Cusco Region Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Cusco Region

Rolling green hills, a valley with scattered houses, and a field of orange flowers.

A green field with mountains in the background.

A mountainous landscape with a valley, a river, and a town.

A historic cathedral with two bell towers, surrounded by a public square with benches and people.

Ancient stone ruins with thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and misty peaks.

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Top places to visit

1. Plaza de Armas

Head to where the action is at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, a large landscaped square bordered by shops, restaurants and ancient churches. For more than 500 years, the square has been at the heart of city life. Come to the plaza nowadays and you might see festivals, concerts and religious processions. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the ornate lampposts and colonial archways and relax with a drink.

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A historic fountain with a statue, a reflective pool, and a cathedral in the background.

2. Aguas Calientes Hot Springs

Aguas Calientes sits below Machu Picchu and is the last train stop before the sacred Inca city. The small town lies in a deep valley enclosed by mountains and forests. With restaurants, thermal baths, hiking trails and a market, Aguas Calientes is more than just a gateway to the ancient ruins. It is worth spending a day or two here before going onto Machu Picchu.

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A river flowing through a mountainous area with a bridge, buildings, and a paved walkway.

3. San Pedro Market

Cusco San Pedro Market is a sprawling, open-air market, with everything from produce and meat to clothing and incense. Popular with locals and visitors, the market is an entertaining destination for shoppers and anyone curious about local culture.

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A market entrance with a sign reading "Bienvenidos a tu Mercado San Pedro".

4. Cusco Cathedral

Standing over Cusco’s main square is Cusco Cathedral, an impressive Gothic-Renaissance structure built on the site of an Inca palace. Explore the interior, filled with more than 400 canvases, woodcarvings and a silver altar.

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A historic church with two towers, a plaza with people, and mountains in the background.

5. Huayna Picchu

Rising more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the ancient plazas and palaces of Machu Picchu is the rhino horn-shaped peak of Huayna Picchu, also called Wayna Picchu. The mountain is believed to have been a home for high priests and virgins. Hike up to the summit for the views and to see ancient temple ruins.

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Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city with stone structures and terraces, surrounded by misty mountains.

6. Sacsayhuaman

Venture into the archaeological park just outside Cusco’s city center to explore the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. This colossal stone fortress and temple sits on a steep hill overlooking the city and attests to the brilliance of Incan engineering. Come to observe traditional Incan ceremonies and to admire how the structure was built, noting the large limestone blocks that lock together without mortar.

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Ancient stone ruins in a dry, hilly landscape with a clear sky.

What to do in Cusco Region

Stay near popular Cusco Region attractions

Plaza de Armas

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Cusco’s busy main square has been the center of public life for centuries. Enjoy its spacious layout, ancient churches and restaurants.

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Where to stay in Cusco Region

Find the best Cusco Region areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A historic cathedral with two bell towers and a large dome.

Cusco Historic Center

Cusco Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Santa Catalina Convent and Coricancha, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cusco.

A narrow cobblestone street flanked by white buildings with blue shutters and wrought iron balconies.

San Blas

San Blas is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like San Blas Church and Plaza San Blas.

A cityscape with red-tiled roofs, a prominent church, and distant mountains.

San Cristóbal

While visiting San Cristóbal, you might make a stop by sights like Museo de Arte Precolombino and Plaza Sán Cristobal.

A person climbing a stone wall with a backpack.

Santiago

If you're spending some time in Santiago, Santiago Plaza and "El Molino I" Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Terraced fields, mountains, and a clear sky.

Coripata

While Coripata may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo and Coricancha.