Choose from 39 Fun Things to Do in Cusco
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 39 listings.
Qorikancha
The Inca site of Qorikancha forms the foundations of the colonial church of Santo Domingo, creating an unusual combination of monolithic Inca and arched colonial architecture.
Qorikancha means ‘Golden Courtyard’, and in Inca times the temple walls were clad with 700 sheets of solid gold, proving a tempting lure for the conquistadors. The gold sheets and gold and silver statues are gone, melted down and recast by the Spanish, but the impressively hewn curved wall of basalt stonework remains.
The temple complex is thought to have been built by the first Inca emperor, Manco Capac, 100 years before the coming of the Spaniards. It was built as an observatory and religious temple to the sun, housing the mummified bodies of the Inca rulers.
When you enter the courtyard, imagine the octagonal front clad with solid gold, flanked by temples to the moon and the stars draped in solid silver.
Qorikancha means ‘Golden Courtyard’, and in Inca times the temple walls were clad with 700 sheets of solid gold, proving a tempting lure for the conquistadors. The gold sheets and gold and silver statues are gone, melted down and recast by the Spanish, but the impressively hewn curved wall of basalt stonework remains.
The temple complex is thought to have been built by the first Inca emperor, Manco Capac, 100 years before the coming of the Spaniards. It was built as an observatory and religious temple to the sun, housing the mummified bodies of the Inca rulers.
When you enter the courtyard, imagine the octagonal front clad with solid gold, flanked by temples to the moon and the stars draped in solid silver.
Practical Info
Qorikancha is a couple of blocks southwest of Cusco’s city center, best reached by strolling down pedestrianized Loreto and Pampa del Castillo.
Address: Plaza Santo Domingo, Cusco, Peru
Hours: Mon - Sat 8:30am - 5:30pm, Sun 2pm - 5pm
Admission: Adults: 6 Nuevos Soles
From $ 28
Quechua Village
The Quechua are the indigenous people of the Andes, and their language is also called Quechua. The Inca used the Quechua language to unify their empire, fanning out from Cusco, where the language was also influenced by Aymara.
The word Quechua was used to describe an area of land that was suitable for growing maize, and it remains the ideal word to describe the fertile Sacred Valley.
Today the Quechua villages provide a window into the past, inhabited by the Inca descendants who have preserved the handicraft traditions of their forebears.
Visit a Quechua village like Pisac, Pisco or Chincheros on market day and you’ll get a real feel for daily life in these Andean mountain towns. Bartering and haggling are the norm, and the stalls are filled with colorful woven clothing, rugs, ceramics and toys.
To join in community life in a Quechua village, join a Sacred Valley Community Small Group Tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Along the way you’ll visit a traditional Quechua village and have the chance to meet the locals and join in a community activity if you like - depending on the time of year, it could be fishing, farming, sport, cooking or teaching.
The word Quechua was used to describe an area of land that was suitable for growing maize, and it remains the ideal word to describe the fertile Sacred Valley.
Today the Quechua villages provide a window into the past, inhabited by the Inca descendants who have preserved the handicraft traditions of their forebears.
Visit a Quechua village like Pisac, Pisco or Chincheros on market day and you’ll get a real feel for daily life in these Andean mountain towns. Bartering and haggling are the norm, and the stalls are filled with colorful woven clothing, rugs, ceramics and toys.
To join in community life in a Quechua village, join a Sacred Valley Community Small Group Tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Along the way you’ll visit a traditional Quechua village and have the chance to meet the locals and join in a community activity if you like - depending on the time of year, it could be fishing, farming, sport, cooking or teaching.
Practical Info
The Quechua villages of the Sacred Valley are an easy day trip from Cusco, best visited on a tour.
Address: Peru
From $ 79
Aguas Calientes
If you're visiting Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s a good chance you'll pass through the small pueblo of Aguas Calientes en route. This gateway town to Peru’s famous Incan ruins sits nestled in a valley of cloud forest, where a series of natural hot springs gives the town its name.
