25 Best Places to Visit in Cusco, Peru
Table of Contents
A detailed, traveler-friendly guide created for Russell Experience Peru Travel
Cusco is one of the most magical destinations on Earth — a city surrounded by ancient valleys, colorful mountains, hidden lagoons, and world-class archaeological sites. If you’re planning a trip, this guide covers the 25 best places to visit in Cusco, what to expect, why they’re special, and which tours you should consider for the best experience.
Top 25 Places to Visit in Cusco
1. Machu Picchu – The Wonder of the Andes
The most iconic citadel in South America. Its temples, terraces, and panoramic viewpoints feel like stepping into another world.
What to see: Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Sacred Rock, agricultural terraces, llamas, jaw-dropping viewpoints.
Perfect for: travelers seeking history, nature, and an epic bucket-list experience.
Recommended tours:
2-Day Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu
2-Day Short Inca Trail (with entry through the Sun Gate)
2. Sacred Valley of the Incas
A fertile valley filled with traditional towns, giant terraces, and ancient sites.
What to see: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, scenic viewpoints, local markets, sacred rivers.
Perfect for: history lovers + nature lovers in one day.
Recommended tours:
Sacred Valley Premium (with buffet lunch)
Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 2 Days
3. Sacsayhuamán – The Megalithic Fortress
Massive stone walls with blocks over 100 tons that fit together flawlessly.
What to see: natural slides, panoramic viewpoints of Cusco, ceremonial plains.
Great for: understanding the scale and genius of Inca engineering.
Recommended tour:
Cusco City Tour (Sacsayhuamán + Qenqo + Tambomachay + Puka Pukara)
4. Qorikancha – Temple of the Sun
One of the most sacred temples of the Inca Empire. Its Inca stonework plus colonial architecture make it truly unique.
What to see: perfectly polished walls, solar gardens, colonial art.
Recommended tours:
Historic Center Walking Tour
5. Plaza de Armas of Cusco
The heart of Cusco — full of life, colonial balconies, churches, and cafés.
What to see: Cusco Cathedral, colonial arcades, lively streets.
6. Pisac – Ruins & Traditional Market
Giant mountain-top ruins and one of Peru’s most famous artisan markets.
What to see: endless terraces, Inca cemeteries, tunnels, amazing valley views.
Perfect for: authentic shopping + incredible photos.
Recommended tour: Sacred Valley Full Day
7. Ollantaytambo – The Living Inca Town
A village where people still live on original Inca streets.
What to see: Temple of the Sun, terraces, water canals, panoramic overlooks.
Fun fact: trains to Machu Picchu depart from here.
8. Maras Salt Mines – Salt Terraces
Over 3,000 salt pools forming a white-and-brown mosaic on the mountainside.
What to see: traditional salt production.
Photos: incredible year-round.
Recommended tour: Maras + Moray Half Day
9. Moray – Inca Circular Terraces
An agricultural laboratory with unique microclimates.
What to see: circular terraces, wide open views, peaceful landscapes.
10. Chinchero – Andean Textile Capital
A village famous for its traditional weaving workshops and Sacred Valley viewpoints.
What to see: natural dye demonstrations, ruins, terraces.
11. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
The most famous colored mountain in Peru.
What to see: vibrant red, green, and yellow stripes; high-altitude viewpoints at 5,000 m.
Note: good acclimatization is essential.
Recommended tour: Rainbow Mountain Full Day
12. Palccoyo – Alternative Rainbow Mountain
A more relaxed option with a shorter hike and three different colored mountains.
What to see: stone forest, colorful peaks, fewer crowds.
13. Humantay Lake – Emerald Glacier Lagoon
A stunning turquoise lake beneath the Humantay Glacier.
What to see: glowing blue waters, snowy peaks, photo-friendly viewpoints.
Perfect for: nature lovers and photographers.
Recommended tour: Humantay Lake Full Day
14. Ausangate Mountain
Cusco’s most sacred mountain and one of Peru’s most striking landscapes.
What to see: glacial lakes, ice walls, remote mountain scenery.
Perfect for: hardcore trekkers and mountain lovers.
Recommended tour: Ausangate Trek 4–5 Days
15. Huchuy Qosqo – Hidden Cliffside City
Ruins perched on a cliff with spectacular Sacred Valley views.
What to see: terraces, storehouses, original Inca paths.
Great for: a quiet, crowd-free 1-day trek.
16. Qenqo – Ritual Labyrinth
A ceremonial center filled with carved rock passages and chambers.
What to see: sacred altar, carved stone features, tunnels.
17. Puka Pukara – The Red Fortress
A small but fascinating Inca military outpost with open valley views.
18. Tambomachay – Temple of Water
Ancient aqueducts and water channels that still function today.
Great for: travelers interested in Inca hydraulic engineering.
19. San Blas Neighborhood
Cusco’s artistic district.
What to see: craft workshops, galleries, cozy cafés, scenic viewpoints.
Atmosphere: bohemian, peaceful, perfect for wandering.
20. San Pedro Market
A traditional Andean market full of fruit, bread, juices, textiles, and local food.
What to see: textile stands, medicinal herbs, and Andean products.
21. Tipón – Water Engineering Masterpiece
An impressive complex famous for its irrigation canals and perfect terraces.
Great for: travelers looking for less-touristy archaeological sites.
22. Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of the Andes
A small church with incredible colonial murals and golden altars.
Fun fact: part of the Andean Baroque Route.
Recommended tour: South Valley Tour
23. Pikillaqta – Pre-Inca Wari City
A planned city featuring long straight streets and massive walls.
What to see: Wari architecture, plazas, and ceremonial sectors.
24. Piuray Lake
A peaceful lake ideal for outdoor travelers.
Activities: kayaking, paddleboarding, photography, relaxation.
25. The Inca Trail
The most legendary hike in the world, ending at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu.
What to see: Inca ruins along the trail, cloud-forest scenery, ancient pathways.
Recommended tours: