Plaza de Armas

Pictured here and in the banner above, the Plaza in Cusco was the centre of the Incan Empire.

Here administrative, military, and political decisions were made. In its heyday the plaza was double its current size, though today it is the bustling centre of modern Cusco. 

Iglesia La Compania de Jesus

A 16thC historical church located on the other side of the Plaza de Armas, this church rivals the Cusco Cathedral in terms of prominence in Plaza de Armas.

It is a marriage of Incan and Baroque architecture. Featuring the largest altar in Peru, it also houses several notable paintings.

Cusco Cathedral

aka Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin

Located in the centre of Cusco at the Plaza de Armas, this cathedral took almost 100 years to complete. Since its completion in 1654 it has received minor Basilica Status and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

The Cathedral now houses a large collection of Cusco’s colonial art, relics, and archeological pieces.

San Blas

North of the Plaza de Armas, San Blas is one of Cusco’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.

This pedestrian-only area of Cusco is great for exploring the ancient stone streets. A creative hub, be sure to take note of the artist workshops and studios as well.

Travellers can take the old Incan Road up many steps to ‘great stone street’ and see the famed 12-angled stone, a marvel of stonework set into the best kept Incan walls in Cusco.

San Francisco

Wander to the Plaza San Francisco and visit the church and monastery, which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Santa Catalina Convent

This convent houses a colonial and religious art museum that includes an interesting collection from the Cusco school of paintings. The wall paintings on the first floor are unique to the convent.

San Pedro Market

Experience the real people of Cusco and take in their customs in one of the most authentic Peruvian markets.

Natives to Cusco shop at the San Pedro Market as you can find anything here, from fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and meats, to flowers of every colour and handmade alpaca clothing.

Feeling bold? Pay a visit to the “magic man” for some shamanistic ritual items.

Museo de Historia Regional

This museum houses a great collection of Incan and pre-Incan artifacts. Its second floor houses a collection of the Cuzco School of Colonial Art.

Just Outside of Town

While there’s plenty of things to do in Cusco itself, those willing to venture outside the city limits can experience a few of the charming and fascinating villages that surround it.

Andahuaylillas

A little further afield (45 km from Cusco), this pretty Andean village is famous for its magnificent 17thC chapel, known as the Capella sixtina del Ande.

Under the auspices of the World Monuments Fund, the church is not always open, but the caretaker will open it for you; if you cannot find him, the town itself is worth a visit.

Pikillacta & Rumicolca

Pikillacta is a pre-Incan Wari settlement 30 km (19 mi.) south of Cusco that dates back to the 11th century. The Incas built the gate of Rumicolca on top of another Wari structure just one kilometre away, and the contrast between the two is worth seeing.

Tipon

This is a magnificent series of water canals and Incan terraces located in the south-eastern Cusco Valley, approximately 25 km (16 mi.) from Cusco proper.

And a Few Reminders…

Though a beautiful town, Cusco has a reputation for pickpockets, so please be careful. It is best to carry valuables in front of you, not on your back, and watch your pockets.

Also note that Cusco’s charming cobblestoned streets are best traversed in comfortable shoes like runners or hikers.