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Looking for the absolute best things to do in Cusco, Peru? Whether you want a memorable day trip or to find the best city sights, we’ve got you covered.
When I first traveled to Cusco, I was overwhelmed by the amount of bucket list activities I wanted to check off. Luckily, I found some amazing tours that let me do all those things and more, like hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, taking a Peruvian cooking class, and seeing all the historic city sights.
I’ve put the top things to do in Cusco into one easy blog. All you’ll have to do is read through it, book your favorite activity, and pack your bags!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco. If you’re short on time, you can still experience this incredible sight, and all the details are taken care of for you. Read the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is popular so I highly recommend booking it in advance!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- Things to do in Cusco, Peru
- 1. Peruvian Cooking Class and Market Tour
- 2. Day Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco
- 3. Hike the Salkantay Trek
- 4. Cusco Sightseeing Tour with a visit to Sacsayhuaman Archeological Park
- 5. Sacred Valley Day Tour
- 6. Rainbow Mountain Afternoon Hiking Tour
- 7. Cusco Food Tour
- 8. Humantay Lake Tour
- 9. Chocolate Making Class at the Chocolate Museum
- 10. Horseback riding
- Where to Stay in Cusco
- Thanks for reading!
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Cusco, Peru
1. Peruvian Cooking Class and Market Tour
One of our favorite ways to dive into culture is by food – and Peruvian food is some of the best! We had so much fun taking this Peruvian cooking class, but it was more than just cooking – we got to visit a local market too!
The tour is led by a chef, so going through the market with a local, and learning about the ingredients and where they are from was such an immersive experience. And we hadn’t even started cooking yet!
After the market, we hit the kitchen and made a starter, two mains, dessert, and pisco sours (Peru’s national drink). I think we snacked and drank more than we actually cooked, but that’s just our style! This tour only allows 12 people to join, so we had a fun time with our group and it was small enough that we got one-on-one attention from the chef (and we needed it!).
The class runs for 4 hours and you can choose to prepare lunch or dinner, with tours starting at 9 am or 3 pm daily. It includes all ingredients and you get to eat what you made after, plus the chef and their expertise for $59 USD per person. Alcoholic drinks are available for an extra cost.
We had so much fun on this tour, and with over 250 5-star reviews, it is one of the best Cusco experiences you can have!
Book this top-rated tour with FREE cancellation online here!
2. Day Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Visiting Machu Picchu is obviously one of the biggest draws for travelers coming to Cusco – it certainly was for us! As we researched, we quickly realized that visiting this legendary site is a bit tricky. So we decided to join this full-day Machu Picchu tour, and our experience was exceptional!
The tour made visiting Machu Picchu seamless. It offers private transport to and from your hotel, gives you transportation options, and takes care of all the details. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention our wonderful tour guide, Julio, who was a wealth of knowledge and super fun to hang out with.
Our day started with a front-door pick-up, which was so convenient because it was early! We were transported to the train, where we got to choose our level of comfort. We booked the Expedition Train, which is pretty basic but comfortable enough for the 3.5-hour journey to Aguas Calientes.
Once we reached Aguas Calientes, it’s a short 30-minute bus ride to reach Machu Picchu! We had a 2-hour walking tour with our guide, who was a wealth of information. But I was so thankful to have some time to explore on our own and really take in this incredible place.
What we really appreciated about this full-day experience is that it took care of so many details for use, such as roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, and the guide, so we didn’t have any surprise expenses. We just had to pay for lunch! If you only have one day to spend at Machu Picchu, this is the best tour option from Cusco.
This tour only accommodates a small group, which we loved because we could make a few friends without getting overwhelmed by a large group. Before you take off, read our full guide to visiting Machu Picchu so you’re well prepared!
Book this Machu Picchu day tour with HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews here!
