Do you have a short time to visit Cusco? in 24 hours you can fit in a wide range of interesting sites. Get a great feel for the people and the life in the Imperial Inca city of Cusco. Here is what we recommend.
San Pedro Market
Starting out early walk to San Pedro Market, located near the San Pedro Train station around 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The market is alive and buzzing from early in the morning. Make your way to the local vendors selling the fresh juices, this is a perfect breakfast and they are simply delicious. In the market you will see an abundance of local handicraft on sale. This is a good spot to buy all your gifts for the family at home. Take a spin around the market and see where the locals buy all their groceries. Don’t forget to take some photos at the colorful flower section and the commerce scenes. Please ask before taking any photos you may need to pay a small tip.
Plaza de Armas
From San Pedro walk 3 blocks to the Plaza de Armas. The plaza is surrounded by beautiful Spanish colonial buildings that feature intricately carved wooden balconies. The plaza features manicured gardens and park benches where you can rest and take in the sights. There are views from the plaza to the beautiful Andes mountains in the distance.
The Compania Church
Next it is a great idea to visit the bell tower of the Compania de Jesus church in the plaza Cusco. The impressive church was built by the Jesuits in 1571 and was reconstructed after the earthquake in 1650. Make your way up a narrow staircase to an observation deck at the base of the bell towers. From here you will have an amazing view of Cusco’s main plaza and the nearby cathedral.
12-Angled Stone
Beside the main Cathedral is Hatunrumiyoc Street, walk along for 2 blocks and you arrive at the 12-angled stone visible in the remaining walls of what used to be Inca Roca’s Palace. This stone with 12 angles fits seamlessly in the surrounding wall and is an excellent example of Incan engineering. You will know that you are near the stone as there is an impressive gentleman dressed as an Inca. You can ask to take your photo with him by the stone.
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
From Hatunrumiyoc Street, go back down to the next street turn, walk past the beautiful Monastery Hotel, worth a look inside, just ask the doorman if you can see the patio and the small church inside, in front of the hotel is the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art that offers a collection of pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial art with easy-to-understand written explanations in English, the collection is outstanding and will give you a good understanding of ancient Peruvian history. The building is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved colonial houses in Cusco.
Lunch
You should by now be ready for Lunch, so head back to the main square where you will find an abundance of Peruvian style or international cuisine. There are many good choices around the Plaza, like the Inka Grill, good fusion Peruvian cuisine, Limo, also good Peruvian food, or for those missing home there is a McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken, both located in the Plaza.
Sacsayhuaman
After lunch if you are feeling energetic take a taxi, to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Sacsayhuaman was the most important military base of the Inca Empire, and has been compared in greatness with the Roman Colosseum. The whole structure is a hugely impressive work of engineering and is considered one of the most advanced Inca constructions ever built. Make sure you negotiate with the driver the price for up and back and for him to wait for you until you have finished.
Artisanal Market
For those who prefer to stay in Cusco city, check out the impressive artisanal market at the end of Av. El Sol, the market is filled with every conceivable souvenir that you would ever consider buying. Test your haggling skills for better prices with the stall holders.
San Blas
Later take the hike up the stone stairs to the bohemian barrio of San Blas, here there is an impressive little church to visit, with an impressive gold alter that dates back to Spanish Colonial times. Also, the plaza of San Blas has many little shops and cafes for a great cup of coffee. Explore the steeped cobblestone alleys while soaking in Cusco’s artistic atmosphere. Visit some of the local art galleries, maybe even purchase a piece from one of the local artists. San Blas is a great place to people watch.
Sunset
To watch the sun set, make a stop at Limbus Resto Bar. Here you can enjoy a delicious cocktail while watching the sun set over Cusco’s rooftops. Be sure to take some beautiful photos from the balcony.
Dinner
San Blas is a great place to eat a mouth-watering dinner. Some of the best places are Kaldi Coffee, Yunsa and Saloma Café Lounge.
Plaza de Armas
After you have finished your feast, you can take a walk back to the Plaza de Armas, the plaza at night takes on a whole new atmosphere, the churches are lit, the local people are out in force meeting up with their family and friends. Sit awhile and enjoy the ambiance.
Nights in Cusco
Cusco has many different night clubs to pass the night away. Everything from local Peruvian music to rock, live bands and modern dance clubs. The clubs are a great mix of locals and tourists. For those of you who want something a little more low key there are a few English/Irish Pubs around the Plaza de Armas.
Hotels
After all this you will need to rest, there are many and varied hotels in Cusco to suit every budget, you can find hostels if you are on budget, these are great to get to know your fellow travelers. There are many 3-star hotels that are perfect to pass the night, or if you want something a bit more fancy one of the many 4-star options, perfect for the luxury experience you are looking for.
Here is a list of some other places of interest that you may also like to include.
- The Cathedral, a Spanish Colonial Church located in the Plaza de Armas.
- The Inka Museum, located near the 12-sided stone.
- The Pisco Museum, which is a bar and restaurant where you can sample different Piscos from around Peru. Located in Santa Catalina.
- Take a cooking class at Taste, located in the Nueva Baja Street in Cusco. This includes a trip to the market to purchase fresh produce to cook with.
Note. Most of the attractions in and around Cusco require a Cusco Visitors Ticket. Find it at Av. El Sol, you can purchase for 1 day or for 10 days depending on your time in Cusco.
