Cusco, known as the navel of the world, is a city that not only dazzles with its rich history but also with the variety of cusco points of interest it offers to visitors. From ancient archaeological remains to impressive viewpoints, every corner of Cusco holds secrets waiting to be discovered. Don’t miss the opportunity to get to know the city of Cusco better!
If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, it’s essential to know the most Instagrammable places. In this blog of Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll discover the most popular cusco points of interest so you can make the most of your adventure. Keep reading and start planning your trip today!
Archaeological Sites
Sacsayhuamán
Sacsayhuamán is an impressive Inca fortress known for its enormous finely assembled stone blocks that are part of this place. It is believed that this site had military and ceremonial functions, making it one of the top cusco points of interest.
Location
This place is located about 2 km north of Cusco’s main square, in the upper part of the city.
How to get there?
You can reach it by walking for approximately 30 minutes, going up Suecia Street, Resbalosa, and continuing along Don Bosco Avenue. You can also take a taxi, which takes about 10 minutes. Another option is to take a tour that includes Sacsayhuamán, like the City Tour.
Saqsayhuamán in Cusco, an impressive Inca fortress with massive stone walls.
Qorikancha
Before the Spanish conquest, the Qorikancha was the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to solar worship and astronomy. On its foundations, the Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent, thus merging two civilizations and creating a unique testimony among the cusco attractions.
Location
It is located in the heart of Cusco’s historic center, on the busy El Sol Avenue, just a few blocks from the Main Square.
How to get there?
From the Main Square, you can walk along Loreto Street and continue on Pampa del Castillo Street; it might take you about 7 minutes to get there. You can also take a taxi, which would take much less time.
Qorikancha Temple in Cusco, with carved stone walls reflecting Inca grandeur.
Tambomachay
Tambomachay is an Inca archaeological site known for its aqueducts and canals. It probably served for water worship, making it a fascinating cusco point of interest. It is also believed to have been a resting place for the Inca nobility.
Location
It is located about 8 km northeast of Cusco, on the road that leads to Pisac. Its proximity to other archaeological sites also makes it a must-see.
How to get there?
You can take a taxi or a tour that takes you to Tambomachay, like the City Tour. The taxi ride takes around 20 to 25 minutes. You can also get there by public transport (E.T Señor del Huerto), although it’s less common.
Tambomachay, an Inca archaeological site with water structures and ceremonial fountains.
Puka Pukara
Puka Pukara is an Inca military fortress believed to have served as a checkpoint. Its name means “red fortress” due to the coloration of its stones at sunset. It was a strategic point for defense and control, making it one of the essential cusco tourist attractions.
Location
It is located about 7 km northeast of Cusco, near Tambomachay, on the same route that leads to Pisac. Its proximity to Tambomachay allows visiting them together in the same tour.
How to get there?
You can get there by taking the same tour or taxi that takes you to Tambomachay. The fortress is just a few minutes from Tambomachay. You can also opt for a tour that includes several archaeological sites like the City Tour.
Puka Pukara in Cusco, an ancient Inca fortress built with red stone.
Q’enqo
Q’enqo is an archaeological site known for its impressive labyrinths of tunnels, underground channels, and a large stone carved in the shape of a puma. It is believed to have been a place of religious ceremonies and is a unique place to visit in Cusco.
Location
It is located about 6 km northeast of the city of Cusco. Its proximity to Saqsayhuamán and other archaeological sites makes it an unmissable point on your trip.
How to get there?
From the Main Square, you can take a taxi that will take you directly in about 15 minutes. Another option is to hire a tour that includes a visit to this place, like the “City Tour”.
Q’enqo in Cusco, a mysterious Inca ceremonial center carved in stone.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the most popular cusco points of interest with its impressive structures and agricultural terraces. It was known for its urban structure and fortress.
Location
It is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about 60 km northeast of Cusco. Its strategic location makes it an access point to Machu Picchu via the railway.
How to get there?
You can take a taxi that takes you directly to Ollantaytambo or opt for a collective transport that you can board on Pavitos Street (approximately 2 hours of travel). You also have the option to hire a tour that includes a visit to this place, like the “Sacred Valley”.
Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress with impressive terraces and stone structures.
Pisac
Pisac is an archaeological site famous for its picturesque town and artisanal market, well-known for its textiles and crafts. Additionally, the place has agricultural terraces and important temples, making it a must-see among cusco attractions.
