What To Do In Cusco, Peru? 3-Day Itinerary

What to do in Cusco, Peru? Cusco is the centre of the Inca civilisation, and it is the city you will have to fly into if you want to explore Machu Picchu and other wonders of Peru, such as Rainbow Mountain or the highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. 

But before you go around the city, you will also want to explore Cusco as well, as it offers so much. 

One thing to remember before planning your visits around Cusco is the altitude of Cusco, which stands at 3,399 meters, or 11,152 feet, and will most likely cause minor dizziness and make you slower than usual for a couple of days. 

The internet might tell you that altitude sickness isn’t something that affects everyone, but in my experience, it really should not be ignored. 

Since I felt a bit tired and dizzy, I made this video to show you what you can do in Cusco, the Inca capital in Peru, while taking it slowly during your first few days at this altitude to be able to explore but also let your body adjust. 

We explored some of the most popular churches and cathedrals in Cusco, and then admired the cute cobblestone streets and even made it to the Saqsaywaman Fortress, which is another 300 meters in altitude. 

If you want to learn how the Spanish conquered Cusco and how the local and imported cultures intertwined, you need to spend some time in Cusco. 

Where to stay in Cusco?

If you are planning on exploring Cusco a bit, then I highly recommend staying close to the main square, as most places to see are in the historical centre of Cusco. 

Since you will likely feel tired and dizzy from the altitude sickness in Cusco, being close to some of these attractions will help. Also, you can easily reach most of these hotels by taxi, and you can arrange with the hotel to have a taxi waiting for you at the airport. 

I would also recommend booking your hotel in advance, as Cusco is a very touristy place and good hotels tend to be booked out most of the time. 

I stayed at Hotel Casa de Fierro Cusco, which is a great hotel for a budget hotel, located in the city’s historical centre and with a private bathroom. 

I booked my hotel just a couple of days before I arrived, and there weren’t many options left. Also, many hotels tend to have issues with hot water and WiFi, so here are some other accommodation in Cusco that I’d recommend:

$$$   – Monasterio, El Convento, Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa, Antigua Casona San Blas

$$   – La Casona Real Cusco, ANAHUARQUE Hotel Boutique, Costa del Sol, Casa Andina 

$   –  Kori Gems Inn, El Balcón, Terra Sagrada, Black Llama Hostel

Day 1

This is the day we arrived in Cusco, Peru, from Lima. 

Since we landed in the early afternoon, I didn’t feel great. The altitude sickness wasn’t shy about making an appearance as soon as the aeroplane door opened. 

The first thing I did after landing was to get out of the small airport in Cusco and look for our driver. We had asked our hotel to get a taxi driver to wait for us. He was waiting with a name tag in front of the airport, as they were not allowed inside. 

We got to the hotel, and the driver asked for 30 Soles, although the hotel staff previously informed me that it would cost 25 Soles. 

Luckily, I spoke some Spanish and was able to explain that this was the price I agreed on, and in the end, he accepted that. But that was rude. I informed the hotel staff, and they said they would speak with the taxi company so that this doesn’t happen again. 

We went to our room, relaxed for a few minutes, and we started to feel dizzy. However, we dressed up, as Cusco is colder than Lima, and went for a short and easy walk to the centre of Cusco. 

I chose a hotel in the centre of Cusco, which is only 10 minutes away on foot from the main square, Plaza de Armas. The name of the hotel is Hotel Casa de Fierro Cusco, and I do recommend it. 

Main square in Cusco

We visited the central square, Plaza de Armas, which has a lovely vibe, is always full of tourists and locals, and there’s also so much going on around it. Since it was already kinda late, we couldn’t visit much during the day, but I’d recommend taking it easy during this first day in Cusco. 

If time and energy allow it, explore the streets around the main square. You can visit one of the churches around, have lunch at one of the many restaurants around and do some shopping. 

Central Market

We then headed towards the Central Market. There’s a lot of walking around, but at least it’s on flat ground. 

In the market, you can buy already-made coca tea, which helps with altitude sickness. 