The Basics
The majority of travelers to Peru come to see the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and almost all of them will spend at least a little time in the town of Aguas Calientes. The train taking passengers from Cusco to Machu Picchu stops at Aguas Calientes, where day-trippers then board a bus to the ruins. Visitors on overnight itineraries, including those hiking the Inca Trail, often spend the night in the village before rising early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s a good idea to book your stay and Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance, particularly during high season.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly between town and the ruins.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, several of which depart Cusco daily for the journey of one hour and 45 minutes. A bus runs from town up to Machu Picchu.
When to Get There
Aguas Calientes enjoys the best weather from June to August, the busiest season for vacationers. While things are quieter from October to April, this is the rainy season, so expect regular downpours.
Attractions in Aguas Calientes
Aside from the thermal baths, Aguas Calientes highlights include a hike to the summit of Putucusi Mountain, which offers stellar views of Machu Picchu on a clear day. You can also visit the Butterfly House, Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón) and nearby botanical gardens, or the Gardens of Mandor (Los Jardines de Mandor) with its waterfalls.
Address: Aguas Calientes, Peru
From $ 351
Piquillacta
At 3,250 meters above sea level, and just 30 km (18 miles) from the highland Peruvian city of Cuzco, best known for being the jumping-off point for visiting Machu Picchu, Piquillacta makes a great day trip. It is a mainly adobe pre-Incan ruin that was in use by the Wari people as an administrative center from 550 to 1100 AD. The site is extensive, spread out over 13 square miles, and is part of an archaeological park that also includes the Rumicolca Ruins. The center of the area is the remains of a lake, the Laguna de Huacarpay, where birdwatching is popular, though everyone, birdwatcher and non- will enjoy the expansive views over the valley below.
The ruins are interesting in that they are multi-storied, and in many areas there are remains of the plaster used to cover the walls. There are many areas where human remains were found, possibly as offerings, though many items have been removed from the area. The civilization surrounding Piquillacta was agrarian in nature, and there are remains of maize and beans, and it is believed that the Wari ate llama and cuy (guinea pig) as part of their diet. The remains of aqueducts and irrigation ditches can also be seen.
Practical Info
An hour or two guided tour is probably enough time for the average visitor, and travelers can easily combine this tour with one that visits the areas of Tipon, Pisac and Andahuaylillas for a full-day excursion.
Address: Piquillacta, Peru
From $ 31
Awana Kancha
The textile mill at Awana Kancha is an entertaining and culturally-rich stop on the journey between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Set 30 minutes outside of the Cusco city center, this popular artisan outpost is a budget-friendly place to experience alpacas and Andean culture.
With no entry fee, visitors to Awana Kancha can marvel at traditionally-dressed women and the colorful textiles they spin before your eyes. Using the wool of alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicunyas, the women create patterns using natural dyes that have existed in the Andes since the time of the Inca. What’s more, in addition to the textiles, visitors have the chance to hand-feed llamas or nurse baby alpacas with milk from a bottle.
The name Awana Kancha literally translates as the Palace of Weaving, and the fine works of handicraft which are on sale at the co-op are arguably nicer than you’ll find in larger markets. Everything from scarves to sweaters and alpaca wool hats can be purchased directly from the women who wove them, and the wool comes directly from the same alpacas you just finished feeding alfalfa in the yard. An intriguing and authentic outpost, a stop at Awana Kancha should be on any itinerary between Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Practical Info:
Awana Kancha is located 30 minutes outside of Cusco en route to the town of Pisac.
Address: Km. 23 Pista Cusco, Cusco, Peru
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
From $ 100
Moray
Of all the surviving Inca ruins which surround the Sacred Valley, most are known for their size, their age, or their complex level of construction. The Moray, however, located 31 miles northwest of Cuzco, stands out from many of the other ruins for its fascinating level of genius.
At the height of the empire, the Inca were regarded as some of the most successful farmers in all of the Western Hemisphere. Crops such as maize, quinoa, and various potatoes trace their roots to Andes, and the yield on crops which were farmed by the Inca regularly trumped those of their neighbors.