Location
It is also located in the Sacred Valley, about 33 km northwest of Cusco. Don’t forget to visit its beautiful artisanal market.
How to get there?
As with Ollantaytambo, you can take a taxi or a collective service from Puputi Street (the trip lasts approximately one hour). You can also opt for a tour that includes this place as part of the “Sacred Valley”.
Pisac in the Sacred Valley, with its impressive agricultural terraces and panoramic views.
Moray
Moray is an archaeological complex known for its concentric circular terraces. It is believed that these terraces were an agricultural laboratory, making it one of the unique things to do in Cusco. The terraces allowed creating different microclimates.
Location
Moray is located about 50 km northeast of Cusco, near the town of Maras, at an altitude of 3,500 masl / 11,462 feet.
How to get there?
There are two ways to get there: you can take private transport or a collective on Pavitos Street towards Urubamba and get off at the desired place (approximately 1h 30min of travel). You can also opt for a tour that includes this site, like the “Sacred Valley” or the “Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Tour.”
Moray, an impressive complex of Inca agricultural terraces in the shape of an amphitheater.
Tipón
Tipón is an archaeological site known for its impressive irrigation system (Inca hydraulic engineering), featuring agricultural terraces and water channels. It is believed to have been a center for cultivation and agricultural experimentation, making it one of the interesting cusco points of interest.
Location
It is located about 23 km southeast of Cusco, on the Cusco-Puno highway, in the community of Choquepata. Being on a slope, its hydraulic structures remain in operation.
How to get there?
You could get there directly if you take a private service or a taxi (approximately 45 min of travel). Another option is to take the public service “Los Leones” and get off at the appropriate stop (2 hours of travel), which is almost at the end of the route. You could also opt for a tour that includes a visit to this place, like the “South Valley“.
Tipón, an Inca archaeological complex with advanced irrigation systems and agricultural terraces.
Pikillacta
Pikillacta is a pre-Inca archaeological site corresponding to an ancient city built by the Wari culture. This Andean civilization flourished in Peru before the arrival of the Incas, making it a fascinating place to visit in Cusco.
Location
It is located about 30 km southeast of Cusco, in the Lucre Valley, very close to the Huacarpay lagoon.
How to get there?
You can get to this place by taxi. Another option is to take a collective transport on M. Carrasco Street towards Sicuani and get off at the Pikillacta stop (1 hour of travel). You could also take a tour that includes this visit, like the “South Valley”.
Pikillacta, in the Lucre Valley, stands out for its extensive ruins of the ancient Wari city.
Chinchero
Chinchero is a well-known town for its archaeological site and traditional textile market. This place features a colonial church built over an Inca palace and people with living traditions thanks to their textiles, which are made by hand.
Location
It is located about 30 km northwest of Cusco, on the Cusco-Urubamba route. Additionally, this place is at an altitude of 3,762 masl / 12,343 feet.
How to get there?
Getting there is easy. One option is to take a direct taxi; another is to use a collective service, available a few steps from the Belén Bridge (approximately 50 min of travel). You can also opt for a tour that includes the visit, like the “Sacred Valley”.
Chinchero, a picturesque town with Inca agricultural terraces and living textile traditions.
Temple of the Moon
The Temple of the Moon is an enigmatic archaeological site, carved into living rock, where it is believed that the ancients performed religious ceremonies and astronomical observations. Its stone-carved chambers make it a unique and mysterious cusco point of interest.
Location
It is located about 4 km northwest of Cusco. Its proximity to other sites like Qenqo and Sacsayhuamán allows visiting several places quickly and easily.
How to get there?
If you’re near Qenqo, you can continue walking along the road to climb a bit more; I share the route in this link. You can also hire a taxi or private transport; from the Main Square, you’ll arrive in approximately 20 minutes.
Temple of the Moon in Cusco, an enigmatic archaeological site with intricate stone structures.
Raqchi
Raqchi is an archaeological complex mainly known for the Temple of Wiracocha, one of the largest temples of the Inca Empire. Additionally, this place has warehouses and military structures, making it a significant cusco tourist attraction.
Location
The site is located approximately 118 km southeast of Cusco, on the road that connects Cusco with Puno. Raqchi is at an altitude of 3480 masl / 11,417 feet.