There are also many stalls with souvenirs and traditional clothing made from alpaca wool. If you’re feeling cold, then you can buy a sweater or poncho and a hat from the market, which will probably be much cheaper than those fancy alpaca wool shops around the central square. 

Day 2

After a slow breakfast at the hotel and some coca tea to ease the dizziness, we stepped out of the hotel. It was b a bit cold, and I was still adjusting to the temperature and the Cusco altitude.

However, I was determined to make the most out of my time here, and when I finally felt a bit better, I went out to explore some of the top attractions in Cusco around noon.

Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús

This is one of the big churches you’ll see in the central square in Cusco. As is the case with other churches around, you are not allowed to take photos inside the church, but I really like it.

They have a free audioguide if you have an internet connection on your phone. I always use a travel eSim when I travel, so you might want to do the same.

At the end of your visit, you can climb up to the first floor (second floor if you’re from the U.S.) and admire the central square from the balcony. It is really lovely, and you are allowed to take photos from this spot.

Lunch

After we visited the Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús, we went to get a late lunch. 

As I mentioned before in my videos about Peru, food is almost always very good, and you will find great diversity in Peru. 

In Cusco, we found many vegan restaurants, so we chose Vida Vegan Bistro for lunch (Google Maps location here), which is only a few steps away from the main square. 

The staff was very kind and accommodating and recommended some dishes for us since we weren’t feeling great. The altitude sickness was still bothering us. 

The food was great, and the location is nice, with a cute view from the small balcony. 

Cusco Cathedral

One of the top attractions in Cusco is the Cusco Cathedral, which was formally known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin. It will draw your attention as soon as you reach the main square in Cusco for the first time. 

During the afternoon of our second day in Cusco, we also visited the Cusco Cathedral, which consists of three different churches. If you want to take pictures inside the cathedral, you have to pay an additional fee. That was 40 Soles ($10) in April 2024, in addition to the $ 10 entrance ticket, which I decided not to pay because I felt tired and sick from altitude sickness, and I just wanted to walk around it for a bit. 

This attraction in Cusco is particularly famous for its version of the Last Supper painting that features cuy (guinea pig) and local fruits and drinks on the table. The drink, for instance, is called chicha, a traditional maise beer.

The Last Supper painting in the Cusco Cathedral is a symbol of the cultural blending that defines much of Peru’s colonial history. It represents how indigenous artists navigated and adapted to the imposition of European religious and cultural norms, integrating their own identity and traditions into their art.

Evening

We ended the day with a slow walk towards our hotel. Locals were enjoying themselves, as it was a holiday. There were some street performers entertaining crowds in smaller squares of Cusco. 

Day 3

On the third day in Cusco, Peru, we started to feel better and adjusted a bit more to the altitude in Cusco, and we explored a bit more of the must-see attractions in Cusco. 

For the first two days, we mainly explored the historical centre of Cusco and the surrounding churches and cathedrals, but we now found the ignorant courage to walk up the hills. 

Lunch

We had lunch in a small restaurant right in the main square.

The entire area is full of touristy places, and prices are certainly adjusted for the wallets of foreigners. But if you want international food, then this is the place for you.

It was ok, but I would recommend choosing local restaurants, which are not right in touristy hotspots in Cusco. 

Stop 1: Calle 7 Borreguitos

When asked, “What to do in Cusco?” one of the first answers is to visit the Calle 7 Borreguitos, which is a colourful street next to the Sapantiana Aqueduct. 

Let’s answer an important question: How do you get here? 

Now, what nobody understands about Cusco until you get there is that Cusco’s attractions are close to each other when you look at the map, but except for the main square, Plaza de Armas, which is on flat ground, the rest of the place is on hills. 

So, walking uphill is quite a struggle when your body is still adjusting to the altitude in Cusco. But even without the altitude, the streets are steep, so it is a challenge. 

However, I noticed that some tourists go there by taxi, and the journey is much shorter if you choose this option. 

