Things to do in Cusco for self travelers
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Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of the ancient Inca Empire with this self-guided audio tour. Please note this tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket! Purchase the ticket for Circuit 2 at reservas.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio Also, note Internet access in Machu Picchu is limited due to its mountainous location - download the tour in advance. The tour begins at the parking where buses arrive from Aguas Calientes, and concludes with the hike to the Sun Gate, where the sun greets the ancient city at dawn. Hiking both ways to the Sun Gate usually requires 2-3 hours, which might sound feasible. However, considering the high altitude, it's essential to be reasonably fit for the trek. Alternatively, you can explore the main attractions of the Sacred Plaza and return to the starting point. To start with, the tour will take you through the Sacred Sector Hanan, where you will see the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Mausoleum among other great locations around the Sacred Plaza. Enjoy amazing views when you get to the Intihuatana group, the highest point of the Sacred Space. Marvel at the ancient sundial and feel the most powerful energy believed to pass through it. You will also discover the "Hurin," or the Residential Part of the city, and hear amazing stories behind the Inca construction methods making water naturally pump up the hill! Touch the stones, hear the whispers of the past, and see the world from the perspective of the ancient Incas.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores Cusco’s layered past, from Inca foundations to Spanish colonial churches. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a clear introduction to the city’s historic center, its sacred places, and the streets where daily life still moves between stone walls laid centuries ago. Your route begins at Plaza de Armas, the city’s grand central square, where clipped gardens, arcaded buildings, and the cathedral frame the highland light. From there, you continue along Loreto, a narrow street lined with remarkably precise Inca masonry, then reach Kusicancha, where archaeological remains reveal the scale of elite Inca residences. The walk continues to Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca world, later enclosed by the Convent of Santo Domingo. After that, you climb toward Plazoleta de San Blas, a smaller square known for its artistic spirit and whitewashed buildings, before finishing at Mirador de San Cristobal above the old city. Along the way, you will experience some of Cusco’s most vivid contrasts: massive Inca stone blocks beneath colonial walls, steep lanes opening onto intimate plazas, and broad views over red-tiled roofs and church towers. The most memorable moments include standing in the ceremonial heart of Cusco, tracing ancient stonework with your eyes, and ending with a panorama that helps the whole historic city fall into place.
Dive into the heart of ancient and colonial Peru with this self-guided audio tour of Cusco. This tour is tailored for history enthusiasts and travelers eager to experience the rich cultural tapestry of one of Peru’s most fascinating cities. The adventure begins at the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, a symbol of the city's layered past, and takes you on an immersive journey through Cusco's streets and history, ending with the mesmerizing view at Cristo Blanco. Following the narrative at your own pace, you'll uncover the precision of Inca stonework at the Stone of Twelve Angles, stand in the revered space of Qorikancha, and gaze upon the baroque splendor of The Church of La Compañía de Jesús. Meander through the charming San Blas neighborhood, peek at the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and marvel at the grandeur of Sacsayhuamán's walls. Your path will take you from ancient temples to Spanish colonial churches, offering a glimpse into the stories that weave the fabric of Cusco. The crescendo of this cultural exploration awaits as you reflect upon the region's history with the inspiring panoramas from Cristo Blanco. Each stop promises unique insights into the Inca civilization and the colonial era, ensuring a memorable journey through time in the majestic city of Cusco.
With these Machu Picchu tickets, the idea of scaling Peru's mountain marvel is no longer confined to daydreams and Instagram scrolling. Before you know it, you can be breathing in fresh Andean air and admiring the world-famous Inca citadel live. Note! Ticket collection takes place in Cusco. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket provides a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Inca history – an unforgettable visit to the heart of the Andes. Walk within the walls to marvel at the ruins of the city, which was hastily abandoned in the 16th century when those dastardly Spaniards sidled up in Peru, bringing with them pointy beards and a passion for pillaging. You'll also see what would have been vital strategic locations within the city. Intipunku served as a principal entrance into Machu Picchu, while the Inca Bridges provided a secret way in and out for the army, and the elites who once resided there. This is your ticket to a significant slice of South American history... and then some.
About Cusco
The best walking tours to do in Cusco are:
The best tours in Cusco are:
The best tours to do in Cusco with kids are:
The best indoor tours in Cusco for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Cusco for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Cusco
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Cusco on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Cusco.
