The ultimate guide to a day in Cusco
The gateway to the Peru’s Sacred Valley and celebrated Machu Picchu, Cusco is a compact city that packs quite a punch. While many who arrive here concentrate on the sights that surround it rather than those within it, those who do explore encounter top-class museums, quirky neighbourhoods and ancient architecture. The fusion of Andean, Quechuan and South American cultures make Cusco well worth spending some time in and will give you plenty of food for thought.
Here’s our ultimate guide to one day there…
10am – Grab a coffee and relax in Plaza de Armas
Cusco’s focal point is Plaza de Armas, a beautiful squared bordered by La Catedral and Iglesia de la Companía de Jésus. Admire your surroundings before popping in and exploring one or both of the places of worship.
11am – Find out more about Inca culture in Museo Inka
Image courtesy of Julie Edgley.
This museum doesn’t only document what life was like in Peru during Inca civilisation, but what it was like before their existence also. To appreciate more about the history of the area, roam the halls of this attraction and learn more about how this culture that still impacts Peruvian life today.
1pm – Go for lunch in Jack’s Café
Run by an Australian couple, Jack’s Café (Choquechaka 509) is the perfect place for a lunchtime pit stop. Choose from a range of delicious sandwiches, salads and soups. Coffee is good too.
2pm – Explore the ancient site of Sacsayhuaman
Jokingly referred to as ‘sexy woman’ since that’s what it sounds like when spoken (tell your taxi driver that’s where you want to go and they’ll know where you’re talking about), Sacsayhuaman is an ancient site not far from the centre of the city at a location of 3,701m above sea level. Envisaging how they built this walled fortress is fascinating while the views are to be savoured.
4pm – Make your way back to Plaza San Francisco and Calle Marqués
Image courtesy of auntjojo.
Upon returning to the city, jump out of your taxi at Plaza San Francisco. Take your time to visit the church that stands on the square before wandering down the neighbouring pedestrianised Calle Marqués for a spot of retail therapy.
5.30pm – See the city’s ‘12 angled stone’
Just east of here is another pedestrianised street (more a lane to be honest) called Hatunrumiyoc. Here you’ll find the ’12 cornered stone’ which always attracts camera-wielding tourists. There’s a reason for this – it’s an interesting piece of stone, so worth a quick shot on your camera if nothing else.
6pm – Explore the San Blas neighbourhood
Image courtesy of Bill Damon.
Home to artists, craftsmen and numerous restaurants, the San Blas neighbourhood is the most charming part of the city. Wander the streets for a while before stopping off in Blas Café Bar Lounge (Calle Tandapata 64) for a nice, cold drink.
7.30pm – Enjoy a local dish in Macondo
Image courtesy of Kevin Tao.
Two Peruvian delicacies worth sampling are ceviche (fish marinated in citrus juices) and alpaca. A dish that isn’t however is cuy (roast guinea pig). This small restaurant, so named after the fictional location of many of Gabriel García Márquez's novels, serves tasty versions of all these dishes and more. Cuesta San Blas 571.
10pm – Sample the city’s nightlife
Left image courtesy of Randal Sheppard, right image courtesy of LWYang.
Cusco is a bit of a party town due to the number of budget travellers that visit. If you care to join them make your way to Mama Africa’s (Portal de Planes 109) or Paddy Flaherty’s (Calle Triunfo 124) which claims to be the highest Irish pub in South America.
Now that you know what to do for a day in Cusco all your need is to find a host to make sure your stay in the city gives your a real look at Peruvian life. Our hosts are dotted throughout this historic city and will help you to feel at home and learn more about their fascinating culture.
Written by Colm Hanratty
Colm first got the travel bug when he went to Australia in 1999 on a working holiday visa. Since then he hasn’t looked back.
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