I wouldn’t recommend driving there yourself with a rented car because the streets are narrow and steep, and there are no places for parking. Locals know their way better, so if you can’t walk uphill, get a taxi and then you can ask them to wait for you. 

But once you’re here, you’ll discover a quaint cobblestone alleyway nested between traditional Andean houses with thick stone walls and red-tiled roofs. 

Because of the popularity this place received on social media, it’s quite popular, and everyone is taking pictures at one specific spot, so you’ll have to come with patience if you want a picture here. 

However, I encourage you not to rush your visit so you can admire the street’s colourful murals, small artisan shops and local cafes. 

The street’s name, “7 Borreguitos,” which translates to “7 Little Lambs,” adds to its charm and curiosity, evoking a sense of quaintness and local folklore.

Stop 2: Sapantiana Aqueduct

After you soaked in some of the traditional Andean lifestyle, you’ll notice that right next to the alleyway is the popular Sapantiana Aqueduct, which is a remarkable piece of colonial architecture that showcases the blend of Spanish and Inca influences.

This stone aqueduct was constructed during the colonial era to provide water to the city and is an excellent example of the ingenious engineering of the time.

The aqueduct is built from finely cut stone, typical of Cusco’s robust architectural style, and features multiple arches that elegantly span across a small ravine. 

The water channel runs along the top of these arches, once carrying fresh water from the mountains to the city below. Its construction demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and skill, using local materials and traditional building techniques that have stood the test of time.

Today, the Sapantiana Aqueduct is surrounded by lush greenery, with small streams running below and vibrant Andean plants lining its path. The area around the aqueduct is peaceful and scenic and offers great views over Cusco, and many locals come here to chill, hang out with family and friends and take pictures. 

Make sure to rest as long as you need here because the next part of this proposed day in Cusco itinerary is a bit of a physical challenge. 

Stop 3: Saqsaywaman Fortress 

The Saqsaywaman fortress is probably the most important tourist attraction in Cusco. 

Saqsaywaman, often spelt Sacsayhuamán, is a magnificent fortress located on a hill overlooking the city of Cusco, Peru. 

You can spend half a day exploring every corner of Saqsaywaman, but the best part for me was the panoramic view of Cusco. To get there, follow the Cruzmoqo trail, right after you enter the fortress. If you’re unsure, ask at the entrance for directions. 

It is one of the most impressive examples of Inca architecture and engineering, showcasing the empire’s mastery over stone construction. 

The site is believed to have been built in the 15th century under the reign of Inca rulers, including Pachacuti, and was later expanded by his successors.

At the ticket counter, you can only pay cash, so bring enough cash with you. The staff will offer two types of tickets. One ticket is only to visit this fortress, and the other option is to buy a ticket that offers access to 16 attractions in and around Cusco. In April 2014, it cost 130 Soles per person, which is around $35. 

In the end, it might be worth buying the combo ticket, even though the price might seem high at first. Most foreigners explore the Cusco and Sacred Valley area, and often also visit Pisaq, Ollantaytambo and Moray. 

I think the combo ticket is worth it if you visit 3 or more tourist sites from the list. Here’s the complete list of touristic sites that you can access with this combo ticket:

1. SAQSAYWAMAN 
2. Q’ENGO
3. PUKA PUKARA
4. TAMBOMACHAY
5. PISAQ
6. OLLANTAYTAMBO
7. MORAY
8. CHINCHERO
9. TIPON
10. PIKILLAQTA
11. MONUMENTO A PACHACUTEQ
12. CENTRO QOSQO DE ARTE NATIVO
13. MUSEO DE SITIO QORIKANCHA
14. MUSEO DE ARTE POPULAR
15. MUSEO DE ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO
16. MUSEO HISTÓRICO REGIONAL

How to get to Saqsaywaman?

First of all, you need to know how to get here. 

You can walk here from the city centre, as I did. It doesn’t take more than one hour or so, and you walk on the lovely narrow streets in the historical centre of Cusco. 

You can also take a taxi to get there; there is one entrance right on top, and from there, you will not have to walk much uphill, just the walking you will do inside the forest area, which isn’t that bad. 

