Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Cusco.
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1
Machu Picchu
The crown jewel of the Inca Empire, this 15th-century citadel perched on a ridge above the Urubamba River is one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu features temples, terraces, and residences in remarkable preservation. Arrive early to beat crowds and mist for a magical experience.
Tip: Book tickets months in advance online · Take the 5:30 AM bus from Aguas Calientes to beat crowds · Hire a licensed guide at the entrance for deeper context
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2
Sacsayhuaman
An awe-inspiring Inca ceremonial and military complex on a hilltop overlooking Cusco, featuring massive limestone blocks weighing up to 300 tonnes fitted without mortar. The site served as a religious sanctuary dedicated to the sun god and a fortress, and still hosts the annual Inti Raymi festival. The panoramic views over Cusco make it equally spectacular.
Tip: Walk uphill from Plaza de Armas in 30 minutes or take a taxi · Sunrise visits offer incredible light on the stones
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3
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
The most sacred temple in the Inca Empire was dedicated to Inti, the sun god, and its walls were once covered in gold. After the Spanish conquest, the Dominican Church of Santo Domingo was built directly atop the temple, creating a fascinating architectural fusion visible today. The underground chambers and curved stonework display the finest Inca masonry in Cusco.
Tip: Combine with Plaza de Armas visit · Free on Sundays from 2-5 PM
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4
Plaza de Armas
The heart of Cusco since Inca times, this grand main square is flanked by the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, La Compañía de Jesús church, and colonial arcades filled with restaurants and cafes. Once the ceremonial center of the Inca Empire (called Huacaypata), it remains the social hub of the city where locals and travelers gather. Evening illumination of the cathedral is breathtaking.
Tip: Visit cafes on the second floor for bird's eye view · Attend free outdoor events on weekends
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5
Cusco Cathedral (Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin)
One of the greatest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas, this 16th-century cathedral took 100 years to build on the foundations of an Inca palace. Inside are over 400 paintings from the Cusco School of art, colonial silver altars, and the celebrated painting of 'The Last Supper' with guinea pig on the menu. The cathedral is one of Cusco's most important landmarks.
Tip: Photography not allowed inside · Guided tours available at the entrance
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6
San Blas Neighborhood
Cusco's most charming neighborhood is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets climbing the hillside above Plaza de Armas, lined with whitewashed houses adorned with blue doors and flowerpots. The area is home to artisan workshops, boutique galleries, and the San Blas Chapel containing the famous intricately carved pulpit. Bohemian cafes and panoramic viewpoints make it essential for any visit.
Tip: Get lost on purpose - every alley reveals something beautiful · Buy artisan textiles directly from workshops
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7
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
One of Peru's most dramatic natural wonders, Vinicunca's striped mineral-stained slopes create a vivid rainbow of red, yellow, green, and purple at 5,200 meters altitude. The mountain was only revealed in recent years as glaciers retreated, making it a relatively new discovery. The 3-hour round-trip hike from the trailhead near Pitumarca offers extraordinary Andean scenery.
Tip: Acclimatize in Cusco for 2-3 days first · Bring warm layers - summit is very cold · Horses available at base for those struggling with altitude
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8
Sacred Valley of the Incas
The fertile valley of the Urubamba River between Pisac and Ollantaytambo was the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire and remains one of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru. The valley floor is dotted with traditional villages, Inca terraces, and archaeological sites, while the surrounding mountains reach over 6,000 meters. A full day in the Sacred Valley combines ruins, markets, and stunning scenery.
Tip: Take a guided tour or hire a driver for flexibility · Sunday in Pisac means market day - arrive early
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9
Pisac Ruins (Pisaq)
Perched dramatically above the Sacred Valley, the Pisac archaeological complex is one of the most impressive Inca sites outside of Machu Picchu, featuring temples, residences, water channels, and the largest Inca cemetery in Peru. The site offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding snow-capped peaks. Combine with the famous Sunday artisan market in the village below.