3. Hike the Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is an amazing hiking option and such a memorable way to experience Machu Picchu. It’s less popular than the ever-famous Inca Trail, but honestly a better trekking option, in my opinion! We booked this epic 5-day trek on the Salkantay Trek, which took care of all of our trekking logistics. It was a breeze, except for the strenuous hike of course!
The Salkantay Trail is 74 km (46 mi) and reaches an elevation of 4,600 m (15,100 ft). You really go a long way on this trail and get to see a variety of landscapes, natural wonders, and of course, impressive Incan ruins.
Some of my favorite stops along this route were Humantay Lake, with its turquoise water, and the top of the Salkantay Pass (we were so high you could see for what felt like forever below). I also loved our visit to a coffee farm for a tour and some caffeine!
The trek ends with visiting Machu Picchu, which makes reaching this destination extra rewarding as you just spent the last four days working to get there. But the real cherry on top is a visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. This was just what my sore muscles needed after days of climbing mountains!
Honestly, out of all the things you can do out of Cusco, I think this one is my favorite! The Salkantay Trek is so unbelievably beautiful and has a variety of scenery, wildlife, and history along the trail.
This epic 5-day excursion includes all transportation during the trek (except walking – you have to do that on your own), guides, porters, cooks, and entrance to all other activities (the coffee farm, Machu Picchu, hot springs, etc.). It also includes all of your meals and one night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes – that’s a lot included for $698 USD! You can also rent gear from them including sleeping bags and air mattresses if you need it!
Book this tour with 450+ 5-star reviews here, before the dates fill up.
4. Cusco Sightseeing Tour with a visit to Sacsayhuaman Archeological Park
There are so many great day trips from Cusco that it can be easy to whisk off to another adventure. But we found Cusco to be a fascinating city, with lots of history and culture right at our fingertips. Plus, right outside of Cusco is Sacsayhuamán, another set of ancient ruins that are impressive, to say the least!
We wanted to learn all about both of these things, so we joined this city sightseeing and Sacsayhuamán archeological tour. Throughout our 3.5 hours of guided exploration, we got such a good feel for the city’s history and learned a ton. So as we wandered by ourselves after, we understood the significance of buildings and the culture we were experiencing.
Our favorite part of the day was touring the Sacsayhuamán Fortress. This is the largest structure built during the Incan Empire and dates back to the 15th century. We were blown away as our guide explained how this massive complex was built by hand – they said it took about 20,000 men! We spent 2 hours here, which I felt was a good amount of time, as there is a lot to take in.
We also visited the ancient temple and sacrificial altar of Qenqo, and then the Tambomachay archeological site, where the upper-class Incans lived. Our tour ended by exploring the famous Plaza de Armas in central Cusco and the Qorikancha Temple.
We saw so much in this city and archeological tour, it was truly a great value for money. It’s also a great half-day activity if you’re short on time and want to deep dive into all things Cusco! I recommend taking it early in your trip to get a feel for the city.
It includes all your entrance fees, transportation from your hotel, and your wonderful guide for $79 USD.
Book this Cusco city tour in advance here and access FREE cancellation options.
5. Sacred Valley Day Tour
The Sacred Valley is another top reason why people travel to Peru – and since it’s within close proximity, Cusco is the perfect hub to explore it! The Sacred Valley is huge and there is a lot to see (Machu Picchu is part of it), so we opted to take a tour to try and see as much as we could with our limited time.
We joined this full-day tour because they made an effort to get away from the typical tourist sites and keep the group size small. This meant we could see more of the stunning valley and have a more intimate experience.
Our guide picked us up from our hotel in Cusco at 6:45 am and we instantly started learning about Peruvian culture. Our first stop was Chinchero where we saw a farm of guinea pigs and alpacas and a traditional style of weaving. It was a great way to start the day!
Next, we made our way to the Moray ruins. These ancient structures date back to Inca times, and it was fascinating to see such advanced engineering methods for that time period. We then headed to Maras to explore salt ponds that were hundreds of years old. While their age is impressive, the sheer number of them was equally impressive – there were thousands! If you’ve ever seen a photo of the Sacred Valley, it was probably here.
