Cusco, Peru’s most famous city, where the impressive remnants of Inca civilization blend with Spanish colonial architecture.
The ancient imperial city, located at 3,400 meters altitude, was the capital of the former Inca Empire, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of South America’s most important tourist centers. Its unique atmosphere stems from the meeting of past and present: Spanish temples built on Inca foundations, bustling markets, and locals trading colorful textiles all contribute to the wonderful ambiance.
Table of Contents
Cusco attractions
Plaza de Armas
Located in the heart of Cusco, it is considered one of Peru’s most beautiful main squares.
During Inca times, it was known as Huacaypata and served as the ceremonial center of the empire, where the most important religious and state celebrations were held. The square’s current form was shaped by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, when they demolished Inca palaces and erected colonial-style buildings in their place.
The square is surrounded by imposing colonial buildings, including the cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. The bronze statue of Pachacutec in the center of the square commemorates the Inca ruler who made Cusco a great empire in the 15th century. Around the square, numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops can be found.
Cusco Cathedral (Catedral del Cusco)
Rising on the northern side of Plaza de Armas, it is one of South America’s most imposing colonial temples.
Construction began in 1559 and lasted nearly a century, while the building was erected on the foundations of the Inca Viracocha’s palace. The temple’s facade is Renaissance style, but the interior’s rich Baroque decoration offers a breathtaking sight.
Inside the cathedral is one of Latin America’s largest silver altars, as well as countless treasures, including beautiful paintings, carved altars, and gilded details. Its specialty is the unique fusion of Inca and Christian art visible here: local artists incorporated their own cultural symbols into Christian depictions, so for example, in the Last Supper painting, the disciples eat guinea pig, which is a characteristic element of Andean cuisine.
The large cross on the temple’s main altar is legendary, said to be the original cross brought to Cusco by the first Christians, allegedly possessing miraculous power. The cathedral is not only a religious center but also one of Peru’s most significant repositories of colonial art, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Templo de la Compañía de Jesús
The Church of the Society of Jesus stands on the southeastern corner of Plaza de Armas, and many consider it Peru’s most beautiful Baroque temple.
Construction began in 1571 under Jesuit leadership and was built on the ruins of Huayna Capac’s Inca palace. The temple’s facade is exceptionally richly decorated, where Inca and Spanish motifs blend harmoniously.
Its interior boasts a stunning gilded main altar and is decorated with valuable paintings and sculptures. The ceiling is adorned with beautiful wooden coffered covering, showing the work of local masters. The temple’s specialty is that it houses the statue of Cusco’s patron saint, the Señor de los Temblores (Lord of Earthquakes), which has survived numerous earthquakes in the city’s history.
In the chapel next to the temple is the famous „Virgen de la Almudena” painting, which local legends say was painted by Saint Luke himself. The Jesuits played a significant role in Cusco’s educational and cultural life, and their temple remains an important pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists.
Korikancha (Templo del Sol)
The „Golden Courtyard” was the Inca civilization’s most sacred temple, dedicated to the Sun God.
This was the religious center of the Inca Empire, where pilgrims came from all parts of the empire. The temple walls were originally covered with gold sheets, and the courtyard was decorated with life-sized golden llamas and corn stalks, all of which fell victim to Spanish conquest.
The temple’s Inca-era walls are still visible today and are stunning examples of precise Inca stonework: the massive granite blocks fit together so perfectly that a knife blade cannot fit between them. In 1633, the Spanish built Santo Domingo temple on the sacred Inca foundations, creating a strange contrast with the ancient walls. During earthquakes, the Spanish structure was repeatedly damaged, while the Inca walls remained intact.
Today, Korikancha also functions as a museum, where visitors can learn more about Inca civilization’s religious ceremonies, goldsmithing, and architectural wonders. Many still sense the site’s special energy, and Quechua-speaking locals still consider it a sacred place.
Monumento Inca Pachacutec
One of Cusco’s newest yet most impressive monuments, inaugurated in 2011 on San Cristóbal Hill in the southeastern part of the city.