Although the Moray might just look like a big hole in the ground, historians theorize that this multi-terraced depression explains the reason for the agricultural prowess. With concentric circles spiraling down into the Earth, the Moray is comprised of numerous terraces linked by zig-zagging steps. While it could almost even be classified as art, the Moray is instead a wonder of science.
For inexplicable reasons, the temperature difference between all of the terraces can sometimes be as much as 27°F. Consequently, each terrace has a unique microclimate which subsequently experiences its own temperature. Without even having to leave the valley, the Inca had created an agricultural laboratory which mimicked the temperature throughout the empire. Crops would be rotated from terrace to terrace, and when it was found that a microclimate maximized yield, the knowledge would be spread throughout the empire so that farmers could grow crops which were best for their climate. Through trial and error at the Incan Moray, the Inca slowly became masters of agriculture.
Today, the Moray can be visited with tours which depart from the city of Cuzco. It is often combined with a visit to the Salineras salt mine, a massive quarry of terraced mines where laborers harvest bags of salt. When combined with the markets and surrounding ruins, the Moray is just one of the fascinating sights which recall the wonders of the Inca.
Practical Info
The Moray is located 30 miles northwest of Cuzco, and it is accessible by tour in conjunction with the Maras salt mines.
Address: Cusco, Peru
Admission: $4
From $ 46
Chincheros Indian Market
The colorful Sunday market in the traditional Andean town of Chincheros attracts stallholders and browsers from near and far. Known as the 'birthplace of the rainbow,' Chincheros has the full range of photogenic attractions: Inca ruins, Andean village houses, an elaborate colonial church built on Inca foundations, and, of course, the lively weekly market.
Visit to buy vegetables from the local traders and Andean handicrafts from the Quechua stallholders. The handwoven textiles are a particular highlight and a proudly preserved Inca tradition. The highlanders trade their woven crafts for the fruit and vegetables grown at lower altitudes. Travelers will also find jewelry, pottery, toys, rugs and musical pipes for sale at the market.
Practical Info
Chincheros is between Cusco and Urubamba, a several hours’ drive west of Machu Picchu. You can catch a bus to Chincheros from Cusco, or join a guided tour.
Address: Chinchero, Peru
Hours: Sundays
From $ 99
Choquequirao
Sometimes referred to as “the other Machu Picchu”, Choquequirao is an Incan ruin in the mountains outside of Cuzco. Unlike Machu Picchu, however, Choquequirao sees only a handful of visitors due to the difficult two-day hike.
That could potentially change, however, as plans are in the works to shorten the access to a 15-minute ride on a tram. Many believe that this will greatly-reduce the sense of tranquility which is found at the outpost, although others argue it will open the ruin for a greater amount of visitors. Like Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is an Incan city with ornately-carved terraces and structures, and historians believe that this city in the clouds was once the retreat of royalty. Only about a third of the site has been completely excavated, however, and much of the city continues to remain hidden within the cloudy, sweaty jungle.
Historically, there is much more to Choquequirao than simply another city of the Inca. It’s believed by historians that this was the final outpost of warriors who laid siege on the Spanish at Cuzco, who upon staging a revolt to take the capital retreated back into the mountains. For the next 400 years, the city remained largely forgotten and isolated in the cloud forest until excavations began in 1970.
While only the hardiest of trekkers can currently visit the city, enduring the trek to Choquequirao is more than worth the effort. It’s a quiet, mysterious, and forgotten escape where you stroll through a ruin located away from crowds. It’s fascinating window into an ancient culture, and for the time being, it’s a sliver of history and a corner of Peru which you can largely have all to yourself.
Practical Info
Choquequirao is located 100km from Cusco, and it is accessible via a 2-day hike from the town of Cachora. Guides can be arranged in Cusco, and the overall trip length is typically 3-4 days.
Address: Santa Teresa, Cusco, Peru
From $ 417
ChocoMuseo Cusco
Cusco’s ChocoMuseo allows travelers to immerse themselves in everything cacao. The interactive museum covers the history of cocoa beans in Peru as well as the chocolate-making process, from bean to the chocolate bar.
