Cusco beckons travelers with its stunning blend of ancient Inca heritage and Spanish colonial charm. This high-altitude city serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, but its own treasures deserve equal attention. 

From magnificent stone temples built by master craftsmen to vibrant markets bursting with local flavors, Cusco offers experiences that transport you through centuries of history. The city’s cobblestone streets lead to hidden plazas, world-class museums, and atmospheric neighborhoods where artisans still practice traditional crafts. 

If you want to do any of these things in Cusco, don’t forget to book a tour with us. Or book our Cusco taxi services to roam around the city and far in the mountains. 

Top 50+ Fun Things to Do in Cusco

Historic Center and Main Attractions in Cusco

1. Explore Plaza de Armas

The heart of Cusco pulses with life in this magnificent main square. Originally a sacred ceremonial center for the Inca Empire, the plaza now showcases Spanish colonial architecture built directly over ancient foundations. 

Bronze fountains reflect the surrounding cathedral spires while locals and visitors gather on the stone steps. Street vendors offer colorful textiles, and restaurant terraces provide perfect spots for people-watching over a traditional pisco sour. The plaza transforms throughout the day, from morning market activity to evening celebrations with live music and dancing.

2. Visit Qoricancha Temple

Once the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire, Qoricancha reveals the clash between two civilizations. Spanish colonizers built Santo Domingo Convent directly over the original Temple of the Sun, but remarkable Inca stonework still emerges from the colonial walls. 

The precision-cut stones fit together without mortar, demonstrating engineering skills that continue to puzzle experts today. Climb the bell tower for panoramic city views, and explore the Sacred Garden where ancient ceremonies once honored the sun god. The contrast between smooth Inca stones and Spanish baroque elements creates a powerful visual narrative.

3. Discover Sacsayhuaman Fortress

This massive fortress crowns the hills above Cusco with some of the largest stones ever moved by human hands. The signature zigzag walls demonstrate Inca military engineering, while the site’s strategic position protected the northern entrance to their capital. 

Hunt for the famous puma paw carved into the stone walls, and imagine the fortress in its original glory with towers and ceremonial platforms. Early morning visits reward you with solitude and dramatic lighting across the ancient stones. The fortress connects to several other archaeological sites, making it an ideal starting point for ruin exploration.

4. Admire Cusco Cathedral

This imposing baroque cathedral dominates the eastern side of Plaza de Armas with its twin bell towers and ornate facade. Built using stones transported from Sacsayhuaman, the cathedral houses over 400 paintings from the famous Cusco School of art. 

The most celebrated artwork depicts the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples dining on guinea pig, a local delicacy. Intricate wooden altars gleam with gold leaf, while hidden chambers contain religious treasures collected over centuries. The cathedral’s acoustics create an otherworldly atmosphere during evening mass services.

17+ Best Areas & Neighborhoods to Stay in Cusco

5. Walk Along Calle Loreto

This narrow cobblestone street preserves one of the finest examples of Inca urban planning in existence. Massive stone walls line both sides of the 400-meter lane, their perfectly fitted blocks unchanged since Inca times. The street once formed part of the royal road system that connected Cusco to distant corners of the empire. 

Today, small shops and cafes occupy the Spanish buildings constructed above the Inca foundations. Walking here feels like stepping through a portal between ancient and colonial worlds. Go through this detailed guide to getting taxi in Cuso to book these things to do in Cusco. 

Museums and Cultural Sites in Cusco

6. Explore Museo de Arte Precolombino

This exceptional museum showcases Peru’s most precious pre-Columbian artifacts in beautifully designed galleries. Silver, gold, wood, and ceramic masterpieces demonstrate the artistic achievements of cultures that flourished before Spanish arrival. 

Each room focuses on different regions and time periods, creating a comprehensive journey through Peru’s ancient past. The museum occupies a stunning colonial mansion with courtyards that complement the displayed treasures. Professional lighting and detailed explanations make complex cultural concepts accessible to all visitors.

7. Visit Museo Inka

Housed in a colonial mansion known as the Admiral’s Palace, this museum concentrates specifically on Inca civilization and culture. Real mummies provide a sobering glimpse into ancient burial practices, while ceremonial drinking vessels reveal the sophistication of Inca craftsmanship. 

The building itself demonstrates typical Spanish colonial architecture constructed over Inca foundations. Interactive displays explain how the Inca Empire functioned without written language, using complex record-keeping systems instead. Weaving demonstrations in the courtyard show traditional techniques still practiced today.

