Best Things to Do in Cusco Peru: A 2-Day Itinerary
The best things to do in Cusco Peru include exploring Inca ruins, beautiful colonial cathedrals, colourful markets and traditional Andean culture. Cusco, Peru, is well known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, but this fascinating city is much more than that, and it’s also a great base for exploring the Sacred Valley.
I’ve visited Cusco twice, and each trip revealed a different side of this fascinating city. On my first visit, I travelled overland from Lima via Arequipa and spent a week exploring Cusco during the colourful Inti Raymi Festival. I also spent a couple of days in nearby Pisac and hiked the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
My travel companion struggled with altitude sickness on this trip, and I was very conscious of the need to acclimatise. So, on my recent solo trip, I flew to Cusco and spent a week relaxing in the Sacred Valley before continuing to Lake Titicaca and the beautiful Isla del Sol in Bolivia.
Whether you’re visiting Cusco for 2 days or planning a longer stay, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Here’s what I’d recommend seeing and doing, along with a few practical tips to help you make the most of your time.
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Best Things to Do in Cusco Peru
1. Explore Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is the heart of Cusco and a great place to start exploring the city. Surrounded by impressive colonial buildings, historic churches, restaurants and cafes, it’s a lively spot where there’s always something happening.
Wander around the square, admire the architecture or find a seat at one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by. It’s particularly lovely in the evening when the buildings are illuminated, and the square takes on a different atmosphere.
You’ll probably pass through Plaza de Armas often during your stay, as many of Cusco’s main attractions are within easy walking distance.
2. Visit Cusco Cathedral & Church of the Society of Jesus
Discovering the city’s historic cathedrals is one of the best things to do in Cusco Peru. Overlooking Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption) is one of the city’s most impressive landmarks.
I visited on my first trip and was particularly taken by its elaborate religious artwork and luxurious gold decorations.
On my recent visit, I explored the neighbouring Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús), including its crypt and upper gallery, which offers lovely views over Plaza de Armas. Both are well worth a visit.
3. Discover Qorikancha: The Temple of the Sun
If you’re wondering what to do in Cusco, exploring Qorikancha (Coricancha) is another highlight and one of many wonderful things to do in Cusco city Peru. Qorikancha was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God.
Spanish colonists built the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo over the original Inca foundations, creating a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial architecture. I enjoyed exploring the site, with its remarkably preserved Inca stonework, ancient temple rooms and monastery buildings.
There’s also a wonderful portrait gallery with beautiful Baroque artwork and ornate frames. With several layers of history and culture, there’s a lot to discover here just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.
Practical tip: Entry to Qorikancha requires a separate ticket and isn’t included in the Boleto Turístico (Cusco Tourist Ticket).
4. Wander Through San Blas
San Blas is one of Cusco’s prettiest neighbourhoods, with narrow cobbled streets, traditional buildings, artisan shops, galleries and cosy cafes. It’s a lovely area to wander around, browse the little shops and enjoy the views across the city.
Don’t miss the chance to stop at the colourful Llama Café for a coffee while exploring this charming part of Cusco.
I stayed in a historic building in San Blas at Casa Durand on my recent visit, about a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.
5. Browse San Pedro Market
For a taste of everyday life in Cusco, head to San Pedro Market. It’s a lively place to browse stalls piled high with fresh fruit, vegetables, local produce, spices and traditional food. You’ll also find handicrafts, souvenirs and plenty of interesting things to tempt you.
Take your time wandering through the aisles, soak up the atmosphere and, if you’re feeling adventurous, try some local food. It’s a great way to experience a different side of Cusco beyond its historic sights.
6. Explore Sacsayhuamán Inca Ruins
Perched on the hills above Cusco, Sacsayhuamán is one of the most impressive Inca ruins in Peru. The enormous stone blocks, spectacular Inca stonework and sweeping views across the city are well worth the effort of getting there.
On both trips, I walked up the steep path from Cusco. It was much busier with tourists this time around. On my first visit, I had the ruins almost entirely to myself. Quite a difference!
7. Visit the Other Inca Ruins Around Cusco
If you have a little more time, there are several other Inca ruins around Cusco worth exploring. Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay are all located close to Sacsayhuamán and can easily be combined into a half-day excursion.
You can visit them in one trip by taxi or organised tour, following the route from Sacsayhuamán to Q’enqo, then on to Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. It’s a great way to see more of the impressive Inca sites surrounding Cusco without taking up a full day.
8. Enjoy Cusco’s Food, Shopping and Local Culture
One of the best things about Cusco is simply taking time to wander. Beyond the main attractions, you’ll find plenty of boutique shops, local markets, restaurants and cosy cafes tucked away in the historic streets.
I spent several hours around Plaza de Armas browsing the shops. One favourite was Sol Alpaca, where I bought a gorgeous baby alpaca jumper. The quality was excellent, and there were plenty of beautiful scarves, coats and other alpaca pieces to tempt me.
For a coffee or something to eat, try Café D’Wasi, Basilica Café and Bakery or La Perla Criolla. El Encuentro is a good option for vegetarian food. And don’t forget to sample some traditional Peruvian dishes while you’re here.
My advice? Don’t pack your Cusco itinerary too tightly. Leave yourself time to shop, stop for a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere. Some of the best discoveries happen when you’re not rushing from one sight to the next.
