The city of Cusco, Peru is a jewel of Latin America. It is full of history and tradition, which is why it has become one of the main tourist attractions in the country.
If you want to meet them, let’s start this journey! Here we leave you a list of 8 things to do if your next destination is Cusco.
Visit the Fort of Sacsayhuamán
The greatest architectural work of the Incas is the Fort of Sacsayhuaman, located just 2 kilometers north of Cusco and 10 minutes from the emblematic Plaza de Armas. Even if you dare to discover the city, you can get there on foot in 45 minutes.
It is a unique structure in the world, built between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, which has preserved much of its original setting.
With an extension of more than 3,000 hectares, you will find sacred structures flanked by hills that give the Fortress of Sacsayhuamán landscapes worthy of being iconic places for a travel photo.
Get to know Qorikancha
Better known as the Golden Temple, Qorikancha was the political and religious center of Cusco in ancient times and the most important of the Inca Empire. The famous monastery of Santo Domingo was built there.
If you visit it, you will walk through its large patio where, as some say, you can feel the energy of the Inca people.
Qorikancha became famous in part because its walls were covered in gold leaf.
Some of its walls are still visible, and although it was completely transformed during the colonization process, much of the history not only of Peru but of Latin America was planted in this space.
Take a trip to Laguna Humantay
The sacred lagoon of Cusco is called Humantay and is one of the most famous natural attractions in Peru. Its turquoise waters are surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks that attract thousands of tourists every year.
If you dare to do nature tourism to discover the Huntay Lagoon , get ready for a great experience because along the way you will be able to participate in an ancient ritual performed in honor of Mother Earth or Pachamama, something that only Peru can offer ! !
A few minutes from the lagoon, there is a campsite to stay to make your experience even better.
Visit the San Pedro Market
One of the oldest markets in Cusco is San Pedro. Since 1925 it has been the meeting point for merchants, locals and tourists, who can purchase a variety of handicrafts and supplies.
In Cusco, Peru, almost every place is linked to indigenous history and this market could not be an exception. Located on a section of the Inca Trail, today it is one of the most picturesque places in the city.
You will find it curious to walk through the corridors and listen to the citizens conversing in Quechua, the indigenous language. In addition, it is common to find people dressed in the typical costumes of the region.
Fact: This is one of the best places to taste Peruvian cuisine.
Walking tour of the historic center of Cusco, Peru
Known as the historical capital of Peru, the city center of Cusco is a reflection of its culture and traditions, its colonial architecture is part of its charm and it is precisely this that gives it a unique charm.
During your trip you will have to find space to walk through its streets, visit the Plaza de Armas, admire the colonial balconies and discover the Basilica Cathedral of the Assumption, a religious building that dates back to 1560.
As you walk through the streets of downtown, you will come across handicraft shops and see the famous 12th century cornerstone set in a huge rock that once belonged to an Inca palace.
The truth is that you can spend hours walking around Cusco and discovering places where history and modernity meet.
Discover the mountain of seven colors
There are few places in the world where you can see mountains of seven colors and Peru is one of them (followed by Argentina and China).
This natural spectacle is possible thanks to the accumulation in the soil of various mineral components such as copper oxide, iron, magnesium, sulphur, limestone and quartz.
The mountain is called Vinicunca and is located just outside of Cusco in the Cordillera del Vilcanota.
If you want to climb to the top, keep in mind that it is a bit of a difficult path. The slope is quite steep and it is about 5,200 meters above sea level.
Ascent to the Mirador del Cristo Blanco
Would you like to have one of the most impressive views of Cusco, Peru? So put it on your bucket list: walk to the White Christ viewpoint.
It is a statue of about 8 meters high, it is the figure of Christ with open arms and is located between 3,000 and 400 meters above sea level on the hill of Gurdián Puka Moqo.
You can walk there in 40 minutes from the Plaza de Armas. If you prefer, you have the option of boarding a bus that will take you directly to the place where the best photos were taken.
We recommend that you go to the viewpoint at the end of the day because in the middle of the night there is a light show that is very popular with tourists.
Drink a Cusco beer
You will be interested to know that Cusco has been producing craft beer since 1909, which has become a symbol of the city. Therefore, your visit will not be complete if you do not try.
The flavor is smooth and ideal for the temperatures that prevail in the Andean region. You can find it in bars and various shops in the city.
With all the alternatives that we have given you, have you already made your list of things to do when visiting Cusco?
