They have arrived in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire and now the heart of the Andes in Peru. You’re probably wondering what to do with your time here… what to see, where to go, where to eat! ? I spent a few days in Cusco discovering exactly what you shouldn’t miss.
3 Days in Cusco: A Complete Guide to Cusco City
Cusco (or Cusco in Spanish) is a hub of the Peruvian Andes. Thousands of international visitors arrive here every day, heading to Machu Picchu, home to the famous Inca ruins and a few hours away on land transport. At an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level, the city is higher in the clouds than Machu Picchu, making it the perfect stopover for a few days to make the most of your time in Peru.
Cusco is both the Cusco region and the capital of Cusco, and was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th to the 16th centuries before the Spanish conquest. According to Visitor Stats, more than 2 million travelers arrive at Cusco per year…and for good reason! Let’s take a look at Cusco.
Things you won’t miss in Cusco
There are a few things you won’t miss in Cusco City.
Saksaywaman
This UNESCO World Heritage Site protected site is an important stop for several reasons. First, due to its historical importance, it is most visible on a large stone wall, as it is an important sight to see Inca engineering. Secondly, it offers fantastic views of the city! Make time during your stay as you will only pay 5-10 sols to arrive here in the northern suburbs of the city.
Cusco Cathedral
Along with other incredible architecture at Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral is a sight to behold. Make sure to visit the interior as it is as impressive as anything you will marvel from the outside.
Parade Ground
Main Square cannot be visited on a trip to Cusco, but it is still worth mentioning as you can find many sights, restaurants and places of interest named in this article. If they are not in and out of the square immediately, they are nearby!
Where to eat in Cusco
Greens Organic
Best: Healthy, heartfelt vegetarian
This was my favorite eatery in Cusco. The food is incredibly fulfilling and very healthy. My favorite items on the menu were the quinoa “risotto” with Portobello mushrooms, asparagus and parmesan. I also loved the mango smoothies.
Greens @sta Catalina Angosta, Find Cusco
solar
Best: French, atmosphere
If you’re looking for something a little more romantic, look no further than Le Soleil. You pay around $8-$25 for a meal, so there are certainly cheap options around town, but the atmosphere is well worth it!
Fint Le Soil @ Calle San Financial 275, Cusco
Cafe Morena
Perfect for: Regional Peruvian Cuisine
When I read about it online, I first heard about Cafe Morena. It’s a great place to stop by for a light part-time job or a local lunch, especially if you want to sample some great Peruvian food without paying too much. As with the food, the prices are very appealing!
Cafe Morena @348b Calle Platros, Find Cusco
Where to shop in Cusco
If there’s one thing that’s certain, it means you don’t have a hard time finding a place to shop in or around Cusco. You will soon find that most people want to sell you something. Most merchants sell the same items, so be sure to compare prices.
If you’re looking for real alpaca material, Alpaca 3 With Ruinas 312.
The best place to visit for art and crafts Cusco Traditional Textile Centeroperates under fair trade practices. You will find them in AV. Elsol 603.
Best Activities in Cusco
If you have extra time in town, there are some great activities/classes to keep you busy!
Chocolate Mujo Chocolate Making Class
For around $25, you can enjoy a two-hour chocolate making class in the city centre. The class is more or less a lesson from history of how to make chocolate (it has a bit of flavor, but there is very little chocolate making), but that’s a good way to go for a while. The best part – you can take your chocolate home with you! For obvious reasons, make sure to eat it immediately!
Garcilazo Carre 210, Cusco, Peru
+51 84 244765
Cusco Cuisine Class
If you’re looking for a more complicated cooking class (teaching local cuisine), head to Cusco cuisine. It is located in the same location as the Choco Museum (above).
Hiking to Cristo Blanco
If you’re looking for something more outdoors, why not hike to Christ Blanco, the statue of the Savior? Getting there is easy and you can start from any point in town. Simply head towards the tall white statue above Hillouette Boiler!
We visited Cusco as part of our Trafalgar “Highlights of Peru” tour.