Top Things to Do in Cusco

About the City

Ah, Cusco! A city nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, a charming blend of Incan majesty and colonial charm. Wander through cobbled streets leading to Plaza de Armas, where both history buffs and selfie-seekers marvel at the stunning architecture. And, oh, the food! Indulge in a plate of lomo saltado or an adventurous cuy asado - that's guinea pig for the uninitiated. But beware, the altitude might leave you breathless - in more ways than one. Soroche, or altitude sickness, is a real party pooper here. Adventure awaits in the Sacred Valley, with ancient ruins whispering tales of a glorious past. Trek the Inca Trail and find yourself gasping in awe, not just from the hike, but at the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu revealing itself through the mist. Yet, these wonders are no secret and crowds can swell, sometimes making peaceful contemplation resemble a contact sport. And while the markets are vibrant tapestries of color and life, the persistent vendors can turn a tranquil shopping trip into a test of wills. At night, Cusco comes alive with bars and clubs echoing with salsa beats, but remember, those cobblestones can be treacherous after a few Pisco Sours. The city's energy is electric, the history is palpable, and the experiences are unparalleled - just come prepared for both the breathtaking highs and the few inevitable lows of high-altitude exploration.

Things to Do in Cusco

Tuck into Tamales

Food & Drink

Get ready for a masa masterpiece! Peruvian tamales are like the gift wrap you can eat: a corn dough present stuffed with meat, eggs, olives, and spices, all cozily wrapped up in a banana leaf. Unwrap ...

River Rafting the Urubamba

Outdoors

Get ready to get splashy! Paddle hard and shout 'wahoo!' as you conquer the rapids of the Urubamba River. Teamwork makes the dream work, and these waves are the ultimate bonding experience.

Test Your Potter Skills on a Traditional Quechua Wheel

The Unexpected

Who's ready to get their hands dirty, ancient style? Hop on a traditional Quechua pottery wheel and put those childhood clay modeling skills to the test. No spinning-disk-frisbee business here – we’re...

Catch Your Own Dinner in The Andean Highlands

The Unexpected

Ready for the reel deal? Roll up those sleeves and try out high-altitude fishing Andean-style in a pristine lake, surrounded by peaks as your audience. And here's the catch – you might actually need t...

Mingle With Monkeys at a Rescue Center

The Unexpected

Go bananas at a local animal rescue center, where you can chill with the cheekiest of Cusco's locals - monkeys! These furry critters have some serious survival stories, and now they're just living the...

Pisco Making Like a Pro

The Unexpected

Get ready to sip, swish, and swirl your way into Pisco glory! Unleash your inner mixologist by learning the ancient arts of Pisco production – from stomping grapes to the perfect pour. It's fermentati...

Paddle Through History

Outdoors

Skim across the serene waters of Huacarpay Lake, where the Andes kiss the sky, and paddle your way through local legend. Listen closely; the splash of your oar might just echo stories from the Incas!

Go Bird-Watching in Manu National Park

Outdoors

Squawk and awe! Manu National Park is a birder's paradise on Earth. With binoculars in hand and an eagle eye, you'll spot feathery friends you can't find anywhere else. Psst, it's a tweeter's dream co...

Trek to Choquequirao

Outdoors

Lace up, amigos! The trek to Choquequirao is like finding the lost city of gold, but with more sweat and less bling. It's tough, it's remote, and it'll blow your trekking socks off. Ready to earn thos...

ATV Adventures in the Sacred Valley

Outdoors

Whoopee! Strap yourself in for a bumpy ride! ATV adventures give you the vroom-vroom you need to see the Sacred Valley in style. Mud, streams, and ancient sites – it's like the Mario Kart of Inca hist...

Indulge in Papas Rellenas

Food & Drink

Potatoes got a glow-up in Cusco, and they're known as papas rellenas. These little spud pockets are stuffed with savory fillings like ground meat, onions, olives, and egg before being deep-fried to go...

Catch the Rainbow at Vinicunca

Sights

Ever wanted to strut your stuff on a rainbow? Trek to Vinicunca, also known as the 'Rainbow Mountain,' and see the stripes that mother nature painted all by herself. Remember to pack your best smile—a...

Unwind at the San Pedro Market

Sights

San Pedro Market is the one-stop-shop for a sensory overload. Get ready for a labyrinth of local eats, exotic fruits, and souvenirs galore. It's like the Incan gods threw a farmer's market and forgot ...

Dive into ChocoMuseo

Sights

Got a sweet tooth? The ChocoMuseo is your chocolate-covered paradise! Learn how the cocoa bean turns into the bars we love, try your hand at chocolate-making workshops, and obviously, taste until you ...

Trek the Inca Trail

Sights

Lace up those hiking boots for the adventure of a lifetime on the Inca Trail! This multi-day marathon through history, nature, and Incan mystery is no walk in the park, but the bragging rights? Pricel...

Peek into the Past at Plaza de Armas

Sights

Ready to time travel, amigo? The heart of Cusco beats in Plaza de Armas, where history oozes from every nook. Imagine conquistadors and Incas chilling here back in the day! Now it's your turn to strut...

Delight in Rocoto Relleno

Food & Drink

Brace yourself for the fiery joy that is Rocoto Relleno. Imagine a plump, spicy rocoto pepper stuffed to the brim with savory, seasoned meat and melted cheese. It's like a flavor grenade that's ready ...

Conquer the Corn with Choclo

Food & Drink

This ain't your average corn on the cob, folks! Choclo con queso is a street food staple that'll have you wondering why you ever settled for the puny kernels back home. Sink your teeth into these gian...

Savor the Quinoa Soup

Food & Drink

Slurp your way to serenity with a bowl of Peruvian quinoa soup. It's a hearty, aromatic pot of goodness featuring the sacred Incan 'mother of all grains,' quinoa, mingling with veggies, herbs, and som...

Unearth the Secrets of Pre-Columbian Art

The Unexpected

Channel your inner Indiana Jones and get ready for an archaeological art adventure! The Pre-Columbian Art Museum of Cusco is treasure trove of ancient artifacts—golden items that gleam like Inca bling...