This monumental work commemorates Emperor IX. Inca Pachacutec Yupanqui, who in the 15th century turned the small city-state of Cusco into a vast empire and whose name is associated with Cusco’s rise to become the dominant political and cultural center of the Andes. The 22.4-meter-high bronze statue is one of the largest Inca monuments in Latin America.
The monument was designed by Peruvian sculptor Gonzalo Gutiérrez, and the base of the statue houses an interactive museum that presents the life of Pachacutec and the history of the Inca civilization using modern audiovisual technology. The museum is spread over three floors and brings Inca history to life with holographic exhibitions, 3D projections, and interactive maps. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck inside the statue, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Qenqo Sanctuary
Just 3 kilometers from Cusco center, Qenqo is one of the most mystical Inca sanctuaries, carved into a natural rock formation.
Its name means „zigzag” in Quechua, referring to the complex channel system carved into the rock for religious ceremonies. The sanctuary was created around 1500 AD and played an important role in Inca religious life.
The sanctuary’s most impressive part is the underground chamber, accessible through a narrow tunnel. Here is the semicircular amphitheater, where mummification and other religious ceremonies probably took place. The niches and altars carved into the rock walls are still visible, used by priests during sacrificial ceremonies.
From the viewpoint atop Qenqo, a beautiful panorama opens over Cusco valley and the surrounding mountains. Around the sanctuary are numerous smaller rock carvings and terraces, all exemplifying the Inca civilization’s harmonious relationship with nature. The site remains a pilgrimage place for local shamans, who hold traditional ceremonies here.
12-Sided Stone
The famous stone is located in Cusco’s historic center, on Hatunrumiyoc street, and is the best-known example of Inca stonework mastery.
This multi-ton andesite block fits perfectly with the surrounding stones without the need for mortar. All 12 sides of the stone are at different angles, yet each meets perfectly with neighboring stones.
The stone is part of a wall system that once formed the foundation of Inca Roca’s palace, the 13th-century Inca ruler. Today, La Merced temple and the Archbishop’s Palace of Cusco stand on this site. The wall has stood unchanged for more than 600 years and has survived countless earthquakes without cracking.
Visitors often stop in front of the stone to try counting the angles and admire the precise fitting. Local guides proudly present this architectural wonder, which has become a symbol of Inca civilization’s technical advancement.
San Blas Quarter
Cusco’s most bohemian and artistic part, attracting visitors with its steep, narrow streets and beautiful views.
This historic neighborhood was once home to Inca nobility, later Spanish craftsmen and artists found homes here. The quarter’s name comes from the Saint Blaise temple, built in the 16th century.
The San Blas temple’s specialty is the world’s unique pulpit carved from a single cedar trunk, a Baroque masterpiece and one of Peru’s most beautiful wood carvings. In the streets around the temple are numerous art galleries, craft workshops, and cozy cafés where local artists display and sell their works.
Walking through the quarter’s streets, beautiful colonial architecture comes alive: colorful balconies, flower-decorated courtyards, and ancient stone walls alternate. From San Blas quarter’s viewpoints, a stunning panorama opens over Cusco’s downtown and surrounding mountains.
Sacsayhuamán
The monumental Inca fortress rising above the city is one of the world’s most impressive ancient architectural works and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The complex’s name means „satisfied falcon” in Quechua, referring to the strategic position from which the entire Cusco valley can be seen. The fortress was built in the 15th century with the participation of more than 20,000 workers, and its construction lasted about 60 years during the reigns of three Inca rulers: Pachacutec, Tupac Inca, and Huayna Capac.
Sacsayhuamán’s main attraction is the three parallel zigzag walls stretching more than 600 meters along the hillside. The walls are built from enormous, carefully fitted stone blocks, the largest of which weigh more than 100 tons and are 8 meters high. These granite blocks fit together with such precision that a knife blade cannot fit between them, and no binding material was used in construction.
The fortress’s specialty is that it was not only a military facility but also an important religious center. Here is the Muyuqmarka, the foundation of a circular tower that probably served astronomical observations and was the center of sun god worship. The complex contains numerous underground chambers, water reservoirs, and channel systems, all evidence of Inca hydraulic engineering knowledge. Spanish chroniclers reported that the fortress could supply and protect several thousand warriors.
