Cusco, Peru: What To See and Do in This Historic City

Wander the Plaza de Armas, Cusco's central colonial square—a busy hub day and night and a fine place to watch daily life. The cathedral, completed in 1654, is a UNESCO World Heritage contribution to the city; inside, look for the 1753 Marcos Zapata painting of the Last Supper featuring a regional detail that makes it unmistakably Peruvian.

The Church of the Society of Jesus is another highlight, with ornate Spanish Baroque design. Walk uphill to San Blas for sunset views, small bars, and independent shops.

A short walk from the plaza, San Pedro Market is loud, colorful, and authentic—vendors in traditional dress, piles of fruit, juices, hot food, and souvenirs. Try lomo saltado, roasted chicken, or a simple sandwich, and sample fresh juice. It is also a practical place for alpaca textiles and gifts; prices are often negotiable.

About three and a half hours from Cusco, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) became widely known after ice melt revealed striped mineral slopes. Tours often leave very early; roads now reach much closer than the original multi-hour approach on foot. The site is high—roughly 5,000 m (16,400 ft)—so altitude can hit hard; choose operators who carry supplemental oxygen and build acclimatization days in Cusco first. Treat the fragile high-altitude terrain with care.

This massive Inca fortress above Cusco illustrates Inca engineering: huge fitted stones and sweeping views over the city. Much of the complex was dismantled in the colonial period, but what remains is still striking. Visit in late June if you want to see Inti Raymi-related festivities that echo historic sun ceremonies.

Roughly an hour from Cusco, Pisac offers expansive Inca terraces and ruins above a lively market town—the site is far larger than Machu Picchu in area, with a stiff hike from the plaza for panoramic views. Combine with Ollantaytambo for a classic Sacred Valley day or overnight before or after the train to Machu Picchu.