8. Discover the Museum of Monastic Life

This unique museum occupies a working Dominican convent built over an Inca “House of Virgins of the Sun.” Life-size nun figures in period dress create an eerily realistic portrayal of cloistered religious life. 

The mortuary room displays deceased nuns in glass cases, while other rooms show daily activities like prayer, study, and meditation. Cusco School paintings line the walls, and photography is actually permitted here, unlike most religious sites. The museum provides rare insight into how Spanish religious orders operated in colonial Peru.

9. Tour Museo Machu Picchu Casa Concha

This specialized museum houses artifacts that Yale University returned to Peru in 2011 after a century-long custody battle. Historic black and white photographs show Machu Picchu as Hiram Bingham first encountered it, overgrown with vegetation and inhabited by local families. 

The museum occupies another colonial mansion built over an Inca palace, this time belonging to a son of the great ruler Pachacuti. A detailed scale model helps visitors understand Machu Picchu’s layout before their actual visit. The collection emphasizes the site’s rediscovery rather than its original construction.

10. Experience Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo

Traditional Quechua music and dance come alive every evening at this cultural center. Colorful costumes swirl across the stage while musicians play panpipes, drums, and string instruments. The performances showcase different regions of Peru, each with distinct musical styles and dance traditions. 

Audience members often find themselves clapping along to infectious rhythms that echo through the historic venue. The center preserves cultural traditions that might otherwise disappear in our modern world. Getting around Cusco is easy, all you can do is contact us right now to get your taxi ready. 

Churches and Religious Sites in Cusco

11. Marvel at Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

The Jesuit church on Plaza de Armas features one of Peru’s most elaborate baroque facades. Inside, the massive cedar altar rises 21 meters high with intricate gold-leaf carvings that catch candlelight beautifully. The church was built over another Inca palace, continuing the pattern of Spanish construction over sacred indigenous sites. 

Climb the narrow staircase to the bell tower for framed views of Plaza de Armas through stone windows. The rivalry between Jesuits and the cathedral resulted in this church’s exceptionally ornate decoration.

12. Explore San Francisco Convent

This peaceful convent complex includes one of South America’s largest paintings—a massive family tree of Saint Francis of Assisi. The catacombs beneath the church contain artistic arrangements of human bones, though less elaborate than Lima’s famous counterpart. 

Ancient books fill the convent library, their leather bindings cracked with age but contents still preserved. The baroque church facade contrasts with the simple convent architecture, reflecting different purposes and construction periods. Guided tours ensure visitors understand the religious significance of displayed artifacts.

13. Visit Iglesia de la Merced

This important church ranks third in Cusco’s religious hierarchy after the cathedral and Jesuit church. The attached convent museum contains an extraordinary solid gold monstrance studded with precious gems—one of Peru’s most valuable religious artifacts. 

The church’s baroque interior features multiple altars with elaborate gold decorations. A catacomb beneath the building provides another glimpse into colonial burial practices. The museum also displays colonial-era religious paintings and a fascinating palanquin used for funeral processions.

14. Discover San Cristóbal Church

Perched high on the valley wall, this small church offers commanding views over Cusco’s red-tiled rooftops. The church’s white facade stands out against the hillside, making it easily recognizable from Plaza de Armas below. Inside, simple decorations contrast with Cusco’s more elaborate churches, but the bell tower climb rewards visitors with panoramic vistas. 

The adjacent plaza provides an excellent photography platform for capturing the city’s layout. Early morning visits often coincide with spectacular sunrise lighting over the surrounding mountains.

Neighborhoods and Districts in Cusco

15. Wander Through San Blas

This bohemian neighborhood climbs steeply from the city center into narrow cobblestone streets lined with artisan workshops. Local craftspeople continue traditional pottery, weaving, and jewelry-making techniques passed down through generations. 

Small cafes and restaurants occupy colonial buildings, their terraces offering increasingly spectacular views as you climb higher. Street art adorns many walls, creating an outdoor gallery that changes constantly. The neighborhood’s authentic atmosphere provides a welcome contrast to the more touristy areas around Plaza de Armas.

16. Explore Siete Borreguitos Street

This photogenic staircase has become one of Cusco’s most Instagram-famous locations thanks to colorful flower pots lining both sides. The narrow steps connect San Blas and San Cristóbal neighborhoods while providing a workout for anyone climbing them. 

