11 Things To Do In Cusco Or The Sacred Valley
Later on I’ll get into the good, bad, and ugly, the weather, getting around, and all those things. But I know you want to know the fun things to do in Cusco or the Sacred Valley area of Peru. There’s no shortage of things to see in Cusco, but here are the highlights I’d recommend to anyone visiting.
But first, make sure you consider travel medical insurance. I’ve never regretted always having it! It can be as cheap as $2/day!
1. Visit San Pedro Market And San Blas Market
If you love people-watching and sampling local snacks and fruit drinks on the cheap, these are the places to do it. Eat cheap, haggle a little for souvenirs, and just soak up the Cusco energy.
Pick your poison. Great $2-3 pick me up when the blood sugars are tanking from walking around San Pedro Market in Cusco.
2. Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha)
Once plated entirely in gold, it was the spiritual center of the Inca world. Still has some near-perfect Inca stonework that still anchors the colonial church built on top.
3. Temple of the Moon
An underrated gem and a way to get away from the noise and pollution in Cusco when you need a break. Uber or taxi up, and if it’s daylight, hike back down. You can do it on your own or by horseback on a guided tour!
Temple of the Moon is a great way to get away from the noise and pollution of Cusco for a few hours.
Temple of the Moon is a great way to get away from the noise and pollution of Cusco for a few hours.
4. Sacsayhuamán
A massive stone fortress with panoramic views of Cusco. A fairly cheap taxi ride if you want to do it yourself, or you can book a half-day tour for pretty cheap and hit multiple important stops and ruins in Cusco in one fell swoop.
5. Ollantaytambo Day Trip
Take a cusco guided tour or collectivo to this ancient Inca town. The terraces and ruins are awe-inspiring, and the vibe is slower than in Cusco. I spent a day there exploring and hanging with the alpacas, and having one of the best sandwiches of my life. More about this one below.
Alpaca grazing in the fields below the ruins.
6. Pisac Day Trip From Cusco
Colorful market, sweeping mountain views, and a massive and overwhelming Inca ruin complex. It’s one of the best things to do in Sacred Valley, and was hands down one of my most unexpected favorites of my trip, and one of the easiest and best day trips from Cusco. More on this one further down in this travel blog.
One of the may peaks along the “long way” hike in Pisac Ruins.
Pisac Ruins is easily one of the best day trips from Cusco and a must-do if you’re there. You can also get a Hotel in Pisac if you want to experience sundown and sunup in the Sacred Valley.
7. Hike Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) And The Red Valley
Yes, it’s Insta-famous, but it’s famous for a reason. Go early or book a Rainbow Mountain tour with smaller groups to beat the crowds. Don’t skip the Red Valley views. It’s 16,500 feet, so make sure you’re acclimated!
The Rainbow mountain range extending into the distance…
8. Via Ferrata In Sacred Valley
Harness up, clip in, and scale the cliff face. It’s wild, it’s safe, and it’s one of those adventures you brag about later. It was my first one, but it definitely won’t be my last!
9. Q’enqo & Tambomachay
Small but fascinating Inca sites close to town. Perfect half-day hikes while acclimating to the altitude of Cusco Peru.
10. Roam Cusco Cafés, Plazas, And Cobblestone Streets
Honestly, one of the best things to do in Cusco Peru is just wander aimlessly. If you want to get beautiful photos of Cusco with no people, explore the alleyways and stairwells in the old town near San Blas in the rain or near dawn.
Shortly after the rains, not a soul in sight. At the end is an amazing coffee shop in san blas square area, near cafe Bom.
One of my favorite alleyway walls in Cusco. Message me on Instagram if you find it!
Golden sidewalks under the early morning darkness in Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
Beautiful details are around every corner if you pay attention while exploring the alleys and side roads around San Blas Market in Cusco.
San Blas Square in Cusco. Make sure you spend hours exploring the alleys around here!
11. Hike The Inca Trail Or Take A Trip To Machu Picchu
Of course the thing most people come to Cusco, Peru for a trip to Machu Picchu. Plan early and book an all-inclusive tour now (you can always cancel for free in advance), or you could miss your chance, like I did. Womp Womp. Check guided tours for Machu Picchu here.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor