As the renowned launching off point for numerous trips to Machu Picchu, Cuzco often serves as a convenient stop for travelers acclimating to Peru’s high altitude. At 11,000 feet, Cuzco is an excellent location to prepare your body for trekking the Inca Trail or exploring the Sacred Valley, all while enjoying a city filled with historic and modern charms.
As the oldest city in Peru and perhaps the second oldest city in South America (behind Quito, Ecuador), Cuzco boasts a captivating blend of Inca and Spanish architecture coupled with a burgeoning culinary scene and world-class museums and archaeological sites. This vibrant destination is worth exploring.
Visit Archaeological Sites
Saqsaywamán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is thought to have been the historic capital of the Inca Empire and overlooks all of Cuzco. The oldest parts of the site are believed to have been constructed by the Kilke culture, predating the Inca, who later transformed it into a fortress. Jokingly called “Sexy Woman” by locals, the site features walls made of immense stones with rounded edges that fit together flawlessly, leaving no space for even a piece of paper between them. During the Spanish conquest, many stones were removed from Saqsaywaman to construct the Cathedral and government buildings in Cuzco. Today, you can still see these perfectly cut stones in their second location. The Inti Raymi festival, celebrating the Sun God, is held here every June 24.
The Qurikancha Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, was one of the most critical Inca temples and was originally adorned with gold walls, statues, and altars. Historical theories suggest the gold was taken to pay ransom for a captured Inca ruler. The Spanish repurposed Qurikancha as the foundation for the church of Santo Domingo, creating a fascinating juxtaposition between Spanish and Inca architecture.
Just a short drive from the city, several other archaeological sites are worth exploring. Near the town of Maras, Moray features impressive amphitheaters composed of concentric terraces, believed to be agricultural testing grounds for the Inca. Approximately 30 minutes south of Cuzco lies the lesser-known site of Tipón, home to remarkable aqueducts and terraced agriculture.
Wander Cuzco’s Plazas and Markets
All roads in Cuzco seem to lead back to Plaza de Armas. This expansive town square serves as the heart of city life, bordered by architectural gems and wide sidewalks that invite exploration of shops and eateries. Locals and tourists alike mingle, while the square hosts vibrant parades and festivals on Sunday afternoons.
The impressive Basilica Cathedral of the Virgin of Asuncion, commonly known as the Cathedral of Cuzco, dominates the northeast corner of the Plaza de Armas. Constructed by the Spanish using stones sourced from Saqsaywamán, the cathedral is built on top of the Inca palace of Viracocha and houses many paintings from the Cuzco School along with ornately carved altars. The main altar, draped in layers of silver, is not to be overlooked. Please note: photography is prohibited within the Cathedral.
Walking through the city’s main market, San Pedro Mercado Central, is a sensory adventure. The market’s stalls offer clothing, footwear, and unique items. Upon closer inspection, visitors can find beautifully handcrafted gloves, scarves, bags, and pottery that utilize traditional techniques and materials. The market functions as the community’s primary grocery store, providing fresh vegetables, spices, cheeses, and butchered meats. Grab a snack from one of the many stands selling local delicacies or seek out vendors offering homemade sweets. As you leave the market heading towards Plaza de Armas, a few blocks down on the right, you’ll discover a small artisan market featuring several vendors selling unique textiles, pottery, and art.
To reach the neighborhood of San Blas, visitors will need to navigate steep cobblestone streets, but the journey rewards you with stunning views and vibrant buildings. This area is known as Cuzco’s artisan district, filled with shops offering unique paintings, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, and more. Plaza San Blas, adjacent to the church, serves as a perfect spot for relaxation and people-watching, where local women often weave scarves and gloves for sale. The plaza hosts an art fair on Saturdays, and at the park’s rear, visitors will find a charming waterfall with steps leading to an excellent vantage point of Cuzco.
Learn About Ancient Art
Cuzco is home to several museums, including the world-class Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP). This museum, housed in what was once an Inca ceremonial court dating back to 1450 AD, has undergone renovations to become the only museum in Peru dedicated to the arts of ancient Peruvian cultures from 1250 BC to 1532 AD. Associated with the renowned Larco Museum in Lima, MAP offers cultural and historical context alongside exceptional art in Spanish, English, and French.
The Museo Machu Picchu, located in Casa Concha, houses the largest collection of artifacts from Machu Picchu, including all items returned by Yale University in 2011, along with other finds from excavations.
Dive into Creative Cuisine
Pacha Papa, located across from the San Blas plaza, specializes in traditional Peruvian dishes crafted from local ingredients. Its delicious rolls baked in a wood-burning oven are a highlight, and the cobblestoned patio, complete with wooden tables and a Peruvian harp player, creates an inviting atmosphere for a leisurely meal. Renowned dishes such as crema de papa (cream of potato soup) and ají de gallina (creamy yellow chicken stew served over rice) are menu stars, along with grilled meats, fish, and pizza.
Cicciolina, just a few blocks from the cathedral, offers a lively dining experience, focusing on Peruvian ingredients with a Mediterranean twist. The establishment features both a tapas bar and formal dining area, with a menu that harmonizes ancient and contemporary culinary traditions through dishes like red trout tartare, alpaca carpaccio, and duck prosciutto crostini. The wine selection emphasizes South American wines.
Explore Cuzco’s Colonial Architecture
Numerous accommodations throughout Cuzco provide visitors with the opportunity to stay in beautifully renovated colonial buildings. The boutique hotel Inkaterra La Casona is a stunning renovation of a 16th-century manor, originally built on a former Inca military training ground, merging historical significance with modern luxury. The JW Marriott transforms a former convent into an exquisite five-star lodging option. Another luxury choice is Palacio del Inka, located slightly away from the Plaza del Armas, offering a lavish escape in a colonial structure with a large courtyard.
