Cusco attractions

From the coastal deserts of southern Peru to the frigid peaks of the Andes, every part of the vast Inca Empire traced back to Cusco. Tucked within the Andean mountains, the scenic capital city was the beating heart of one of the greatest civilizations in history. Today, you can feel this powerful history most palpably in its central square, Plaza de Armas.

The textile mill at Awana Kancha—or the Palace of Weaving—is a culture-rich stop between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The artisan outpost gives visitors the chance to observe traditionally dressed women weaving textiles made from the wool of alpacas kept in the outdoor yard and to take a photo op hand-feeding the animals.

Mercado Central de San Pedro (San Pedro Market) is one of the best places to experience the vibrancy of everyday Andean life in Cusco. This large and popular city market is where locals shop for food—there are hundreds of potato varieties and hot traditional meals—and any other household item under the sun.

Salkantay Trail, a remote trekking route in the same Andean region as the Inca Trail, offers travelers spectacular scenery. Trekkers pass soaring mountains, picturesque villages, lakes, and lush jungle. While Inca Trail tours are typically booked far in advance, Salkantay offers another (more affordable) way to reach Machu Picchu.

With impressively straight and colorful lines, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) is a kaleidoscope of red, ochre, white, and turquoise hues caused by minerals in the soil. Its recent surge in popularity isn’t because nobody knew about it—up until 2013, it was completely obscured by snow. Even though the walk isn’t steep, be prepared for a strenuous climb to the mountain viewpoint at 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), which will be worth it for spectacular views from all sides.

Ausangate Trail is a remote and challenging trek in the Sacred Valley that features spectacular scenery—soaring mountains, picturesque villages, lakes, and lush jungle—minus the crowds. While the Inca Trail is crowded and typically booked far in advance, this trek is a flexible and adventurous way to explore the Andean landscapes around Cusco.

Away from the tourist foot traffic, the lovely San Blas neighborhood of Cusco is a haven for local artisans, weavers, sculptors, and potters as well as travelers looking to explore the city’s bohemian side. A particular highlight of the “Balcony of Cusco” is the San Blas Church, one of the oldest in the city and home to a golden altar and pulpit.

The simple, whitewashed exterior of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas gives no hint as to the mesmerizing murals within, which depict biblical scenes imbued with Inca symbols. Along with lavish embellishments such as a gold-leaf altarpiece, these have earned the church the moniker Sistine Chapel of the Americas.

Located on the outskirts of Cusco, the often overlooked archaeological site of Tipón is arguably the best demonstration of Inca engineering skills in existence. The site comprises a network of agricultural terraces, some of which are still used today, and stonemasonry similar to that of Machu Picchu—but without the crowds.

The Raqch’i Inca archeological site is a well-preserved collection of ancient structures that shed light on the lifestyle of the Incas. The site's highlight is the Templo de Viracocha, hailed as one of the holiest shrines in the Inca Empire. There are also many ruins of former houses and storage units.

Located in the heart of Cusco, the Inca Museum (Museo Inka) puts Peru’s numerous Inca ruins into context. The humble museum, which is built on an ancient Inca foundation, houses hundreds of artifacts that shed light on ancient Inca civilizations. In the outdoor courtyard, visitors can observe artists showcasing their weaving skills and purchase handcrafted souvenirs.

Take a deep dive into all things chocolate at the interactive ChocoMuseo in the center of Cusco. Learn the history of cacao production, watch expert artisans craft chocolate from bean to bar or take a workshop to learn how to make your own chocolates and truffles under the direction of master chocolatiers.

An alternative to the popular and historic Inca Trail, the Lares Trek is a slightly shorter and more challenging route to Machu Picchu. En route to the ancient Inca citadel, the trail winds past dramatic Andean landscapes, remote villages, mountainside markets, and overnight shelters.

The family-run and privately owned Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates animals that have been ill-treated or victims of poaching. Visitors can tour the grounds and meet some of the rescued animals, such as pumas, Peruvian hairless dogs, alpacas, and llamas, as well as the gigantic Andean condor.

Sometimes referred to as the other Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is undoubtedly one of the least-visited Inca sites in Peru due to the difficult 2-day hike required to reach the ruins. The feat, however, is richly rewarded: The ancient site, which translates as the Cradle of Gold, is remote and spectacular and framed by Andean peaks at every angle.

The Planetarium Cusco is one of the most unique planetariums in the world. Housed in a humble Andean adobe home, the family-run planetarium sits on a Cusco hillside amid the archeological site Saqsayhuaman and the Llaullipata ecological reserve. From this wonderful locale, you can explore the mysteries of the universe as told through the eyes of the Inca.

Chinchero offers visitors one of the most rewarding market experiences in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Each Sunday, this traditional Andean town comes alive with local artisans selling their wares of handmade textiles, silver jewelry, pottery, and more. The town also features Inca ruins, authentic village houses, and a colonial church.

If you’re looking for an elegant alternative to hiking the Inca Trail, take the luxurious Belmont Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. In the style of a 1920s Pullman carriage, the 84-passenger train is the crème de la crème of railway options going to the ancient citadel.

As the epicenter of the Wari empire (550 to 1100 AD), the ruins of Piquillacta represent the culture’s administrative center and give clues to the pre-Inca culture’s unique organization, agricultural, building, and burial practices. Within its multi-storied adobe-brick walls and geometrically-designed terraces, look for the unusual turquoise figurines found inside graves.

The Pre-Columbian Art Museum (Museo de Arte Precolombino) in Cusco shines a light on the culture and art of the ancient civilizations of Peru. This extensive private collection features artifacts from the Moche, Nazca, Chimu, Chancay, and Inca peoples, including pottery, jewelry and sculptures dating as far back as 1250 BC.

Run by six Quechua communities, Pisaq Potato Park is a massive agricultural/social justice project located on the high-altitude slopes of the Andes. In the spirit of cooperation, and with the aim to preserve the ancient varietals and farming techniques of the Inca, farmers grow over 1,400 types of spuds without the aid of chemicals or chemicals.

Rising to the east of Machu Picchu, Putucusi Mountain is the perfect off-the-beaten-track escape from the crowds. With forested slopes and near-vertical cliff faces, hiking to the summit requires a moderate level of fitness, but the 3.5-hour round trip excursion on steep rock steps and wooden ladders offers spectacular aerial views over the magnificent ruins and the town of Aguas Calientes.

The Andean region of Cusco is renowned for its textiles, which have been made according to ancient weaving traditions for more than 2,000 years. The Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC) is a non-profit organization that was founded in order to aid the survival of these Cusqueñan textile traditions—head there to drink in bright patterns and feel the softness of alpaca wool, and watch indigenous weavers at work.

While the Inca Trail is the most popular trail amongst travelers hiking to Machu Picchu, it’s often crowded, and at times, difficult to acquire permits in time. Luckily, the serene Quarry Trail is an alternative route that winds its way above Ollantaytambo, offering quiet off-the-beaten path moments and breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of the Inca.