cusco city
CuscoCusco is one of those cities that leaves an impression — not just for what you see, but how it feels. The energy is different. You’re walking through centuries of stories layered one on top of the other, from Inca foundations to Spanish churches to today’s bustling markets and cafes. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, look closer, and ask questions.
If you’ve got a few days here before heading to Machu Picchu (or if the city of Cusco is your main destination), here are some experiences worth having — and why it helps to explore them with someone who really knows the place.
Explore on Foot First
One of the best ways to understand Cusco is by walking through it. A Cusco Walking City Tour will take you through the city’s most iconic sites — the Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha, and the Cathedral — with a guide who can tell you the stories behind what you’re seeing. You’ll notice things you might miss otherwise, like how the old Inca stones support modern buildings, or the symbolism behind certain paintings inside the churches.
To dig deeper, the City Tour with Nearby Ruins adds visits to Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara — ruins just outside the city that give you a clearer picture of how Cusco fit into the larger Inca world. These sites are rich in history and details, and having someone local walk you through them really helps make sense of it all.
See the Stars with a New Lens
Cusco’s elevation isn’t just good for views — it also gives you amazing access to the night sky. The Cusco Planetarium offers a quiet and thoughtful evening where you’ll learn how the Inca saw the stars, often in the spaces between them rather than the points of light. It’s a refreshing way to understand Andean perspectives, and if the weather cooperates, you’ll get a look at the constellations through telescopes too.
Cook, Taste, and Share
Peru’s food scene is globally known, but in Cusco, it’s also a way to connect with local culture. The Cooking Lessons Cusco experience starts with a guided visit to San Pedro Market, where you’ll pick out your ingredients while learning about local produce and culinary traditions. Then it’s off to a rooftop kitchen to cook — and enjoy — a full meal. You’ll leave with a few new skills, a good story, and maybe even a new favorite dish.
For something lighter (and sweeter), there’s the Chocolate Workshop, where you go from bean to bar using cacao grown in Peru. You choose the flavors, shape the chocolate, and take home your own bar. If you’re traveling with kids, the Mini Chocolate Workshop is a great way to keep things fun and hands-on — it’s short, creative, and easy to enjoy as a family.
Create Something Meaningful
You’ve probably seen Toritos de Pucará, the small bulls perched on rooftops around Cusco. They’re symbols of protection and prosperity. In the Crafting a Legend Ceramic Workshop, you get to make your own, learning the story behind the tradition while working alongside local artists. It’s relaxed, creative, and a great way to take home something personal (and not mass-produced).
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Go slow — Cusco sits at 3,400 meters, so give yourself time to adjust.
- Dress in layers — mornings are chilly, afternoons are sunny, and evenings cool off again.
- Stay curious — guides are a great resource. Whether it’s your first time in Peru or your fifth, asking questions always adds depth to the experience.
Cusco has a lot to offer, and exploring it with people who live and work here adds context, safety, and access you might not get on your own. From historical walks to hands-on workshops, these experiences are designed to help you get more out of your time here — not just as a visitor, but as someone genuinely interested in the stories this city has to tell.