When I visit Cusco, I usually eat between San Blas, Santa Ana, and the streets just behind San Pedro Market. San Blas is my pick for slow breakfasts, excellent coffee, and small bistros tucked along Carmen Alto and Tandapata. For heartier local meals, I go down toward Santa Ana, where family-run spots serve adobo, soups, and roast chicken at local prices. Around San Pedro, I snack on fresh juices, tamales, and late-morning market plates. If you visit Cusco, these neighborhoods show the city’s real flavor and are among my favorite things to do in Cusco. In any practical travel guide Cusco, I’d always include them.
I usually recommend Centro Histórico for a first stay in Cusco because I can walk almost everywhere, especially around Plaza de Armas, San Blas, and the quieter lanes near Santa Catalina. When I visit Cusco, I like being close to cafés, small museums, and evening restaurants without needing taxis on the steep streets. If you want a calmer base, I’d choose San Blas, but only if you don’t mind uphill walks and stone stairways. In my travel guide Cusco, I always mention that altitude matters, so staying slightly lower near Plaza Regocijo can make your first night easier. It also keeps the best things to do in Cusco close by.
When I’m with families in Cusco, I usually recommend the Planetarium just outside the center. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Cusco with kids because they can see the southern sky, hear Inca stories about constellations, and still be back in town early. I like that it feels interactive without being exhausting at altitude, which matters in Cusco. Among the more relaxed attractions in Cusco, this one stands out for mixed ages. If you’re deciding what to see in Cusco beyond ruins and museums, it’s a smart choice, and I’d place it above many standard tours in Cusco for families.
When I want quieter attractions in Cusco, I head to the Sapantiana aqueduct, the streets around San Cristóbal, and the little balcony viewpoints above Santa Ana. Sapantiana is especially rewarding early in the morning, when the colonial arches are empty and the light is soft on the stone. I also like the Museo de Sitio Qorikancha, which many people skip even though it gives real context to Cusco beneath the church walls. If you’re deciding what to see in Cusco beyond the obvious stops, these corners feel more local than most standard tours in Cusco. In Cusco, I always find the side streets more memorable than the main squares.
When I visit Cusco, I usually spend evenings between Plaza de Armas and San Blas. For the liveliest nightlife in Cusco, the streets around Procuradores and Tecsecocha stay busy with bars, late kitchens, and music that goes well past midnight. I prefer San Blas for a more relaxed night: small cocktail spots, live acoustic sets, and rooftops with city views. Locals know the atmosphere changes fast depending on the block, so I always walk a few streets beyond the plaza. If you visit Cusco and want evenings that feel social but still varied, this is the area I’d highlight in any travel guide Cusco and among the best things to do in Cusco.
In my travel guide Cusco, I usually suggest at least four full days in Cusco, and five or six if you want a slower pace. When I visit Cusco, I like to keep the first day light because the altitude can hit harder than people expect, especially if you arrive from sea level. That gives you time for coffee in San Blas, an easy walk around Plaza Regocijo, and maybe San Pedro Market before bigger outings. With four days, you can cover the main things to do in Cusco without rushing. If you visit Cusco for only two nights, the city often feels more tiring than memorable.
When I’m in Cusco as a couple, I always choose an evening walk through San Blas and up toward the San Cristóbal viewpoint. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Cusco because the narrow stone lanes, small galleries, and warm lights feel intimate without needing much planning. I like to time it for late afternoon, then stop for a pisco or dessert on Carmen Alto before the city glows below. Among the quieter attractions in Cusco, this area feels the most romantic to me. If you’re deciding what to see in Cusco, I’d rank this above many standard tours in Cusco for couples.
When I want the best attractions in Cusco beyond the center, I mix nearby ruins with neighborhoods that still feel lived-in. I usually start with Sacsayhuamán early, before the buses arrive, then walk down through San Cristóbal for some of my favorite views over Cusco. Another spot I love is Tipón, where the Inca water channels still run perfectly and the surrounding valley feels calmer than the more crowded sites. If you’re deciding what to see in Cusco, I’d also add the Piuray area near Chinchero for open landscapes and local food stops. For me, these are more rewarding than many standard tours in Cusco.