If you’re going to Peru, I bet Machu Picchu is on your itinerary. Which also means that you will be visiting Cusco. This is the jumping off point for travelers who are going to Machu Picchu. It’s a perfect home-base for a lot of other activities too. And most importantly, it’s where you adjust to the altitude.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Cusco for first-time visitors:
Planning a trip to Peru? Read these next:
→ The Ultimate Peru Travel Guide
→ Adjusting to Altitude Sickness
→ Best Things to Do in Lima, Peru
→ What I Wore in Peru
my must-have travel essentials:
1. EXPLORE PLAZA DE ARMAS
Plaza de Armas is the heart of Cusco and one of the best places to start your trip. Surrounded by historic architecture, restaurants, cafés and the Cusco Cathedral, this is one area you’ll probably find yourself walking through multiple times during your stay. Watch your pockets though!!
Give yourself some time to wander around, grab a coffee or pisco sour, and take in the views before heading deeper into the city. There are tons of rooftops to see the city from too.
2. WANDER THE STREETS OF SAN BLAS
San Blas is where you take your Instagram pictures!
Little cobblestone streets, shops and boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and picture-perfect views. I wandered around in the morning bopping in and out of shops!
3. VISIT SACSAYHUAMAN
Located just outside Cusco’s historic center, Sacsayhuamán is one of the most impressive Incan archaeological sites near the city. I did not get a chance to visit here but it came highly recommended to me. You just simply can’t see it all, you know?
The massive stone walls are reason enough to visit, but you’ll also get beautiful views overlooking Cusco.
You can visit independently or combine Sacsayhuamán with several nearby archaeological sites on a guided tour.
4. TOUR THE SACRED VALLEY
The Sacred Valley is easily one of the best day trips from Cusco. A lot of people start their journey here before heading to Cusco to acclimate to the altitude.
Depending on your tour, you may visit places like Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero while learning more about the history of the Inca Empire.
If you have enough time in your Peru itinerary, I highly recommend dedicating at least one full day to exploring the Sacred Valley.
BOOK: Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour
5. SHOP AT THE MARKETS
If you want to experience a more local side of Cusco, head to San Pedro Market.
You’ll find everything from fresh produce and juices to Peruvian snacks, souvenirs and local products.
Don’t forget to bargain!! That was my favorite part of the trip.
6. VISIT RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Rainbow Mountain is one of the most popular day trips from Cusco, but this is one activity you should NOT schedule for your first day. It needs to be towards the end of your trip because I won’t lie to you, it’s HARD.
The mountain sits at roughly 17,000 feet above sea level, making the altitude one of the biggest challenges. I struggled with breathing because it’s a lot of uphill walking. I specifically did the ATV tour but you still have a substantial amount of walking to do, especially if you want a picture at the top.
Give your body time to acclimate in Cusco before attempting the hike. And wear sunscreen and hiking shoes!!
BOOK: Rainbow Mountain Day Trip From Cusco
7. VISIT THE MARA SALT MINES
It’s not every day you find a 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid sitting in the middle of a modern city. I feel like Peru has a lot of that here because it’s so ancient.
Huaca Pucllana is one of Lima’s oldest archaeological sites and offers guided tours explaining pre-Incan history. You can take an uber there or walk from downtown (~30 ish minutes).
The hours are Wed - Mon 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and costs 7.50 soles. Nocturnal hours are Wed - Sun 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM and costs 17 soles. A tour is included in your entrance price so you don’t have to book ahead. It’s one of those activities that if you have spare time, it’s a great thing to fit in.
One thing I wish I had time for was to have dinner at the restaurant there at sunset. Request a table outside at the terrace and make reservations to ensure your spot.
8. TAKE A PERUVIAN COOKING CLASS
If you want something a little more hands-on, book a Peruvian cooking class.
Many classes include a trip to a local market followed by learning how to make traditional Peruvian dishes and cocktails.
BOOK: Peruvian Cooking Classes in Cusco
9. GET A MASSAGE
One thing you will notice in Cusco… the amount of massage parlors! They will hassle you to get a massage all day, every day.
It worked on me because I got 2 while I was there. Probably some of the best massages and I only paid $25 USD!
Obviously, you will need to barter but it’s so worth it. Especially after all the hiking and walking.
10. SEE THE TWELVE-ANGLED STONE
The Twelve-Angled Stone is one of Cusco’s most famous examples of Incan stonework.
It won’t take long to visit, so this is an easy stop to add while walking around the Historic Center and San Blas.
11. VISIT HUMANTAY LAKE
Another incredible day trip from Cusco is Humantay Lake, known for its bright turquoise water surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Like Rainbow Mountain, this is a high-altitude hike, so you’ll want to acclimate before attempting it. If I had one more extra day, I would have tried to fit this in somehow.
12. SIP A PISCO SOUR
You can’t come to Peru without trying its most famous cocktail: a pisco sour
Pisco sours are made with pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white and bitters. You’ll find them at practically every restaurant and bar in Cusco.
Head on over to Museo del Pisco for an extensive Pisco Sour mix. And they usually have live music!
Final Thoughts
Lima ended up being one of my biggest surprises in Peru. I originally thought it would just be a stopover before heading to Cusco and Machu Picchu, but I quickly realized it deserves time of its own.
From incredible food and ocean views to colorful neighborhoods and fascinating history, Lima has something for every type of traveler. If you can, give yourself at least two full days here—you won’t regret it.
Tips for Visiting Cusco for the First Time
Don’t underestimate the altitude. Take it easy when you first arrive and give your body time to adjust.
Bring layers. Temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day.
Pack comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking on cobblestones, hills and plenty of stairs.
Carry some cash. Smaller vendors and markets may not accept cards.
Don’t schedule Rainbow Mountain immediately. Give yourself time to acclimate first.
Book Machu Picchu in advance. Tickets and popular entrance circuits can sell out.
Leave room in your itinerary. Cusco is one of those cities that’s best experienced by wandering around rather than scheduling every minute.
Final Thoughts
Cusco is so much more than a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu. It’s not only a great home base for other activities, it has so much liveliness to it. It’s unlike any city I’ve ever been to. You can feel the ancient history there.
Between the Incan ruins, incredible food, historic neighborhoods and easy access to the Sacred Valley, there’s enough to keep you busy for several days.
If you’re planning a bigger Peru trip, don’t stop here:
→ READ MY ULTIMATE PERU TRAVEL GUIDE
Altitude Sickness in Peru: How to Acclimate in Cusco & What to Expect