The 10 Best Historic Sites in Cusco Region, Peru

November 25, 2021 Elouise Mccaul

Cusco, also spelled Cuzco (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkusko]; Quechua: Qusqu suyu), is a region in Peru. It is bordered by the Ucayali Region on the north; the Madre de Dios and Puno regions on the east; the Arequipa Region on the south; and the Apurímac, Ayacucho and Junín regions on the west. Its capital is Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire.
Restaurants in Cusco Region

1. Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo 08676 Peru
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,507 reviews

Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo

Reviewed By Lufdoc

Great site for exploring and getting a feel for Incan beliefs, skills, etc. before heading to Machu Picchu or hiking the Inca Trail. Climb to higher levels to get full sense.

2. Choquequirao

Peru
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 279 reviews

Choquequirao

Considered to be the "sister" to Machu Picchu, this ancient ruin complex consists of palaces and temples on two levels, canals, aqueducts and systems of fountains.

Reviewed By pikbeai - Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Searching the web, you’ll find yourself inundated with articles professing to tell you about the top ‘must-see’ destinations in the whole world; the places that you just have to go to if you’re travelling; or the top ten south american destinations that you need to fit into a three-week holiday. But I wanted to do something a little differently. I wanted to travel more profoundly, more consciously and off the beaten path and adventurous experiences from unusual hotels, alternative routes to a popular destination, trekking trails, offbeat attractions, street food tours, and other uncommon experiences. If you like to travel a bit differently and are willing to put in the effort for incredible experiences fewer people are having so let me tell you Thaqqinaqqa T.O. worth it! so that you can stop being a mute outsider and can start to learn more about the country from those who know it best and not from "swindlers" who think they are experts when they are not. For me, travel is best when it’s off the grind( peering beneath the manicured lawns of the tourist trail and see the raw, pumping veins of the life flowing beneath.) and meaningful; taking us away from the tourist hot spots and plunge us deep into the heart of this wonderful country. It’s about heading to a small town where no other tourists go or finding barely-known adventures a stone’s throw from the cities where everyone goes. We (9 of us: five 55-60yo + four 27-34yo )opted in total for one tour and two trekking tours with him : Millpu 2D; Huancacalle to Choquequirao 9D and from Cusco to Colca Canyon 6D; which gave us memorable(and often much more unique)experiences than merely following the hordes of other tourists as it brings you into closer proximity with the local people and their real common lives; rather we have not enough words for recommend him and in no way we are disappointed.

3. Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Peru http://www.cultura.gob.pe/es/patrimonio/sitiosdepatrimoniomundial/listapatrimoniomundialperu/santuariomachupicchu
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19,577 reviews

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu

Reviewed By JarmilaS428 - Vancouver, Canada

What an amazing place! The nature, view and of course the Inka ruins WOW!!! Peru was on my bucket list and I did it :D Lima, Cusco, train ride to Machu Picchu, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Uros floating island, Amantani island one night stay with local family, Taquile island, Nazca - Nazca mysterious lines flight tour, Ica - Huacachina oasis, Winery El Catador tasting and buying :D, Paracas, and Ballestas island boat tour. Everything was amazingly excellent; hotels, our tour guide Franco from Peru Best Holidays, train rides, markets, food, Pisco Sour and Peruvian people. I will never forget! <3

4. Sacsayhuaman

Cusco 08000 Peru http://www.cultura.gob.pe/
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14,590 reviews

Sacsayhuaman

Reviewed By KubsSofyan - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This place is known for being a fortress according to the guide, here there was a battle between the conquerors and the Incas the most interesting about this place is its architecture, here there are huge stones that were used for the construction of Sacsayhuaman.

5. Temple of the Sun

Machu Picchu Peru +51 992 059 069 http://www.sungate.com.pe
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 971 reviews

Temple of the Sun

Built in the form of a circular tower on a massive slab of granite, this sacred edifice contains the famous Intiwatana, or sun dial, which the Incas used to "tie down" the sun at the winter solstice each year.

