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Peru · City guide
What to do in Cusco
16 vlogs from 16 channels mention 89 places in Cusco; 6 of them appear in at least half of the vlogs. Places are ranked by how often the vlogs mention them. Press the play button on any place to watch that exact moment.
- 89places
- 16vlogs
- 220moments
- 5.1 hof video
89 places · most mentioned first
Plaza de Armas
Cusco's main square, known to the Incas as Huacaypata and once the heart of the puma-shaped Inca city; vendors are plentiful but rarely pushy.
3:13· Jumping Placesin 13 vlogsSacsayhuaman
Inca fortress on the hill above Cusco, said to form the head of the city's original puma-shaped layout, with sweeping views over the city.
16:24· Jumping Placesin 12 vlogsSacred Valley
Valley of the Urubamba River near Cusco where descendants of the Incas keep their traditions alive among villages, ruins and markets.
3:36· Backpacking Bananasin 9 vlogsMachu Picchu
The Inca 'city in the clouds' sits at nearly 8,000 feet, swallowed by jungle and uncovered only a century ago. Tickets sell out weeks ahead, so book early.
0:00· Camille Coin 9 vlogsQorikancha
The Temple of the Sun, the most important temple of the Inca Empire, later partly demolished to build Peru's first Dominican convent.
13:07· Jumping Placesin 9 vlogsSan Pedro Market
A bustling, maze-like market selling everything from food to souvenirs and alpaca clothing.
7:48· Jumping Placesin 9 vlogsRainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Striped mountain of mineral-coloured bands high in the Andes, a popular day trip from Cusco.
10:01· Two Soles Abroadin 7 vlogsSalineras de Maras
Hundreds of terraced salt pans fed by an intricate evaporation system that predates the Incas by about a thousand years.
6:19· felisaxoin 6 vlogsCusco Cathedral
Spanish colonial cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, built on the site of the demolished Inca palace of Kiswarkancha.
5:54· Jumping Placesin 6 vlogsHatun Rumiyoc Street
Narrow street lined with mortarless Inca walls, home to the famous 12-angled stone, with stones fitted so precisely they still baffle engineers.
11:22· Tourist to Localin 6 vlogsSan Blas
A hillside neighbourhood of steep stairs with a distinct vibe, full of shops, art, restaurants and bars.
21:10· Camille Coin 6 vlogsMoray
Mysterious circular Inca terraces with great acoustics and natural irrigation and cooling, whose exact purpose remains unknown.
15:51· Two Soles Abroadin 5 vlogsInca Trail
Four-day trek from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, considered one of the world's most rewarding hikes.
12:13· Before You Goin 5 vlogsHumantay Lake
Turquoise glacial lake beneath snowy peaks, reached by a steep climb from the Soraypampa campsites.
11:30· Before You Goin 4 vlogsCristo Blanco
A statue of Christ next to Sacsayhuaman that watches over Cusco and is visible from all over the city.
2:09· Sharing the Roadin 4 vlogsSan Cristóbal Viewpoint
A popular city viewpoint a few stairs from San Blas, where people gather to watch the sunset over Cusco.
3:34· Tourist to Localin 4 vlogsSapantiana Colonial Aqueduct
A colonial-era aqueduct tucked among Cusco's streets, right beside a set of stairs.
6:43· Two Soles Abroadin 4 vlogsOllantaytambo
Living Inca town inhabited since the 13th century, with towering stone staircases climbing to a ceremonial temple on the mountainside.
22:50· Two Soles Abroadin 3 vlogsChinchero
Leafy Andean village, the mythical birthplace of the Rainbow God, with views over fertile plains and snow-capped mountains.
20:16· Two Soles Abroadin 3 vlogsIglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
Jesuit church facing the cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, built on the foundations of an Inca palace.
2:06· Expediain 3 vlogsAguas Calientes
Town at the foot of Machu Picchu with restaurants, shops and the train station back to Cusco.
8:36· Maddie Borgein 3 vlogsSalkantay Trek
Multi-day trek past glacial peaks and down into the rainforest toward Machu Picchu, crossing three different biomes.
5:46· Kate Brockin 3 vlogs3 Monkeys Coffee
Specialty coffee shop in Cusco known for high-quality Peruvian coffee.
7:25· Tourist to Localin 3 vlogsPisac
An Inca site in the Sacred Valley whose highlight is the Temple of the Sun, with impressive stonework and sound-carrying window niches.
13:13· Two Soles Abroadin 3 vlogsMorena Peruvian Kitchen
A Peruvian restaurant near the Plaza de Armas serving local cuisine.
