Sacsayhuamán
An Inca fortress and ceremonial site famous for its giant zigzag stone walls.
- Category
- Historic site
- Duration
- 2 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Early morning
Tip: Entry is with the BTC ticket; mind the altitude.
Show on mapCulture – Cusco
In Cusco, Inca stonework and Catholic churches are intertwined, and Quechua traditions are still alive. Festivals, dances and rituals fill the streets throughout the year.
Historic sites
- Saqsaywaman – Inca defensive and ceremonial complex.
- Qorikancha – The most sacred Inca Sun Temple.
- Hatunrumiyoc – The Inca street with the Twelve-Angled Stone.
Traditions
- Chullo ve And dokumaları – Quechua communities keep hand-weaving alive with natural dyes.
- Pachamama'ya kurban (pago) – A thanksgiving ritual to Mother Earth with coca leaves and chicha.
- Koka yaprağı çiğneme – A common traditional habit used against altitude sickness.
Festivals
- Inti Raymi – Held on 24 June in honour of the Sun God.
- Corpus Christi – In June, saints' statues are carried to the cathedral in procession.
- Qoyllur Rit'i – A mountain pilgrimage near Ausangate in May or June.
Etiquette
- Ask before photographing local people; a small tip may be expected.
- Be quiet in churches, remove your hat, and generally do not take photos.
- Haggling is normal in markets, but stay polite and friendly.
- Walk slowly on cobbled streets, and avoid heavy alcohol and meals on your first day at altitude.
Map
The interactive map needs JavaScript.
Use two fingers to move and zoom the map.
Places
Plaza de Armas
The central square, once the Inca Huacaypata, ringed by the cathedral and arcades.
- Category
- Landmark
- Duration
- 45 min
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Evening
Tip: The square is most beautiful lit up in the evening.
Show on mapQorikancha
The Inca Sun Temple, with the Santo Domingo convent built on top.
- Category
- Historic site
- Duration
- 1 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Early morning
Tip: Look closely at the precisely fitted stones.
Show on mapCusco Katedrali
A cathedral built over Inca palace foundations and full of Cusco School art.
- Category
- Religious site
- Duration
- 1.3 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Early morning
Tip: Look for the cuy on the Last Supper painting.
Show on mapInti Raymi (Sacsayhuamán)
A re-enactment of the Sun God festival held at Sacsayhuamán each 24 June.
- Category
- Festival
- Duration
- 5 h
- Price
- $$$
- Best time
- May–September (dry season)
Tip: Book tickets and lodging months ahead.
Show on mapSan Blas Mahallesi
The artists' quarter, with craft workshops, narrow stone lanes and a small church.
- Category
- Neighborhood
- Duration
- 2 h
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Afternoon
Tip: Weekdays are easier for visiting workshops.
Show on mapHatunrumiyoc ve On İki Köşeli Taş
An Inca wall where a single block is cut with twelve angles to fit its neighbours perfectly.
- Category
- Landmark
- Duration
- 20 min
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Early morning
Tip: Take photos early before the crowd builds.
Show on mapQ'enqo
An Inca ceremonial site of carved rock altars and underground passages.
- Category
- Historic site
- Duration
- 45 min
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Early morning
Tip: It is small, so combine it with the Sacsayhuamán walk.
Show on mapCentro Qosqo – Geleneksel Dans Gösterisi
A live show presenting Cusco folklore through Quechua dance and Andean music.
- Category
- Performance
- Duration
- 1.5 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Evening
Tip: Arrive early to sit close to the stage.
Show on map
Last updated:
Please verify with official sources before your visit.
Create a plan for this city
Pick themes and days; we build your day-by-day trip plan.
Create a plan for this city