BEST Recommendations to Visit Cusco
For so many travelers, Cusco is simply the gateway—a beautiful but brief stop before the ultimate excursion to Machu Picchu. But for me, this city has firmly nudged its way to the top of my must-visit list for its own incredible soul. There’s a powerful, almost magical energy here that I’m desperate to experience. I’ve always been fascinated by places where history is a living, breathing thing you can see and touch, and Cusco is the ultimate example. This legendary city, once the thriving capital of the vast Inca Empire, is a place where monumental Inca foundations literally support stunning Spanish colonial architecture. It’s this dramatic, visible blend of two worlds that is calling my name. I can’t wait to just be there, to walk its streets and feel its unique pulse.
This isn’t a place to be rushed. It’s a city to be savored. Based on my own obsessive planning for this bucket-list trip, here are the recommendations I’ve put together for the perfect visit.
1. Let’s Talk About Altitude: Acclimatize with Intention
First things first, let’s not talk about the fact that altitude is a real thing here. Cusco sits at a dizzying 11,152 feet (3,399 meters), and your body will feel it. The best recommendation anyone can give is to take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours. But I’m reframing this medical necessity as a perfect excuse for some intentional slow travel. I plan to use my first couple of days to simply wander, sit in cafes, drink plenty of mate de coca (coca tea), and let the city’s unique atmosphere sink in. There’s no better way to kick things off than by giving yourself time to breathe.
2. Get Lost in the Historic Center
The heart of Cusco is its spectacular Plaza de Armas. I can already picture sitting on a bench there, surrounded by the incredible Cusco Cathedral and the beautiful Compañía de Jesús church, with its intricate baroque facade. It’s the vibrant hub of the city. From there, I’m dying to just explore the surrounding cobblestone streets. I’ll make a point to find Hatunrumiyoc street to see the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, a mind-boggling example of the precision of Inca stonework. It’s this kind of detail, hiding in plain sight, that I find so fascinating.
A top priority for getting my history fix is Qorikancha (also spelled Coricancha), the “Temple of the Sun.” This was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, its walls once famously covered in gold. The Spanish built the stunning Church of Santo Domingo on top of its foundations, creating a surreal and powerful architectural hybrid that tells the story of the conquest.
3. Wander the Artisan Quarter of San Blas
Just a short, steep walk from the Plaza de Armas is the charming neighborhood of San Blas (approx. 11,482 ft / 3,500 m). I’ve seen so many pictures of its picturesque, narrow streets, whitewashed adobe houses, and vibrant blue balconies. This is the city’s bohemian and artisan heart, and I can’t wait to explore its winding alleyways, dipping into chic workshops and independent galleries. It feels like the perfect spot to find a unique piece of art or textile and to see a quieter, more intimate side of Cusco life.
4. Be Awed by Sacsayhuamán
Looming on a hill just above the city are the massive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán (12,142 ft / 3,701 m). This place is firmly on my hit list. It’s a vast, fortified complex, but the word “fortress” doesn’t do it justice. It’s famous for its epic, zigzagging stone walls, built with impossibly large boulders that fit together so perfectly you can’t slip a piece of paper between them. How the Incas moved and shaped these stones remains a mystery. I want to walk the site, take in the incredible panoramic views of Cusco below, and just be completely humbled by the scale of it all.
5. Dive into the Thriving Food Scene
A huge part of connecting with a destination for me is through its food, and I’m so excited about Cusco’s culinary scene. To start, I’ll head straight to the San Pedro Market. I love the sensory overload of a local market—the blazing colors of the fruit and vegetable stalls, the fragrant spices, and the buzzing energy of daily life. It’s the best place for an authentic experience.
Beyond the market, Cusco has become a hotspot for modern Andean cuisine. I’m craving a chance to eat at one of the top restaurants that are taking traditional Peruvian ingredients and giving them a sophisticated, contemporary twist. It’s the perfect way to round out a day of exploring.
6. Use Cusco as Your Base
While Cusco is a destination in itself, it’s also the perfect base for exploring the wider Sacred Valley. I’d plan a few day trips from the city. First on the list would be Pisac (9,751 ft / 2,972 m), famous for its sprawling Sunday market and the stunning Inca ruins that cling to the mountainside high above the town.
Ultimately, Cusco isn’t a box to be checked off a list. It’s a vibrant, magical city that deserves to be the main event. It’s the historical and spiritual heart of the Andes, and I feel excited just thinking about finally stepping onto its ancient stones.