Top 10 Things to do in Cusco Region, Peru

November 29, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

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. Huayna Picchu

Carretera Hiram Bingham Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu 08680 Peru +51 918 655 015
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 4,238 reviews

Huayna Picchu

The Wayna Picchu mountain, Wayna Pikchu in Quechua, (with an altitude of 2667 meters above sea level) is part of the eastern foothills of the Salcantay massif, in Cusco, Peru. It is part of a large orographic formation known as Batolito de Vilcabamba, in the Central Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes and is known mainly as the backdrop of most photographs

Reviewed By sunnyore - Cerritos, United States

I knew I wanted to do this hike on my trip, but I was a bit scared. The mountain looked huge in photos, and it was even more massive in person. I was already feeling winded at the beginning of circuit 1 just to get to the Classic MP view. But I knew I had to try because who knows when I’ll ever get a chance again. So I lined up for my 7am entrance time and signed in. The beginning wasn’t bad until you get to the base of HP, and then it felt like you were taking neverending stairs. I don’t exercise on a regular basis, so I found the constant uphill hike pretty difficult especially at such a high altitude. But I allowed myself a ton of breaks and slowly made my way to the top. And when you see the view on top, you realized all your effort was worth it. Going down was not as easy as I thought it would be and I’m glad they have staggered entry times since we’re basically going down the same path we came up in. Once again I took a lot of breaks and I believe I signed out around 9:30am. The 10am group have already lined up outside the gates and all I could think was how glad I went in the first group since it was getting really warm. I know the risk with the 7am entry is there might be fog, but weather is so unpredictable and we ended up having a really clear morning so I was thankful for that and the cooler temperature. My suggestion is if you think you might struggle a bit, do the 7am entry time and then you can really go at your own pace like I did. They have park employees hiking the trail as well and the one I interacted with was super nice and even offered to take a bunch of photos for me. It was a hard hike for me, but I’m 100% glad I did it. Just look at the view!

2. Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Peru http://www.cultura.gob.pe/es/patrimonio/sitiosdepatrimoniomundial/listapatrimoniomundialperu/santuariomachupicchu
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
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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

3. Humantay Lake

Cusco 08002 Peru
Excellent
86%
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5.0 based on 841 reviews

Humantay Lake

The Humantay lake altitude is 4200 m.a.s.l and this make an unique weather and temperatura in this area. The Humantay lake Temperatura can arrive to 5º C during the day and at nIght drop down to 0º C.

Reviewed By gabriellV1594AK - Singapore, Singapore

Great hike to acclimatize to Peru's high altitudes. Not the easiest of hikes as it uphill and upslope for 2 hours before you get to the beautiful the Humantay lake. Make sure you take your time and rest to catch your breathe. The hike down is about 1.5 hours to 2 hours. We got a taxi driver from Cusco to drive me and my wife to the start of the trail head. Car ride is about 2 to 2.5h and we paid about 250 soles for rounc trip, so the driver waited for us.

4. Inca Trail

Cusco 08000 Peru
Excellent
80%
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16%
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4.5 based on 2,878 reviews

Inca Trail

Reviewed By tanktekiki1504 - Zurich, Switzerland

We did a two-day hike on the Inca Trail and found it to be very beautiful with lush nature, waterfalls, orchids and fascinating sights on the way. We can absolutely recommend hiking instead of taking the bus to Machu Picchu. The hike is for fitter people though as it goes pretty steep up at certain points.

5. Sacsayhuaman

Cusco 08000 Peru http://www.cultura.gob.pe/
Excellent
68%
Good
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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.

6. Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas del Cusco, Cusco 08002 Peru https://www.gob.pe/mincetur
Excellent
65%
Good
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4%
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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.

7. Mandor

Mandor Valley - Machupicchu Km. 114. 3, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru +51 940 188 155 [email protected] http://www.jardinesdemandor.com
Excellent
52%
Good
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Satisfactory
12%
Poor
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4.5 based on 517 reviews

Mandor

Mandor is a family initiative for enviromental protection located 4Km from Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes). This property offer well maintained trails where you can walk into biodiverse gardens enjoying, learning and at the same time contributing to the restoration and preservation of the habitat of hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The waterfall at the end of the trail is really powerful and refreshing. Mandor Valley is the best place for outdoor activities and the birdwatching hotspot near Machu Picchu. The property also offers cabins and campsite where you can stay and enjoy the most of this quiet location.

Reviewed By Alicehelena1208

This is an interesting walk to get to from town, following the train line. The actual site is beautiful with a wide range of plants and birds/butterflies all around. The waterfalls are well worth the hike to see.

8. Centro Historico De Cusco

Cusco 08002 Peru
Excellent
74%
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4.5 based on 13,925 reviews

Centro Historico De Cusco

Reviewed By Canadian1564 - Spokane, United States

We spent most of our visit to Cusco staying near the center and we enjoyed the beautiful architecture and culture in the center of Cusco!

9. Mariposario de Machupicchu

Avenida Hermanos Ayar On the Way to the Museum and the Bridge to Climb to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru +51 977 543 974 http://www.mariposasdemachupicchu.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
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4.5 based on 348 reviews

Mariposario de Machupicchu

Reviewed By Supersue27 - Montross, United States

Highly recommend this conservatory. This donation only facility is trying to reintroduce butterflies that have been depleted mostly due to pollution and is in beautiful setting along the serene river. The amenities include interpretation, a small snack and gift shop and bathrooms. You can grab a snack among the birds, butterflies, mountains and river.

10. Montana de Siete Colores

Cusco 084 Peru
Excellent
77%
Good
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Satisfactory
5%
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2%
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4.5 based on 614 reviews

Montana de Siete Colores

The mountain of 7 colors (VINICUNCA) is one of the majestic attractions present on the road to Ausangate, is said to be a place that shows a new opportunity for all who visit, this belief has started in the saying " if you want to see the rainbow you have to face the storm "which teaches us that there is always a reward for our efforts and a new opportunity

Reviewed By onelove_adventure - Victoria, Canada

My partner and I visited the Rainbow Mountains and had an incredible day. It's quite a bit higher than Cusco so make sure you drink coca tea or other protections from altitude sickness. Dress warmly and get ready for the best photos of your life!

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