5+ FUN THINGS TO DO IN CUSCO WHEN YOU'RE NOT TREKKING
Whether it's the Inca Trail, The Salkantay Trek, hiking to Rainbow Mountain or visiting the ruins in Sacred Valley, Cusco will be the starting point for many of your trekking adventures.
Originally the capital of the Inca empire, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the gateway to Macchu Picchu, Cusco is rich in culture, arts, food and history. Most travellers will head into town to book a tour and plan activities for the duration of the stay. BUT... If you have a day or two to spare resting between hikes or acclimatising to the altitude, there are heaps of things to do in and around the town.
Here are some fun things to get up to in Cusco.
Hike up to Cristo Blanco
For a beautiful view over Cusco, head up to Cristo Blanco for panoramic views stretching out over the city. It's around a 30-minute walk up a lot of stairs, but once you're at the top it's fair to say it's worth it!
I might add the Jesus statue itself isn't anything special and it's pretty common to have on in most cities in Latin America. If you have some time after, head to the Sacsayhumán Inca ruins and depending on which Boleto Turistico you bought, it may or may not be included.
Plaza de Armas
Busy, vibrant and bustling with street vendors, dancers and tourists day and night Plaza de Armas is the central historical point to begin soaking up the city's chilled out undertones.
Surrounded by majestic colonial architecture and churches, it's a beautiful area to hang out and admire for an afternoon.
Plaza de Armas
Coffee shop hopping...
Of course!! When in Peru I just can't help but be on the lookout of a damn good latte.
There are so many cute coffee shops around town. It's petite and cozy, Eusebio & Manolo is one of my favourites along with Laggart cafe.
And if you want to go a step further... Peru has some amazing chocolate!! Check out the Choco Museum for some free samples or a hot cup of coco for those chilly afternoons. They also have one in Pisac, which is the one I went to.
Ponder the markets...
There are so many markets around town but you're most likely to head over to Mercado San Pedro for some alpaca souvenirs.
I love my comfy, soft alpaca socks! Although after wearing them on the last day of the W Circuit, I rubbed two holes into the soles from walking over 30km that day. Not ideal!
For a morning smoothie pick-me-up head to Mercado San Blas.
Day trip to Pisac and Incan Ruins
Around an hour away in a collectivo, Pisac is a wonderful place to spend the day pondering around the markets and visiting the Inca Ruins.
To visit the Inca Ruins, you'll need a Boleto Turistico which you can either buy beforehand in Cusco or buy at the entrance to the ruins. The ticket will give you access to visit other nearby ruins either over 2 days or 10 days.
Pisac
Free walking tours
In Cusco, the walking tours run three times a day meeting at Plaza de Armas. What I love most about doing a walking tour is that you get a really got feel for the city, especially the hard to find cobbled streets.
Visit Salina de Maras
Easy to get to from Cusco in a collectivo, these ancient salt mines are still used as they were during Inca times.
Owned by the local community, the salt is collected and sold in local shops. You can buy the salt from the tourist shops located at the entrance of the site.
Salina de Maras
Where to eat
Definitely, head to La Bodega 138. The steak and gnocchi is amazing, I went twice!
For vegetarian or vegan, Organika and Green Point are amazing! I went multiple times especially for the set menu lunch at Green Point!! For 18 Soles ($5.50/£4.15) you'll get 3 fresh vegan courses and a drink! Not only is it amazing value but the food is delicious!!
Where to stay
There are loads of options in Cusco when deciding where to stay.
I loved Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta, located 10 minutes by foot from town. It's a family-run hostel and they make every effort to welcome you and provide a comfortable stay. Really nervous about leaving my valuables, including my laptop for the duration of The Salkantay Trek, they kept everything safe until I returned. For information about prices and availability, you can check them out here.
If you're looking for comfort and a little more luxury, Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol is a beautiful property in a great location.
Casa Mia Hostal: For a budget location outside of the historical centre, private rooms at Casa Mia start from $14 a night for two people. There's a bus stop outside the hostel that will take you to the centre in 15 minutes. Check out availability here.
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Planning a trip or fancy a freebie? These are some websites and services I love:
Booking.com: For the best hotel deals! 🏝
World Nomads: Travel insurance on the go 🌎
Airbnb: For the best apartment deals!🏡
Affiliate links above!
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Cusco