Things to see in Cusco

Heritage & monuments

Saqsaywaman

Saksaywaman is an Inca-era fortress set on a hill above Cusco, where visitors can see intricate stone masonry up close. Standing over 3,700 meters above sea level, it also offers sweeping views.

Temples & religious sites

Coricancha

An Inca imperial temple in Cusco, known as a sanctuary dedicated to the sun god. As the most sacred site in Inca civilization, it's a place where you can truly sense its significance.

Heritage & monuments

Tambomachay

An Inca Empire archaeological site near Cusco, Peru. Its proximity to the city center makes it easy to visit for a quick look at Inca-era ruins.

Heritage & monuments

Puka Pukara

A military fortress ruin near Cusco, notable for its thick walls and terraced levels. It was once one of the defensive sites protecting Cusco during the Inca Empire.

Heritage & monuments

Q'inqu

An Inca site located east of Sacsayhuamán near Cusco. Designated as a cultural heritage site of Peru, it's a great place for historical exploration.

Temples & religious sites

Cusco Cathedral

A cathedral near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the site of a former Inca palace. Together with the Church of El Triunfo, it forms a cathedral complex that serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Cusco.

Temples & religious sites

Church of the Society of Jesus

A Jesuit church on Cusco's central Plaza de Armas, built on the site of a former Inca royal palace. It's one of Peru's finest examples of Spanish Baroque architecture, known for its ornate facade.

Parks & gardens

Plaza de Armas

A square at the heart of Cusco's old town that has served as the city's central space since before the Spanish conquest. Surrounded by historic buildings, it makes a great starting point for exploring Cusco.

Heritage & monuments

Muyuq Marka

An Inca-era site within the Sacsayhuamán fortress above Cusco, Peru, where the base of a round tower still remains. It's a great spot to see both Inca religious architecture and fortress construction together.

Temples & religious sites

Basilica of La Merced, Cusco

This historic monastery stands beside Espinar Square in Cusco's old town and was founded in 1539. Badly damaged by a 17th-century earthquake, it was restored to the form it retains today.

Temples & religious sites

Jesus, Mary and Joseph's Church

A Renaissance-style church in Cusco, named in honor of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It's a lovely find while strolling through the old town.

Nature

Wanakawri (Cusco)

Wanakawri is one of the highest peaks near Cusco, a legendary mountain with ancient ruins at 4,089 meters above sea level. It's a great spot for a walk while exploring these ancient remains.

Nature

Pukamuqu

A scenic viewpoint at about 3,600 meters overlooking downtown Cusco. The Cristo Blanco statue stands at the summit, offering views of the statue alongside the city skyline.

Museums & galleries

Museo de Arte Precolombino Cusco

An art museum in Cusco's San Blas district, on Plaza Nazarenas, with a permanent collection of around 450 pre-Columbian pieces from across Peru. The works are drawn from the collection of Lima's Larco Museum.

Nature

Pikchu

A mountain in the Andes west of Cusco, rising to about 3,800 meters. A good spot near the city to take in mountain and highland scenery.

Temples & religious sites

Convent of Santo Domingo

A 17th-century Dominican convent built on the site of the Inca Coricancha temple. Wander its cloisters, where Inca stonework meets Spanish Baroque style, and browse displays of Inca artifacts along the way.

Nature

Pillku Urqu

A 4,448-meter peak rising in the Andes near Cusco. Visitors come here to take in its majestic high-altitude scenery.

Nature

Anahuarque

A mountain in the Andes southeast of Cusco, rising 4,050 meters above sea level. It's a great place for trekking while taking in the scenery unique to the high-altitude landscape.

Heritage & monuments

Colcampata

An archaeological site located in the Cusco area. It's a pleasant spot to slowly wander through the remnants of the past.

Heritage & monuments

Quespewara

This archaeological site sits within Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park, 3 km north of central Cusco. Perched at 3,565 meters above sea level, it also offers sweeping views over the valley.

Heritage & monuments

Laq'o

Located about 5 km east of downtown Cusco, this is an Inca-era ceremonial site. Carvings of feline, monkey, and serpent figures on the rocks offer a glimpse into the beliefs and rituals of the time.

Temples & religious sites

Iglesia de la Recoleta

A Catholic church in Cusco. Worth stepping inside for a quiet look while exploring downtown.

Temples & religious sites

San Francisco Church

This Franciscan church stands in downtown Cusco, alongside an attached monastery and museum. It's a good place to take in religious art and colonial-era history together.

Museums & galleries

Casa Concha

A colonial-era mansion in Cusco, named after its former owners, the Concha family. It's a place to explore a building steeped in a long history.

Museums & galleries

Garcilaso de la Vega's House

A local history museum located in downtown Cusco. It's a great stop for a quick look at the city's history and culture.

Museums & galleries

Museo Inka

An archaeological museum in Cusco, Peru, run by the National University of San Antonio Abad. It's a convenient stop while exploring downtown to learn about the region's history.

Nature

Arco-punco

A popular and landmark attraction with rich history and picturesque surroundings, highly recommended for visitors.

Nature

Puncorayac

A popular and landmark attraction with rich history and picturesque surroundings, highly recommended for visitors.

Nature

Sinqa

A 4,423-meter peak rising in the Andes northwest of Cusco. A great place to trek while taking in the grandeur of the high-mountain scenery.

Nature

Muyu Urqu

A 3,400-meter-high hill near Cusco with archaeological ruins near its summit. Located along the Huatanay River, it makes for a great trekking destination.

Nature

Araway Qhata

A mountain rising south of downtown Cusco, with a large inscription carved into its slope that's clearly visible from the city center. It's worth a visit for the sweeping view over the city.

Heritage & monuments

Amaru Marka Wasi

An Inca site located north of Cusco, east of Sacsayhuamán, and south of Tambomachay and Puka Pukara, close to Q'enqo as well. It's well worth visiting alongside these nearby ruins to explore traces of the Inca era.

Nature

Quriqucha

A lake near Cusco, sitting at 4,020 meters. Located west of the village of Taray, it's a good destination to combine with high-altitude trekking.

Nature

Tullumayo River

A popular and landmark attraction with rich history and picturesque surroundings, highly recommended for visitors.