Hey, friends! Are you ready for an epic adventure? Today, I’m taking you on a trip to Cusco, Peru, that magical place where the mountains kiss the sky and the stones tell stories. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey as I share all the best things to do in Cusco, Peru. Spoiler alert: you’ll enjoy a mix of culture and magic.
Imagine a place where the past and present hold hands and dance a waltz in a vibrant square. That’s the Plaza de Armas in Cusco! When I arrived, I felt like a kid in a candy store; I didn’t know where to start. The ancient colonial churches and colorful houses welcomed me with a blend of history and joy.
First up, I visited the Cusco Cathedral. That thing is huge, like it was built for giants (and maybe it was, who knows!). The baroque architecture is simply stunning, and stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. I imagined the old Spaniards wandering around, whispering secrets to the statues.
Moreover, only in Cusco can you find more than twenty churches, each with its own special charm. The art collection in San Francisco is both beautiful and intriguing. Here, you can explore unique spaces and admire artistic relics, taking you back 400 years to the Cusco of old. In addition, the museum houses colonial paintings, wood carvings, sculptures and architecture from the time of the conquest.
Enjoying a sunset cocktail at the Church of San Francisco, while savoring delicious local appetizers in the exclusivity of the bell tower, is a one-of-a-kind experience offered only by this church.
From the plaza, we headed to San Blas, the coolest and best neighborhood in Cusco, where every corner is a work of art. If the walls could talk, they’d surely tell the wildest stories. The cobblestone streets are like an enchanted maze, and every step leads you to discover a new art gallery, a craft workshop, or a charming little café.
I met an artisan who made jewelry with silver and precious stones. I almost walked out with half the workshop! I mean, who could resist a bracelet that shines brighter than the Cusco sun? San Blas is the perfect place to get lost, literally, because the streets weave together like the threads of a spider web, but in the best possible way.
If you think Sacsayhuamán is a tongue twister, wait until you see the giant stones that make it up. This ancient archaeological complex is like a massive puzzle the Incas left for us mere mortals to crack our heads over. Each stone fits perfectly with the next, and believe me, some of them are bigger than my ego (and that’s saying something!).
I climbed up to the viewpoint, and the view was so spectacular I almost dropped my camera from excitement. Cusco looks tiny from up there, like a scale model. Kids run through the meadows, and some tourists try to take the classic photo of holding up a giant stone with one hand (spoiler: no one ever gets it, but everyone tries).
Ah, the San Pedro Market! If paradise had a smell, it would definitely be this place. As soon as you walk in, the scents of fresh fruits, spices, and typical dishes hit you like a wave of flavor. The stalls are bursting with color, with exotic fruits that look like they belong in a fairytale.
I decided to try the Cusco-style ceviche, and honestly, it was an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The spiciness wakes you up right to your soul! And I couldn’t leave without trying the famous frog juice. Yes, you read that right, frog juice. It’s not that I’ve lost my mind, but how could I pass up such a unique experience? It was… interesting, to say the least.
Some excellent options for tasting dishes you can only find in Cusco are the restaurants Mauka, Cicciolina, and Chicha. These culinary offerings combine art, culture, and cuisine into luxurious experiences ready for you to enjoy. I’m sure that whichever place you visit will leave you more than satisfied (get your taste buds ready for this adventure).
Related: 5 Must Go Restaurants in Peru
You can’t come to Cusco and not visit Machu Picchu. It’s like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower, but way better because it’s in the middle of the jungle. The train ride to Aguas Calientes was a spectacle. The lush green mountains and rushing rivers looked like something out of a dream. And when I finally reached the entrance of Machu Picchu, it felt like time stood still.
There it was, the lost city of the Incas, imposing and majestic. I walked through the ruins, feeling the energy of the place. It’s like each stone tells a story, and every step brings you closer to understanding the mystery of the Incas. Climbing to the top of Huayna Picchu was a challenge, but the view was worth every drop of sweat. I felt like the king of the world, or at least, the king of Machu Picchu for a moment.
Related: Best Destinations in Peru: Classic Places You Should Visit
I couldn’t finish this story without mentioning the real stars of Cusco: the llamas. It’s impossible not to fall in love with these adorable walking plush toys. You’ll find them everywhere, from the fields of Sacsayhuamán ruins to the streets of the city. I took a thousand photos with them, and honestly, I think some of them posed better than I did. Llamas have attitude!
When night falls, Cusco transforms into a magical place. The city’s lights illuminate the ancient stone walls, and the starry sky turns into a blanket of diamonds. The bars and restaurants come alive, offering everything from live music to delicious pisco sours. Because in Cusco, the party never ends, and music is the universal language that brings everyone together.
If you’re more into calm and cultural activities, I highly recommend a golden dinner experience. It’s a chance to savor the flavors of ancient Peru at a table set just for you in the “Golden Room” of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum. This exclusive activity offers a unique connection to the past of ancient civilizations.
And so, my friend, ends my tale of this incredible adventure in Cusco. It’s a place where every street has a story, every stone a secret, and every encounter a smile. Cusco is more than a tourist destination; it’s an experience that changes you, touches your soul, and somehow makes you feel more alive. I assure you that visiting this place is something everyone should do at least once in their life.
So, if you ever get the chance, don’t think twice and jump into the adventure! I promise you won’t regret it. At Terra Explorer, we have various itineraries for you, so get in touch with us and live the Cusco experience.
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To ensure the well-being and safety of our travelers and staff throughout our operational chain, Terra Explorer will comply with the health and safety measures and protocols established by the Peruvian Association of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism (APTAE), and implement the Covid-19 health and safety guidelines for adventure tourism developed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Our experiences are designed considering the least possible exposure, where the final destinations are usually remote places. By their very nature, our adventure activities are considered to be low risk, mainly because they are performed outdoors where ventilation is constant and making it easy to achieve social distancing.
During these times we are working together with a small staff of honorable people who have been part of the Terra Explorer family for many years. They and their families are aligned with the established health and safety measures. Employing these staff members also seeks to reactivate the local economy.
We guarantee a safe, soul-fulfilling trip to all our travelers for whom we make these adventures possible.
Terra Explorer will strictly comply with the safety, cleaning, and hygiene protocols during our internal processes, third parties, and throughout your trip. This involves:
Follow the instructions related to health and safety given by the Terra Explorer team and your guide, before and during your trip.
Stay home if:
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Secure your trip with a deposit and pay the rest in one or more payments, at a time that suits you best. Please make sure you adhere to our policy and pay in full at least 31 days prior to your trip date.
If you need to cancel your trip, we will apply the following flexible policies.
For more detailed information on our terms and conditions and Covid-19 policies, please contact us at [email protected]
