Top 20 Best Things to Do in Cusco
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Cusco

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  • Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchutop_1
    󰺂10
    Urubamba>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Sunrise & panoramic views spot
    󰋄Puerta del Sol: Perfect for Sunrise & Panoramic Views
    󱨠Saved by 155 users󱨠37% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    shanghaiboyushanghaiboyu

    Machu Picchu boasts 140 structures, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences, as well as over 100 stairways, numerous fountains, and a comprehensive water system. Abandoned during the Spanish invasion and the fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was discovered by Yale University professor Hiram Bingham in 1911. The ruins consist of two main areas: an urban area and an agricultural area, separated by a stone wall. Beyond the wall lie terraced agricultural areas, divided into high and low terraces depending on the terrain. The urban area is divided into three zones: the sacred area, the area for priests and nobles, and the southern area for commoners.

  • Qorikanchatop_2
    󰺂7.3
    Cusco63.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Cusco views & Andes beauty
    󱨜Inca religious & astronomical site
    󱨠45% positive reviews
    4.1/5
    chinadesk1chinadesk1

    The Temple of the Sun in Cusco has a long history. The ticket to the Temple of the Sun in Cusco (QORIKANCHA) is 15 pesos. There are many tourists, all of whom use headphones to listen to the explanations. Although there are many people, there is no noise. It is very large inside, and basically introduces religious content, Inca culture, and development during the Spanish colonial period. It shows that Cusco was the Inca center at that time. There is also an introduction to the architecture of the Inca period. The whole piece of large stone is stacked tightly without gaps, showing the original stone stacking. The courtyard is very large, and there is a well in the middle. The paintings on the wall show the ancient people's understanding and belief in the sun. It takes more than an hour to look closely.

  • Plaza Ollantaytambotop_3
    󰺂7.3
    Ollantaytambo>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° view of Machu Picchu & Andes
    󱓊Inca Sun Temple's architectural brilliance
    󱨠31% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    chinadesk1chinadesk1

    Ouyantai is a must-see when visiting Peru. Whether it is the unique terrain, the ancient plants or the simplicity of the descendants of the Incas, you will be moved. Ouyantai is an ancient town, not big, but there are many tourists. Accommodation and tourism facilities are complete.

  • Sacred Valley
    4
    󰺂7.1
    Urubamba87.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Famous for colorful craft market
    󰀆Known for its colorful handicraft market
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.1/5
    DEAR张小球DEAR张小球

    The Urubama River Valley is a very grand site. It was the agricultural center of the ancient Inca Empire. As for the site similar to terraced fields, it is still seen in the valley. The area is very large and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. It is a very important part of the ancient Inca Empire.

  • Saqsaywaman
    5
    󰺂6.8
    Cusco64.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜360° view of Cusco cityscape
    󰀆360° view of Cusco
    󱨠32% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    DEAR张小球DEAR张小球

    Sacsayhuaman is located on a high mountain, and its historical status is comparable to that of Machu Picchu, but its fame is relatively small. Standing in Sacsayhuaman and overlooking the entire city, it is still very beautiful

  • Cusco Cathedral
    6
    󰺂6.2
    1490.03
    Cusco64.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCusco Cathedral reopens | 2025
    Highlights:
    󰀆Next to Plaza & Cusco culture
    󰀆Open daily 6 AM-8 PM
    󱨠41% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    chinadesk1chinadesk1

    Mexico Cathedral (La Catedral de Mexico) is located in the Plaza de la Constitución. It is the largest and most important Catholic church in Mexico. There are many ornate relief paintings on the dome. The main altar is inlaid with various gold and silver jewels and noble and ornate carvings, as well as large religious paintings, and an ivory-carved statue of Christ on the cross in the middle.

  • Twelve Angled Stone
    7
    󰺂6.1
    Cusco64 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Hike Inca Trail & Andes ruins
    Nature & ruins along Inca Trail
    4.1/5
    DEAR张小球DEAR张小球

    It is a very magical place. It is hard to understand or imagine how people thousands of years ago could build stone walls so neatly. It is also a place with local characteristics, where you can appreciate the local customs.

  • Plaza de Armas
    8
    󰺂6.1
    Cusco64.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Buy unique souvenirs & local goods
    󰀆Traditional dance during Sun Festival
    󱨠44% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    泰宁根吴承恩泰宁根吴承恩

    I went to several cities in Peru and found that they all seemed to have a Plaza de Armas, which seemed to be a standard feature. The Plaza de Armas is very beautiful, with a church in the center. There was a show here at the time, and we happened to see a very good show.

  • Inka Museum
    9
    󰺂5.6
    Cusco64.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Show 8 rare Inca mummies
    󱨜Inca artifacts & ruins display
    4.5/5
    DEAR张小球DEAR张小球

    The Inca Museum is a museum we really want to visit during our trip to explore the ancient Inca country in Peru. Here, we can learn about the long civilization through cultural relics and historical materials, which makes our next trip to Machu Picchu more targeted.

  • Sacred Rock at Machu Picchu
    10
    󰺂5.5
    Urubamba>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Steep Huayna Picchu overlooking Machu Picchu
    󱓊Symbolic stone of Inca village
    4.0/5
    DEAR张小球DEAR张小球

    If we simply evaluate the sacred stone, it is just a big stone. But in Machu Picchu, this stone is given a sacred name, and it is also a must-see when going to Machu Picchu, attracting people to stop and take pictures.

Best things to do in Cusco (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Cusco? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Cusco offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Cusco

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Cusco experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

• Urubamba | >100 km from downtown

• : Sunrise & panoramic views spot,Puerta del Sol: Perfect for Sunrise & Panoramic Views

Qorikancha

• Cusco | 63.6 km from downtown

• : Cusco views & Andes beauty,Inca religious & astronomical site

Plaza Ollantaytambo

• Ollantaytambo | >100 km from downtown

• : 360° view of Machu Picchu & Andes,Inca Sun Temple's architectural brilliance

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Cusco

If you want to explore attractions just outside Cusco, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Cusco, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Cusco special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Cusco

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Cusco

Ready to explore the best of Cusco? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Cusco?
These are all Best Things to Do in Cusco:Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Qorikancha, Plaza Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Saqsaywaman
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Cusco?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Cusco include:Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu:4.7, Qorikancha:4.1, Plaza Ollantaytambo:4.3, Sacred Valley:4.1, Saqsaywaman:4.4
At what locations in Cusco can Best Things to Do in Cusco be found?
The Best Things to Do in Cusco are mainly located in:Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu:Urubamba, Qorikancha:Cusco, Plaza Ollantaytambo:Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley:Urubamba, Saqsaywaman:Cusco
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