In partnership with local Peruvian farmers, the ChocoMuseo produces organic, high-quality chocolate with its guests, who get the opportunity to create their own handmade treats with custom ingredients in the workshop. From roasting the cocoa beans and removing the husk to grinding the cocoa nibs on a metate, chocolate lovers can eat their creations on the spot or save them to indulge in later. Specialized workshop tours also include hot chocolate tastings.
Practical Info
The ChocoMuseo is centrally located just two blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Many tours include transport to and from Cusco hotels. The museum features its own chocolate shop, plus a cafe that serves brownies, fondues and Mayan-style hot chocolate.
Did You Know? It’s estimated that the cocoa bean has been cultivated in South America for three millennia.
Address: Calle Garcilaso 210, Cusco, Peru
Hours: 9am–7pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Putucusi Mountain
Looming on the horizon to the east of Machu Picchu, the 2,500-meter peak of Putucusi Mountain makes an enticing proposition for those looking to venture off-the-beaten-track and escape the crowds. With its sheer forested slopes and near-vertical cliff faces, you’ll need to be in good fitness to scramble to the summit of Putucusi, but a series of rock steps and wooden ladders will help you along the way.
Hiking Putucusi takes around 3.5-hours round-trip, but it’s worth the effort, affording spectacular aerial views over neighboring Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Best of all, it’s free from the crowds and entrance fees of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, so you can enjoy the views all by yourself.
Practical Info
Putucusi Mountain is located just northeast of Machu Picchu.
Address: Cusco, Peru
From $ 450
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
One would think that a rainbow-colored mountain would be fairly easy to spot, but in the case of Vinicunca, set high in the Peruvian Andes, getting a view of the multihued wonder means waking up early to trek through mountains that burst with natural colors, but are thin on air considering they rise over 17,000 feet (5181m). Despite the physical challenges, however, seeing Vinicunca in person is a once-in-a-lifetime visual treat where you’ll likely find yourself gawking in silence and wondering, “how is this real?” With impressively straight and colorful lines, “Rainbow Mountain,” as it’s come to be known, explodes with hues of lavender and red that are caused by minerals in the soil, and looks like something from a coloring book as opposed to an actual Andean peak that few are lucky to see.
Insider's Tip: Be sure to pack clothes for all types of weather, as snow, ice, hail, rain, and searing sun are all possible in the span of a few hours. Also be sure to wear hiking boots, since steep sections of trail can become very slippery if there’s been any rain or snow.
Practical Info
The best season for trekking near Cuzco is from April through October when it’s a bit colder, but the weather is much drier. To see Rainbow Mountain, you can either choose from a 6-day trek on the remote Ausangate Trail, or do an abbreviated, 1-day trek that departs from Cuzco around 3am and offers a view of Vinicunca on a challenging, but attainable trail. Because of the very high altitude, however, hikers should be in relatively good health and already acclimatized to the altitude.
Address: Cuzco, Peru
From $ 100
Cusco Cathedral (Catedral del Cuzco)
Cusco’s Cathedral of Santo Domingo is a colonial gem, boasting an altar of silver and a magnificently carved choir.
The building stands on the site of an Inca palace, and was built from stone blocks removed from the nearby Inca city of Sacsayhuaman by the triumphant conquistadors.
The elaborately decorated cathedral was built from 1559 to 1654 on the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, and is filled with colonial artworks, artifacts and richly decorated chapels.
The most famous artwork is a Last Supper painting by Marcos Zapata featuring a meal of local guinea pig served with an Inca corn beverage.
The highly ornamental facade features two domes flanking the chapels and nave, built in a Gothic-Renaissance hybrid style.
The building stands on the site of an Inca palace, and was built from stone blocks removed from the nearby Inca city of Sacsayhuaman by the triumphant conquistadors.
The elaborately decorated cathedral was built from 1559 to 1654 on the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, and is filled with colonial artworks, artifacts and richly decorated chapels.
