitors are allowed per day, split into time slots starting at 6 AM. Tickets cost 152 PEN ($42) for adults and sell out 2-4 weeks ahead during peak season (June-August). Purchase only from the official government website — third-party sites charge markups of 50-100%.
Decide between Circuit 1 (upper terraces, classic photo spot) or Circuit 2 (lower ruins, closer to structures)
Add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you want a summit hike (extra 50 PEN / $14)
Choose your transport: train or trek
The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes 1.5 hours and costs $60-90 USD for the standard service. The 4-day Inca Trail costs $600-800 USD per person with a licensed guide (required) and books out 3-6 months ahead. Budget alternatives include the 5-day Salkantay Trek ($200-350 USD).
Book the Inca Trail through a licensed operator at least 4 months early
Or take the train and stay overnight in Aguas Calientes
Arrive at the gates for the earliest entry slot
The 6 AM slot offers the emptiest ruins and the best chance of morning mist clearing for dramatic photos. Buses from Aguas Calientes to the gate run from 5:30 AM, cost $12 USD each way, and take 25 minutes up the switchback road. Walking up takes 60-90 minutes on steep stairs.
Food and Markets
Eat lunch at San Pedro Market
Cusco's central market has a dedicated food court section with 30+ stalls serving set lunches (soup + main + drink) for 6-10 PEN ($1.70-2.80). Try a fresh fruit juice — they blend any combination to order for 3-5 PEN ($0.80-1.40). The market is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Try a freshly blended fruit juice from the juice aisle
Sample empanadas and tamales from the bakery stalls
Try cuy (roasted guinea pig) at a traditional restaurant
Cuy is a traditional Andean dish dating back 5,000 years. A whole roasted cuy costs 60-90 PEN ($17-25) and serves 1-2 people. It's typically served with potatoes and ají sauce. Restaurants in the San Blas neighborhood specialize in traditional preparations.
Drink coca tea (mate de coca) throughout your stay
Coca tea is legal in Peru, served everywhere, and genuinely helps with altitude symptoms. Most hotels and restaurants offer it for free or 2-3 PEN ($0.60-0.80). Drink 3-4 cups per day during your first 48 hours at altitude.
Try ceviche at a lunchtime cevichería
Despite being in the mountains, Cusco's cevicherías get fresh fish flown in from Lima daily. A plate of ceviche costs 25-40 PEN ($7-11). Cevicherías traditionally close by 4 PM — lunch is the time to go, not dinner.
Altitude and Practical Tips
Plan 2 full rest days for altitude acclimatization
Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) — roughly the same altitude as many Himalayan base camps. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, and breathlessness hit 60-80% of visitors within the first 12 hours. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals on day one, drink 3-4 liters of water daily, and keep physical activity light for 48 hours.
Arrive a day before any planned treks or active excursions
Ask your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) before your trip
Hike Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) if acclimatized
Rainbow Mountain sits at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) — only attempt this after 3+ days at altitude in Cusco. The 5 km hike gains 300 meters of elevation and takes 2-3 hours each way. Day tours from Cusco cost 80-150 PEN ($22-42) including transport and lunch, departing at 4 AM for the 3-hour drive.
Use colectivo minibuses for budget travel between towns
Colectivos depart when full (usually 10-15 minutes between departures) from designated street corners. Cusco to Pisac costs 8 PEN ($2, 1 hour), Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs 15 PEN ($4, 2 hours). They're half the price of tourist shuttle buses and run more frequently.
Carry cash in small denominations (PEN)
Many markets, colectivos, and small restaurants are cash only. ATMs on Plaza de Armas dispense both PEN and USD — withdraw soles in 50 or 100 PEN notes. Daily ATM limits are typically 700-1,500 PEN ($194-415) depending on your bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Cusco?
Three to four full days covers the highlights including historic center, inca ruins near cusco, sacred valley at a relaxed pace. Five or more days lets you dig into local neighborhoods and take day trips. Most first-time visitors find four days strikes the right balance between seeing enough and not feeling exhausted.
What is the best time of year to visit Cusco?
Spring and early autumn typically offer the best weather with manageable crowds. Summer brings peak tourism pricing and longer queues at popular spots. Shoulder season travel saves 20-30% on accommodation and gives you shorter lines at top attractions.
How much should I budget per day in Cusco?
A mid-range daily budget of $100-180 per person covers a comfortable hotel, two restaurant meals, and attraction tickets. Street food and local markets cut food costs significantly. Pre-booking tickets for popular sites online often saves 10-15% and lets you skip long queues.
What is the best way to get around Cusco?
Public transit handles most tourist routes efficiently and cheaply. Walking between central attractions is often faster than waiting for buses or trains during peak hours. Multi-day transit passes pay for themselves after 3-4 rides per day and remove the hassle of buying individual tickets.
Do I need to book attractions in advance in Cusco?
Top-tier attractions and museums frequently sell out during peak season so book 2-4 weeks ahead for guaranteed entry. Lesser-known sites and neighborhoods rarely require advance tickets. Morning time slots (before 10:00) are the most popular; afternoon slots after 14:00 often have shorter waits.