Early morning visits offer the best chance for photos without crowds, as the location attracts steady streams of visitors throughout the day. The surrounding streets showcase typical Cusco architecture with white walls, red-tiled roofs, and wooden balconies.

17. Visit Plaza San Blas

This intimate square serves as the heart of the artisan district, surrounded by workshops and galleries. The central fountain provides a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, while surrounding cafes offer perfect spots for watching daily life unfold. 

The plaza’s cobblestone surface and colonial architecture create an authentic Cusco atmosphere. Weekly markets sometimes occupy the space, adding color and energy to the already vibrant neighborhood. The square connects to several scenic walking routes through the surrounding hills.

Archaeological Sites and Ruins in Cusco

18. Explore Q’enqo Ceremonial Site

This mysterious archaeological site features carved stone channels that once carried llama blood during Inca ceremonies. The way the blood flowed through these channels supposedly predicted agricultural success for the coming year. A fascinating cave beneath the main platform contains stone altars where important rituals took place. 

The site’s name means “zigzag” in Quechua, referring to the serpentine channels carved into the living rock. Fewer tourists visit Q’enqo compared to Sacsayhuaman, creating a more contemplative atmosphere for exploring.

19. Discover Puka Pukara Red Fort

This hilltop fortress earned its name from the reddish color of its stone walls, especially visible during sunset hours. The site likely served as a checkpoint controlling access to Cusco from the north, its elevated position providing excellent views over the surrounding valley. 

Military barracks, storage rooms, and ceremonial platforms occupy different levels of the complex. The fort’s strategic importance becomes clear when you consider its position along major trade routes. Combined visits with nearby Tambomachay create efficient day trips from the city center.

20. Visit Tambomachay Water Temple

Known as the “Inca’s Bath,” this site showcases sophisticated hydraulic engineering with water still flowing through original channels. The ceremonial fountains likely served ritual bathing purposes for Inca nobility, their constant flow demonstrating remarkable engineering skills. Stone aqueducts direct natural spring water through multiple levels of the complex. 

The site’s peaceful atmosphere and musical water sounds provide a meditative experience. Archaeological evidence suggests the location held special significance related to water worship and purification ceremonies.

21. Explore Kusicancha Ruins

These modest ruins mark the birthplace of Pachacuti, the great Inca ruler who transformed Cusco into an imperial capital. The archaeological remains occupy a small plaza near Qoricancha, though locked gates sometimes prevent close access. 

The site demonstrates typical Inca residential architecture with its precisely fitted stone walls. Information panels explain the historical significance of this location in Inca royal history. The ruins provide an intimate connection to one of Peru’s most important historical figures.

Markets and Shopping in Cusco

22. Browse San Pedro Market

This bustling traditional market offers an authentic slice of Cusco daily life with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to household goods. Mountains of colorful vegetables, exotic fruits, and aromatic spices create a sensory feast for visitors. 

The cheese section features enormous wheels of Andean cheese, while the meat area displays cuts unfamiliar to most foreign visitors. Freshly squeezed fruit juices provide refreshing breaks from market exploration. The market’s location makes it easily accessible from the historic center while maintaining its local character.

23. Shop at Mercado Wanchaq

This neighborhood market caters primarily to locals rather than tourists, providing insight into authentic Cusco commerce. Vendors sell traditional foods, clothing, and household items at prices significantly lower than tourist markets. 

The market’s authenticity comes from its distance from the historic center and focus on local needs rather than visitor preferences. Fresh bread, local fruits, and prepared foods offer opportunities to sample regional specialties. The market demonstrates how most Cusco residents actually shop for their daily needs.

24. Discover Artisan Workshops

San Blas neighborhood hosts numerous workshops where skilled craftspeople create traditional textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Visitors can observe techniques passed down through generations while artisans work on their latest creations. 

Many workshops welcome questions about their processes and sell finished products directly to customers. The quality of handmade items far exceeds mass-produced souvenirs available elsewhere. Supporting these workshops helps preserve traditional skills while providing authentic cultural experiences.

Restaurants and Culinary Experiences

25. Dine at Limo Restaurant

This upscale restaurant specializes in Nikkei cuisine, the fascinating fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Fresh sashimi meets traditional Peruvian ingredients in creative combinations that surprise and delight. 

The restaurant’s location near Plaza de Armas provides convenient access after sightseeing, while its modern interior contrasts with Cusco’s colonial architecture. Reservations are essential during peak season when tables fill quickly with food enthusiasts. The menu changes seasonally to incorporate the freshest available ingredients.

