Cusco is Peru’s major tourist attraction and a beautiful place to visit. It is located at a height of above 3,000 meters from the sea level. This beautiful colonial city consists of tons of unique attractions and gateway to many UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can easily book Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco and visit the world’s most popular ancient ruin. The South American country of Peru is a treasure-trove of archaeological ruins, beautiful coastlines and enriched ancient culture. Start exploring them from Cusco and its versatile attractions that you make you fall in love. There are several amazing day trips and places to visit from Cusco. We have our recommended list for the best tours and activities in Cusco. Let’s dive deeper and find out what are the best things to do in Cusco. We will also discuss the top 10 attractions, tours and activities in Cusco.
10 Best Things to Do in Cusco
1. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most popular historic site. It is a centre point of attraction for millions all over the globe. It is located on a steep mountain at a height of around 2,400 meters above sea the level. Machu Picchu is also included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This site is known as a beautiful urban creation of the Inca Empire. The site is surrounded by spectacular greenery with a large collection of flora and fauna. There are various trails which leads to Machu Picchu and guided tours are extremely popular. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu will further astonish you as you visit this stunning site. Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco is a recommended tour that covers all the attractions.
2. Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is basically one of the most popular squares in the city. It is located in the heart of Cusco and serves as the starting point for all city tours. Start your journey to explore this historic city of Cusco after reaching this place. As you marvel around the square you can view some spectacular buildings surrounding it. There is an amazing statue of Tupac Amaru located in the middle of the square. It is definitely something spectacular to see. You must also stroll around the Spanish built stone arcades full of vendor shops to find interesting items.
3. Cathedral of Santo Domingo
The beautiful Cathedral of Santo Domingo is located near the laza de Armas. It is also the first Cathedral in Cusco built centuries ago. Historic data revealed that the construction of this beautiful architecture started date backed in 1560. The façade of this Cathedral is made with impressive red granite blocks giving a stunning look. The interior part has artistic works made of impressive gold. To learn more about this building of historic importance, a guided tour is highly recommended.
4. Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus is located right next to the Cusco Cathedral. This is another breathtaking baroque-style Christian colossus with a glorious historic past. The architecture is absolutely impressive, and you need a guided tour to get detailed information. You can also explore this beautiful historic attraction with the Cusco City Tour.
5. Qurikancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo
The Convent of Santo Domingo the Inca Empire’s most important temple, The House of the Sun. Millions of years ago during the reign of the Inca Empire, the temple walls were covered with gold. There is historical evidence proving you can find statues made with gold located in the courtyards. This Inca ruin is one of the most stunning attractions in Peru. This ancient temple was made with granite blocks, and most of it is unearthed today. Tours to explore this unique attraction is popular. So marvel around this place and enjoy the impressive decorations you will find on the walls and ceilings of this amazing architecture.
6. Vilcanota River
You have a chance to enjoy a thrilling adventure water activity on the Vilcanota River in Cusco. The source of this river is from the Amazon River. Rafting on this river and enjoying its rapids and falls is a thrilling experience. You also get stunning views of the surrounding Andean mountains, Vilcanota Mountain and Andean forest as you enjoy the rafting journey.
7. Sacsayhuamán
Sacsayhuamán is a beautiful historic site with ancient remains. This was an ancient military fortress of the Inca empire build high on top of a plateau. To reach its top you need to track for a while. You can book day tours from Cusco and visit this important historic landmark. The remarkable Inca stonework you will find over there will amaze you.
8. Cristo Blanco
There is a gigantic statue of Jesus Christ located near to Sacsayhuamán. It is popularly known as Cristo Blanco. The statue is almost 8-meter in height and was designed by popular sculptor, Francisco Olazo Allende. There is a big platform surrounding the statue from where you get breathtaking views of Cusco which you cannot miss.
9. Barrio de San Blas
If you are looking to buy authentic souvenirs and locally produced, visit Barrio de San Blas. This place falls conveniently o your way to Sacsayhuamán. Over here you can find vendor shops filled with artistic handcrafted products. Take a stroll around this place and enjoy shopping while exploring Cusco.
10. Museo de Arte Precolombino
The Museo de Arte Precolombino is a famous museum for you to explore in Cusco. It contains a huge collection of artifacts of the pre-Incan time. The museum also has a huge collection of gold. This is a crowded attraction and always advisable to visit with a guided tour.
Final Verdict
Peru is probably one of the most beautiful countries to visit on this planet. Cusco is the most popular city tourists preferred to travel from Peru. The list of tours and activities in Cusco are huge in numbers. It is important to select the best tour and activities that fit your itinerary list. We have recommended the most popular tours and activities. You can book them to explore the 10 best things to do in Cusco.