Reviewed By GoGo2SlowGo - Denton, United States

The Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu swas a sacred temple built by the Inca for ceremonies to pay tribute and give offerings to the sun. Only priests and other high ranking Incas were likely only permitted access into the Temple of the Sun, one of the most sacred temples in all of Machu Picchu. The site was adapted to natural environment.The construction is semi-circular and built atop an enormous granite rock. There is a tower with a trapezoidal window. In this sacred temple, it’s believed that Incas worshiped their Sun God, Inti and it may have served as a royal tomb. This is definitely worth your visit at Machu Picchu

6. Temple of the Three Windows

Machu Picchu Peru +51 992 059 069 http://www.sungate.com.pe
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 662 reviews

Temple of the Three Windows

Located west of the main square, this sacred temple is known for its huge walls and three trapezoidal-shaped windows through which the sun's rays would pass illuminating the "Sacred Plaza" beyond.

Reviewed By deborahk3 - Maidstone, United Kingdom

The Temple of the Three Windows is located on the Sacred Plaza in the main Urban section. The long main wall features three large windows, facing east. This allows the rising sun to shine through, illuminating the sacred plaza. When visiting, take some time to appreciate the wonder of this structure.

7. Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas del Cusco, Cusco 08002 Peru https://www.gob.pe/mincetur
Excellent
65%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,884 reviews

Plaza de Armas

Reviewed By rustyinsf - The Netherlands, null

Beautiful square in Cusco, so typical of this country, if you are lucky to have good weather, it is a recommended resting place to contemplate the visit to this wonderful city.

8. Qorikancha

Avenida El Sol, 3rd block, Cusco Peru
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,441 reviews

Qorikancha

This ruin was once the most important temple of the Incas, which was later used as a base for the Church of Santo Domingo when the Spanish conquered the city.

Reviewed By InspireyouLife - Volma, Belarus

A unique work of Inca architecture, very finely worked stones, today part of this ancient Inca temple is occupied by the Dominican order, and even though time has passed the Inca culture resists against it.

9. Sacred Valley of the Incas

0051 Peru
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,347 reviews

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Reviewed By 14hannon - Sonoma, United States

Stretching from Pisac in the South to Machu Picchu in the north, the Sacred Valley is a cornucopia of majestic and steep mountains, ancient ruins, rushing rivers, craft markets, terraced hillsides, good food and native people who value and take care of their homeland. We experienced the Sacred Valley in two ways: on a Peru Rail sigh seeing train speeding to Aquas Clientes, the kick off point for Machu Picchu, and taking a day tour from Cusco. Both experiences were excellent. Of course, Machu Picchu is the cherry on the sundae, but Pisac and Ollantaytambo offer superbly maintained Inca ruins in spectacular settings. There are excellent native craft markets in Pisac and Chincheros (don't miss the beautiful in Chincheros also). We also really enjoyed our stay in a luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes, a tourist hub with good restaurants, hotels, and an international buzz.

10. Museo de Vida Monastica - Monasterio de Santa Catalina del Cusco

Calle Santa Catalina Angosta 401 Plazoleta de Santa Catalina - Centro Histórico, Cusco 08002 Peru +51 984 999 803 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/infomuseo/
Excellent
41%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 234 reviews

Museo de Vida Monastica - Monasterio de Santa Catalina del Cusco

The museum focuses on the daily lives of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine: their spiritual practices, their teachings and duties, the training of novices, and their everyday tasks. Among the objects which form part of the collection are extraordinary works in the fields of painting, sculpture and the decorative arts from the viceroyalty and republican periods, as well as exquisite examples of liturgical vestments embroidered by the nuns, and works of religious folk art. The museum houses a particularly famous series of early 19th century mural paintings which adorns the Chapter House. The convent was built during the early 17th century on the site of the old Inca Akllawasi, or “house of the chosen women”. Vestiges of the pre-Hispanic structure can be seen to this day among the outer walls of the convent.

Reviewed By Tourist54220 - Manitowoc, United States

So much history and beautiful artwork here; I don't care what your religion is, this place will inspire you.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.