The most famous artwork is a Last Supper painting by Marcos Zapata featuring a meal of local guinea pig served with an Inca corn beverage.
The highly ornamental facade features two domes flanking the chapels and nave, built in a Gothic-Renaissance hybrid style.
Practical Info
Cusco’s La Catedral is on the central Plaza de Armas, flanked by two similarly ornate churches.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Cusco Historic Center
Once the shimmering capital of the entire Inca Empire, Cusco is the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the ruins of Machu Picchu. Bearing its original Inca name, meaning “Navel of the Earth,” Cusco pulsates with a unique and magical energy rivaled by few other South American cities, most notably in its historic center.
The Basics
Begin a visit to the historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage SIte since 1983—at the Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor. Festooned with fountains, this magnetic square is lined with gorgeous charming colonial buildings and churches that live alongside—and at times atop—ancient Inca walls and foundations.
There are many options for exploring Cusco’s historic center; private or group tours run day and night. Multi-day tours may incorporate visits to Lake Humantay, Machu Picchu, and other key attractions inside the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cyclists may opt to explore Cusco as part of a multi-day mountain bike trek.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many attractions in the historic center have small entrance fees, which would be included if you are visiting as part of a larger tour.
- Though the center is safe, it’s always recommended to be careful with your possessions and avoid wearing eye-catching jewelry and accessories.
- Remember sun protection.
- Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
How to Get There
The historic center of Cusco is walkable from most hotels. If you’re staying farther away, book a tour that includes round-trip transportation, as public transit is scant.
When to Get There
As the center of life in Cusco, the historic center is popular with all travelers in the region, and it’s great any time of day. At night, the illuminated Plaza de Armas and its grand cathedral create one of the most enchanting sights in Peru.
Attention: Painting Buffs
Pay a visit to Santo Domingo Church, just off the main plaza, a colonial church built atop an Inca temple. Dedicated to the worship of the sun, the sacred structure was at one point flush with statues and altars made of solid gold. Though Spanish conquistadors violently looted the temple, much of the original site, with its masterful masonry, remains, and stands in stark contrast to the baroque church above.
Address: Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru
From $ 36
Pisac Indian Market
The Pisac Indian Market is one of the most popular and picturesque of the indigenous markets in the Cusco region. Travelers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this mountain town to purchase all manner of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, ponchos, rugs, hats, gloves, Andean instruments, ceramics, alpaca and llama woven clothing, and a host of lovely souvenirs.
The Basics
This atmospheric village, snug inside the Sacred Valley of the Incas, was once a lofty citadel protecting the Inca Empire from invaders. These days, the only invaders are friendly ones—shoppers looking for beautiful handicrafts and housewares from talented local artisans.
Travelers have many options: you can explore the Pisac Indian Market as part of private or group half-day, full-day or multi-day tours that incorporate other attractions inside the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the archeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bargaining for prices is expected; feel free to offer what you feel is a fair price, while considering the skill and time that goes into making the wares.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven stone pathways.
- Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Many tours include ground transportation, transfers, entrance fees, camping and hotel accommodations, and guides. Check individual tours for precise arrangements.
- Tours operate in all weather conditions, so remember to dress appropriately. Bring sweaters for colder months and a rain poncho for rainy season, generally January through April.
How to Get There
The Pisac Indian Market is in the mountain town of Pisac, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Minibuses run from Cusco and take about an hour; hire a cab or join a market tour. Tours include round-trip transport from your hotel.
When to Get There
The Pisac Indian Market is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, but nothing compares to Sundays when the market expands exponentially. Arrive in the morning so you can catch a mass (conducted in both Quechua and Spanish) attended by artisans in vibrant garb; Sunday hours are 9 am to 5pm.
Visit the Pisac Ruins
Combine a market visit with a tour of the nearby Ollantaytambo ruins, the Inca Temple of the Sun, and a fortress made of gigantic 12-foot (3.5-meter) stones, mysteriously placed to perfection. Hike about an hour from Pisac to the ruins, which are perched dramatically on a magnificent mountain top.
