9 of the Top Things To Do in Cusco—That Aren’t Machu Picchu

Much of the evidence of the Inca’s advanced civilization is scattered across the surrounding mountains in the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu may be the most popular, but it's only one part of a far greater picture.

The ruins at Ollantaytambo are a particular highlight, where tiers of sheer stone have been carved out of the Andean cliffs. Here, you can learn about the Inca's innovative farming methods, which included creating advanced irrigation systems in this harsh environment. You should also head to Saqsaywaman and Tambomachay, where enormous stones hauled from all over the Andes still show evidence of day-to-day Inca life.

Impressive agricultural terraces can also be found at the nearby Moray, where the meticulously created farming and irrigation spaces have remained for half a millennium.

Related: Inca Ruins in the Sacred Valley

Pisac is lined by the ochre walls characteristic of the small towns that surround Cusco, underlaid by the hefty 12-angled stones used to construct the Inca’s ancient strongholds. And the Pisac Market is just as quintessentially Peruvian as the walls surrounding it—pick up everything from traditional woven ponchos and alpaca wool garb, to colorful bags stitched with Inca patterns, paintings, instruments, accessories, and more.

Insider tip: Come on a Sunday to catch the market full of fresh fruit and vegetables gathered by farmers in the surrounding mountainous farms.

Machu Picchu welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors each year, in recent times. Its sister city, the lesser-known Choquequirao, is often visited by fewer than 9,500. This underrated lost city is hidden 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) high in the Peruvian Andes, abandoned in the 16th century. Here, hardy travelers can explore remnants of homes, temples, and agricultural structures.

Currently, the 18-mile (29-kilometer) trek can only be done on foot via a challenging trail straddling the line between Andean peaks and the dense Amazonian forest below, so plan accordingly.

Against the rust-red rock and soil that burns in the Andean sun, the stark white salt pools of Maras are a sight to behold. The 5,000 cascading white steps are segmented into milky ponds with rock-hewn balustrades acting as service roads for the workers extracting the essential mineral.

Salt from Maras is used in so many of Peru’s most important national products—try it sprinkled on a local delicacy at Cusco’s chocolate museum or pick up a bag of pink salt sold by vendors at the entrance to the salt plains. The site is easily accessible on a day trip from Cusco and is often paired with a visit to the nearby site of Moray.

Most photos and tour brochures showcase just one spot in the Rainbow Mountains, often pumped up by heavy saturation and the illusion of an empty peak (see above). Though the real colors are slightly duller, and the gatherings of tourists, guides, and bedraggled horses are unavoidable, the expansive landscape is still impressive, so these mountains are definitely worth climbing.

The undulating Andes are ribboned by muted red, gold, and green, tinged all along the route up to the famous photo spot. Savor the trail on an early morning tour from Cusco and watch as the sun rises slowly over the colorful ridges until it hits the hazy horizon.

Take a trip to Humantay Lake by ascending into the Andes at the break of dawn to catch a glimpse of the lake as the sun begins to rise. You’ll start the trek at 13,700 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, hiking between snow-capped, craggy peaks. Arduous altitude aside, though, the trail offers opportunities to spot Andean condors and views over the Cordillera de Vilcabamba. Recover at the silent edge of the bright blue lake, watching the mountain’s mirror ripple in the Andean breeze.

The city of Cusco is one of the most impressive sites in Peru. Before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, it was the capital of an empire that stretched from Quito in Ecuador to Santiago in Chile. Its age is evident in its foundations—giant slabs of Andean stone still stand beneath the Spanish walls. Book a tour with an experienced guide to learn about the history of the imperial city, and don’t skip visiting the Cusco Cathedral, built atop an ancient worship site, or viewing the remnants of Coricancha, a former Inca temple.

Cusco’s Urubamba River carves a scenic route through the Andes all the way to the Amazon Basin. And while the Sacred Valley might be most famous for its mountains, don’t overlook its river, which provides ample opportunities for adventure.

The Urubamba River is made for white-water rafting excursions, thanks to Class I–III rapids that are ideal for both beginners and thrillseekers. For double the fun, opt for a rafting tour that also includes a ride on a zipline; you’ll enjoy unrivaled views of the Sacred Valley’s emerald peaks.

Insider tip: If you want to experience the water at its most intense, come during the November to March rainy season, when the rapids can reach Class V. This is only recommended for experienced rafters, though.

Peru has long been considered the culinary capital of South America, so there’s no better place to dive into Latin America’s gastronomy than here. And with all the strenuous hikes you’re sure to be doing, food is bound to be at the front of your mind. As Cusco’s main market, Mercado Central de San Pedro captures the spirit of the city’s culture and cuisine. Plus, it’s just a few minutes' walk away from the central square of Plaza de Armas.

Food tours are a great way to navigate the bustling market with ease, while cooking classes that shop for ingredients at the market equip you with the tips and tricks you need to get Peruvian food right at home.