The cobbled streets of Cusco are gateway to the Sacred Valley and of course, the Inca Trail but it’s so much more than the starting point for trekking. Give yourself a few days here as there is a fair bit to do, including many adventure activities. The narrow, cobblestone streets of Cusco are lined with hiking shops, souvenir shops, art galleries and local markets.
The city, which has been named a world heritage site, is surrounded by mountains and Inca ruins, giving it an almost prehistoric feel. Most things are situated around the Plaza de Armas (the main square). Here are just a few things you can get up to in this astonishing and historical city.
Walk to Inca Ruins Overlooking the City
Sacsayhuamán is an Inca fortress and sits at an altitude of 3700 metres above sea level. You can actually walk to these ruins from the Plaza de Armas, taking around 30-40 minutes up a steep track. It’s hard to believe the intelligent engineering that the Incas thought up as these ruins were built without using mortar, yet they all just fit into each other.
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Just across from the ruins is Christo Blanco, a statue of Christ built in 1945 as a thank you gift from Palestinians that had taken refuge in Cusco. It towers over the city giving incredible panoramic views.
Take a Horse-riding Tour
There are so many different horseback tours available from half day to 4 days and the views you get along the way are incredible. I did a 3 hour tour and we went over beautiful countryside, to caves and some small ruins. All tours are easily booked with your accommodation or tour shops in town.
It was so photogenic and a different way to explore surrounding Cusco. Groups are usually pretty small, I was just with another couple. It was so fun and felt great to have a bit of a canter after not being on a horse for years! They will cater to different experience levels so there’s something for everyone.
Explore the Archaeological Ruins of Moray
These circular holed terraces are a pretty interesting site to visit, being different from the other ruins. It’s unknown why they were built into the ground but interestingly there is a temperature difference of 15°C from top to bottom.
I went as part of a day tour and the large group had to stand in a circle, holding hands and give thanks to Pachamama (Mother earth). You will see this blessing a lot in Peru.
Check out the Salt Mines
Salinas de Maras (salt mines) are around 30 miles out from Cusco and close to Moray. This is one for the photographers, with thousands of salt water pans carved into the mountain it’s a spectacular site. The views are fantastic and you can even buy some of the salt for a really cheap price.
The salt is gathered after the water has evaporated by the sun, and then is collected to sell on. These salt flats are so old they are said to have been erected before the Incas.
Hang Around the Plaza de Armas
There are always events going on in the main square. When I was visiting there was a big parade for the elections, with school kids, the police and army all marching past to the sounds of loud trumpets.
They also had a big firework display one night with no apparent health and safety standards at all! Small kids were standing so close to the flimsy wooden frame that was firing off the fireworks. They were holding an umbrella to shield themselves- madness!
Get In Touch With You’re Arty Side
Cusco is very much an art and handicraft city, with stalls and markets selling anything from paintings, to ornaments, wool, sculptures and pots. Wander around the side streets and check out the little art shops, with many paintings of Machu Picchu.
Hope you enjoyed this post on Cusco, Peru. Apart from activities mentioned there are also so many more! you can rent out quad bikes, take a food tour, go zip lining, white water rafting or check out Rainbow Mountain. The list goes on!
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