Cusco is a breathtaking city in the Andes, once the capital of the Incan Empire. The history, culture, and immaculate views make Cusco a travel destination for the books.

So what to see and do while you’re in Cusco? Here are some recs we can 100% vouch for, and that will get you moving as you explore this ancient city.

1. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Many travelers go to Cusco for the primary purpose of visiting Machu Picchu. While there is a train that takes you directly there, we can’t recommend the hike enough.

After extensive research we chose to go through Peru Treks. They have great reviews, pay their porters well (which was super important for us), and were reasonably priced. We had an incredible experience with them and they truly made our experience once of a lifetime.

Company: Peru Treks perutreks.com

Cost: $650 USD, including all government fees and permits, transportation to the start of the hike, and the train ticket back to Cusco

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

What to expect: The hike is hard, not gonna lie, but very doable. There was a 60 year old woman in our group and people who didn’t work out at all, but we all made it. Prepare yourself for a challenging, beautiful, and rewarding 4 days!

2. Explore the San Blas Neighborhood

San Blas is a picturesque neighborhood in Cusco that has healthy food options, colorful cafes, kombucha and smoothie stands, and vendors selling jewelry, alpaca clothing, and more. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and get a feel for the old quarter that is still a hub for Peruvian tradition and culture. If you’re there on a Saturday, stop by the weekly street fair for food, drinks, and music.

3. Check Out the Coca Museum

The Coca Museum is right off the square in San Blas. While cocaine has taken over the public perception of coca, the leaf has it’s roots in traditional medicine. Visit to learn all about the history of the plant and how it evolved in traditional and mainstream culture, and get to buy plenty of coca products in the shop. Just make sure to finish all your coca chocolate and coca tea before going back through US customs!

4. Stroll through the Plaza de Armas

Right in the center of the Historic District, Plaza de Armas is the bustling hub for life in Cusco. Stroll around and see the cathedral and fountain, eat some food from a balcony overlooking the square, and stop in all the shops. Taking in the immaculate architecture and roaming the cobblestone streets is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

5. Hike to the Ruins of Sacsayhuaman

The Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman are on the outskirts of the northern part of the city. We decided to hike to the ruins and on the way got offered a chance to explore the ruins on horseback, which we gladly took! Whether on foot or on horseback, the vast ruins seated high above the city give you perspective and a deep sense of history. No visit to Cusco is complete without seeing the ruins for yourself.

6. Eat at Pachapapa

Pachapapa is the first restaurant we ate at in Cusco, and we went back two more times. The food is delicious, the ambiance is unique, and you can try things like guinea pig and alpaca! It’s a little touristy, but honestly so delicious you kinda forget. Definitely don’t miss it.

Booking a trip? Contact us for a personalized itinerary. Let us know how you spend your time in Cusco in the comments!

Get Moving: Cusco, Peru!