10 TOP Things to Do in Cusco Region August 2026

Rolling green hills, a valley with scattered houses, and a field of orange flowers.

A green field with mountains in the background.

A mountainous landscape with a valley, a river, and a town.

A historic cathedral with two bell towers, surrounded by a public square with benches and people.

Ancient stone ruins with thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and misty peaks.

Activities

Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Yucay With Lunch

NZ$92

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Cusco: Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Q'enco

NZ$23

per adult

Cusco:Chinchero,Moray & Salt Mines drop-off in Ollantaytambo

NZ$45

per adult

Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo from Cusco

NZ$57

per adult

The Ultimate Full Day Sacred Valley Tour

NZ$240

per adult

Cusco City Tour: Four Ruins in Half Day

NZ$21

per adult

City tour in Cusco.

NZ$19

per adult

Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley

NZ$43

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Moray - this is an Inka invention to adapt plants in other environments.

Sacred Valley of the Inkas Full Day Tour

NZ$72

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

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Top places to visit

1. Plaza de Armas

Head to where the action is at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, a large landscaped square bordered by shops, restaurants and ancient churches. For more than 500 years, the square has been at the heart of city life. Come to the plaza nowadays and you might see festivals, concerts and religious processions. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the ornate lampposts and colonial archways and relax with a drink.

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A historic church with two bell towers, surrounded by a park with people and green trees.

2. Aguas Calientes Hot Springs

Aguas Calientes is not just the last train stop before the fabled Incan city of Machu Picchu. This memorable valley village, surrounded by mountains and forests, has enough going for it to keep you around an extra day or two – not least the hot springs that have given the town its name.

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A river flowing through a mountainous area with a bridge, buildings, and a paved walkway.

3. San Pedro Market

Cusco San Pedro Market is a sprawling, open-air market, with everything from produce and meat to clothing and incense. Popular with locals and visitors, the market is an entertaining destination for shoppers and anyone curious about local culture.

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A market entrance with a sign reading "Bienvenidos a tu Mercado San Pedro".

4. Cusco Cathedral

Standing over Cusco’s main square is Cusco Cathedral, an impressive Gothic-Renaissance structure built on the site of an Inca palace. Explore the interior, filled with more than 400 canvases, woodcarvings and a silver altar.

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A historic church with two towers, a plaza with people, and mountains in the background.

5. Sacsayhuaman

Venture into the archaeological park just outside Cusco’s city center to explore the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. This colossal stone fortress and temple sits on a steep hill overlooking the city and attests to the brilliance of Incan engineering. Come to observe traditional Incan ceremonies and to admire how the structure was built, noting the large limestone blocks that lock together without mortar.

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Ancient stone ruins in a dry, hilly landscape with a clear sky.

6. Huayna Picchu

Towering above the ancient city of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu – or ‘Young Peak’ – is a grand mountain with a distinctive peak in the shape of a rhino horn. The path up to the top climbs over 305 meters (1,000 feet) along a trail that is short but very steep. Hike to the summit and you will be rewarded for your efforts with stunning views and some memorable local sites.

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Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city with stone structures and terraces, surrounded by misty mountains.

7. Coricancha

Qorikancha was the most important and elaborate temple of the Inca Empire. Qorikancha means golden courtyard and at the time of the Incas, the walls were covered in solid gold sheets. When the Spanish colonized the area, they demolished and looted parts of the temple and constructed the convent of Santo Domingo on top of it. The convent is still there today. Marvel at the original stonework, walk down corridors and through the chambers of Qorikancha and find clues to its former splendor.

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An arched corridor with a bell tower in the background.

What to do in Cusco Region

Stay near popular Cusco Region attractions

Plaza de Armas

9.6/10 (4,258 reviews)

Cusco’s busy main square has been the center of public life for centuries. Enjoy its spacious layout, ancient churches and restaurants.

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Our guide on where to stay in Cusco Region

Find the best Cusco Region areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cusco Region

A historic cathedral with two bell towers and a large dome.

Cusco Historic Center

Cusco Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Convent, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cusco.

A narrow cobblestone street flanked by white buildings with blue shutters and wrought iron balconies.

San Blas

San Blas is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like San Blas Church and Plaza San Blas.

A cityscape with red-tiled roofs, a prominent church, and distant mountains.

San Cristóbal

While visiting San Cristóbal, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Sán Cristobal and Museo de Arte Precolombino.

A person climbing a stone wall with a backpack.

Santiago

If you're spending some time in Santiago, Santiago Plaza and "El Molino I" Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Latin tourist looking at the terraces of Pisac, Pisac archaeological complex in Cusco

Santa Monica

While Santa Monica may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Real Plaza Cusco and Ttio Market.

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