Cusco greets you as Peru’s cultural heartbeat, where Inca stonework meets graceful colonial streets. You feel it the moment you enter the main square, with stories etched into every wall and alley.
This is far more than a gateway to Machu Picchu. It is a city of living history, creative food, artisan workshops, and sweeping views. In this Things to do Cusco 2026 guide, you find 10 standout experiences, from rooftop Pisco Sours at sunset to quiet corners in San Blas, plus classic Cusco attractions you should not skip.
You’ll step onto polished cobblestones and feel the city hum around you. The stonework blends Inca precision with elegant Spanish balconies, while the twin towers of the cathedral frame the skyline.
Street performers play guitars, kids chase pigeons, and vendors offer flowers and roasted corn. Mountains rise behind the square, giving you a postcard view at every turn.
This is the best place to start your Peru Tour and soak up daily life. Sit on a bench, people-watch, and slip into small chapels for a quiet moment.
You can do this on your own, or join our Cusco city tour to learn backstories as you go.
Walk through the heavy doors and your eyes adjust to gleaming gold altars and carved wood that tells centuries of stories. You’ll see Renaissance paintings and local religious art, including the famous Last Supper with guinea pig on the table.
The hush inside contrasts with the busy plaza outside, and the scent of polished wood lingers in the aisles. You visit for the blend of Inca and Catholic traditions, carefully layered over time. It is a highlight for history lovers who want context behind the city’s faith and festivals.
The audio guide helps you catch details you’d miss otherwise, from symbolism in the artwork to local artisans who shaped the altars.
Step into Qorikancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, where perfect stonework still anchors the site beneath the Dominican convent. Once covered in sheets of gold, these walls held deep meaning tied to the sun, moon, and stars. Exhibits and paintings trace Inca cosmology, helping you connect the architecture to the beliefs that shaped it.
You’ll notice how the Inca foundations align cleanly, then compare them to the colonial arches above. It is a focused, rich visit for anyone who wants a strong dose of pre-colonial history without leaving the city center. If you love photography, the gardens and arcades offer balanced light and clean angles.
This is Cusco in full color. You’ll wander past stacks of purple corn, pyramids of mangoes, and sacks of aromatic herbs that fill the air with spice and sweetness.
Juicers blend lucuma, pineapple, and mango into tall glasses, while stalls fry empanadas and anticuchos that sizzle on griddles. Laughter and bargaining fill the hall, it’s a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors.
You come here to taste authentic Peruvian food and meet locals who know every ingredient by heart. Try a fresh juice, sample regional cheeses, or grab a snack for your day trips.
If you’re looking for a deeper food experience, join our Cusco Cooking Class, you’ll start with a guided visit to San Pedro Market to pick your ingredients before learning to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes with a local chef.
Wander uphill into a maze of narrow lanes, white-washed homes, and blue-trimmed balconies draped with flowers. This artisan district feels calm and creative, with small galleries selling silver jewelry, handwoven textiles, and ceramics.
Cafes tuck into corners with mountain views and slow music, perfect for a break and a strong Peruvian coffee.
It is a peaceful escape from the center and a lovely spot for photos. You can visit a weaver’s studio to see dyes made from plants and cochineal, then find a one-of-a-kind piece to bring home. Cap it off at the Mirador de San Blas where the whole city stretches out below.
Just above the city, Sacsayhuamán stuns with zigzag stone walls fitted so tightly you can’t slide a card between them. You’ll run your hand along massive boulders, then climb grassy slopes for a bird’s-eye view of Cusco.
The site is open and sunlit, with condors sometimes circling on windy days.
It is a world-class example of Inca engineering and a great place to stretch your legs. Pack water and enjoy the short hikes around the complex. If you enjoy active days, pair this with nearby sites on a longer loop.
For more planning ideas, request your customized Peru tour itinerary where our travel agents can add this adventure to your trip.
You’ll drive through high Andean valleys where llamas graze, then hike past crisp streams to a ridge painted in stripes of red, ocher, and turquoise. The colors come alive in the bright sun, and the wind carries the clean chill of altitude.
The final viewpoint delivers a sweeping panorama you’ll remember long after you leave. This is one of the best activities in Cusco for nature lovers and photographers. It is a moderate hike at high elevation, so pace yourself and drink water.
Small group tours keep the experience smoother from pickup to trailhead. With us, you’ll reach the top of Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca before the crowds arrive.
Humantay Lake sits under glaciers, a bowl of emerald water that shifts with the light. The trail climbs past scrub and stone to a lookout where peaks frame the shore like a natural amphitheater. Sit for a few minutes and watch clouds drift over the water while the air cools your face.
The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes 90 – 120 minutes to accomplish, but you’ll be rewarded with a picturesque view over the crystal clear lake and snow-capped mountains. Photographers love the reflections when the wind calms. Many travelers link it with Rainbow Mountain on separate days in one Cusco itinerary to balance rest and altitude.
