Cusco is not only the gateway to Machu Picchu: it is a living, walkable city full of history. Between colonial plazas, Inca walls, markets and viewpoints, you can put together a complete trip without moving too much. In this guide you will find what to do in Cusco, what foods to try and what excursions to choose to make the most of your time without ending up exhausted.
What to do in Cusco city in 1 or 2 days
Start at the Plaza de Armas and walk through the Historic Center. If you are interested in colonial art, the Cathedral is a key visit for its altarpieces and paintings. A few blocks away, Qorikancha shows you something essential about Cusco: how the Inca world and the colonial era overlap. Then walk through Hatun Rumiyoc to see the famous Stone of 12 Angles and head up to San Blas, a neighborhood ideal for shopping for handicrafts, sitting in a café, and watching a sunset with good views.
Important fact: Cusco is at a high altitude. On the first day it is advisable to take it easy, hydrate well and eat lightly. If you push yourself too hard at first, it’s easy to feel tired or have a headache, and that can affect your excursions in the following days.
If you want archaeology without going far, the classic circuit includes Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Sacsayhuamán is the must-see: its huge blocks and the panoramic view of the city are impressive. It is a perfect half-day outing and you can combine it with the viewpoint of Cristo Blanco. The Cusco Day City Tour includes these destinations, so you will have the opportunity to get to know the most important monuments and attractions of the city.
And here we give you another practical tip: if you plan to visit several sites, check out the Cusco Tourist Ticket. It is usually convenient when you enter more than two or three places because it includes different ruins and museums. In the article Tourist Ticket in Cusco: Everything you need to know you can find all the information to know which tickets to choose and their usefulness.
What to eat in Cusco: Andean dishes that you must try
Cusco’s gastronomy is also part of the trip. To play it safe: quinoa soup (ideal with the cold and altitude), lomo saltado and ají de gallina. If you want more local flavors, look for alpaca meat (lean and soft) and, if you dare, baked guinea pig. On certain dates or places you will find chiriuchu, a traditional dish that combines several Andean ingredients and is a cultural experience in itself.
To eat cheaply and see the real city, the San Pedro Market is a recommended stop: juices, fruits, breads and snacks such as corn and cheese. To drink, coca tea is very common due to the altitude; And if you want to toast, a pisco sour is a great closing of the day.
What’s for sure: you shouldn’t miss any of the dishes we mentioned in the article What to eat in Cusco and Lima: typical Peruvian dishes that you should not miss on your trip
Excursions from Cusco that are really worth it
Machu Picchu
The star visit can be done by train from Ollantaytambo or with trekking if you are looking for adventure. There are several train options to travel, in the article Trains to Machupicchu: which one to choose to live the best experience you can find more information. If you go for the day, leave early and enter with a guide: understanding the context of the place completely changes the experience. In high season, buy tickets in advance, because the places sell out.
Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray and Maras
If you could only choose one excursion besides Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is usually the best option. Pisac combines ruins and market; Ollantaytambo is an impressive fortress; Moray shows circular terraces that look like an agricultural laboratory; and the Maras Salt Mines are a unique postcard. You can do it in a full day or split it in two to take it easy and enjoy more. This type of excursions can be found on the full day tour Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray.
Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lagoon
They are excursions of height and effort. Vinicunca (the Mountain of Seven Colors) offers spectacular landscapes, but requires acclimatization. The Humantay Lagoon has an incredible turquoise color at the foot of a glacier and is very photogenic. If you have only a few days, it is advisable to choose only one of these two so as not to overload the itinerary.
If you’re looking for something different, add a Peruvian cooking class or a chocolate workshop. Another excellent option is to visit textile communities in Chinchero to see traditional techniques and understand the real value of craftsmanship. And if you want a simple plan with few logistics, take a short walk through urban viewpoints and finish with a quiet dinner: Cusco is very enjoyable without haste.
How to put together your itinerary in Cusco without exhausting yourself
A realistic 4-day plan: day 1 acclimatization and historic center; Day 2 Nearby ruins; day 3 Sacred Valley; day 4 Machu Picchu. If you have a fifth day, add Rainbow Mountain or Humantay. Wear layered clothing (cold mornings and sunny midday), sunscreen, and shoes with good soles — you’ll walk a lot.
In our section of full day experiences in Cusco you can find all these destinations, full of complete excursions to the most attractive and exciting destinations in Peru.
Cusco gives you history, food and nature in a few kilometers. The key is not to do everything, but to choose well: an orderly itinerary allows you to experience each place with time, eat better, rest and return with the feeling of having enjoyed, not of having run.
Are you interested in knowing what experiences you can do in Peru? Contact us and we will pass you access to INKA Planet Adventure to discover available tours and packages.
