¿What to do in Cusco?
The city of Cusco
In the city you can visit the Main Square of Cusco, which is located in the historic center and where you can see the architectural style of the colonial era. You can also visit the Barrio de San Blas, where the works of the best Cusco artists are exhibited. Further. You can go to the Cathedral of the Imperial City, there you can appreciate the Temple of Triumph and the Temple of the Holy Family.
Surroundings of Cusco
The Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman is located 3 kilometers from the Imperial City and is made up of 33 archaeological sites. You can also visit the Qenko Archaeological Center to visit the Sala de los Sacrificios, the Intiwatana, the Zigzag Canal and the Amphitheater. In addition, we invite you to visit the Archaeological Complex of Pukarapukara, which means “red fortress”, and is characterized by having aqueducts, baths and roads.
Outside the city of Cusco
In the Archeological Complex of Choquequirao you will know the enclosures, squares and walls, typical of the Inca architecture, while in the Archaeological Complex of Olantaytambo you will get to know the Baños de la Princesa, the Incahuatana, the Mañacaray and the Temple of the Sun. Finally, you will know the citadel of Machu Picchu, a place full of mystery and mystical energy that is undoubtedly the greatest tourist attraction of the Imperial City and the world.
Archaeological Sites of Cusco
We recommend visiting the platforms and the agricultural laboratory of Moray. You should also visit the fortress and town of Ollantaytambo, agricultural production center of the Inca Empire. In addition, you must include the religious nux of Pisac in your travel plan as you will know a city built with huge blocks of stone without any amalgam, advanced engineering technique that the settlers of Ancient Peru managed to perfection.
Natural attractions of Cusco
Cusco has several natural tourist attractions, among which stands out: the Salineras de Maras, the Huaypo lagoon, the Piuray lagoon, the Huarpay lagoon, the Lares Valley, the 7 color mountain, the Huamantay lagoon , the Three Canyons, the Circuit of the 4 lagoons, the Nevado de Salcantay, the Nevado de Ausangate, the National Park of Manu, the National Sanctuary of Megantoni and the three crosses: Salidad del Sol.
Other Places to Visit
1. San Blas
The most beautiful thing to visit in the neighborhood of San Blas is the temple built in 1563. Inside this stands out the pulpit carved in wood – cedar – baroque style, in addition to the works of art around it. San Blas is known for being the birthplace of artisans. You can talk with the same producers in the San Blas market that is installed in front of the temple in the morning. Then comes the Cuesta de San Blas, a little street in stone and cobblestone for walking and full of shops. You will find handicrafts (jewelry, wallets in different materials, articles in wood) of first quality. I was fascinated with almost all the stores!
2. Cicciolina Restaurant
Located on the second floor of an old colonial house, on Calle Triunfo # 393 and a step away from the Cuesta de San Blas, Cicciolina is a delicious Mediterranean restaurant that uses supplies from the Sacred Valley. It has a tapas bar with small tables in front of the bar that have large windows facing the street and, a few meters from this space, an elegant dining room. The menu offers fish such as trout and meat such as alpaca or pork, as well as a wide variety of wines. The attention is good and warm. Prices per person, including a glass of wine and background, range from 60 soles.
3. Republic of Pisco
A few steps from the Plaza de Armas, Plateros Street, is this restaurant – bar that offers live music and a wide variety of drinks based on pisco. The atmosphere is pleasant and fills up fast (at 11 p.m. there were no tables available). It’s good to do previous.
4. The stone of the 12 angles
Finishing the Cuesta de San Blas you will find Hatun Rumiyoc street, where you will see this famous stone of perfect finish. It draws attention to fit perfectly in your space. In that same street you will see people dressed as Incas taking pictures with tourists.
5. The Valeriana Bakeshop
If you like to visit cozy places with decoration full of warmth and vintage type, this space is perfect. I loved! It is located in front of La Merced church. It’s like a tea house with delicious desserts. I recommend the carrot cake. It has a post it mural where visitors can leave their messages.