Every year on June 24th, the Inti Raymi festival is held here, a spectacular Inca festival in honor of the sun god, which with thousands of participants and spectators is one of the continent’s largest cultural events.
Cristo Blanco Statue
The statue stands 200 meters above Cusco on Pukamoqo hill and is one of the city’s most famous symbols.
The 8-meter-high white Christ statue was completed in 1945 as a gift from the Palestinian community to Cusco, in gratitude for the city’s welcoming attitude during World War II. The statue resembles Rio de Janeiro’s famous Cristo Redentor statue, though it is much smaller.
The road to the statue takes about 20-30 minutes on foot from the city center, with stunning views along the way. Around the statue are picnic areas where families often spend weekends. The site is also popular with hikers and runners.
Best museums in Cusco
Inca Museum
Located in Cusco’s historic center, in the colonial building called Admiral’s House, which is itself a historic monument.
The museum houses Peru’s most significant Inca collection, providing a comprehensive picture of Andean civilizations from pre-Inca cultures to Spanish conquest. The building with its beautiful colonial courtyard and balconies is already a sight in itself.
Its collection contains several thousand archaeological finds: gold and silver objects, textiles, ceramics, weapons, and tools, all showing the richness of Inca culture. Particularly valuable are the textile collection pieces, some of which are more than a thousand years old yet remain in perfect condition thanks to the dry Andean climate. The museum also displays mummified bodies and skulls that reveal Inca burial customs.
Visitors can learn about Inca technologies, such as quipu knot writing and terraced agriculture. One of the museum’s specialties is that it also holds live demonstrations: local master women weave and dye using traditional methods, so visitors can see with their own eyes how Inca textiles were made.
Museo de Arte Precolombino
One of Cusco’s most elegant museums, housed in a beautiful colonial palace next to Plaza de las Nazarenas.
Opened in 2002, it presents the finest pieces of Peruvian pre-Columbian art in chronological order, from 1250 BC to Spanish conquest. The building itself represents artistic value: the 16th-century Casa Cabrera palace with its beautiful inner courtyards and uncovered Inca wall remains.
The museum’s 11 rooms contain more than 450 artifacts representing the gold, silver, ceramic, and textile art of ancient Peruvian cultures. The collection’s specialty is that it excels not in quantity but quality: every single exhibited item is a masterpiece representing the pinnacle of pre-Columbian art. The Moche culture’s realistic portrait vessels and Nazca ceramic geometric decorations deserve special attention.
One of the most impressive sections is the goldsmith collection, showing how gold became not a store of value but a religious and power symbol in Andean cultures. The museum uses modern exhibition technology: every object receives separate lighting, and detailed explanations aid understanding. The museum restaurant offers excellent international and Peruvian cuisine in beautiful surroundings.
Cusco Regional History Museum
The museum is located in the Garcilazo de la Vega house, which was once Inca Huascar’s palace.
It presents the history of Cusco region from pre-Inca times to modern times, with special emphasis on the colonial period and independence wars. The building itself has historical significance: Garcilaso de la Vega, the famous Inca-Spanish historian, was born here.
The museum boasts a rich painting collection featuring works of the Cusco school. This 16th-18th century artistic movement uniquely combined Spanish Baroque style with Andean motifs. The paintings show angels in Inca noble dress, and European religious scenes take place in Andean landscapes. Works by Diego Quispe Tito and Marcos Zapata are particularly valuable.
Another specialty is the collection of colonial furniture and objects, showing the lifestyle of Spanish nobility in Cusco. The museum preserves original writings and personal items of the revolutionary Tupac Amaru, who led an uprising against Spanish rule in 1780. Among the exhibitions are important documents and maps of the city’s history.
Attractions around Cusco
Puka Pukara
The „Red Fortress” is located 7 kilometers from Cusco city, at 3,700 meters above sea level.
This stunning Inca structure was built in the 15th century and presumably served as a military outpost and defense point for the Tambomachay bath complex. It got its name from the reddish rock from which it was built, which takes on particularly spectacular colors at sunset.
