Cusco is one of the main destinations for those seeking to explore the astonishing Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. However, the Sanctuary is not the only tourist attraction to visit around the city. Likewise, this place is rich in history, tradition, and culture, evident in every corner. In each section of its tourist map, you can find the best things to do in Cusco, as well as other important considerations.
The Imperial City serves as a perfect starting point for any journey in the Andean country. From archaeological ruins, souvenir-filled markets, restaurants, and much more, you can have a nice moment here. Our personal suggestion is that you have three or four days in Cusco to acclimate and explore all the wonders. Although many of its attractions are nearby, knowing them will help you organize your trip and make the most of your stay.
To a guided tour around the city, we highly recommend visiting some of the most iconic places. Don’t worry about whether Cusco is safe to travel to or not, since the city is a suitable place for all families. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team prepared a small article about the must-visit places. Remember that this is just a glimpse; for more information, please consult our specialists.
Explore the Imperial City and its charming tourist attractions
- Overview
- Types of tourist maps
- Check out the San Blas neighborhood
- Visit Qoricancha
- Shop at the San Pedro Market
- Discover Sacsayhuaman
- Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Hike Rainbow Mountain
- Enjoy the long-awaited Machu Picchu
- Tourist Ticket
Overview
To begin, we must discuss its location and some general information about this city. Cusco is a gem located 3,400 meters above sea level, something important to consider when planning a visit. Despite its apparent remoteness, you can find several ways to get here, but the most recommended is by plane. A direct flight to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours, making it accessible.
According to some tales, Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, giving it a privileged historical place. Furthermore, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1983 for its exceptional value to the world. For this reason and much more, today it is one of the most popular cities in Peru and even South America. Its narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and hard-to-reach areas may seem challenging, but a tourist map will be ideal.
Types of tourist maps
To continue, you should consider that Cusco has so many attractions that a conventional tourist map can be confusing. Therefore, most people opt for thematic maps, which show what they are primarily looking for. From iconic landmarks to remote places, many people are eager to discover exciting places. Below are some of the most notable:
- Gastronomic Tourist Map: Highlights the best restaurants, markets, and places to try typical Cusco food. Many of them sit in the historic center of Cusco and some of the surrounding neighborhoods, which are favorites.
- Cultural Tourist Map: Perfect for those who want to experience the rich customs of Cusco firsthand. This map contains the main museums, art exhibitions, and other sites that reflect some of the local traditions. However, nowadays, many establishments show a bit of the city of Cusco in their corners.
- Adventure Tourist Map: Those who love adventure, routes, and off-the-beaten-path routes will love this map. Cusco stands out as an exciting place for short hikes without straying too far from the city. This map includes some viewpoints, easy hikes, and some stone walls that you can see for free.
- Classic Tourist Map: This includes some of Cusco’s most notable tourist attractions. Many people use this map as a reference when planning their trip and making the most of their time. Below, we present some of the most important tourist spots to consider.
Check out the San Blas neighborhood
The San Blas district is one of the most visited by tourists and newcomers. This neighborhood is near the historic center and the iconic Plaza de Armas of the city. Besides, those looking to get some fresh air and relax will enjoy this excellent option. Likewise, near the Cusco Cathedral, you can enjoy an excellent walking tour in Cusco, Peru.
In addition to different vegetarian and traditional restaurants, you can find bars and even art workshops for those interested. The beautiful Plaza de San Blas transforms on Saturdays to offer you different market stalls. You will notice that the Church of San Blas, another wonderful place to visit, stands at the location where you pass the square.
Visit Qoricancha
The temple dedicated to the Sun, the main deity of the Incas, is an iconic archaeological site. This attraction featured pure gold and displayed all kinds of gold statues and artifacts. In the center of the temple, there was a large gold disc that reflected the rays of the Sun. With a deep connection to local history, it’s a must-see in the city.
Time later, the invaders stole and melted all the gold during the Spanish Invasion. They also built a monastery on top of the temple that you can visit today. Therefore, many Cusco travel guides surely include this place because of its religious and cultural relevance. Likewise, it’s important to mention that you will not require too much time to visit it.
Shop at the San Pedro Market
Those who travel the Cusco tourist map cannot miss one of the main authentic attractions of the Imperial City. Inside this beautiful market, you will find everything, from local products to particular souvenirs. Likewise, you can approach eating many traditional foods and delicious fruit juices. Therefore, visiting it is one of the best Cusco travel tips, both for its authenticity and its unique hospitality.
Discover Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman is one of the best archaeological complexes within the Cusco tourist map. Likewise, many people believe that it previously had a military and religious function and a deep connection with history. However, today is the home of the Inti Raymi, one of the most Popular festivals of the city. Besides, the complex consists of walls that fortify the place; workers built these walls with huge stone blocks that weigh more than 300 tons.
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley is an unmissable destination if you visit Cusco because of its Inca ruins and indigenous towns. We recommend starting your trip here to acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness. Likewise, you will also find many luxury hotels and establishments to enjoy as a tourist. Aside from its iconic ancient Inca ruins, this fantastic place is home to numerous tours for all tastes.
Hike Rainbow Mountain
You can find this natural wonder approximately 3.5 hours from Cusco at a considerably high altitude of 5,000 meters. For a long time, this natural wonder remained hidden because of its remote location, especially from the imperial city. However, today it is one of its most popular attractions because of its natural and surrounding majesty. The erosion of metals and minerals creates incomparable landscapes of dozens of multicolored mountains.
Enjoy the long-awaited Machu Picchu
The ancient Inca citadel is the main attraction of Peru and the main reason to visit it. Thousands of tourists highly acclaim this wonder of the world, so you should book in advance. Although there are numerous ways to get there, each one will offer numerous scenic landscapes and experiences to admire. Thus, it’s certainly a location you must visit in Cusco.
Tourist Ticket
For those planning to visit Cusco’s main attractions, purchasing the local Tourist Ticket is essential. As a visitor, you should understand that there are places you can only access with this ticket. We recommend grouping your visits to attractions by area to make the most of your day. This ticket includes archaeological and cultural sites, and you’ll have plenty to see.
“LIFE OFFERS A THOUSAND CHANCES… ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TAKE ONE”
We understand you’re still wondering why visit Cusco, yet there are certain aspects to steer clear of. In the Imperial City, you’ll want to avoid secluded areas outside the historic center. Furthermore, the proximity of attractions makes this a completely walkable and enjoyable city. The Machu Travel Peru team hopes to have helped you understand some of the top destinations on the tourist map.
Cusco has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