26. Try Green Point Vegan Restaurant

This innovative restaurant proves that plant-based dining can be both delicious and satisfying at high altitude. Creative dishes incorporate quinoa, potatoes, and other Andean superfoods in surprising combinations. The restaurant’s commitment to organic, locally-sourced ingredients supports sustainable agriculture while providing exceptional flavors. 

Meat-eaters often express surprise at how satisfying and flavorful vegan cuisine can be. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

27. Experience Ceviche Seafood Kitchen

Despite Cusco’s mountain location, this restaurant serves exceptionally fresh seafood flown in daily from Peru’s coast. Traditional ceviche preparations showcase the chef’s skill with citrus marinades and spice combinations. 

The menu extends beyond ceviche to include grilled fish, seafood stews, and fusion dishes. Modern presentation techniques elevate traditional preparations without losing their authentic flavors. The restaurant’s popularity requires reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons.

28. Savor Yaku’s Creative Cuisine

This restaurant surprises diners with artistic presentations and innovative flavor combinations at remarkably reasonable prices. The tiradito dishes feature raw fish preparations that rival those found in Lima’s top restaurants. 

Local ingredients receive creative treatments that respect traditional flavors while adding modern twists. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere and attentive service create memorable dining experiences. Seasonal menu changes ensure repeat visitors always discover something new and exciting.

Cafes and Nightlife in Cusco

29. Relax at Café Ricchary

This cozy coffee shop serves organic beans grown in Peru’s cloud forests, roasted daily to ensure maximum freshness. Knowledgeable baristas explain different origins and preparation methods while creating perfect espresso drinks. 

The cafe’s warm atmosphere provides a welcome retreat from Cusco’s sometimes chilly mountain air. Local pastries and light meals complement the excellent coffee offerings. The shop’s commitment to fair trade practices supports sustainable coffee farming in Peru.

30. Indulge at Qucharitas Ice Cream

This Instagram-worthy ice cream shop creates photogenic treats using traditional Peruvian flavors like lucuma and chirimoya. Unique combinations like coca leaf and chocolate reflect local ingredients in frozen dessert form. 

The shop’s colorful presentation and creative toppings make every purchase a small celebration. Despite its high-altitude location, the ice cream maintains perfect texture and flavor intensity. The friendly staff encourages sampling before purchasing to ensure customer satisfaction.

31. Experience Museo del Pisco

This combination museum and bar educates visitors about Peru’s national spirit while serving expertly crafted cocktails. The extensive pisco collection includes varieties from different regions, each with distinct flavor profiles. Knowledgeable bartenders explain production methods while preparing traditional and innovative pisco-based drinks. 

The museum component displays historical artifacts related to pisco production and consumption. The atmosphere balances education with entertainment, making it perfect for both learning and socializing.

32. Enjoy Sacred Valley Brewery

This craft brewery creates unique beers using Andean ingredients like quinoa, coca, and native herbs. The brewery’s location provides a modern contrast to Cusco’s colonial architecture while maintaining connection to local traditions. 

Tasting flights allow visitors to sample different styles and find their favorites. The brewery’s commitment to local ingredients supports regional agriculture while creating distinctive flavors. Knowledgeable staff explain brewing processes and ingredient choices behind each beer.

Scenic Views and Lookouts in Cusco

33. Climb to Limbus Restobar

This popular restaurant claims to offer Cusco’s best views, a boast that proves accurate from its hillside perch in San Blas. The outdoor terrace provides panoramic vistas over red-tiled rooftops to distant mountain peaks. 

Sunset visits offer particularly spectacular lighting as the city transforms from day to night. The restaurant’s cocktails arrive in creative presentations that complement the scenic setting. Despite average food quality, the views make every visit memorable.

34. Visit San Blas Viewpoint

This free public viewpoint offers similar vistas to expensive restaurants without the cost or crowds. The large terrace attracts local couples and families, especially during evening hours when city lights begin to twinkle. 

Love locks attached to the fence demonstrate the location’s romantic appeal. The viewpoint’s accessibility makes it perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking Instagram-worthy photos. Early morning visits often provide clearer air and better mountain visibility.

35. Discover Christo Blanco

This giant white Jesus statue overlooks Cusco from the same elevation as Sacsayhuaman ruins. The statue becomes even more impressive when illuminated at night, visible from Plaza de Armas and throughout the city. 

A short walk from Sacsayhuaman’s main entrance leads to the statue’s base for close-up photos. Three large green crosses near the statue provide additional photo opportunities. The location offers different perspectives of the city compared to viewpoints in San Blas.