Tip: Hike up or take a taxi to the ruins, then walk back down to the market · Bring water and sunscreen
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10
Ollantaytambo Fortress
The best-preserved Inca town in existence, Ollantaytambo is both a living Inca settlement where locals still live in original Inca compounds and a massive terraced fortress-temple. The steep agricultural terraces and Temple of the Sun with its enormous stone monoliths are among the finest Inca construction. The town is also the train departure point for Machu Picchu.
Tip: Arrive early before tour groups · Explore the living Inca streets of the village
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Machu Picchu
The iconic 15th-century Inca citadel, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sacsayhuaman
Massive Inca fortress complex with enormous limestone blocks above Cusco
Qorikancha
Most sacred Inca temple, now fused with Spanish colonial church
Plaza de Armas
Grand colonial main square, heart of Cusco since Inca times
Ollantaytambo
Best-preserved Inca town and fortress in existence
Pisac Ruins
Dramatic Inca complex above Sacred Valley with huge cemetery
Moray
Mysterious circular Inca agricultural terraces in a natural depression
Tipón
Inca engineering marvel with flowing water channels still working today
Pikillacta
Only major pre-Inca Wari site near Cusco, covers 47 hectares
Choquequirao
Remote 'sister city' of Machu Picchu, accessible only by multi-day trek
Museums
Inca Museum
Best archaeology museum in Cusco with mummies, gold, and textiles
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
450 masterpieces spanning 3,000 years in a colonial mansion
Qorikancha Museum
On-site museum within the Temple of the Sun complex
Museo de Arte Religioso (Archbishop's Palace)
Colonial religious art in a former Inca and Spanish palace
Chocolate Museum
Interactive museum exploring Peruvian chocolate from cacao to bar
Nature
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Stunning multicolored mountain at 5,200m, dramatic day hike
Maras Salt Mines
3,000+ terraced salt pools harvested since Inca times
Humantay Lake
Turquoise glacial lake at 4,200m, sacred to Andean communities
Sacred Valley
Fertile Urubamba valley with spectacular Andean scenery
Ausangate Mountain
Sacred snow-capped peak at 6,384m, center of 5-day circuit trek
Cultural
San Blas Neighborhood
Bohemian artisan quarter with cobblestone streets and workshops
Chinchero Village
Traditional Andean village with authentic Sunday market
San Pedro Market
Bustling traditional market where locals shop and eat
Andahuaylillas Church
'Sistine Chapel of the Americas' with extraordinary baroque murals
San Blas Chapel
Contains Peru's most famous colonial carved wood pulpit
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most Inca sites open 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM daily
- Fees
- Boleto Turístico ($45 full ticket) covers 16+ sites. Machu Picchu ($55-75) sold separately.
- Best Times
- Morning visits avoid tour groups; dry season (May-September) for best conditions
- Booking
- Book Machu Picchu tickets months in advance online at machupicchu.gob.pe
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for $45 - covers 16 major sites and is valid for 10 days
Machu Picchu requires a separate ticket purchased in advance - it often sells out months ahead
Acclimatize for at least 2 days in Cusco before visiting high-altitude sites like Rainbow Mountain
Hire licensed guides at major sites for deeper historical context - typically $15-30 per person
Most sites are included in the Boleto Turístico but check before paying separately
Carry cash (Peruvian soles) as card machines are unreliable at many sites
A light rain jacket is essential even in dry season - afternoon showers are common
Sunrise at Sacsayhuaman and Machu Picchu is transformative - worth the early start
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Cusco?
May-September (dry season) for clearest skies and best hiking conditions
Are guided tours available for Cusco's attractions?
Available at all major sites ($15-30 per person), with private guides from $50-100/half day
Can I take photos at attractions in Cusco?
Allowed at all outdoor sites; restricted inside Cathedral and some museums. No tripods at Machu Picchu.
How much time do I need for Cusco's main attractions?
Plan 5-7 days minimum to see Cusco city, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu properly