Cusco is one of the most incredible cities in the world.
Former capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to Machu
Picchu, Cusco offers an endless list of things to do for
every type of traveler. This complete guide covers the
best things to do in Cusco in 2026.
🏛️ TOP 15 THINGS TO DO IN CUSCO
1️⃣ Visit Machu Picchu
The number one thing to do from Cusco.
Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World
and the most visited destination in South America.
👉 See our Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
2️⃣ Hike Rainbow Mountain
One of the most spectacular day trips from Cusco.
The rainbow colored Vinicunca mountain sits at
5,020 meters above sea level.
👉 See our Rainbow Mountain Tour
3️⃣ Sacred Valley Tour
Visit the most important Inca sites outside Machu Picchu.
Includes Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress and
Chinchero traditional weaving village.
👉 See our Sacred Valley Tour
4️⃣ Trek to Humantay Lake
One of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in Peru.
Located at 4,200 meters beneath the Salkantay glacier.
Easier than Rainbow Mountain.
👉 See our Humantay Lake Tour
5️⃣ Cusco City Tour
Explore the historic UNESCO World Heritage city.
Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, Qorikancha temple
and the beautiful Plaza de Armas.
👉 See our Cusco City Tour
6️⃣ Hike the Inca Trail
The most famous trek in the world.
4 days hiking ancient Inca roads to Machu Picchu.
Arrive at sunrise through the Sun Gate.
👉 See our Inca Trail 4 Days Tour
7️⃣ Salkantay Trek
Best alternative to the Inca Trail.
5 days through spectacular Andean scenery
passing beneath the mighty Salkantay glacier.
👉 See our Salkantay Trek Tour
8️⃣ Maras & Moray Tour
Visit the mysterious Inca circular terraces at Moray
and the ancient salt mines of Maras.
Fascinating history and incredible photography.
👉 See our Maras & Moray Tour
9️⃣ Explore San Blas Neighborhood
The most charming neighborhood in Cusco.
Narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops,
beautiful colonial architecture and great cafes.
🔟 Visit Qorikancha
The most important temple in the Inca Empire
dedicated to the Sun God Inti.
Spanish built a colonial church on top of Inca walls.
Open daily 8:30am – 5:30pm
1️⃣1️⃣ Plaza de Armas
The beautiful main square of Cusco.
Surrounded by colonial architecture, restaurants
and the stunning Cusco Cathedral.
Best at sunset when the square glows golden.
1️⃣2️⃣ San Pedro Market
The main traditional market in Cusco.
Great for fresh juices, local food, textiles
and authentic Andean products.
Open daily from 6am.
1️⃣3️⃣ Visit Sacsayhuaman
Massive Inca fortress above Cusco with enormous
stone walls and panoramic views of the city.
One of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru.
1️⃣4️⃣ Try Local Food
Cusco has incredible food.
Must try:
✔ Cuy (guinea pig) — traditional delicacy
✔ Alpaca steak — tender and delicious
✔ Lomo saltado — classic Peruvian stir fry
✔ Pisco sour — national cocktail
1️⃣5️⃣ Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
The less crowded alternative to Rainbow Mountain.
Three colorful mountains in one easier hike.
Perfect for families and beginners.
👉 See our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
🗺️ DAY BY DAY CUSCO ITINERARY
Day 1 — Arrive and acclimatize
✔ Rest at hotel
✔ Walk Plaza de Armas
✔ Drink coca tea
✔ Light dinner
Day 2 — Cusco City Tour
✔ Sacsayhuaman
✔ Qorikancha
✔ Plaza de Armas
✔ San Blas neighborhood
Day 3 — Sacred Valley
✔ Pisac ruins and market
✔ Ollantaytambo fortress
✔ Chinchero weaving
Day 4 — Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake
✔ Early morning departure
✔ Spectacular high altitude hike
✔ Return afternoon
Day 5 — Machu Picchu
✔ Train from Ollantaytambo
✔ 2.5 hour guided tour
✔ Return to Cusco
💡 TIPS FOR VISITING CUSCO
✔ Acclimatize 2-3 days before doing high altitude tours
✔ Drink coca tea for altitude sickness
✔ Book Machu Picchu tickets 2-3 months in advance
✔ Bring warm layers for cold nights
✔ Carry cash — some places don’t accept cards
✔ Book Inca Trail 3-4 months in advance
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many days do I need in Cusco?
We recommend at least 5-7 days to see the highlights
including Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.
What is the best thing to do in Cusco?
Visiting Machu Picchu is the number one experience.
Rainbow Mountain and Sacred Valley are also unmissable.
Is Cusco worth visiting?
Absolutely — Cusco is one of the most incredible cities
in the world with thousands of years of history and
some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
What is Cusco famous for?
Cusco is famous as the capital of the Inca Empire,
gateway to Machu Picchu and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is Cusco expensive?
Cusco has options for every budget from cheap hostels
and street food to luxury hotels and fine dining.
🎒 BOOK YOUR CUSCO TOURS WITH TRIPCUSCO
TripCusco is your local expert agency in Cusco since 2018.
Over 3,000 happy travelers from around the world.
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com