Best Places to visit In Cuzco, Peru

Established in 1967, the museum features 13 permanent exhibition halls and a temporary exhibition space, divided into two levels. The first level displays archaeological artifacts from various cultural developments in the Cusco valley, while the second level exhibits historical, artistic, and ethnographic collections. The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Location: The museum is located at the corner of Garcilaso and Heladeros streets in Cusco, Peru. It is easily accessible from the city center.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the museum by taxi, car, or public transportation from the main city of Cusco. The museum is within walking distance for those staying in the city center.

What Can See: Explore the museum’s impressive collection of Inca and colonial artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the life and works of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, a renowned Inca-Spanish chronicler whose house now serves as the museum.

What Can Do: Guided tours are available to enhance your understanding of the museum’s exhibits. The museum also features an auditorium and restrooms for visitor convenience.

Conclusion: The Museo Histórico Regional is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Cusco’s rich history and culture. Its diverse collection and well-preserved colonial architecture make it a unique and enlightening experience.

Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, the museum features an extensive collection of Inca artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and mummies. Visitors can explore the museum’s 11 exhibition halls, which are divided into two levels. The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Location: The Museo Inka is situated on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, just a short walk from the city’s main square and other popular attractions.

How to Get There: The museum is easily accessible by taxi, car, or public transportation from anywhere in Cusco. Those staying in the city center can reach the museum on foot.

What Can See: Marvel at the museum’s impressive collection of Inca textiles, which showcase the intricate weaving techniques and vibrant colors used by Inca artisans. Discover the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the Incas through the display of Inca stonework and ceramics. Learn about the Inca calendar, astronomy, and religious beliefs.

What Can Do: Guided tours are available to provide a deeper understanding of the museum’s exhibits. Visitors can also participate in workshops and demonstrations to learn about traditional Inca crafts and techniques.

Conclusion: The Museo Inka is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Inca Empire. Its extensive collection and informative exhibits make it an essential stop on any Cusco itinerary.

This massive stone block, measuring approximately 4.5 meters in length and 2.5 meters in height, features 12 perfectly fitted angles and is part of the Inca wall that surrounds the Inca Roca Palace. The stone is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Incas and has become an iconic symbol of Cusco’s architectural heritage.

Location: The Piedra de los Doce Ángulos is situated on the corner of Hatunrumiyoc Street in the historic center of Cusco, just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the stone by walking from the Plaza de Armas or by taking a taxi or public transportation to the nearby streets.

What Can See: Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the Inca stonemasons who meticulously carved and fitted the stone’s 12 angles. Observe how the stone is seamlessly integrated into the surrounding Inca wall, demonstrating the Incas’ mastery of construction techniques.

What Can Do: Take photographs of the iconic stone and learn about its historical significance from informative signs or guided tours. Explore the nearby streets and buildings to appreciate the Inca and colonial architecture that characterizes Cusco’s historic center.

Conclusion: The Piedra de los Doce Ángulos is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Cusco. Its impressive engineering and historical significance make it a highlight of any tour of the city’s architectural wonders.

Construction on the cathedral began in 1559 and took nearly a century to complete. The cathedral features a mix of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles and houses an impressive collection of colonial art, including paintings, sculptures, and altarpieces. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s three naves, numerous side chapels, and the impressive main altar.

Location: The Cusco Cathedral is located on the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city center.

How to Get There: The cathedral is within walking distance from most hotels and hostels in Cusco’s historic center. Visitors can also reach it by taxi or public transportation.

What Can See: Admire the cathedral’s impressive façade, featuring ornate stone carvings and statues of saints. Step inside to marvel at the intricate altarpieces, stained glass windows, and colonial paintings that adorn the cathedral’s interior. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the cathedral’s bell tower for panoramic views of Cusco.

What Can Do: Attend a mass or religious service to experience the cathedral’s spiritual significance. Guided tours are available to provide insights into the cathedral’s history and architecture. Visitors can also explore the nearby Plaza de Armas and other colonial buildings that surround the cathedral.

Conclusion: The Cusco Cathedral is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in colonial architecture, art, and history. Its impressive size, intricate details, and central location make it a highlight of any trip to Cusco.

some of which are up to 6 meters tall. The walls are constructed using enormous limestone blocks, some weighing up to 200 tons, and are fitted together with incredible precision without the use of mortar. Sacsayhuamán was an important military, religious, and administrative center during the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location: Sacsayhuamán is situated approximately 3 kilometers north of Cusco, at an elevation of around 3,700 meters above sea level.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Sacsayhuamán by taxi, bus, or guided tour from Cusco. The site is also accessible by hiking trails for those looking for a more adventurous journey.

