Cusco
Cusco is without a doubt the most beautiful city in Peru and possibly South America. Once the heart of the Inca Empire, It was considered the navel of the earth, the capital of Tahuantinsuyo or the Inca Empire, an empire that at its peak stretched north to the south of Colombia, South to northern Chile and Argentina, and West across the Andes to the Amazon basin. Today Cusco is the modern-day starting point for visits to Peru’s most famous site, Machu Picchu.
Cusco
Cusco Tours with a Local Private Guide
Cusco is without a doubt the most beautiful city in Peru and possibly South America. Once the heart of the Inca Empire, It was considered the navel of the earth, the capital of Tahuantinsuyo or the Inca Empire, an empire that at its peak stretched north to the south of Colombia, South to northern Chile and Argentina, and West across the Andes to the Amazon basin. Cusco’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today Cusco is the modern-day starting point for visits to Peru’s most famous site, Machu Picchu.
The Incas were outstanding stonemasons and town planners. In Cusco, you will be able to observe the skill and exquisiteness of this work on the many walls that serve as foundations to colonial buildings. The colonial buildings themselves are among the finest in the Americas. The crisp air, the surrounding mountains, and the clear Andean sky provide the perfect backdrop to Cusco’s cobbled narrow streets, its lovely buildings and plazas, its many hidden treasures and churches. It is not only culturally fascinating and beautiful to look at, but also extremely pleasant to wander around and be in the city itself.
Best Cusco Guided Tours
Make the most of your Peru trip and join us on one of our Cusco Tours with a Local Guide. Browse the top Experiences to explore on your trip to Cusco.
- Hiking
- Local Culture
- Archaeology
- Train journeys
- Scenic Vistas
- Hiking
- Local Culture
- Archaeology
- Train journeys
- Scenic Vistas
- Hiking
- Local Culture
- Archaeology
- Train journeys
- Scenic Vistas
- Local Culture
- Archaeology
- Family
- Train journeys
- Scenic Vistas
- Hiking
- Local Culture
- Family
- Culinary
- Scenic Vistas
- Hiking
- Local Culture
- Wildlife
- Culinary
- Scenic Vistas
- Hiking
- Camping
- Local Culture
- Wildlife
- Scenic Vistas
- Hiking
- Camping
- Archaeology
- Scenic Vistas
- Hiking
- Camping
- Local Culture
- Wildlife
- Scenic Vistas
- Local Culture
- Archaeology
- Family
- Scenic Vistas
What to See & Do in Cusco
Cusco is an enchanting introduction to the Andean culture and the jumping-off point for both Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Browse the top attractions to explore on your trip to Cusco.
Qorikancha, the Incan Temple of the Sun.
This was once the most sacred spot in Cusco, dedicated to the supreme Inca deity, Inti, the sun. At the time of the arrival of the Spanish, it was completely covered in gold. Today the gold is long gone, and atop the Inca base, you´ll find the colonial Santo Domingo Convent.
The Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
The heart of modern Cusco, the Plaza the Armas, which was once known as Huacaypata, the place of tears, a fitting name for the site where Túpac Amaru II was quartered in the late 1700s after his unsuccessful Inca rebellion against the Spanish. Upon the bases of Inca palaces, the Spanish built arched passageways, churches and mansions.
Cusco Cathedral
The history of colonial Cusco goes hand-in-hand with its churches, and none is more iconic than the Cusco Cathedral. It was built on the site of an Inca palace, using stones from that palace and Sacsayhuaman. Construction for the church began in 1560 and was completed nearly 100 years later in 1656.
San Pedro Market
A visit to the vibrant San Pedro Market. It’s always a popular stop with guests to Cusco not just because of its vibrant riot of color and activity but also for the insight it provides into local life. Aside from handicrafts and native Andean grains and produce, there are also many products that surprise foreigners.
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman was the largest stone structure that the Inca Empire constructed. Built over 500 years ago it still stands tall today and houses the famous Inti Raymi festival every year in June. The stone boulders show the Inca style of architecture with blocks expertly cut and placed without the use of mortar.
San Blas Bohemian Neighborhood
Ascending some narrow from the Main square and twisting cobblestone street, we’ll make a stop in the small central plaza of the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, which has been the artistic district of Cusco since Inca times. Here we learn about the well-known local artist families and their fine works.
Culinary Adventures in Cusco
The Colored Mountain or Rainbow Mountain is a challenging high-altitude trek that rewards you with views that have made this trek Instagram famous. Colorful minerals in the soil stripe the mountain range in a natural rainbow of red, green, blue, and yellow.
Cusco FAQs
Browse the most Frequently Asked Questions we often receive from our traveling guests. If your questions are not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Inquiry Form.
Travel Guide
Browse the top Sample Experiences to explore on your trip to Cusco.