Is Saqsaywaman fortress worth the visit?

Yes, I believe it is one of the must-see attractions in Cusco. It has it all: history, culture, panoramic views and alpacas. 

The fortress is renowned for its massive stone walls, which are composed of huge, precisely cut limestone boulders that fit together so perfectly without mortar that not even a blade of grass can slide between them. 

This type of wall building is something you will recognise in a lot of Inca settlements, including at the famous Machu Picchu. 

At the entrance, you will find several local guides offering their services for visiting the fortress. 

Since there are no informative plates within the fortress, it might be worth hiring a guide for the visit. But I believe that’s more for history buffs. I didn’t hire a guide, and that’s mostly because I was filming for this video. 

I must warn you that there isn’t much left of the fortress, and you will mostly be staring at stones. 

The Incas had crafted Saqsaywaman’s walls with enormous limestone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons; the largest ones can reach up to 8.5 meters (28 feet) in height. These stones were intricately cut to fit together without mortar. I find that this is one of the characteristics that distinguishes their way of building from other civilisations. 

Saqsaywaman’s design also features a series of large plazas and ceremonial spaces that were likely used for military, religious, and administrative purposes. 

It’s worth noting that most details and descriptions of the Inca settlements are historical speculations because the Incas did not leave behind any written records, as was the case with the Mayan civilisation, for instance. 

After visiting several Inca spots, I often heard guides saying the same things because there isn’t that much to tell since there is no concrete evidence of how and what the things and places were used. 

For instance, in the Saqsaywaman fortress, you’ll find the main plaza,  called the “Esplanade,” which is thought to have been the site of important ceremonies, rituals, and gatherings, including the annual Inti Raymi festival, a celebration of the winter solstice and homage to the sun god Inti.

No wonder this place survived the Spanish conquest, and it is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. 

Saqsaywaman fortress and the Spanish conquest 

The Saqsaywaman fortress played a significant and dramatic role during the Spanish conquest of Cusco in the 16th century. Saqsaywaman was originally built by the Incas as a ceremonial and defensive complex featuring massive stone walls with zigzagging terraces. Its strategic location on a hill overlooking Cusco made it a crucial defensive site.

When the Spaniards, led by Francisco Pizarro, arrived in Cusco in 1533, Saqsaywaman became a focal point in the battles between the Spanish conquistadors and the Inca resistance. 

In 1536, during the Inca uprising led by Manco Inca Yupanqui, Saqsaywaman was a key stronghold. The Incas used it as a base to launch attacks against the Spanish-held city of Cusco.

The siege of Cusco was intense, with fierce battles occurring in and around Saqsaywaman. 

The Incas initially managed to reclaim the fortress from the Spaniards. 

However, after several months of intense fighting and a desperate Spanish counterattack led by Pizarro’s brother, Juan Pizarro, the Spaniards retook Saqsaywaman. 

The battle for the fortress was brutal, with many casualties on both sides, and its recapture marked a turning point in the Spanish consolidation of power over Cusco.

Spanish use of Saqsaywaman’s stones for building the Cathedral

After the Spanish conquest, the significance of Saqsaywaman shifted.

The Spaniards dismantled much of the fortress to use its stones in the construction of new colonial buildings in Cusco. 

The cathedral in the centre of Cusco, known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, is one of the most notable structures that benefited from the repurposed stones of Saqsaywaman.

The Spaniards saw these stones as a ready source of material for their new constructions. Many of the finely crafted stones were transported down from the hill of Saqsaywaman to the heart of Cusco, where they were used to build the foundations and walls of the cathedral and other colonial buildings.

The removal of stones from Saqsaywaman was part of a broader strategy by the Spanish to dismantle symbols of Inca power and authority and to build upon them a new colonial order. 

Despite the dismantling, the remaining walls of Saqsaywaman still stand today, showcasing the incredible engineering skills of the Incas and serving as a reminder of their once-great empire.