The complex consists of terraces, chambers, aqueducts, and storage places, all masterpieces of functional Inca architecture. The fortress is located on three levels and stands in a strategic location: from here there is an excellent view of the valley and all nearby Inca sites. Most of the walls still stand, and the precise fittings and water drainage system elements are clearly visible.
Archaeologists believe that Puka Pukara served not only military purposes but was also a site for religious ceremonies. The complex contains structures that could have served astronomical observations. Beautiful hiking trails start from the site to the surrounding mountains, and it is especially popular at sunrise and sunset when the stones glow in fiery red.
Tambomachay
The „Inca Bath” is one of Cusco’s most mystical and beautiful archaeological sites, just 8 kilometers from the city center.
This 15th-century structure was a sanctuary dedicated to water worship, where Inca nobility performed religious purification ceremonies. The complex’s name means „resting place” in Quechua, indicating that Inca rulers frequently stayed here.
Tambomachay’s main feature is the complex water system that still works today: mountain spring water flows down through decorated stone channels and pools on multiple levels. The water flows in three separate streams, and local legend says each spring has different healing powers. Inca engineers designed the system with such precision that it has never dried up over the centuries.
The sanctuary consists of three terraces supported by monumental stone walls. The top level contains the main temple, the middle has ceremonial pools, and the bottom has ritual baths. The stonework is so fine that the walls feel smooth to touch. The area around Tambomachay remains a sacred place for local shamans, who hold water purification ceremonies here.
Pisac
One of the Sacred Valley’s most beautiful sites, 33 kilometers east of Cusco.
The town consists of two parts: modern Pisac in the valley, famous for its colorful market, and the Inca ruins on the mountaintop, which is one of Peru’s most impressive archaeological complexes. Inca Pisac was a strategically important fortress that dominated the eastern entrance to the Sacred Valley.
The archaeological park includes more than 600 terraces carved into the steep mountainside, still providing a stunning sight today. The terraces were supplied with water by a complex irrigation system, and remains of water reservoirs and channels are still visible. At the complex’s highest point stands the Intihuatana, the „Sun Binder”, a ritual stone used for astronomical observations that still works accurately today.
Modern Pisac town is famous for its traditional market, which opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Here, Quechua families from surrounding villages sell their grown vegetables, fruits, and traditional handicrafts. The market is a paradise of colorful fabrics, alpaca wool products, and ceramics decorated with ancient Inca symbols. Local restaurants serve traditional Andean dishes, including the famous roasted guinea pig.
Moray
One of the Sacred Valley’s most mystical sites, located about 50 kilometers northwest of Cusco.
This special Inca facility is a terrace system of concentric circles that looks like a giant natural amphitheater. The largest of the three main „circuses” is 30 meters deep, and each level creates a different microclimate due to altitude differences.
Archaeologists believe Moray was the Inca empire’s agricultural experimental station, where different plants were tested under various climatic conditions. Between the top and bottom terraces, there can be up to a 15°C temperature difference, allowing simultaneous cultivation of tropical and temperate zone plants. This was a revolutionary agricultural innovation that contributed to the Inca empire’s food self-sufficiency.
The site’s uniqueness comes from each terrace containing different types of soil brought from different regions. Recent research shows that ancestors of more than 3,000 potato varieties can be found here, proving that Moray indeed functioned as an agricultural gene bank. Visitors can still perceive the climate differences between different levels, and the panorama is stunning: the pattern of perfect circles provides a unique sight.
Chinchero
The magical village lies 28 kilometers from Cusco at 3,762 meters altitude, combining Inca heritage with traditional Andean lifestyle.
The colonial temple in the village center rests on Inca foundations, and its walls are covered with frescoes decorated with beautiful flower motifs and religious scenes. The market next to the temple opens on Sundays, where locals still practice barter trade as their ancestors did centuries ago.
Chinchero’s specialty is textile art: local Quechua women still create their colorful fabrics using traditional Inca techniques. In the weaving workshop in the village center, ancient procedures can be viewed: making natural dyes from cochineal insects, plants, and minerals, spinning thread from alpaca and llama wool, and hand-weaving complex patterns. These techniques are unchangingly passed down from mother to daughter.