14:33· Tourist to Localin 3 vlogsQ'enqo
Inca ceremonial site with carved altars and a cave containing a sacrificial stone table.
12:07· Island Hopper TVin 3 vlogsMuseum of Pre-Columbian Art
Museum of ancient Peruvian art and cultures, with pottery, carved wooden totems, funeral masks, jewellery and burial offerings from pre-Inca civilisations.
10:48· Eat See TVin 3 vlogsTambomachay
Inca site whose Quechua name means 'place of rest', known for its stone fountains called the fountain of youth.
10:42· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsPuka Pukara
Inca archaeological site known as the 'red fort', on the circuit of ruins outside Cusco.
11:15· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsInti Raymi
Festival of the Sun held every 24 June, reviving the Incas' most important festival and the Inca New Year with parades and cultural performances.
6:43· Before You Goin 2 vlogsChocoMuseo
Museum covering the history of cacao and the chocolate-making process.
8:04· Before You Goin 2 vlogsUrubamba
Largest town in the Sacred Valley, a commercial hub on the road to Machu Picchu.
9:51· Before You Goin 2 vlogsFlorencia y Fortunata
Woman-owned and run coffee shop serving specialty beans sourced from female farmers across the Andes.
7:46· Eat See TVin 2 vlogsSiete Borreguitos Street
Picturesque narrow street near the Sapantiana aqueduct, lined with flowers.
1:52· Tourist to Localin 2 vlogsRed Valley
Vivid red mountain landscape next to Rainbow Mountain, reached by a short extra climb after the main hike.
8:32· felisaxoin 2 vlogsMuseo Inka
A museum in central Cusco devoted to Inca history and culture.
6:38· Wolters Worldin 2 vlogsHuayna Picchu
Steep peak beside Machu Picchu offering a view of the citadel from an alternate angle.
4:27· Camille Coin 2 vlogs
Mentioned once
52 more picks, each from a single vlog, so not ranked.
Urubamba Market
Colourful local market in the Sacred Valley where livestock and crops change hands.
3:50· Expedia1 vlogChicha por Gastón Acurio
Restaurant by Peru's most famous chef, Gastón Acurio, serving traditional Peruvian dishes made only with ingredients from Cusco and surrounding valleys.
7:55· vagabrothers1 vlogAwana Kancha
Weaving centre and farm with llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas, plus demonstrations of traditional Peruvian textile making with natural dyes.
3:48· Kate Brock1 vlogSalkantay Pass
High mountain pass at over 4,600 m beside Salkantay peak, the highest point of the Salkantay Trek.
10:52· Kate Brock1 vlogMirador de San Blas
Viewpoint in San Blas overlooking all of Cusco, surrounded by restaurants where diners can eat with the view.
5:05· Two Soles Abroad1 vlogCoca Museum
A small museum on the history and uses of coca leaves in the Andean region, including tea and traditional medicine.
5:56· Two Soles Abroad1 vlogSan Blas Church
Colonial church in the San Blas neighbourhood, one of Cusco's historic Spanish churches.
1:56· Island Hopper TV1 vlogManos de la Comunidad
Community animal sanctuary with llamas, alpacas, guanacos, vicuñas and condors, plus local women weaving alpaca textiles.
8:25· Island Hopper TV1 vlogCochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
Animal rescue sanctuary on the road to the Sacred Valley with condors, Andean bears, pumas, llamas, alpacas and wild cats.
15:33· Island Hopper TV1 vlogDon Angel
Large buffet restaurant in the Sacred Valley serving authentic Andean food such as guinea pig, alpaca, corn and papa soup.
19:05· Island Hopper TV1 vlogAura
A restaurant on a San Blas walking street with sweeping views over Cusco.
25:55· Jumping Places1 vlogMama Africa
One of Cusco's best-known nightclubs, a lively spot for dancing to local Peruvian music and mixing with locals and other travellers.
3:04· Before You Go1 vlogPaddy's Irish Pub
Pub just off the Plaza de Armas billed as the world's highest Irish-owned pub, thanks to Cusco's 3,399 m altitude, serving Irish-style food and beer.
3:50· Before You Go1 vlogPachacútec Monument and Museum
Museum honouring Pachacútec, regarded as the greatest Inca ruler, with floors dedicated to different stages of the emperor's life.
7:37· Before You Go1 vlogLares Trek
Multi-day trek from Cusco through the Lares area, offering a different experience from the main trails.
