Cusco is one of the most incredible cities in the world
with thousands of years of history, stunning Inca ruins
and breathtaking Andean landscapes. This guide covers
the top 10 places to visit in Cusco in 2026.
🏛️ TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN CUSCO
1️⃣ MACHU PICCHU
The number one place to visit from Cusco.
Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World
and the most visited destination in South America.
Located at 2,430 meters above sea level in the Andes,
this ancient Inca citadel was built around 1450 AD
and rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Highlights:
✔ Temple of the Sun
✔ Intihuatana Stone
✔ Sacred Plaza
✔ Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
✔ Panoramic Andean views
✔ Llamas roaming freely
How to visit:
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
then bus up to the citadel.
👉 See our Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
2️⃣ SACSAYHUAMAN
The most impressive Inca site in Cusco city.
Massive fortress built with enormous stone blocks
some weighing over 100 tonnes.
Located just above Cusco with panoramic city views.
The largest stones are 8.5 meters high.
How the Incas moved these stones remains a mystery.
Highlights:
✔ Massive Inca stone walls
✔ Panoramic views of Cusco city
✔ Rodeo de Sacsayhuaman festival in June
✔ Sunset views over Cusco
Included in:
👉 Our Cusco City Tour
3️⃣ RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (VINICUNCA)
One of the most spectacular natural wonders in Peru.
Rainbow colored mineral stripes at 5,020 meters.
Only discovered in 2015 when glaciers melted.
Now one of the most photographed places in Peru.
Highlights:
✔ Stunning rainbow mineral stripes
✔ Ausangate glacier panoramic views
✔ Andean alpacas and llamas
✔ Incredible photography
👉 See our Rainbow Mountain Tour
4️⃣ SACRED VALLEY
The most historically rich valley in Peru.
Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu along
the Urubamba River.
Main sites:
✔ Pisac ruins and artisan market
✔ Ollantaytambo Inca fortress
✔ Chinchero traditional weaving village
✔ Moray circular terraces
✔ Maras salt mines
👉 See our Sacred Valley Tour
5️⃣ QORIKANCHA
The most important temple in the Inca Empire.
Dedicated to the Sun God Inti.
The Spanish conquistadors built the Santo Domingo
convent directly on top of the original Inca walls.
Today you can see the incredible contrast between
Inca and colonial architecture.
Highlights:
✔ Original Inca stonework — perfectly fitted
✔ Colonial church on top
✔ Museum of Inca artifacts
✔ Beautiful courtyard garden
Included in:
👉 Our Cusco City Tour
6️⃣ HUMANTAY LAKE
One of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in Peru.
Located at 4,200 meters beneath the Salkantay glacier.
Sacred Andean lake with stunning turquoise color
from glacial meltwater.
Highlights:
✔ Stunning turquoise glacial lake
✔ Salkantay glacier panoramic views
✔ Traditional Andean ceremony
✔ Andean alpacas and llamas
👉 See our Humantay Lake Tour
7️⃣ PLAZA DE ARMAS CUSCO
The beautiful historic main square of Cusco.
Heart of the city since Inca times.
Surrounded by:
✔ Cusco Cathedral — 400 year old colonial masterpiece
✔ La Compañía de Jesús church
✔ Colonial arcades with restaurants and cafes
✔ Beautiful fountains and gardens
Best visited:
✔ Sunset — golden light on colonial buildings
✔ Evening — lively atmosphere with locals
8️⃣ OLLANTAYTAMBO
The best preserved Inca town in Peru.
Still inhabited by local families in original Inca streets.
Highlights:
✔ Massive Inca temple complex
✔ Original Inca town layout
✔ Temple of the Sun
✔ Panoramic Sacred Valley views
✔ Last Inca fortress to resist Spanish conquest
Also the main train station for Machu Picchu.
Included in:
👉 Our Sacred Valley Tour
9️⃣ SAN BLAS NEIGHBORHOOD
The most charming neighborhood in Cusco.
Narrow cobblestone streets winding up the hillside
above Plaza de Armas.
Highlights:
✔ San Blas church — famous carved pulpit
✔ Artisan workshops and galleries
✔ Boutique hotels and cafes
✔ Panoramic views over Cusco
✔ Bohemian atmosphere
Perfect for:
✔ Photography
✔ Shopping for local crafts
✔ Relaxing in cafes
🔟 PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
The hidden alternative to Rainbow Mountain.
Three colorful mountains in one easier hike.
Much less crowded than Vinicunca.
Located at 4,900 meters — lower and easier than
Rainbow Mountain at 5,020 meters.
Highlights:
✔ Three rainbow mountains in one day
✔ Ausangate glacier views
✔ Unique red forest landscape
✔ Much fewer crowds
✔ Easier hike for all fitness levels
👉 See our Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
🗺️ CUSCO BUCKET LIST
Complete these for the ultimate Cusco experience:
✔ Watch sunrise at Machu Picchu
✔ Hike Rainbow Mountain
✔ Visit Sacred Valley markets
✔ Explore San Blas neighborhood
✔ Try cuy (guinea pig) at a local restaurant
✔ Watch sunset from Sacsayhuaman
✔ Drink pisco sour at Plaza de Armas
✔ Trek to Humantay Lake
✔ Walk the Inca Trail
✔ Visit Qorikancha temple
💡 TIPS FOR VISITING CUSCO
✔ Acclimatize 2-3 days before high altitude tours
✔ Book Machu Picchu 2-3 months in advance
✔ Book Inca Trail 3-4 months in advance
✔ Bring warm layers for cold nights
✔ Wear comfortable walking shoes
✔ Carry cash for markets
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the most famous place in Cusco?
Machu Picchu is the most famous destination.
Sacsayhuaman and Qorikancha are the top sites in the city.
How many days do I need to see all of Cusco?
We recommend at least 5-7 days to visit the main
highlights including Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley.
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 worth visiting?
Absolutely — Cusco is one of the most incredible
destinations in the world with history, culture and
some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
🎒 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