The final stop took us to a traditional Peruvian lunch (perhaps my favorite part) and then we went to more ruins in Ollantaytambo. We learned that Ollantaytambo is significant because it was previously Machu Picchu’s entrance. I loved knowing I was standing on important historic grounds – they call it the Sacred Valley for a reason!
This 12-hour tour includes transportation all day, lunch, and your guide, who was probably the most important part of the day! You will need to pay for entrance fees, so bring about 80 Peruvian Soles ($22 USD) in cash. This tour is $139 USD per person and requires a minimum of 2 per booking.
Book this tour with over 500 glowing reviews here!
6. Rainbow Mountain Afternoon Hiking Tour
We went on this afternoon Rainbow Mountain tour and it was one of the most spectacular hikes we did in Peru! As you can see from the photos, this hike is not lacking in scenery. From the painted mountain tops to those sky-high views, this experience has stuck with me for years.
It is also not for the faint of heart! This trek is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), and while that isn’t terribly long in distance, the altitude is the kicker. The hike starts at 4,326 meters (14,189 feet) and will reach 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) at the peak. Although it was somewhat difficult, we thought it was completely worth the effort!
Rainbow Mountain is 82 kilometers (51 miles) from Cusco and takes about 3 hours to get there. Joining a tour is definitely the easiest way to get there, find the trail, and ensure you are hiking safely. And while most people go for an early morning hike, we decided to beat the crowds and join this afternoon hike (which means we also got to sleep in later).
The tour was a small group, which made staying together as a trekking group easy. They picked us up from our hotel in Cusco around 8 am and provided a guide, lunch, snacks, and trekking poles if needed, so it was a really inclusive day!
We were grateful to have our knowledgeable guides to encourage us to keep going and teach us about the history and geology of the area. Turns out, this mountain was covered with snow and ice until about a decade ago – that’s why it’s so popular now!
If hiking isn’t your thing and you still want to experience Rainbow Mountain, you can ride a horse for 70 soles (around $19 USD). You can’t reserve the horse in advance, so none may be available. But since this hike takes off in the afternoon, rather than the peak morning hours, you’re more likely to secure one.
This was truly a full-day experience, as you’ll be gone for about 10-12 hours. It is $89 USD for everything included, except entrance fees, which are 30 soles (about $8 USD) – be sure to have cash.
Check availability and book this tour with FREE cancellation here.
7. Cusco Food Tour
Have dinner plans? Now you do! Snack and sightsee at the same time with this Walking Food Tour of Cusco. You’ll get to sample a bunch of sweet and savory options, including local dishes like papas (potatoes), meats, and sweet treats. You’ll meet and learn from some of the street food vendors as you taste their delicious meals.
What I like about food tours like this one is it gets you out of your comfort zone. You’ll have a guide helping you, so you’ll likely try a few things you might not have if you were on your own. It’s also a good chance to learn about the city and walk around in the evening.
This is a dinner tour that starts at 5 pm and leaves from the central location of Plaza Santa Catalina. It’s $70 USD per person, which includes all the food!
Check availability and book your spot on this tasty tour, before it sells out!
8. Humantay Lake Tour
Located about a three-hour drive from Cusco, Humantay Lake is a sight well worth the hike to get here. The view of this turquoise lake at the base of the Humantay Glacier is absolutely unreal! The scenic body of water is really high up, located at 13,779 feet (4,200 meters).
It’s not easy to get here, so I suggest joining a guided tour like this Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco. You’ll not only have transportation and a guide for the strenuous hike but also breakfast before the hike and a well-earned buffet lunch at base camp afterward. Your guide can also tell you more about the lake’s sacred place in Inca mythology while you climb.
This is not a hike to be taken lightly as the elevation and altitude make it extra challenging. Expect about a two-hour hike once you arrive and the lake and about half the time to get back. You will really earn the incredible view of Humantay Lake once you arrive!
