Are you traveling to Cusco, Peru, and want to make sure you don’t miss any of the best things to do? In this bucket list, you will find all the top landmarks and activities in Cusco, selected by a Peruvian (me) who has done them all and is sharing the best ones here.

In this list, I’m including all of the main sites and activities both in Cusco city as well as those in the whole Cusco region as well. For example, Machu Picchu is in the Cusco region, but not in Cusco city.

You will find this list very useful for you trip to Cusco if you are a bucket list type of person. From history and culture, to nature, festivals and flavors, learn about all the things that you must see and try when you visit Cusco.

Historical & Cultural Landmarks

1. Machu Picchu: Admire one of the 7 World Wonders.
2. Sacsayhuamán: Walk around this massive Incan fortress in the city of Cusco.
3. Qorikancha: Discover the Sun Temple’s architecture, which is half Incan and half Spanish.
4. San Pedro Market: Immerse in local life and sit down at a stall to drink some exotic fruit shakes.
5. Inca Museum: Explore a wealth of Incan history and artifacts.
6. San Blas Neighborhood: Enjoy this neighborhood’s charming streets lined with cute shops and cafes.
7. Pisac Ruins and Market: Visit ancient ruins and a vibrant local market in this picturesque town.
8. Ollantaytambo: Explore this well-preserved Incan town and fortress.
9. Chinchero: Witness traditional weaving and a lively textile market in this Sacred Valley town.
10. Maras Salt Mines: Walk around picturesque pink salt pans that have been harvested since the times of the Incas.
11. Moray: See these round Incan terraces that might have been used as a food lab.
12. Choquequirao: Embark on a trek to this secluded ‘sister city’ of Machu Picchu.
13. La Catedral del Cusco: Marvel at the art and architecture of Cusco’s main cathedral.
14. Twelve Angled Stone: View this famous Incan stone in Cusco city: despite its completely irregular shape it fits perfectly well with the stones around it.
15. Planetarium of Cusco: Learn about Incan astronomy and the southern sky.

Natural Wonders

1. Humantay Lake: Hike to this stunning turquoise lake surrounded by majestic mountains.
2. Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: Witness the mountain’s striking colors at this popular destination.
3. Andean Condor Viewing in Chonta: Spot majestic condors in their natural habitat. And by the way, did you know that Peru is one of the countries with the most birds species in the world?
4. Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: A less-frequented alternative to Vinicunca, with mesmerizing views.

Cultural Experiences

1. Inti Raymi Festival: Experience the grand Festival of the Sun in June, one of the most famous traditional festivals in Peru, which has been celebrated for centuries.
2. Museo de la Hoja de Coca: Explore the cultural significance of coca leaves in this small but interesting museum.
3. Festival de la Virgen del Carmen: Head to Paucartambo town if you are visiting in July to take part of colorful and lively festivities, which mix Spanish traditional with ancient Andean beliefs.
4. Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge: Witness the last Incan rope bridge’s annual reconstruction.

Adventure Activities

1. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Journey on the iconic path to the ancient city hiking for several days in the Sacred Valley and sleeping under the stars.
2. Skylodge Adventure Suites: Sleep in a transparent capsule on a mountain cliff. Only for those who aren’t afraid of heights and a bit of rock climbing!
3. Salkantay Trek: Trek through diverse landscapes to Machu Picchu.
4. Ausangate Trek: Take on this high-altitude, picturesque trek in the heart of the Andes.
5. Downhill in Urubamba: Experience thrilling trails in this Sacred Valley town.

Eating and Drinking

1. Chicha de Jora: Sample the ancient fermented corn drink, a typical Peruvian drink, popular in the highlands.
2. Pachamanca: Savour food cooked under the earth, in an earth oven.
3. Cusco Coffee: Enjoy the region’s exquisite coffee in local cafés. Peru is well-known for its good quality coffee and a good part of it comes from Cusco.
4. Peruvian Chocolate: Delve into the world of chocolate at the Museo del Chocolate.
5. Mate de Coca: Drink this traditional herbal tea that has been consumed since the times of the Incas for increased energy and altitude sickness.

Before You Go…

As you can see, there are lots of things to do in Cusco, both in Cusco city and in the surrounding region.

With so many options, if you are having trouble deciding how to organize your trip, you might want to read this Cusco itinerary of five days. The itinerary includes some of the top sites and activities from this Cusco bucket list, so you will make sure you are not missing on anything.

And if you are still planning your trip to Peru as a whole, you might also want to read our Peru bucket list and Lima bucket list to choose the sites that you have to visit. Then, review our Peru itineraries for insights on effective time planning.