Unique Things to Do in Cusco

36. Take Photos with Baby Alpacas

Professional handlers bring adorable baby alpacas to Plaza de Armas for tourist photos throughout the day. The animals wear colorful traditional costumes that make photos even more memorable. 

While clearly touristic, the experience provides genuine interaction with Peru’s iconic animals. Reasonable donations support the handlers while creating lasting memories. The alpacas’ gentle nature makes them perfect photo companions for visitors of all ages.

37. Visit Catfetín Cat Café

This charming cat café combines coffee culture with feline therapy in a cozy San Blas location. The separate cat room houses rescued cats available for adoption, while the main café serves excellent coffee and crepes. Small donations provide access to the cat room where friendly felines seek attention from visitors. 

The café’s Instagram account showcases its adorable residents and special menu items. The combination of caffeine and cat therapy provides perfect stress relief after busy sightseeing days.

38. Experience the Coca Museum

This small but informative museum explains the cultural significance of coca leaves in Andean society. Displays contrast between traditional ceremonial uses with modern narcotic applications, providing balanced educational content. 

The museum shop sells legal coca products like teas, candies, and even coca beer. Visitors learn about coca’s importance in traditional medicine and religious ceremonies. The museum’s location on Plaza San Blas makes it easily accessible during neighborhood exploration.

Take Trips from Cusco

39. Journey to Rainbow Mountain

This full-day adventure takes you to one of Peru’s most colorful natural wonders at 5,200 meters elevation. The early morning departure and long drive culminate in a challenging but rewarding 3-hour hike. The mountain’s striated colors result from different mineral deposits exposed by erosion and climate change. 

While not as vibrant as heavily processed photos suggest, the natural colors still create stunning landscapes. Proper acclimatization is essential before attempting this high-altitude hike.

40. Explore Lake Humantay

This pristine alpine lake offers another high-altitude day trip with spectacular mountain scenery. The turquoise waters reflect snow-capped peaks in a setting that seems almost too perfect to be real. 

The moderate hike to reach the lake provides excellent preparation for more challenging treks. Professional guides explain the lake’s formation and ecological significance. The full-day trip includes transportation, meals, and expert guidance for a comprehensive experience.

41. Visit Maras Salt Mines

These ancient salt terraces continue producing salt using traditional methods unchanged since Inca times. Hundreds of small pools create a geometric pattern across the hillside, each owned by different local families. 

The salt’s unique flavors result from mineral-rich spring water that feeds the terraces. Visitors can purchase various salt types including smoked and flavored varieties. The site demonstrates sustainable resource management practiced for over 500 years.

42. Discover Moray Agricultural Terraces

This unique archaeological site features circular depressions lined with stone terraces that created different microclimates for crop experimentation. The Inca used these “laboratories” to test crops at various altitudes and temperatures before introducing them throughout their empire. 

The deepest terrace sits 30 meters below ground level, creating significant temperature variations. The site’s innovative design demonstrates Inca agricultural sophistication. Surrounding mountain views add natural beauty to the historical significance.

43. Explore Ollantaytambo

This remarkably preserved Inca town offers living history with families still occupying homes built on original foundations. The massive fortress ruins overlook the town from steep terraces that challenged Spanish conquistadors. 

Narrow cobblestone streets follow original Inca urban planning, while modern shops and restaurants occupy ancient buildings. The town serves as a major train station for Machu Picchu visits. Extended stays allow deeper exploration of surrounding ruins and hiking trails.

44. Tour Pisac Ruins and Market

This comprehensive day trip combines impressive mountain ruins with one of Peru’s most colorful traditional markets. The ruins occupy a dramatic ridge with steep terraces and sophisticated stonework. 

The Sunday market fills the town plaza with vendors selling textiles, pottery, and local foods. Local families still use traditional barter systems alongside modern commerce. The combination provides excellent insight into both ancient and contemporary Andean culture.

Archaeological Complexes to Explore in Cusco

45. Investigate Tipón Water Management

This remarkable site showcases Inca hydraulic engineering with water still flowing through original stone channels. The terraced complex demonstrates sophisticated irrigation systems that supported intensive agriculture. 

Fewer tourists visit Tipón, creating opportunities for quiet contemplation of ancient engineering achievements. The site’s excellent preservation allows visitors to understand how the water management systems functioned. Multiple levels of terraces create different growing environments for various crops.

