Cusco remains the main starting point for anyone who wants to explore the legacy of the Inca culture. The city combines archaeological areas, colonial buildings, and active local markets. Below you will find the most important places that every traveler should include in their plan. All these sites sit at more than 3,400 meters above sea level, so take the first day easy to adjust to the altitude.
This square has served as the center of Cusco since Inca times. The Spanish built their colonial structures over the original Inca foundations. Today you can see:
Most free walking tours begin here. The plaza fills with activity from early morning until late at night.
Qorikancha formed the most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun god Inti. The Spanish constructed the convent directly on top of the original walls.
Key features inside:
Buy your ticket at the entrance. The combined ticket with other sites often saves money.
This massive Inca construction located 2 km uphill from the historic center. Local people pronounce it close to “sexy woman” – an easy way to remember the name.
Highlights:
You can walk up in 40 minutes or take a short taxi ride. The site opens from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The most authentic market in Cusco. Here locals buy and visitors mix daily.
What to look for:
Go in the morning for the best selection of fruits and meals.
Artists’ quarter with narrow cobblestone streets and white walls with blue balconies.
Reasons to visit:
Walk uphill from Plaza de Armas in 10 minutes.
Three archaeological sites located between 6 and 11 km from Cusco. Most people visit them together in half a day.
Private transportation owned by Machu Picchu by World includes pickup from your hotel and a guide with wide experience leading international groups in several languages.
| Ticket Type | Includes | Adult Price (USD) | Validity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boleto Turístico General | 16 sites (including Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, etc.) | 70 | 10 days | Official offices or authorized agencies |
| Boleto Parcial Circuito 1 | Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay | 40 | 2 days | Same places |
| Qorikancha + Cathedral | Only these two religious sites | 25 | Same day | At each entrance |
| San Pedro Market | Free entry | 0 | Always | Just walk in |
Students with valid ISIC card pay half price on most tickets.
Machu Picchu by World offers private transportation with highly trained drivers for all transfers inside and outside Cusco. Our local guides speak English, French, Portuguese, and other languages, and have years of experience on these exact routes.
If you prefer to explore on your own, taxis cost between 5-8 soles inside the historic center.
Cusco offers much more than just a stop before Machu Picchu. Spend at least 2 full days here to understand why the Incas considered it the navel of their world.
