Cusco, the historic city of the Inca Empire and also famous for Machu Picchu, is a stunning city for many Peruvian excursions. It’s also the starting point for a number of activities at Sacred Valley. Cusco offers everything, from ancient sites and galleries to stunning landscapes and exquisite cuisine. It’s jam-packed with activities to see and do, as well as a thriving nightlife.
This list will help you to tickmark the best places to visit and get the best out of the city. So, let’s explore!
1. Cusco’s Main Square: Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is located in the centre of Cuzco. Although it does not appear to be a swamp, the Plaza de Armas was a marshland when the Incas came to Cusco, which they dried by transporting gravel from the Peruvian coastline. Until the advent of the Spaniards, who erected temples and structures in the surrounding region on the Incas’ creations. Cusco’s Plaza de Armas became the Inca civilization’s religious, governmental, and artistic hub. The Cathedral, eateries, shops, and travel companies are all found at Plaza de Armas.
2. San Blas Neighbourhood
The San Blas district, often known as the Cuzco artisans’ quarter, is a must-see. It’s a bohemian area that’s perfect for a beverage in the evenings at one of the charming eateries or a visit to one of the art museums and artisan shops during the day. Take it slow in this area because there are a lot of slopes, but don’t skip it.
3. The Rainbow Mountains:
The rainbow mountains were once covered behind the ice, but because of global warming, they can now be seen in the dry and rainy seasons from June to August. The rainbow hues are created by metals. One of the activities you must do in Cusco sees Peru’s famed Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. It draws approximately 1000 tourists every day, all of them must trek a limited trail for over 3 hours to reach a height of 5,200 m.
4. San Pedro market:
At San Pedro Market in Cusco, immerse yourself in Peruvian history and native life. Hundreds of kiosks sell handicrafts, jewelry, mementos, jumpers, and other apparel, as also cooked and raw meals, at this vibrant market. Some of the supermarket goods, such as entire hogs, containers of unknown chemicals, and other items, may provide some cultural shock. However, you should sit among locals and eat a typical Peruvian dinner for a portion of the price of several Cusco restaurants.
5. Sun temple: Coricancha
Coricancha was formerly an opulent Incan temple with gold and silver decorations. When the Spanish arrived, they looted the sanctuary and demolished it, then built a church atop the remains. The sharp contrast between the Inca empire temple and the church structures attracts travelers from all over the world, and it is one of the top things to do and see in Cusco
If you really want to emerge in day to day life of Peruvians, A free Walking tour in Cusco is an ideal choice.
Explore Cusco’s town center by walking with the original free Cusco guided tour, led by knowledgeable tour guides. They explore necessary sites both from Inka and colonial eras of the past. Yes, completely free! They travel through authentic Inka alleys and past archaeological site structures including Francisco Pizarro’s Residence, Inka aqueducts, pro earthquake Inka walls, see local people’s daily lives, etc.