Address: Pisac, Peru
From $ 32
La Raya Pass
Adventurers planning to voyage to well-known Lake Titicaca from the town of Cusco will likely find themselves traveling along the famed La Raya Pass. Nestled atop the Andres Mountains, the rugged terrain of La Raya is known for its picturesque sloping hillsides, purple peaks and calm fresh water pools. Popular passenger trains designated for tourists make a quick stop at 4,000 feet, where travelers can snap impressive photos of epic panoramic views that are certain to capture this rare natural beauty.
Practical Info
Travelers who opt for the famed train ride will embark on the third largest railroad line in the world. Be sure to check out the old school chapel that stands by itself at the top of the Andean plateau.
Address: Puno, Peru
From $ 86
Pre-Columbian Art Museum
Many travelers to Cuzco are familiar with the Inca, the native inhabitants of the Peruvian Andes who were brutally conquered by the Spanish. Fewer people, however, are familiar with the Moche, Nazca, Chimu, and Chancay whose histories date back for thousands of years. Though only a handful of sights remain from these cultures, their legacy remains through the various art forms which have survived throughout Peru’s many conquests.
When visiting Cuzco, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum is a private collection of over 450 pieces which highlight the art from these ancient cultures. Set inside of the Casa Cabrera—itself a masterful piece of architecture which was once a ceremonial house for the Inca—the 11 different showrooms highlight art which dates as far back as 1250 BC.
Fine pottery and ancient ceramics accompany sculptures of silver and gold. There is jewelry made from seashells and bone, and numerous carvings etched out of wood tell the story of Peru’s native people. Unlike a number of other museums, photography is allowed throughout the exhibit, and displays in English provide informative tips for gaining some deeper insight on the art. There is a small café as well as a store which are located within the complex, and the fact the museum stays open so late makes it a late-evening option for when other museums are closed.
Though not as large as the Larco Museum in Lima, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum is still a fascinating stop in Cuzco for those who appreciate cultural art.
When visiting Cuzco, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum is a private collection of over 450 pieces which highlight the art from these ancient cultures. Set inside of the Casa Cabrera—itself a masterful piece of architecture which was once a ceremonial house for the Inca—the 11 different showrooms highlight art which dates as far back as 1250 BC.
Fine pottery and ancient ceramics accompany sculptures of silver and gold. There is jewelry made from seashells and bone, and numerous carvings etched out of wood tell the story of Peru’s native people. Unlike a number of other museums, photography is allowed throughout the exhibit, and displays in English provide informative tips for gaining some deeper insight on the art. There is a small café as well as a store which are located within the complex, and the fact the museum stays open so late makes it a late-evening option for when other museums are closed.
Though not as large as the Larco Museum in Lima, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum is still a fascinating stop in Cuzco for those who appreciate cultural art.
Address: Plaza de Las Nazarenas, Cusco, Peru
Hours: Daily 9am-10pm
Admission: Adults: $8; Students: $4
From $ 130
Q'enqo
Near Cuzco, on the way to Pisac from Sacsayhuaman, is the amphitheater and temple of Q’engo. This site which is at 3,600 meters above sea level has some of the best examples of undisturbed Incan carving in the world. The name (which has many alternative spellings, sometimes with a k) means zig-zag, and this is in reference to the carved channels in the rock at the site. The site is actually comprised of four different parts, with the most popularly visited being Q’engo Grande, which was used as an astronomical observatory and holy site.
Q’engo Grande is a large limestone outcrop with two small knobs that show a shadow pattern at the summer solstice in June. Also carved into the limestone are a series of caves, altars and hollows that would have been used to move water. The site was used as a stopping point on a pilgrimage of religious importance during the Inca period, and mummification took place onsite as well. There are 19 trapezoidal niches as well, which used to house idols and mummies, though these are no longer onsite.
Practical Info
Q’engo is a good stop on a longer trip that includes nearby Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay. Morning provides the best light for photos of Q’engo.
