A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and is now the gateway to Machu Picchu. Allow at least two days to explore its historic center.
What to see in the historic center
- Plaza de Armas: framed by the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus.
- Qorikancha: the Temple of the Sun, a masterpiece of Inca engineering beneath the Santo Domingo convent.
- San Blas: cobbled lanes, artisan workshops, and viewpoints.
- Twelve-Angled Stone: a striking example of Inca masonry on Hatunrumiyoc Street.
- San Pedro Market: local flavors, juices, and Andean produce.
Near the city
A short trip from the center brings you to Sacsayhuamán, the monumental fortress of enormous stone blocks, and the nearby sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Practical tips
Take your first day slowly to acclimatize to 3,400 meters (11,155 feet). Enjoy the local food and San Blas evenings before continuing to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
At Machupicchu Travel Narcy, a Cusco-based company, we share our city with the warmth of people who have known it all their lives.