46. Explore Pikillacta Pre-Inca Ruins

This extensive Wari civilization site predates Inca occupation by several centuries, demonstrating earlier architectural achievements. The massive stone walls and urban planning reveal sophisticated pre-Inca societies. 

Long corridors and multiple courtyards suggest complex social organization and ceremonial functions. The site’s size requires significant time to explore thoroughly. Information panels explain Wari culture and their relationship with later Inca developments.

47. Visit Rumicolca Ancient Gateway

This impressive stone gateway once controlled access to Cusco from the southeast, demonstrating Inca administrative control. The massive stone archway survives from a larger complex that monitored trade and travel. 

The site’s strategic location along major trade routes emphasized its importance in the Inca road system. Modern visitors can walk through the same gateway used by ancient travelers. The structure’s impressive size demonstrates the resources devoted to controlling access to the capital.

Cusco Tours to Book and Activities to Do in Cusco

48. Take a Cooking Class

Professional chefs teach visitors to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes using local ingredients and techniques. Market visits provide opportunities to select fresh ingredients while learning about local foods. 

Hands-on instruction covers everything from ceviche preparation to traditional stews. Classes typically conclude with group meals featuring everyone’s creations. The experience provides practical skills for recreating Peruvian flavors at home.

49. Learn Traditional Weaving

Skilled artisans demonstrate ancient textile techniques using traditional tools and natural dyes. Visitors learn about different fiber types including alpaca, llama, and vicuña wool. The complex process from raw fleece to finished textile requires multiple steps and considerable skill. 

Participants create simple items to take home while gaining appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. The experience connects visitors with cultural traditions spanning thousands of years.

50. Join a Chocolate Workshop

Expert chocolatiers guide visitors through the complete bean-to-bar chocolate making process. The workshops begin with raw cacao beans and conclude with finished chocolate bars. 

Participants learn about different cacao varieties and their flavor profiles. Traditional and modern chocolate-making techniques are demonstrated and practiced. The experience combines education with delicious results that participants can enjoy immediately.

Outdoor Things to Do in Cusco

51. Hike Temple of the Moon

This remote archaeological site requires a moderate hike through eucalyptus forests above Q’enqo ruins. The secluded location means most visitors have the site entirely to themselves. 

The ruins incorporate natural rock formations with constructed stone elements. The hike provides excellent exercise while offering insights into lesser-known Inca sites. The peaceful setting creates opportunities for reflection and photography without crowds.

52. Explore Zona X Caves

This unusual archaeological site features a network of caves and tunnels carved from solid rock. The purpose of these underground passages remains mysterious, adding intrigue to the exploration. 

Visitors need flashlights to navigate the narrow tunnels safely. The site’s remote location and challenging access keep visitor numbers low. Some tunnels connect to create longer underground routes for adventurous explorers.

53. Visit Awana Kancha Animal Center

This educational center showcases all four South American camelid species: llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Interactive demonstrations explain differences between the animals and their traditional uses. 

Visitors can feed and pet friendly llamas while learning about their importance in Andean culture. Weaving demonstrations show how different animal fibers are processed and used. The center’s educational mission supports conservation efforts for endangered vicuñas.

Cultural Things to Do in Cusco

54. Attend a Traditional Festival

Cusco hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, each celebrating different aspects of local culture. Inti Raymi in June recreates ancient Inca sun worship ceremonies with colorful costumes and traditional music. Corpus Christi features religious processions blending Catholic and indigenous traditions. 

Local neighborhoods organize smaller festivals honoring patron saints with music, dancing, and food. Participating in these celebrations provides authentic cultural experiences beyond typical tourist activities.

55. Visit Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary

This rescue center houses native Andean animals unable to return to the wild due to injuries or illegal captivity. Visitors can observe Andean bears, pumas, condors, and various bird species in naturalistic enclosures. 

Educational programs explain conservation challenges facing Peru’s wildlife. The sanctuary’s work supports both animal welfare and environmental education. Admission fees directly support the center’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Cusco’s incredible diversity ensures every visitor discovers something extraordinary, whether drawn to ancient mysteries, culinary adventures, or natural wonders. 

The city’s unique position at the crossroads of Inca and Spanish civilizations creates experiences impossible to find elsewhere. From world-class museums to hidden viewpoints, from gourmet restaurants to traditional markets, Cusco rewards those who venture beyond the obvious attractions. 

The city’s high altitude and rich history combine to create an atmosphere where every corner reveals new discoveries, making it a destination that lingers in memory long after departure.