13:19· Before You Go1 vlogChoquequirao Trek
Multi-day trek from the Cusco region to the remote Inca ruins of Choquequirao.
13:19· Before You Go1 vlogAusangate Trek
Multi-day trek around Ausangate mountain, one of the standout treks reachable from Cusco.
13:19· Before You Go1 vlogSan Blas Market
Local market with many food stalls for breakfast or lunch, a quieter alternative to San Pedro Market. Open daily until 4 pm.
4:28· Eat See TV1 vlogOrganika
Cosy farm-to-table restaurant sourcing ingredients from its own Cusco-region farms, serving traditional Peruvian dishes and fresh salads.
12:09· Eat See TV1 vlogSiete Lagunas
Popular high-elevation day trip from Cusco to a group of seven lakes, reputed to be stunning.
15:58· Eat See TV1 vlogLoko Bistro
Small, relaxed bistro with a global menu inspired by the owner's travels, blending Peruvian ingredients with Nikkei and French touches.
19:57· Eat See TV1 vlogLa Chola Cafe Concept
Cozy cafe in Cusco serving tea, fresh juices and baked goods, a handy rest stop while exploring the city.
5:06· Maddie Borge1 vlogPlaza San Francisco
Tranquil square in the historic centre with benches, a park-like feel and a striking church with bell towers.
0:55· Sharing the Road1 vlogArco de Santa Clara
Historic arch linking the San Pedro Market area to Plaza San Francisco.
1:04· Sharing the Road1 vlogQ'enqo Chico
Inca ruins near Cristo Blanco with finely fitted, mortarless stonework, off the main tourist circuit and with small crowds.
3:20· Sharing the Road1 vlogCeviche Seafood Kitchen
Large Peruvian seafood restaurant serving ceviche and fresh juices, with attentive staff who give helpful menu recommendations.
2:40· felisaxo1 vlogLake Huaypo
High Andean lake in the Sacred Valley countryside, reachable on ATV routes from Cusco.
6:48· felisaxo1 vlogTemple of the Moon (Amaru Marcawasi)
An Inca ceremonial site just outside central Cusco, among the many Inca ruins close to the city.
7:06· Wolters World1 vlogSouth Valley (Valle Sur)
A region southeast of Cusco with Inca and pre-Inca Wari sites and the gilded Baroque church of Andahuaylillas.
Tipón
A 15th-century Inca site about 20 km southeast of Cusco, known for terraced agriculture and a sophisticated spring-fed water distribution system.
Church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas
A Baroque colonial church called the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, with frescoes, murals, two of the oldest organs in the Americas and lavish gold leaf.
Nueva Vida Spa
Massage spa in central Cusco offering traditional Inca massages, a welcome treat after hiking.
Museum of Religious Art
Cusco museum housing a collection of religious art.
Museum of Contemporary Art
A museum of contemporary art in Cusco's Centro Histórico.
Kusykay
Finer-dining Peruvian restaurant known for outstanding service and delicious food.
Cicciolina
Restaurant serving exquisite Peruvian food plus tapas, with a sister cafe for upscale breakfasts.
Carpe Diem
Italian restaurant with fresh pizza and pasta and some unique dishes.
La Bodega 138
Popular Italian restaurant for classic dishes like bolognese, carbonara and margherita pizza.
Green Point
Vegan restaurant with a stunning interior and fresh, creative lunch dishes.
Avocado Toast & More
Cafe billed as Peru's first avocado bar, where every dish revolves around avocado.
Jack's Cafe
Popular lunch spot serving traditional breakfast food in big portions.
Limbus Restobar
Hilltop restaurant-bar offering lunch with sweeping views over Cusco.
La Casa de los Crepes Orgánicos
Creperie, also known as La Creperia, making excellent crepes.
República del Pisco
Bar serving arguably the best pisco sour in town, with great live music.
La Chupitería
Lively shot bar with strong, well-priced cocktails and fun music, great for pre-drinks.
Los Perros
Low-key bar full of comfy seats, with a cozy but still lively vibe.
Arco de Santa Ana
A historic hilltop arch that once marked one of the entrances to Cusco. It blends Inca and Spanish styles and has sweeping city views.
16:50· Tourist to Local1 vlogInkazuela
A restaurant specialising in cazuelas, thick hearty stews served with bread. It has a scenic view over the city.
18:25· Tourist to Local1 vlogEl Huacatay
A well-reviewed hidden-gem restaurant serving creative Peruvian dishes, including grilled Amazonian fish with coconut, mango and curry.
18:08· Camille Co1 vlog