The re-use of Saqsaywaman’s stones in the Cathedral of Cusco is a vivid illustration of how the Spaniards repurposed Inca structures to assert their dominance and imprint their own culture and religion upon the newly conquered territory. 

The cathedral itself stands as a powerful symbol of this cultural and religious transformation, with its Inca foundations and colonial architecture intertwined, reflecting the complex history of the Spanish conquest of Peru.

Stop 4:  Cristo Blanco

The fortress closes at sunset, which is around 5:30 PM. After you finish visiting the fortress, go to the statue of the White Christ, which you probably noticed already. 

Cristo Blanco, or “White Christ,” is a popular tourist attraction located on a hilltop in Cusco, Peru. 

This large white statue of Christ, with outstretched arms, overlooks the city and offers stunning panoramic views of Cusco and its surrounding landscape. 

The statue stands at approximately 8 meters (26 feet) tall and is positioned on a base that adds to its height, making it a striking landmark visible from many parts of the city.

Cristo Blanco was a gift from a group of Palestinian Christian refugees who sought refuge in Cusco after World War II. 

As a gesture of gratitude to the local people who welcomed them, they commissioned the statue in 1945. It was designed and sculpted by local artist Francisco Olazo Allende and was meant to resemble the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, although on a smaller scale.

The statue holds cultural and religious significance for both locals and visitors. 

It symbolises peace, protection, and blessings over the city of Cusco, a city with a deep Catholic heritage dating back to the Spanish colonial era. The outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco are seen as a gesture of embrace, welcoming all who come to the city.

Visitors to Cristo Blanco can enjoy not only the impressive statue itself but also the breathtaking views of Cusco. 

Note that the hill on which Cristo Blanco is situated is accessible by foot, car, or taxi. However, from the fortress, it’s only a short and accessible uphill walk. 

I’d recommend that you walk to it after you visit the fortress, as the views are amazing at sunset. I noticed that many city tour buses bring tourists here as part of the itinerary, but I’d say you can definitely get here on your own, even if you use a taxi to get to the fortress.

After visiting the statue, you can take the same walkway down to the city centre. Or if you took a taxi to reach the fortress, you can walk now, as it is much easier to walk downhill than to climb. 

Evening in Cusco centre

After all that exploration of some of the most popular attractions in Cusco, we deserved a nice dinner because we were starving. 

I chose another vegan restaurant, which seemed to be highly appreciated by everyone, even non-vegans. The restaurant is called Green Point, and they also have a craft beer brewery, which seems to be very appreciated. 

The spot is so popular you might need a reservation for bigger groups or if you want a table during dinner. We were lucky to find a free table, and we were given only one hour and a half,  but that was enough time to eat and have our first beer since arriving in Cusco. 

By now, we’d been at this altitude for almost three days, and we were starting to feel better.

Alcohol is not recommended if you have altitude sickness, so we have been avoiding it since we felt kind of beaten down by the Cusco altitude (3,399 meters / 11,152 feet ), but we finally felt normal again. 

This is an easy 3-day Cusco itinerary

And this was our 3-day Cusco itinerary. 

We took it slow, really allowing ourselves to accommodate to the altitude. 

This part of my trip in Peru was right after I had explored Lima for 2 weeks, so if you are planning what to do in Lima, go check my guide.

It didn’t feel great, and I can now understand why so many foreigners choose to transfer to the Sacred Valley right after they land in Cusco; they can avoid feeling sick and feel like they’re wasting their holiday staying in bed and not exploring. 

I organised my itinerary in and around Cusco like this because I wasn’t sure if altitude sickness would affect us as it did and because I had already rented a car for the next part of the trip to explore around Cusco. 

The other options would have been to rent a car as soon as we landed, head somewhere outside of Cusco, and leave the exploration of Cusco for the last couple of days before our flight. 

Check out my guide on what to do if you experience altitude sickness in Cusco, Peru.

But in our case, that wasn’t an option either since we had tickets to visit Machu Pichu just 2 days before we left Cusco.

That wasn’t a choice, but more of an accident because I bought my tickets too late, which in this case was only 3 weeks before our visit.