How to get there?
One of the quickest ways to get there is by taking a taxi. Another option is to take a collective service towards Sicuani, which can be found on M. Carrasco Street (2 hours of travel). You could also opt for a tour that includes a visit to this place, like the “Sun Route”.
Explore Raqchi, where the Temple of Wiracocha, a remarkable Inca construction, is located.
Huchuy Qosqo
Huchuy Qosqo is an archaeological site known for its terraces and structures, which are well preserved to this day. It is believed to have been an administrative and residential center. Additionally, this place offers impressive views of the Sacred Valley, making it one of the top things to do in Cusco.
Location
It is located in the Sacred Valley, above the town of Lamay, about 50 km north of Cusco. This place is in a very elevated area, about 3600 masl / 11,811 feet.
How to get there?
If you decide to go on your own, you might not find the correct route due to limited signage. The best option to reach Huchuy Qosqo is to hire a travel agency, which can offer one-day or two-day tours, depending on your preferences.
Huchuy Qosqo, an ancient Inca site with well-preserved ruins and impressive structures.
Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Salt Mines is a group of more than 3000 salt pools. They have been exploited since pre-Inca times. They are known for their scenic beauty and traditional method of salt extraction, making them a unique cusco point of interest.
Location
They are located about 40 km northwest of Cusco, near the town of Maras. These salt mines are on a hillside at 3300 masl / 10,827 feet.
How to get there?
You could get directly from Cusco’s Main Square by private transport or taxi, which would take approximately an hour and a half of travel. Another option is to hire a tour that includes a visit to this place, like the “VIP Sacred Valley” or the “Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Tour.”
Maras Salt Mines, a beautiful place with bright white salt terraces.
Museums
Inka Museum
The Inka Museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts and objects related to the ancient Inca civilization. Part of its collection displays pieces of ceramics, textiles, metallurgy, and tools that tell the life and customs of the ancient inhabitants of this region.
Location
This museum is located east of Cusco’s historic center, at Cuesta del Almirante 103, just a few steps from Tricentenario Square.
How to get there?
You can walk from Cusco’s Main Square and head to Tricentenario Square via Cuesta del Almirante. It would take you approximately 4 minutes on foot or less.
Inka Museum in Cusco, housing a rich collection of artifacts and treasures of the Inca culture.
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is one of the museums that showcases a fascinating collection of art and objects from various pre-Columbian cultures of South America. Its collection also includes ceramics, textiles, and sculptures that highlight the richness and diversity of these cultures, making it a top cusco attraction.
Location
This museum is also located in Nazarenas Square, east of Cusco’s historic center. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Inka Museum since it’s very close by.
How to get there?
Your mission will be to head to Nazarenas Square, via Cuesta del Almirante and then Cordoba del Tucuman Street. This walk will take you approximately 7 minutes from the Main Square.
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art in Cusco, exhibiting a rich collection of ancient art and artifacts.
Museum Casa Concha
The Museum Casa Concha was set up in an old colonial mansion. The fascinating thing about this place is that it displays a collection of archaeological objects found in Machu Picchu, such as ceramics, textiles, and tools used by its ancient inhabitants.
Location
This museum is located at Santa Catalina Ancha Street 320, west of Cusco’s historic center.
How to get there?
Most of these museums are very close to Cusco’s historic center; walking, you could get there in approximately 5 minutes via Santa Catalina Angosta Street and then Santa Catalina Ancha Street.
Museum Casa Concha in Cusco, offering an exhibition of Inca and colonial artifacts in a historic house.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is exclusively dedicated to exhibiting works of modern and contemporary art. Its collection includes pieces by local and international artists and promotes contemporary artistic culture in the region.
Location
This museum is located in Regocijo Square, west of Cusco’s historic center, near the same Main Square of Cusco.
How to get there?
Here, your mission will be to walk from the Main Square to Regocijo Square. The walking time is approximately 3 minutes, really close if you go through Del Medio Street.
Museum of Contemporary Art in Cusco, featuring a vibrant collection of modern and contemporary works.
Regional Historical Museum
The Regional Historical Museum offers a comprehensive view of the history of Cusco and Peru from the pre-Inca to the colonial era. Its collection includes artifacts, documents, and works that illustrate the historical evolution of the region.