What Can See: Marvel at the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán, which feature intricate carvings and perfectly fitted angles. Explore the site’s numerous plazas, terraces, and structures, including the impressive Inca baths and the remains of ancient buildings. Take in the stunning views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains from the site’s elevated position.

What Can Do: Guided tours are available to provide insights into the history and significance of Sacsayhuamán. Visitors can also participate in traditional Inca ceremonies and rituals at the site. Hiking trails connect Sacsayhuamán to other nearby Inca ruins, such as Qenko and Puka Pukara.

Conclusion: Sacsayhuamán is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Inca history and architecture. Its massive stone walls, impressive views, and connection to other Inca sites make it a highlight of any trip to Cusco.

The site features a large limestone outcrop that was carved and modified by the Incas for religious and ceremonial purposes. Qenko contains a series of underground galleries, staircases, and altars, as well as an impressive amphitheater-like structure that was likely used for ceremonies and rituals. The site also features numerous carved animal figures and symbols, which provide insights into Inca religious beliefs and practices.

Location: Qenko is situated about 5 kilometers northeast of Cusco, at an elevation of around 3,500 meters above sea level.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Qenko by taxi, bus, or guided tour from Cusco. The site is also accessible by hiking trails for those looking for a more adventurous journey.

What Can See: Explore the underground galleries and staircases of Qenko, which feature intricate carvings and altars. Marvel at the impressive amphitheater-like structure and the carved animal figures and symbols that adorn the site. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from Qenko’s elevated position.

What Can Do: Guided tours are available to provide insights into the history and significance of Qenko. Visitors can also participate in traditional Inca ceremonies and rituals at the site. Hiking trails connect Qenko to other nearby Inca ruins, such as Sacsayhuamán and Puka Pukara.

Conclusion: Qenko is a fascinating and lesser-known Inca site that offers a glimpse into the religious and ceremonial practices of the Inca Empire. Its underground galleries, carved symbols, and stunning natural setting make it a unique and rewarding destination for visitors to Cusco.

The site consists of a series of stone structures, terraces, and staircases that were likely used as a military outpost and administrative center during the Inca Empire. Puka Pukara’s name translates to “Red Fortress” in Quechua, referring to the reddish color of the stone used in its construction. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and is a popular destination for hikers and visitors interested in Inca history and architecture.

Location: Puka Pukara is situated about 7 kilometers east of Cusco, at an elevation of around 3,800 meters above sea level.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Puka Pukara by taxi, bus, or guided tour from Cusco. The site is also accessible by hiking trails for those looking for a more adventurous journey.

What Can See: Explore the impressive stone structures, terraces, and staircases of Puka Pukara, which offer insights into the site’s military and administrative functions. Marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains from the site’s elevated position. Look for the remains of ancient roads and aqueducts that connected Puka Pukara to other Inca sites in the region.

What Can Do: Guided tours are available to provide insights into the history and significance of Puka Pukara. Visitors can also participate in traditional Inca ceremonies and rituals at the site. Hiking trails connect Puka Pukara to other nearby Inca ruins, such as Sacsayhuamán and Qenko.

Conclusion: Puka Pukara is a fascinating Inca site that offers a glimpse into the military and administrative functions of the Inca Empire. Its impressive stone structures, stunning views, and connection to other Inca sites make it a rewarding destination for visitors to Cusco.

The site consists of a series of stone aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that were likely used for religious and ceremonial purposes during the Inca Empire. Tambomachay is also known as the “Baths of the Inca” due to the presence of several small pools and fountains that were likely used for bathing and purification rituals. The site features impressive stonework and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including lush vegetation and snow-capped mountains.

Location: Tambomachay is situated about 9 kilometers north of Cusco, at an elevation of around 3,700 meters above sea level.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Tambomachay by taxi, bus, or guided tour from Cusco. The site is also accessible by hiking trails for those looking for a more adventurous journey.

What Can See: Marvel at the impressive stone aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls of Tambomachay, which demonstrate the Incas’ advanced engineering and hydraulic skills. Explore the small pools and fountains that were likely used for bathing and purification rituals. Take in the stunning natural scenery that surrounds the site, including lush vegetation and snow-capped mountains.

What Can Do: Guided tours are available to provide insights into the history and significance of Tambomachay. Visitors can also participate in traditional Inca ceremonies and rituals at the site. Hiking trails connect Tambomachay to other nearby Inca ruins, such as Sacsayhuamán and Qenko.

Conclusion: Tambomachay is a unique and beautiful Inca site that offers insights into the religious and ceremonial practices of the Inca Empire. Its impressive stonework, natural setting, and connection to other Inca sites make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Inca history and architecture.