Address: Villa San Blas, Cusco, Peru
From $ 25
Raqch'i
This vast Inca archaeological site is one the Cusco Region’s top attractions, drawing travelers from across the globe that come in search of ancient ruins. Most of the highlights of this historical destination are located inside an old defense wall. Visitors will find a courtyard, lodging house, and several other structures that are worth exploring on a tour of Raqch’i.
Some 220 small storehouses known as qullqas, which surround the area, are another unique feature of this ancient Inca locale. But perhaps the most impressive landmark is the Temple of Wiracoch — a massive two-story building that showcases the incredible craftsmanship of early Inca stonework. Travelers will find old living quarters attached to the temple that are also the perfect place to explore Incan history, culture and traditions.
Practical Info
Raqch’I is located in the Cusco Region of the Canchis Province in Peru’s San Pedro District. It is accessible via a four-hour bus ride from the city of Cusco.
Address: Cusco, Peru
From $ 75
Ausangate
The Inca Trail might be the most popular trek in the Peruvian Andes near Cusco, but an arguably equally impressive (and certainly less crowded) trail leads visitors to Ausangate. Nevado Ausangate, the highest mountain in southern Peru, peaks at 20,945 feet (6,384 meters) above sea level. On a clear day, the snow-topped peak can be seen from Cusco.
The Ausangate Trail, named after the peak, takes five to six days, plus travel time to and from Cusco from the trail head. The trail begins in the brown grasslands of the Andean plateau and crosses four high-altitude passes, covering some of the most stunning terrain in the Cusco region. The trail, much of it at altitudes of more than 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) passes high alpine lakes, glacial valleys and small villages where alpacas graze freely and residents still dress in their traditional attire.
Practical Info
The Ausangate Trail starts and ends in the village of Tinqui, about three hours east of Cusco.
Address: Peru
From $ 50
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Inca street and town planning at its finest is preserved in the village of Ollantaytambo, surrounded by neatly terraced hills.
Soaring above the town’s cobbled streets, which have been lived in since the 13th century, is the massive Inca fortress and the monolithic stones of the Temple of the Sun. Built by Pachacuti in the 1400s, the huge complex features fine stonework and a ceremonial temple hill area topping the stepped, fortified terrace.
Climb more than 200 steps to the top for fabulous views and an up-close look at the impressively hewn masonry. You’ll also see the remains of several temples and ceremonial fountains.
To see where the huge blocks of stone were quarried from the mountainside, follow the 6km (3.5 mile) trail to the quarry on the other side of the river - the water was diverted to flush the stones down to the construction site.
Ollantaytambo was the site of a rare Inca victory over the conquistador forces in 1536, led by Manco Inca, the leader of Inca resistance. The museum here will tell you more about the incident and the eventual repercussions.
Soaring above the town’s cobbled streets, which have been lived in since the 13th century, is the massive Inca fortress and the monolithic stones of the Temple of the Sun. Built by Pachacuti in the 1400s, the huge complex features fine stonework and a ceremonial temple hill area topping the stepped, fortified terrace.
Climb more than 200 steps to the top for fabulous views and an up-close look at the impressively hewn masonry. You’ll also see the remains of several temples and ceremonial fountains.
To see where the huge blocks of stone were quarried from the mountainside, follow the 6km (3.5 mile) trail to the quarry on the other side of the river - the water was diverted to flush the stones down to the construction site.
Ollantaytambo was the site of a rare Inca victory over the conquistador forces in 1536, led by Manco Inca, the leader of Inca resistance. The museum here will tell you more about the incident and the eventual repercussions.
Practical Info
Ollantaytambo is in the Sacred Valley, 25 minutes from Urubamba by road. Cusco is 60km (37 miles) away, 2.5 hours by road.
Trains running between Cusco and Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) stop at Ollantaytambo, the halfway mark along the route. The town is a starting point for the four-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.
Trains running between Cusco and Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) stop at Ollantaytambo, the halfway mark along the route. The town is a starting point for the four-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.
Address: Ollantaytambo, Peru
Hours: 7am - 6pm
From $ 39