Golden hour in Cusco is made for rooftop bars. You’ll sip a frothy Pisco Sour, bright with lime and balanced with a hint of bitterness, while red-tiled roofs glow below you. Live music often sets the tone, and small plates like alpaca skewers or ceviche round out the moment.
It is the perfect way to unwind after a day of walking. Head to Museo del Pisco for tastings and a deeper dive into Peru’s national spirit, then follow it with a sunset toast across the historic center.
Just outside Cusco, you can take part in one of the most heartwarming Andean traditions, walking side by side with llamas and alpacas. Therefore, make sure to know the differences between llamas and alpacas before coming to Peru.
As you stroll through the highland scenery, snow-capped peaks rise in the distance, wildflowers line the trails, and the soft hum of the Andes surrounds you. These gentle animals have been companions of the Quechua people for centuries, and spending time with them is both relaxing and deeply cultural.
This activity is ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting to slow down and connect with nature. With our customized Peru tours you will experience authentic adventures like that!
With Exploor Peru, you’ll enjoy a private experience led by local guides who share stories about the animals and their importance in Andean life. It’s a calm, joyful escape from the city and one of the most memorable things to do around Cusco.
With these experiences, you leave Cusco with stories you will share for years.
You just mapped out a Cusco trip that blends big icons with local flavor, so you get the heart of the city without chasing crowds. From sunrise plazas to San Blas art lanes, calm lakes to ancient stonework, these 10 picks give you context, color, and space to breathe.
Aim for the dry season, May to October, and consider shoulder months for fewer people and clear skies.
Contact us and we would love to help you with your customized Peru adventure.
Most travelers should plan at least 2 to 3 full days in Cusco just for the city and nearby sites. This allows time to visit key attractions in the historic center, explore important ruins close to town, and enjoy local food and markets. If you also want to visit places like the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, or other day trips, staying 4 to 5 days in Cusco gives a more relaxed pace and helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Cusco offers a mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore ancient Inca ruins, colonial churches, and museums in the city center. Food lovers can visit local markets and try typical dishes such as lomo saltado or alpaca. Nearby valleys and mountains give options for day hikes, scenic viewpoints, and guided tours. This mix helps travelers build an itinerary that fits different interests and energy levels.
Cusco is one of the best bases in Peru for day trips. Many popular destinations are reachable from the city in one day with organized tours or private transport. Common outings include nearby archaeological sites, scenic valleys, and high Andean viewpoints. Starting from Cusco lets travelers sleep in the same hotel each night, reduce packing, and still visit several highlights in the region.
Cusco sits at high altitude, so trip planning should include time to adjust. On the first day, travelers should choose easier activities, such as walking around the historic center, visiting museums, or enjoying a slow meal. More intense activities, such as long hikes or steep climbs, work better on the second or third day. Drinking plenty of water, eating light meals, and avoiding heavy exercise on arrival day can help reduce discomfort.
A simple plan is to start with light city activities, then add half day or full day tours as you adjust. Day 1 can focus on the historic center and nearby viewpoints with short walks. Day 2 can include nearby ruins or a half day tour. Day 3 and beyond can include longer outings, such as full day tours outside the city. Grouping activities by area helps reduce travel time and makes the schedule feel smoother.
Dana10 September, 2023 at 8:10 am
Oh super interesting to see that you are talking about the Choco musueum! We did it last week and it was such a fun adventure. We created our own chocolate and I have used the salt from maras. sooooo yummy
Oliver from Exploor11 September, 2023 at 8:48 pm
Hey Dana, thank you for your comment! That’s great to hear that you liked the 2-hour chocolate workshop at the Choco Museo. I also really liked it and the chocolate is delicious, isn’t it?
All the best from Peru,
Oliver
thebangalore21 August, 2023 at 8:13 am
The article “10 Things to Do in Cusco” provides a captivating overview of the diverse range of activities and attractions that this charming Peruvian city has to offer. From exploring historical sites like the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and the intricate architecture of Sacsayhuaman, to immersing oneself in the local culture through the San Pedro Market and traditional festivals, Cusco seems to be a treasure trove for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural experiences. The article’s concise descriptions and vibrant images make it a great starting point for anyone planning a visit to Cusco. It truly captures the essence of this enchanting destination.
Oliver from Exploor21 August, 2023 at 8:56 am
Thank you, we’re glad to hear you liked the article!
Nathalie Pogrec18 August, 2023 at 5:45 am
I love these top 10 things to do in Cusco. I am super excited to try Pisco Sour as many friends told me how refreshing this one is.
Konsti from Exploor Peru20 August, 2023 at 1:03 am
Hi Nathalie,
you’ll definitely love a refreshing Pisco Sour after an adventurous day. But make sure to combine it with the right Peruvian food! 😛
Let us know if you need any support or recommendations.
Best,
Konsti