The village surroundings are encircled with Inca terraces still used for potato and corn cultivation. Among archaeological sites, the royal palace ruins stand out, where legend says Inca Tupac’s summer residence stood. From Chinchero’s viewpoints, a wonderful panorama opens over the Sacred Valley and surrounding snow-capped peaks, including the Salkantay and Veronica mountains.
Cusco weather: when is the best time to travel?
Cusco is located 3,400 meters above sea level, so its climate differs significantly from typical tropical weather. The city has a subtropical mountain climate, where temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, but there is a significant difference between rainy and dry seasons.
Dry season (May-September):
This period is ideal for travel, when there is barely any precipitation and days are sunny and pleasant. Daytime temperature ranges between 18-22°C, but at night it can drop below 0°C. The sky is clear, providing excellent photography conditions.
Rainy season (November-March):
During this period, afternoon showers and thunderstorms are frequent, but mornings are usually sunny. Temperature is slightly higher, 20-24°C during the day, 5-8°C at night. The landscape is greener and more flourishing, but excursions are weather-dependent.
Transition periods (April, October):
During these months, changeable weather is characteristic, with less rain but variable conditions.
Best time to travel:
The most ideal time to visit Cusco is between May and September, especially from June to August. During this period, precipitation is minimal, sunshine duration is maximum, and temperature is also pleasant. This is peak season, so it’s worth booking accommodations in advance. Due to dry weather, hiking, visiting archaeological sites, and photography are all under optimal conditions. It’s important to note that due to high altitude, nights can be cold even in summer, so warm clothing is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuzco
Cuzco is located in the Peruvian time zone (PET, UTC-5) and does not observe daylight saving time.
Peru’s official languages are Spanish and Quechua. Both languages are spoken in Cuzco, but Spanish is dominant. English is generally understood in tourist centers, hotels, and larger restaurants, but it’s less common in local markets and smaller shops. It’s worth learning some basic Spanish phrases before traveling.
The official currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). Cash is very commonly used, especially in markets, smaller restaurants, and local shops. Credit cards are also accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and tourist services. US dollars are also widely accepted in the tourism sector. However, it’s advisable to always carry local money for smaller expenses.
Cuzco airport (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport) is located just 5 kilometers from the city. You can get to the center by taxi, airport transfer, or local bus. Taxi is the most convenient option, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Local buses also run, but they are less comfortable, especially with luggage.
Cuzco’s historic center is relatively small and walkable. For longer distances, taxi or collectivo (shared taxi) is the best choice. Traffic is difficult on the city’s narrow streets, so walking is often faster. Due to the altitude, it’s worth moving slowly and taking frequent breaks.
Cusco is generally a safe tourist destination, especially in the central areas. However, it’s worth being careful of pickpockets, especially in crowded markets and tourist attractions. At night, avoid poorly lit streets and suburban areas. Always keep valuables in a safe place.
The best choice is the historic center (Centro Histórico), where the main attractions are within walking distance. The San Blas neighborhood is popular for its artistic atmosphere and charming accommodations on narrow streets. The Plaza de Armas area is practical but can be noisy. Areas at higher elevations have less intense traffic but steeper roads.
The locals are friendly and patient. Respect Quechua culture and traditions. In religious places, especially churches, wear appropriate clothing. If photographing locals, ask for permission first. Chewing coca leaves is a local custom against altitude sickness – don’t judge this practice.
Plaza de Armas: The city’s main square with beautiful colonial architecture and cathedral.
Sacsayhuamán: Impressive Inca fortress above the city with massive stone blocks.
San Pedro Central Market: Authentic local market with colorful products and food.
Qorikancha (Sun Temple): Remains of the Incas’ most important temple.
San Blas neighborhood: Art center with narrow streets, galleries, and workshops.
Cuy (guinea pig): Traditional Peruvian specialty, considered a festive dish.
Alpaca steak: Local meat that is a healthy and delicious alternative.
Quinoa soup: Nutritious and healthy soup with the local superfood.
Anticucho: Spiced beef heart skewers.
Chicha morada: Traditional drink made from purple corn.