Location
This museum is located between Garcilaso Street and Heladeros Street, west of Cusco’s historic center, near the popular Regocijo Square.
How to get there?
The simplest way to get to this museum is by walking from the Main Square through Del Medio Street and Regocijo Square. It would take you approximately 4 minutes, really close.
Regional Historical Museum in Cusco, showcasing art and artifacts that tell the region’s history.
Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
The Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo is a cultural center dedicated to preserving and promoting the native art and traditions of the Andes. It offers exhibitions of ancient art, as well as traditional dance and music performances.
Location
This museum is located at Av. El Sol 872, in front of the Cusco History Mural, southeast of Cusco’s historic center.
How to get there?
Getting there is easy; you could walk from the Main Square along El Sol Avenue. It would take you approximately 8 minutes and stop in front of the historical mural.
Visit the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, a space dedicated to Cusco’s culture and traditions.
Plazas and Public Areas
Main Square of Cusco
The Main Square of Cusco is the historic heart of the city, surrounded by colonial buildings with a rich history dating back to the Inca era. This is the meeting point for both locals and tourists and is the setting for numerous festivities, making it one of the top cusco points of interest.
Location
This place is located in the very historic center of Cusco, between Portal de Belén and Portal de Confituras streets.
How to get there?
You should know that this square is in the same Main Square of Cusco on the south side, so it won’t take you long to get there or almost nothing.
Main Square in Cusco, the historic heart of the city with colonial architecture and culture.
Church of the Society of Jesus
It is a Jesuit church built over an ancient Inca palace. Its architecture is impressive, combining Baroque and colonial elements, making it a significant cusco tourist attraction.
Location
It is located in the heart of Cusco’s historic center, on Portal de Belén Street.
How to get there?
It’s not complicated to get there since if you start from the same Main Square, you’ll be just a few steps away on Portal de Belén Street.
Main Square in Cusco, the historic heart of the city with colonial architecture and culture.
San Pedro Market
The San Pedro Market is one of the most popular markets among tourists in the city of Cusco, where you’ll find a wide variety of local products, including fruits, crafts, and textiles. It’s one of the vibrant cusco attractions.
Location
It is located a few blocks northeast of the Main Square, between Santa Clara Street and Ccascaparo Street.
How to get there?
From the Main Square, you can walk along Marqués Street and then continue on Santa Clara Street. You’ll find the market on your left side.
San Pedro Market in Cusco, a colorful place with local fruits, vegetables, and crafts.
Hatunrumiyoc Street
It is a street famous for the Stone of the Twelve Angles, an impressive example of the Incas’ mastery in stone carving, making it one of the unique places to visit in Cusco.
Location
This street is located a few blocks south of the Main Square, on Hatunrumiyoc Street. It won’t be hard to find.
How to get there?
If you’re at the Main Square, you’re closer than you think. From there, you can walk along Triunfo Street and then Hatunrumiyoc Street, where you’ll find the famous Stone of the Twelve Angles.
Hatunrumiyoc Street in Cusco, known for its Inca wall with the famous Stone of the Twelve Angles.
Viewpoints
San Blas Viewpoint
This is one of the most popular viewpoints in Cusco, known for being the preferred spot for couples to seal their love by placing a lock there. Besides that, it offers an incredible view of the city of Cusco.
Location
The San Blas Viewpoint is located northeast of Cusco’s historic center on Kiskapata Street, just a few steps from Limbus Resto Bar.
How to get there?
You can walk from Cusco’s Main Square towards the San Blas neighborhood, along Triunfo Street and up the Cuesta de San Blas. It will take you approximately 15 minutes on foot.
San Blas Viewpoint in Cusco, an ideal place to admire the city’s beauty and details.
White Christ Viewpoint
The San Cristóbal Viewpoint is one of the viewpoints accompanied by the statue of the Redeemer Christ, very popular for taking some photos for social media. It also offers incredible views of the city of Cusco, making it one of the top things to do in Cusco.
Location
This viewpoint is located on Pukamoqu Hill, northeast of Cusco’s historic center, near the archaeological site of Saqsayhuamán.
How to get there?
To get there, you can take a taxi that would take you to the viewpoint in about 10 minutes. It’s also possible to get there by walking for approximately 40 minutes from the Main Square; you could first reach the San Cristóbal Viewpoint and from there head to Saqsayhuamán and finally arrive.