The guided tour is only $37 USD per person, which is a great deal for a full-day tour.
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
9. Chocolate Making Class at the Chocolate Museum
While you may think museums are only for art, think again! Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the Chocolate Museum in Cusco. This museum showcases the local production of chocolate and is a tasty addition to your sightseeing.
You can pop into the museum any day of the week from 9 am to 7:30 pm. Short tours around the facility are free, but I recommend taking a workshop if you can.
The top tour here is this Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop. You’ll learn how to make chocolate and get creative to make some of your own. You’ll also learn more about the history of cocoa and why Peru is one of the top chocolate producers on the globe. We had so much fun and thought this was a totally unique experience in Cusco – I’d recommend it to any traveler!
It’s also a good deal at $34 USD, and you get to take home what you make! It included all of our cooking materials and we got to sample drinking chocolates. This was a fantastic tour for a sweet tooth like me!
Check out the 250+ 5-star reviews and book this sweet experience before you go here.
10. Horseback riding
Give your feet a break and see some of the most famous Inca ruins in the Cusco area while exploring on horseback. This is such a neat experience and a unique Cusco activity to take part in while you’re here.
Join this horseback riding adventure to explore Sacsayhuaman National Park, which is stunning and full of history! There are a lot of ancient Incan temples, such as Inkilltambo (the Temple of the Moon), Amaru Wasi (a healing ritual site), and Chuspiyoq (which is Inka’s Face). Our guide knew an impressive amount of detail about these places and the Incan traditions – we learned so much!
Plus the mountain views on horseback were seriously impressive, perhaps even more than the ruins!
This tour included roundtrip transportation from Cusco, your guide, and the horse (no need to bring your own!). It’s $58 USD and lasts for about 4 hours.
Check availability and book this horseback riding tour here, with free cancellation before you go.
Where to Stay in Cusco
We recommend planning to stay at least a few days in Cusco because of all the things to do in the city and leaving enough time to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. There are plenty of options for accommodations, from reasonably priced hostels to more luxurious hotels, depending on your budget. These are the places that top our list of recommendations!
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco – $$$
If you can spend a bit more during your stay, soak up the incredible architecture and location at Palacio del Inka located in the city center. This luxurious hotel offers delightful amenities like an internal courtyard perfect for stargazing, excellent dining options, and an indoor swimming pool and fitness center for an additional fee. The interior design combines bold, traditional works of art with modern-day comforts like wifi and cable TV. If you’re feeling the altitude, oxygen and coca tea are available by request.
The price tag here starts at around $380 USD per night. You can check availability and book Palacio del Inka online here.
Casa Matara Boutique – $$
For a mid-range option, we love Casa Matara Boutique for its central location – it’s within walking distance to the main square and lots of top attractions. The breakfast here is excellent, the staff is amazing and so willing to help with everything, and the whole place gives off a cozy and charming atmosphere.
Rooms here are around $90 USD a night. To snag this deal, check availability and book Casa Matara Boutique online here.
Selina Plaza De Armas – $
The Selina Plaza De Armas is a budget-friendly option that offers shared dorm rooms, private rooms, or even unique outdoor tent accommodations. It’s only a short walk from Plaza De Armas and the cathedral, so you’re staying right in the action. The hotel also has a beautiful lobby with a glass-covered patio you can relax in.
Dorm rooms are around $30-$50 USD per night, and the teepee tents are under $100 USD. You can book a stay at Selina Plaza De Armas on Hostelworld.com or through Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Cusco is a destination famous for its history and the perfect place to write some of your own history while you’re here. Whether you are in awe at the incredible ruins, hiking for breathtaking (literally!) views, wandering around the city to see the architecture and beautiful churches or even shopping for something made of alpaca wool at a local market, you won’t get bored in Cusco, Peru.
If Peru is on your bucket list, check out more of our Peru blogs here to help plan your trip. You’ll get lots of tips and ideas to plan your own journey.
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