Activities in Cusco 2021
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on February 18, 2021 by James Bustamante
Update 2021: What are some of the best activities in Cusco? So the scenario is that you find yourself currently in the city of Cusco. You are planning on going on one of the many hikes to Machu Picchu and need something to do the day or a few days before the hike begins.
Remember that according to the high altitude elevation protocol, you should take short walks and not just stay in your hotel the entire time. Your body actually acclimates to the elevation while you sleep so it is best to stay moderately active during the daytime.
What can you do? walk around? Take this time out to relax? We have many travelers asking this same question. “What are some of the Activities in Cusco that aren’t too challenging?”
Don’t worry we have a list of a few activities in Cusco that will get you walking without feeling too overwhelmed.
The Cusco Plaza de Armas
We can start with an easy-going walk around the city. The idea is to stay close to your hotel in case you have any altitude sickness symptoms.
This is important because we don’t want to overdo it with walking around, remember that if this is done at the beginning of your stay in Cusco you might just be getting acclimated to the Peruvian highland elevation.
Travelers Tips: Cusco is located in the Peruvian highlands at over 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level. Make sure to follow the elevation sickness protocol and you will do just fine.
The basic idea is to stay near the hotel but that doesn’t mean we won’t get to see some interesting sights.
The main square or “Plaza de Armas” is one of the more popular places to sit around and watch the beautiful surrounding landscape.
As you stand in the Cusco Plaza de Armas you can look at the surrounding mountains and the small communities that live in them. Although Cusco is much different than it was several years ago, the people maintain their traditional way of living. You’ll catch several locals going on about their day that are usually eager to chat with someone from a different country.
Just sitting around you will be able to see some of the locals carrying their produce to the San Pedro Market or walking around the city with an Alpaca.
Relax for a few minutes on one of the park benches or sit around the water fountain at the center of the main square.
Many of the people you see walking around Cusco are in the same situation as yourself. You will see people from all over the globe just like you, looking for low impact activities since they are most likely also going on day hikes or camping trips soon.
The Qoricancha Temple
From the main square, we can head towards the temple of Qorikancha museum. It’s very close to the plaza, only about 5-8 minutes walking distance.
Travelers notes: Qoricancha can be written in different ways. There is Quri Kancha Coricancha, Koricancha, Qoricancha or Qorikancha and several other spellings. The name is Quechua and translates to “The Golden Temple.”
It’s a small museum that boasts 5 amazing sections where they explain the history of the forefathers that came to these lands.
On display, you’ll find three very important periods: pre-Inca, Inca and colonial pieces which mostly came from excavations that were made at the site of Koricancha itself (In the Quechua language it is spelled Qorikancha and translates to “Golden Yard”), during the 1992 – 1995 period.
What’s interesting is that in the Quechua language it is spelled “Qorikancha” and translates to “Golden Yard”.
If you you’d like to visit on your own here is the Qoricancha Museum website: https://www.museoqorikancha.pe
The Cusco Cathedral
The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, also known as “Cusco Cathedral” is located just across from the Cusco main square, it is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco.
The entire building was constructed between 1560-1654 and is rather impressive to look at.
The Cathedral, in addition to its official status as a place of worship, has become a major repository of Cusco’s colonial art.
It also holds many archeological artifacts and relics you won’t see anywhere else. The cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the City of Cusco listing in 1983.
There is no photography allowed inside the cathedral and definitely not near any of the paintings. The Cathedral care-takers are very strict with this rule so take caution when entering the building.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco_Cathedral
The San Pedro Market
The San Pedro market is no more than a 20 minute walk from the Cusco plaza de Armas. There are several reasons why you might want to take a walk to this traditional Cusco market.
If you want to have a chance to shop just like the locals do they look no further. You will find a selection of fruits, vegetables, meats (Alpaca included), pinks salts, magic potions, religion ornaments, Andean trout, pure Amazon chocolate, etc. The list of all the items that can be found here is quite endless.
It is certainly one of the cheapest places to buy souveniers in the entire city so if you are on a tight budget then walk right up to the local vendors.
Do you want to try traditional Andean food or just have an inexpensive meal? Then this place is for you!
There are food stands offering fried trout, sheep’s head soup(yes this tastes better than it sounds), as well as other local dishes and even not so local dishes. The vendors have adapted to the eventual foreign crowds.
Try some of the tastiest, sweetest fruit you will ever have or pay $1US for a pitcher (yes! a full pitcher) of freshly made fruit juices.The market also has the traditional items such as meats, vegetables, fruits, chicken, etc.
Have you ever wondered where they get pink salt from in the Andes? Right here in Cusco of course! and you can get a 1kg bag of it for $1, that’s 2.2lbs for our American visitors.
The four activities mentioned above will more than likely take a few hours to accomplish. Take the breaks in between walks, have a delicious lunch, and you have a pretty full day ahead of you.
It is also something you can do without the need of a private guide or guided tour group (which can always be arranged if you prefer).
The cost of admission to the cathedral and the Qoricancha museum range from $2-$4 US and the Plaza is free to visit anytime you want.
At the San Pedro market you’ll only spend money on whatever you wish to buy. The best part is all of these will be walking distance from basically any hotel you are staying at near the main square.
Conclusion
There are several mini trips you can take that will be near your Cusco hotel since they are mostly scattered around the Plaza de Armas. Remember that in order to really get to know a place the best way to start is by meeting the local people. Walking around the city of Cusco is a great way to warm up before your Inca Trail or Machu Picchu guided tours!
Travelers Tips: The cost of admission to the cathedral and the Koricancha museum range from $2-$4 and the Plaza is free to visit anytime you want.
If you want to know more about activities in Cusco contact us today or check out one of the fully customizable Peru tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Activities in Cusco
What can I see without the need of a guide in Cusco?
You don’t need a guide to visit the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, The Qorikancha temple or the San Pedro Market.
Can I visit the Cathedral in Cusco without a guide?
Yes, you can enter the cathedral without a guide. All you need to do is pay for the cost of admission.
Can I walk around Cusco without a guide?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to walk around Cusco without a guide.
Where should I start exploring if I am in Cusco?
You can begin with the Main square and the Cusco cathedral.