White Christ Viewpoint in Cusco offers a prominent view of the Christ figure and the city.
Santa Ana Viewpoint
The Santa Ana Viewpoint, like many others in Cusco, offers an impressive view of the city, especially at sunrise and sunset. Additionally, many travelers take the opportunity to take photos at the Santa Ana Arch, located a few meters from the viewpoint.
Location
The Santa Ana Viewpoint is located in the Santa Ana neighborhood, south of Cusco’s historic center near Abancay Avenue.
How to get there?
To get there, you can take a taxi that takes you directly to the viewpoint, which would take you approximately 10 minutes. You can also walk, which would take you around 20 minutes from the Main Square along Meloc and Cuesta de Santa Ana streets.
Santa Ana Viewpoint in Cusco, a vantage point to see the city and its surroundings.
San Cristóbal Viewpoint
The San Cristóbal Viewpoint is one of the points you can’t overlook because it’s on the tourist route of the City Tour and also on the route to reach Saqsayhuamán. Like the rest, it also offers incredible views of the city of Cusco.
Location
The San Cristóbal Viewpoint is located east of Cusco’s historic center, near Don Bosco Avenue.
How to get there?
Your mission will be to head to the San Cristóbal neighborhood, via Suecia Street and then up Resbalosa Street. This walk will take you approximately 15 minutes on foot; it’s closer than it seems.
San Cristóbal Viewpoint in Cusco, offering a charming view of the city and its surroundings.
Pachacuteq Viewpoint
This is one of the most peculiar and unique viewpoints you’ll find in the city of Cusco. Its structure, designed by the Inca Pachacuteq himself, also functions as a museum, exhibiting part of Cusco’s history. Additionally, it offers a 360° panoramic view from its top.
Location
The Pachacuteq Viewpoint is located south of Cusco’s historic center, between Ejército Avenue and 28 de Julio Avenue.
How to get there?
Getting there is easy; you could take a taxi that would take you directly in about 5 minutes. It’s also possible to walk from the Main Square along El Sol Avenue and then along Ejército Avenue, which could take you approximately 30 minutes.
Viewpoint at the Pachacutec Oval, offering panoramic views of Cusco and its surroundings.
Other Destinations in Cusco
Planetarium Cusco
The Planetarium Cusco is a center where you can learn about astronomy and appreciate the night sky through projections and telescopes, linking Andean life with the stars.
Location
This place is located on the outskirts of the city, at the beginning of the Llaullipata road, very close to the archaeological site of Saqsayhuamán.
How to get there?
You can get there by taxi from the Main Square in approximately 15 minutes. If you prefer to walk, follow the route towards Saqsayhuamán and continue along Don Bosco and Llaullipata roads, which will take you about an hour.
Planetarium Cusco, a place to explore the starry sky and Andean astronomy.
Sapantiana Aqueduct
The Sapantiana Aqueduct is a colonial construction that channels water through a system of arches, transporting water from the mountains to the city.
Location
This place is located in the Sapantiana ravine, in the San Cristóbal neighborhood, northeast of Cusco’s historic center.
How to get there?
From the Main Square in Cusco, you can walk along Triunfo and Hatunrumiyoq streets until you reach Choquechaka Street. Continue along this last street to the end; the total journey takes approximately 15 minutes on foot.
Sapantiana Aqueduct in Cusco, an ancient Inca structure of water channels and fountains.
Humantay Lake
This is a turquoise glacial lake located in the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is one of the most popular destinations you can visit on a day trip or on a trekking route that also includes a visit to this place.
Location
This tourist destination is located 120 km north of Cusco, in the community of Soraypampa, which belongs to the Mollepata district in the Anta province.
How to get there?
To reach this place, you can opt to take private transport that takes you directly to the town of Soraypampa, which takes approximately 3 hours of travel. The best option is to travel with a travel agency, as it is often one of the best alternatives available.
Humantay Lake, an emerald-colored lake surrounded by towering mountains.
Cusco is full of interesting places that capture the essence of its history and culture. From its impressive archaeological remains to its colonial architecture, in each site you will find something that makes it unique in the entire city.
Don’t miss this opportunity to visit these popular points, include them in your itinerary and explore the best that the city of Cusco has to offer. Enjoy your trip and all that this fascinating city has to show you!
Written by: AdminGustavo
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