Wander the inimitable Plaza de Armas, Cusco's central colonial square - it is a hive of activity at all hours of the day, and a great place to sit and watch the world go by. It's bordered on one side by the Cathedral, which was completed in 1654 and is now a UNESCO heritage site. Be sure to head inside to see the splendid 1753 work of Marcos Zapata - the presence of roasted guinea pig on the table of this last supper makes it uniquely Peruvian.

Although it's less imposing, the Church de La Compañia de Jesus is also well worth a visit, with its gloriously ornate Spanish Baroque architecture. Be sure to head uphill to spend some time in the San Blas neighborhood: the walk is worth it, thanks to great sunset views, cool bars and a slew of independent shops and boutiques.

Despite being located within a short walk of the Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market is an entirely different experience: an assault on all of the senses. As you approach, the streets are lined with vendors in traditional dress, selling everything from fruit to bags of nuts; venture further into the market and prepare to be immersed in a slice of authentic Peruvian life, complete with guinea pigs impaled on skewers for roasting. There are many more palatable options, however - try the lomo saltado (beef) or some fried chicken, or grab a butifarras (toasted ham sandwich) - and wash it all down with a fresh juice or smoothie. This is also the place to come for souvenirs, ranging from fridge magnets and pachamama dolls to alpaca sweaters - don't be afraid to haggle.

Located around 3.5 hours from Cusco, this day trip involves an early start (around 2am) but, as painful as this may sound, it is worth it for the opportunity to be one of the first people on a mountain that can, these days, be somewhat overrun with Instagrammers trying to nail the perfect shot. Hidden under layers of ice until global warming revealed its multi-hued flanks in 2015, Rainbow Mountain was at first only reachable by a grueling 7-hour hike, but a recently constructed road has made access much easier. Already showing signs of over-tourism, be mindful of the fragility of this landscape of multi-colored sediment - and look for tour operators equipped with supplemental oxygen, as the altitude (you reach an altitude of 15,000 ft above sea level) can really hit hard on the 3-hour hike to the summit.

This old Incan fortress, destroyed by invading Spaniards, is massive on a scale that really helps to understand the ingenuity and industry of the Incas; it's also a fascinating insight into how their world collided with that of the Spanish conquistadors. Only about one-fifth of the original structure remains, but the sheer size of the stones (some weigh several tons) used in its construction is a fascinating insight into Incan engineering, as are the curious shapes of some of the stones and the way they seem to fit seamlessly with others. Thanks to its elevation, Sacsayhuamán is also an ideal spot from which to survey the whole of Cusco. If you plan your trip for the end of June, you'll be able to partake in the celebration of Inti Raymi, a celebration of the sun that was last held in the presence of the Emperor Inca in 1535.

Just an hour from Cusco, the Pisac Ruins are one of the most exceptional sights in the Sacred Valley, and the first town on the route. The site is a massive five times the size of Machu Picchu, with steep architectural terraces carved into the sides of the mountains. You can hike to the top of these for sensational views of the surrounding landscape; the ascent takes about two hours from the Plaza de Armas. Along the way, you will see a strategically placed fortress looking out towards Cusco, as well as a temple. Buildings throughout the site clearly demonstrate that the city served multiple functions, with various structures used for religious, agricultural and military purposes. Along the way to Machu Picchu, also located in the Sacred Valley, you should also stop in Ollantaytambo, a fortress of Inca resistance with fabulous views of the valley.