The Best Cusco Attractions You Must Visit (Updated For 2025)

The Best Cusco Attractions That Are Worth Visiting

In no particular order we’ll now take a look at the very best Cusco attractions. The majority of these are located right in the city and immediate surroundings, although we have added a couple of must-do day trips too.

Qorikancha Temple

Cusco is one of South America’s most beautiful cities, given its collection of striking colonial architecture – and in the historic centre you can walk aimlessly and still find many wonders on your trip. However, one that you must plan a visit for is the Qorikancha Temple given it can get quite busy – which used to be the most important temple of the Inca Civilisation who used it for astronomy and was said to have covered it in gold (which was then taken during the Spanish Conquest). The Spanish later converted it into a convent, and today we can still see many old paintings and relics around the site from this era.

San Pedro Market

One of the most special things about visiting Cusco and the Peruvian Andes is not just what you see with your eyes, but also when you smell too. The cuisine of Peru is rich with many types of dishes such as Papa a la Huancaina, Lomo Saltado and Caldos, and there’s no better place to try these signature dishes than within Cusco’s San Pedro Market. Here we’ll find plenty of stalls to try out these dishes, as well as rows of local vendors who sell exotic fruits, typical clothing and other handicrafts. Those who really want to go all-in can also try the infamous Cuy here too! The great thing is that you’ll be buying directly from local vendors, making it one of the best sustainable things to do in Cusco.

The Plaza De Armas

The heart and soul of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas is the main plaza of the city – and is the focal point for pretty much all bustle and events that take place around the year. We can see many beautiful colonial architecture here such as the Cusco Cathedral, the Compañía de Jesús Church as well as the striking fountain within the centre courtyard. We’ll also find many top restaurants in this area too which are worth eating out at. Some of the best events to experience here in the Plaza de Armas include Inti Raymi which celebrates the Inca (on the 24th June), as well as the Semana Santa week of festivities (which is usually between March and April).

Cristo Blanco Statue And Viewpoint

There are many viewpoints around Cusco (known locally as miradores), such as that within San Blas. However the very best has to be up at the Cristo Blanco Statue, where we can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view over the historic centre with the rolling Andes looming just behind. There is also the giant 26ft Christ statue up here, which is easy to spot and can be used as your navigation when walking up. From the historic centre it’s roughly a 45 minute walk-up, and we highly recommend coming up to Cristo Blanco in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset views.

Sacsayhuamán Ruins

Throughout the Sacred Valley we can find no shortage of ancient crumbling ruins that were created by the Inca civilization, with Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo Ruins being some of the most popular. However we can also find some right within Cusco, which is much more convenient as a half-day trip. One of the very best is Sacsayhuamán ruins, which were built in the mid 15th century. Shaped as a Puma’s head, here we can find many giant stone blocks that weigh as much as 125 tonnes a piece – which is even more impressive considering they only had sheer man power during these times to move these blocks around.

San Blas Neighbourhood 

Located immediately east of the Plaza de Armas, San Blas is the other neighbourhood (as well as the historic centre) that tourists must visit during their time in Cusco. Winding narrow paths create a small labyrinth of passages here, with beautiful cobblestone streets, white-painted buildings and pretty churches making for many incredible photo opportunities. As well as housing many markets, here we can also find the legendary Twelve Angled Stone – which was cut so perfectly into twelve sections that not even a needle can be passed between them!

Colonial Aqueduct of Sapantiana

One of the lesser-known colonial gems built during the Spanish Rule, the Colonial Aqueduct of Sapantiana is a beautiful water channel system complete with a towering stone wall and arch at the very top. In fact, many people living in Cusco don’t even know that it exists – so it’s a place you can visit without lots of crowds jostling around for a photo. It’s best to visit this site during the wet season when water begins to start pouring through the aqueduct, where we can also enjoy a beautiful background of green foliage and eucalyptus trees in full-bloom.

The ChocoMuseo

Perhaps you’ve seen many sites around Cusco, and prefer a more “hands-on” experience? Then the ChocoMuseo is the perfect way to mix things up when in Cusco. Cacao (the primary ingredient of chocolate) grows abundantly in the jungles of Peru, which are not so far from Cusco. As a result many flavoured varieties often make their way up here, and during this workshop you can try different kinds of cacao and see the entire chocolate-making process. You’ll also get to take home your very own bars too as a solid bonus!

Bonus: The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu needs no real introduction, with this UNESCO Wonder of the World usually being the main reason that tourists visit Cusco. However how you get to Machu Picchu can vary, and the Four Day Inca Trail is by far the most memorable and scenic option possible. Here we will traverse remote Andean mountains and cloud forests, camp under starlit skies and also see other ancient Inca ruins such as Wiñay Wayna and Sayacmarca. You’ll also have all permits, meals and camping equipment included too.

Bonus: Rainbow Mountain

It’s difficult to believe that a mountain can naturally contain so many bright colours and shades, however the Rainbow Mountain in Peru truly is as beautiful as photos suggest. This is due to millions of years of tectonic and volcanic processes, which left rich minerals such as iron, copper and sulphur that makes up the various reds, greens and yellows that we can see today. Heading there on our Rainbow Mountain day tour is recommended to get there before the crowds, whilst you can also consider visiting other nearby Rainbow Mountains such as those of Palcoyo Mountain and Pallay Punchu.

Bonus: The Ausangate Region

If you’re looking for beautiful alpine landscapes and few crowds around, then you can‘t do any better than the Ausangate region. Located within the Vilcanota Mountain Range south of Cusco, here we can enjoy as many as seven multicolored lakes along this remote hiking route, wild herds of Vicuña and Llamas as well as the giant Ausangate Mountain and icy Glacier. During our Four Day Ausangate Trek you will be able to visit all of these incredible landscapes and more, as well as the iconic Rainbow Mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Cusco Attractions

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the different Cusco attractions in and around the city, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is Cusco Best Known For?

Whilst there are many unique and attractive independent sites, Cusco is overall best known for its ancient historical roots and subsequent historical periods. Long before the Inca the city was home to civilisations such as the Wari and Killke, before they were conquered by the Inca. During the mid 16th century they in turn then fell to Spanish, highlighting many changes to the city over the millennium.

Is Cusco A Walkable City?

Yes, Cusco is a very walkable city, and especially within the historic centre where the majority of the Cusco attractions are located. Here there are many giant plazas and narrow cobblestone streets which are only for pedestrians. This is also the same for the hilly streets of San Blas. You will still need to walk across a couple of busy main roads around this area, so please use caution when doing so.

What Is The Most Beautiful Street In Cusco?

There are many colourful and photograph-worthy streets in Cusco, so it’s best to take your time exploring the different sectors. Calle Hatunrumiyoc straddles between the historic centre and San Blas, and is full of outdoor market stalls and the legendary Twelve Angled Stone. Another must-visit is Calle Loreto, which is a cobblestone walkway that leads south from the Plaza de Armas and has incredible views of the Cathedral.

Overview Of The Best Cusco Attractions

And that’s all for this guide on the best Cusco attractions that are worth visiting.

Already famous for the ruins of Saqsayhuamán, giant baroque Cathedral as well as many beautiful winding streets, you simply must visit Cusco when heading to Peru. Not only are there many fantastic sites worth visiting, we can also take part in many local activities and enjoy the unique culture of the Peruvian Andes.

Did you know that here at AB Expeditions we operate our very own Cusco City Tour? Here you’ll really be able to hit the ground running with our experienced local guides, who will show you all of the very best highlights whilst also showing you the lesser-known gems and history of the city.