20+ BEST Things to Do in Cusco, Peru + Day Trips From Cusco You Won’t Want to Miss

21 places in this vlog

In the order they appear. Tap a time to play it here, or ↗ to open YouTube at that second.

1. 0:46

   Plaza de Armas

   🏢 Landmark · Centro Histórico

   A popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.

2. 1:02

   Cusco Cathedral

   ⛩️ Temple · Centro Histórico

   No photos or videos are allowed inside.

3. 1:19

   Twelve-Angled Stone

   🏛️ Historic site · San Blas

   The stone was laid over 700 years ago and is a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.

4. 1:51

   Cristo Blanco

   🏢 Landmark · San Cristóbal

   The walk up is steep, so wear good shoes and bring water, or take a taxi. The view is the real draw.

5. 2:34

   Sacsayhuaman

   🏛️ Historic site · San Cristóbal

   Open 7am–5pm daily. Entry requires the Cusco tourist ticket: $35 USD / 130 soles for up to 16 sites.

6. 3:28

   Qorikancha

   ⛩️ Temple · Centro Histórico

   Four rooms of the original Inca temple still remain and show its stonework.

7. 4:14

   San Pedro Market

   🛒 Market · Centro Histórico

   A guided food tour helps if it feels intimidating. Most alpaca sweaters sold here are synthetic blends.

8. 5:55

   San Blas

   🏘️ Neighborhood · San Blas

9. 6:19

   ChocoMuseo

   🏛️ Museum · Centro Histórico

   Offers a 2-hour hands-on workshop where you make your own chocolate treats.

10. 8:35

    Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

    🚆 Day trip · Pitumarca

    At 5,200 m the hike takes about 3 hours. A tour from Cusco with transport and a guide is recommended.

11. 9:30

    Humantay Lake

    🥾 Hike · Soraypampa

    There is no shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat and lightweight long sleeves, and go early to beat heat and crowds.

12. 10:10

    Pisac

    🏛️ Historic site · Pisac

    The site also has a popular local crafts market.

13. 10:13

    Sacred Valley

    🚆 Day trip · Urubamba Valley · brief mention

14. 10:30

    Salineras de Maras

    🏛️ Historic site · Maras

    Salt sold at the gift store makes a good souvenir.

15. 10:56

    Moray

    🏛️ Historic site · Maras

16. 11:24

    Ollantaytambo

    🏛️ Historic site · Ollantaytambo

    About 72 km (45 mi) northwest of Cusco.

17. 11:57

    Chinchero

    🚆 Day trip · Chinchero

    Often included on Moray and salt mine tours, with weaving demonstrations and alpacas to meet.

18. 12:22

    Misminay Community

    🚡 Activity · Maras

    Visits include a traditional lunch made with local products, and it's often part of Sacred Valley tours.

19. 12:56

    Machu Picchu

    🏛️ Historic site · Machu Picchu

    Better done over several days than as a day trip. The train is the easiest way there, with amazing views.

20. 13:08

    Aguas Calientes

    🏘️ Neighborhood · Machu Picchu Pueblo · brief mention

    Staying the night here avoids a rushed Machu Picchu day trip.

21. 13:44

    Inca Trail

    🥾 Hike · Ollantaytambo · brief mention

    Strongly recommended over the train for those with time who enjoy hiking.