Two Days in Cusco Peru: Suggested Itinerary
If you have two days in Cusco, I’d spend the first exploring the historic city centre and the second visiting the impressive Inca ruins overlooking the city. This gives you a good mix of history, culture and time to enjoy Cusco at your own pace.
Day 1: Explore the Historic City
Start at Plaza de Armas, taking in the beautiful main square before visiting Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus.
From there, walk to Qorikancha, the former Inca Temple of the Sun, then head to San Pedro Market to browse the stalls and sample some local food.
Later in the afternoon, wander through the cobbled streets of San Blas, stopping at the artisan shops and cafes along the way. Finish with dinner in the city centre and a relaxed evening.
Day 2: Discover Cusco’s Inca Heritage
Spend the morning exploring the impressive Inca ruins around Cusco, starting at Sacsayhuamán before continuing to Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. You can visit all 4 as a half-day excursion by taxi or organised tour.
Return to the city for a relaxed afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, browse the shops or explore any sights you missed on Day 1.
A note on altitude: This 2-day Cusco itinerary assumes you’ve already had sufficient time to acclimatise. Don’t feel obliged to cram everything in, particularly if you’re still adjusting to the altitude. Take it slowly, listen to your body and enjoy what you can.
Day Trips from Cusco
If you have 3 days in Cusco or longer, here are some popular day trips that might interest you:
- Explore the Sacred Valley
- Visit Machu Picchu & hike the Inca trail
- Rainbow Mountain
- Ruta del Sol – bus trip to Puno.
Is Cusco Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! And not just because it’s the gateway to Machu Picchu. Cusco is well worth visiting in its own right, with fascinating Inca history, beautiful colonial architecture, traditional Andean culture and spectacular mountain scenery.
I’ve visited twice and enjoyed having time to explore beyond the usual tourist trail. From wandering the cobbled streets of San Blas and browsing the markets to discovering ancient Inca ruins and relaxing in the cafes around Plaza de Armas, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Cusco Peru.
If you can, I’d recommend allowing more than a quick overnight stop. Give yourself at least 2 days to enjoy the city, explore its historic sights and soak up the atmosphere. Cusco has a character all of its own, and it’s worth taking the time to appreciate it.
Practical Tips for Visiting Cusco Peru
Altitude and Acclimatisation
At approximately 3,399 metres above sea level, Cusco is high enough for altitude sickness to be a concern. Allow time to acclimatise before tackling strenuous walks or excursions, and don’t rush your itinerary.
After seeing my friend struggle with altitude sickness on our first Peru trip, I planned my second visit differently, allowing time to relax in the Sacred Valley at a lower altitude before visiting Cusco.
Getting Around Cusco
The historic centre of Cusco is easy to explore on foot, with many of the main attractions within walking distance of Plaza de Armas. Be prepared for steep streets and plenty of steps, though!
For longer distances, I recommend using Uber rather than hailing a taxi. I was overcharged on my first taxi ride, almost as soon as I arrived in Cusco. For the surrounding Inca ruins, an organised excursion, Uber, or a taxi arranged through your accommodation is the best way to go.
When to Visit Cusco
On my first visit, I was lucky enough to be in Cusco for Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, held every year on 24 June. It was quite a spectacle, with a colourful procession beginning at Qorikancha, passing through Plaza de Armas and finishing at Sacsayhuamán, where the main ceremony takes place.
My return visit was in September, with clear, warm days and cold nights. The dry season (May to September) is generally the best time for exploring, while the wet season runs from October to April, with the heaviest rainfall between December and March.
What to Wear in Cusco Peru
Pack layers for changing temperatures, including a warm jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the cobbled streets and steep hills. Don’t forget sun protection and a light rain jacket or poncho.
For this trip, I took my backpack with me. The cobblestone streets in Cusco and throughout Peru make a rolling suitcase difficult to manage.
Where to Stay in Cusco
When choosing where to stay in Cusco, location makes a difference. I’d recommend staying near the historic centre, within easy walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, so you can explore the main sights, restaurants and shops without relying on taxis.
On my recent visit, I stayed at Casa Durand in San Blas, in an old house tucked away in a narrow alley. It had plenty of character, and the friendly host spoke excellent English. My basement room had no windows and was a little musty, but overall it was a comfortable stay in a great location, around a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas. Breakfast was included.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Cusco Peru
After visiting Cusco twice, I can honestly say it’s a place I’d happily return to. There’s so much to see and do in this fascinating city that it’s much more than somewhere to pass through on the way to Machu Picchu.
Cusco offers Inca history, historic architecture, lively markets and a beautiful mountain setting, making it well worth exploring in its own right. And it’s also a great place for shopping!
My advice? Allow 2 days, or more, to discover the city, enjoy its atmosphere and explore some of the surrounding ruins. Just remember to plan around the altitude and give yourself enough time to acclimatise, especially if you’re flying in.
Cusco has plenty to offer, and you might find, like I did, that it’s a highlight of your Peru adventure.
You might also enjoy…
Pisac Peru: Dramatic Inca Ruins, Colourful Markets & More…
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How to Visit Machu Picchu Independently: The Ultimate Guide
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Sacral Chakra Meditation: Exploring the Sacred Energy of Lake Titicaca Bolivia
How to Visit isla del Sol Bolivia: Discover the Magic of Lake Titicaca
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