5 Things to Do in Cusco Peru
Cusco is Peru’s top tourist destination. Known as “The Archaeological Capital of America” it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gateway to Machu Picchu, Manu National Park, Inca Trail and Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cusco is located
357 miles or
one hour 13 minutes flight from the capital city, Lima.
The city of Cusco is at 3,326 meters (about 10,912 feet) above sea level. Most visitors need time to chill out in Cusco before going on to Machu Picchu, Inca Trail or any of the trekking tours offered.
Here are Travelmath’s 5 things to do in Cusco Peru:
One: Visit the Chocolate Museum
This museum combines the cultivation of cacao, history and the processes of making chocolate. It is free and you can sample the different types of chocolate jams, chocolate tea and chocolate liquers. They have a café area where you can savor coffee or any of the chocolate drinks and either with or without liquor.
The Chocolate Museum known as Choco Museo in Spanish offers chocolate making workshop at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Each of these workshops last about two hours. The fun part is you get to meet people, learn to make chocolate and eat at the same time.
Two: San Pedro Market
This is one of the highlights of Cusco if you are looking for a place to visit, which is outside the touristic areas. San Pedro Market is lively with a fruits and vegetables section, bread and baked goods, meat including cow’s head and frog, fruit juices, coffee, cooked food and more.
The locals stop by each morning to have their coffee or tea, fruit juices and or
Caldo de Gallina (Peruvian chicken soup). If you are looking for fresh fruits or local souvenirs, check out San Pedro Market. The price would be cheaper than in the touristic stores around Plaza de Armas (main square in Cusco).
Take care of your belongings when visiting San Pedro Market.
Three: Plaza de Armas
The main city square in Cusco is Plaza de Armas and it is surrounded by many cafés and restaurants, cathedral and near parts of an Inca wall. You can sit at the steps of the cathedral and relax and people watch or go to one of the cafés with free WiFi and have a cup of tea or coffee.
If you miss Starbucks, there is one that has balconies facing Plaza de Armas at Calle Loreto, just in front of the square. Trotamundos is another cafe with balconies but if you are cold you can sit by the open fire and have your coffee or tea with dessert.
Plaza de Armas is beautiful at night when all the lights are lit up.
Four: Night Life
If you flew from London, England, it is
six hours ahead of Cusco and Sydney, Australia is 15 hours ahead. If you have jet lag and need a place to hang out at night, Cusco has a variety of places for every budget.
Mama Africa is a popular nightclub for tourists and locals. Or if you prefer an Irish pub head over to Paddy’s Irish Pub, also known as the highest Irish pub in the world.
Note: When traveling in a foreign country, be careful of your surroundings and drink in moderation.
Five: Visit Qorikancha
Qorikancha or Sun Temple is an Inca site used as the foundations of Santo Domingo church, making this the most unusual place to visit. It was built by the Incas and the Spanish destroyed it and built a church on the ruins. You can see the combination of Inca and colonial architecture.
Cusco has plenty of places to visit if you take to walk around the city. There are lots of churches, cobblestone walkway, museums and Inca ruins all over the city. Every part of the city has its own unique offerings. Walk uphill on the cobblestone streets to San Blas and view the city from the top.
Are you planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Make sure you schedule some time to visit Cusco while you are there. For help with hotels in Cusco, visit Travelmath’s hotel list.
