The Best Things To Do in Cusco in 2 Days + Where To Sleep in Cusco

The city of Cusco, nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and is known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture, cathedrals and museums. If you plan on visiting any sites in the area, like Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail or Rainbow Mountain, you will need to give yourself several days in Cusco to acclimate.

This gives you ample time to explore the beautiful historic district and its many attractions at a nice relaxed pace. Explore the area with enough time to prepare for your upcoming trekking options.

What to do and see in Cusco walking map:

The best 16 things to do in Cusco in 2 days:

Cusco is situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters so make sure to take it slow and acclimate. We recommend to drink Coca Tea often to help prevent altitude sickness. There are also many restaurants to enjoy fresh and local Peruvian food in Cusco.

16. Plaza San Francisco

Plaza San Francisco is located a few blocks from the main city plaza. This smaller square is used by both locals and tourists. In this square there are several cheaper restaurants geared towards locals who work in the area.

15. Walk across the Arco de Santa Clara

When walking to the next stop you must pass through the Arco de Santa Clara, which makes for a nice photo, if you are willing to wait for a break in the traffic.

14. Take a day tour to the Rainbow Mountain

One of the most beautiful hikes in and thing you must do in Peru is to visit either Vinicunca or the Palccoyo Mountain.

13. Buy fruits and vegetables at El Mercado San Pedro

The Mercado San Pedro is a local market where you can get some fresh fruit and vegetables, along with some of the best priced souvenirs. There is also a large meat section, which has quite a strong scent.

12. Buy souvenir at El Centro Artesanal

Walking west, the next stop is the Centro Artesanal, a more touristy version of the local market. This means the prices will be a little higher, but it is still cool and colorful to explore.

11. Jump at the Parque Orellana Pumaqchupan

In front of the Centro Artesanal is the Parque Orellana Pumaqchupan, which has a large fountain in the center. The cool thing is you can walk into the fountain, behind the waterfall

10. Explore the Sacred Valleys

The Sacred Valley is a region in the Peruvian Andes. It was part of the heart of the Inca Empire along Cusco and Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley is an area of fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Make sure to sign up for a day trip and visit Pisac, Moray, Mara Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo.

9. Walk along Qorikancha

Walking up Avenida El Sol the next stop is Qorikancha or Temple of the Sun. The Qorikancha was a holy temple covered in gold by the Incas but the Spanish forced the Incas to switch religion and built the Church of Santo Domingo on the foundation of the Inca temple. Today you can tour both the church and another underground archaeological site at its base. The entrance ticket to visit the Qorikancha is 15 soles ($5 USD). The temple is closed on Sundays.

8. Take a photo at the doors of La Merced Church

7. Take a photo of the Iglesia De La Compañia De Jesus

6. Walk around the Plaza De Armas

In front of the church is the main square of historic Cusco, Plaza De Armas. The stone square is surrounded with Spanish colonial buildings and long stone arches. The square is busy night and day with tourists and festivals. This is where you will find many of the tour operators and currency exchange spots.

5. Admire the biggest Cathedral in Cusco

The main building in the square is the Cusco Cathedral. Flanking the cathedral on either side are two smaller churches, The Sagrada Familia and Triunfo. The entrance cost is a little high at 25 soles, but has a beautifully decorated interior.

4. Walk into San Blas Church

Inside the San Blas Church is a large stage which is one of the most beautiful examples of of baroque-style wood carving of the colonial period in all of the Americas.

3. Take a photo of the San Cristobal Church

Located on the edge of town, San Cristobal church has a great panoramic view of the city and the perfect shot of Plaza De Armas with a telephoto lens. From here you can either walk up the steep hill to Saksaywaman, or take a taxi to the other side of the park for just a few soles.

2. Walk around the Sacred Site of Saksaywaman

Just north of the city is the massive Inca citadel of Saqsaywaman. It is impressive to see the large stone construction, the largest stone is over 140 metric tons. The complex was used for both military defense and religious celebrations.

You have two options for tickets. The lower price ticket costs 70 Soles, includes entrance to Qenko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay and is valid for one day. If you want to visit all the sites in Cusco, for 130 Soles you can get a ticket to 16 sites in and around Cusco, valid for 10 days.

1. Climb up to the Statue of Christ

On the hill next to Saqsaywaman is a large white statue of Christ. If you are not interested in the religious aspect, it also has amazing panoramic views of the entire city of Cusco.

What are the best Viewpoints in Cusco:

The best views of Cusco can be seen from Plaza San Cristobal, el Cristo Blanco and the Mirador San Blas. The best time to visit these viewpoints is during sunrise and sunset.

Where to sleep in Cusco:

Mid-Range Option in Cusco: El Balcon Hotel

In preparation for several days of hiking or after a long hike it is important to stay in a more comfortable accommodation allowing your body to properly rest and recover. We chose to stay at El Balcón Hotel Cusco, a small oasis just a few blocks from the main square, Plaza de las Armas.

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Budget Friendly Option in Cusco: Casa Real Hoteles

If you are looking for nice budget friendly place to sleep, Casa Real Hoteles has amazing accommodations with all the classic hotel features. It is a ten minute walk outside of the historic district, but is perfect if your flight arrives late at night or leaves early in the morning, as it is closer to the airport and includes a free transfer to or from the airport.

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