Are There Any Must-See Attractions in Cusco, Peru?

Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu, is one of the most desirable destinations in Peru. With its fascinating cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes and incredible historical sites, Cusco offers an exceptional South American experience. But what about the must-see attractions in Cusco? Is it a destination packed with unforgettable sights or a historic town centre with few memorable attractions?To answer these questions and find out all the fascinating things Cusco has to offer, let’s take a closer look at the historic City of Sun, as the locals like to call it. From major landmarks to ancient temples, keep reading to discover some of the must-see attractions that await your exploration in Cusco.

Machu Picchu

Let’s start with an obvious must-see attraction in Cusco: Machu Picchu. This remarkable site of ancient ruins is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Located roughly 2,500 meters above sea level on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu has been named one of the New Wonders of the World. It is believed to have been constructed around1450 at the height of the Inca Empire and abandoned during the Spanish conquest of South America. Machu Picchu was only founded by Western scientists in 1911 and today it is Peru’s top tourist attraction. To visit this historic site you need to purchase a ticket and take a train from nearby Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Pueblo. As this is a UNESCO World Heritage it is not allowed to visit the ruins alone. You can learn about their fascinating history and explore their amazing architecture with a guided tour.

Sacsayhuamán

Another major must-see attraction that lies on the edge of Cusco is Sacsayhuamán. This majestic Inca citadel dates back to 1450 and sits high above Cusco at almost 3700 meters above sea level. Located adjacent to Sacsayhuamán is Q’enrrirana, an ancient agricultural experimental site which is still used today by local farmers.Unlike Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán can be visited independently without a guide or a ticket and you don’t need to take a train to get here. The citadel’s stunning architecture is a testament to the engineering brilliance of the ancient Incas that created it and visiting here it’s a unique insight into their culture and history. It’s also one of the best places from which enjoy views over Cusco.

Cusco Cathedral

The last must-see attraction in Cusco worth a visit is Cusco Cathedral. This impressive 16th-century Baroque-style basilica is located in the Plaza de Armas and is easily one of the city’s most important historical sites. In fact, even before it was transformed into a church by a team of Italian architects in 1650, this large stone building had served as an Inca temple for centuries. Inside there are numerous paintings and sculptures, including one of St Augustine with his feet chained to represent his conversion to Catholicism. Visiting this beautiful cathedral gives an awesome insight into Cusco’s colonial past and its many religious traditions.

Final Thoughts on Must-See Attractions in Cusco

As you can see, Cusco is an immensely diverse and rich destination in Peru, with plenty of exceptional landmarks to explore. From ancient ruins and impressive fortresses like Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuamán to stunning cathedrals like Cusco Cathedral, there are so many must-see attractions that await your exploration. Whether you’re there for a short day-trip or an extended stay, make sure you visit some of these iconic landmarks so that you can experience the captivating culture and history of this remarkable Peruvian city. Visit Peru to find out more unique attractions you can explore while you’re there!

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Cusco, Peru

Cusco is a city that captures the essence of the Inca civilization and offers an abundance of experiences to delight visitors. While famous attractions like Machu Picchu or Cristo Blanco are a must-see, the city is also full of hidden gems that only locals know about. This guide offers the best of both worlds – some well-known attractions with a unique twist, and some insider tips that go beyond the ordinary tourist trail.

Discover Hidden Gems

When exploring Cusco, it’s essential to take some time to uncover the lesser-known treasures of the city. For example, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city by visiting San Blas, a charming neighborhood located on the hillside of the city. There you can also bask in some of the city’s best cafés, art galleries, and boutiques. Another great off-beat destination is the San Sebastian neighborhood. It is home to the renowned San Sebastian Church, built on the Inca ruins, and its main square where one can experience the local lifestyle.

For a taste of the city’s trendy nightlife scene, you must visit the energetic Plaza de Armas. The Plaza hosts an array of restaurants, bars, and clubs that cater to a diverse crowd. The ambiance of the Plaza will leave you enthralled as you indulge in some local craft beer or Pisco Sour, a traditional Peruvian cocktail.

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Cusco offers visitors a blend of traditional and modern cuisine. One must indulge in the specialty of the region, cuy—guinea pig—a traditional dish served at many local restaurants that visitors can not try elsewhere. You can find cuy in many restaurants or if you are adventurous, head over to the famous San Pedro Market and find a local vendor who will serve it to you at a reasonable price.

The local drink-of-choice, chicha, is a refreshing and nutritious Andean beverage made from corn. Visitors can also visit the streetside markets to try some extraordinary dishes like ceviche, a mouth-watering classic seafood dish mixed with lime juice and spiced with chili and chopped onions.

Immerse Yourself in Culture

Culture is at the heart of Cusco, and one can experience it through music, art, traditions, and festivals. The Museo de Arte precolombino is a beautiful museum that consists of a diverse collection of Precolumbian art that will leave you awestruck. The museum houses some of the oldest artifacts and artworks from the Inca culture.

For those interested in music and dance, the Cusco Cultural Center is a perfect spot. The center is home to a variety of traditional and modern music, dance performances, and theatrical shows and offers a great way to witness the beauty of Peruvian culture.

Step Into the Past

Cusco is a city rich in history and has a lot of tales to tell. A fascinating visit is to the Qorikancha Temple—a former Inca temple that was later converted into a colonial monastery. It reflects the cultural intersection of the Inca and Spanish civilizations and is one of the most significant historical and archaeological sites in Cusco.

If you want to see the enduring images of Incan heritage, visit Qenqo. It is an ancient Incan site with magnificent rock art and intricate carved shrines.

Try Something New

Finally, Cusco offers endless exciting experiences. One such unique experience is to take a day trip to Rainbow Mountain. Located 2.5 hours from Cusco, Rainbow Mountain is a natural wonder that boasts seven vibrant colors, making it a photographer’s paradise.

For those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a trip to the famous Moray Terraces is perfect. These ancient Inca ruins have circular terraces that look almost perfectly symmetrical and were once used to grow crops.

Bottom Line

Cusco is a city that tantalizes and captivates all who visit it. With a combination of off-beaten tracks, exceptional local cuisine, culture, and history, and the chance to try something new, Cusco is an experience of a lifetime. So buckle up and explore Cusco in your unique way.