{"id":2581,"date":"2026-05-13T03:44:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T03:44:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/?p=2581"},"modified":"2026-05-13T03:47:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T03:47:49","slug":"things-to-do-in-cusco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Things to Do in Cusco Before Visiting Machu Picchu"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>Discover the best things to do in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu, including the Sacred Valley, local markets, food, hikes, and cultural experiences.<strong>Things to do in Cusco<\/strong> are much more than simply waiting for your train to Machu Picchu. Cusco is one of the most fascinating destinations in South America, filled with history, culture, adventure, and incredible landscapes.<\/p>\n<p>Many travelers spend at least a few days in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu in order to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the region. In this guide, we share the best activities and places to visit before your Machu Picchu adventure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra Tip:<\/strong> Spending 2\u20133 days in Cusco not only helps with acclimatization but also allows you to discover hidden gems beyond the main tourist attractions.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_34 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Summary<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1'><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#1_Explore_the_Historic_Center_of_Cusco\" title=\"1. Explore the Historic Center of Cusco\">1. Explore the Historic Center of Cusco<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#2_Visit_the_Sacred_Valley_of_the_Incas\" title=\"2. Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas\">2. Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#3_Try_Traditional_Peruvian_Food\" title=\"3. Try Traditional Peruvian Food\">3. Try Traditional Peruvian Food<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#4_Visit_San_Pedro_Market\" title=\"4. Visit San Pedro Market\">4. Visit San Pedro Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#5_Take_a_City_Tour_Around_Cusco\" title=\"5. Take a City Tour Around Cusco\">5. Take a City Tour Around Cusco<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#6_Visit_Rainbow_Mountain_or_Humantay_Lake\" title=\"6. Visit Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake\">6. Visit Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#Rainbow_Mountain\" title=\"Rainbow Mountain\">Rainbow Mountain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#Humantay_Lake\" title=\"Humantay Lake\">Humantay Lake<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#7_Learn_About_Altitude_Sickness\" title=\"7. Learn About Altitude Sickness\">7. Learn About Altitude Sickness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#8_Experience_Cuscos_Culture_and_Traditions\" title=\"8. Experience Cusco\u2019s Culture and Traditions\">8. Experience Cusco\u2019s Culture and Traditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#9_Prepare_for_Your_Machu_Picchu_Trip\" title=\"9. Prepare for Your Machu Picchu Trip\">9. Prepare for Your Machu Picchu Trip<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#How_many_days_should_I_spend_in_Cusco_before_Machu_Picchu\" title=\"How many days should I spend in Cusco before Machu Picchu?\">How many days should I spend in Cusco before Machu Picchu?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#Is_Cusco_worth_visiting_besides_Machu_Picchu\" title=\"Is Cusco worth visiting besides Machu Picchu?\">Is Cusco worth visiting besides Machu Picchu?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#What_is_the_best_activity_for_acclimatization\" title=\"What is the best activity for acclimatization?\">What is the best activity for acclimatization?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#Can_I_visit_Rainbow_Mountain_immediately_after_arriving\" title=\"Can I visit Rainbow Mountain immediately after arriving?\">Can I visit Rainbow Mountain immediately after arriving?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#What_is_the_best_time_of_year_to_visit_Cusco\" title=\"What is the best time of year to visit Cusco?\">What is the best time of year to visit Cusco?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#Are_guided_tours_necessary_in_Cusco\" title=\"Are guided tours necessary in Cusco?\">Are guided tours necessary in Cusco?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-cusco\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Explore_the_Historic_Center_of_Cusco\"><\/span>1. Explore the Historic Center of Cusco<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The historic center of Cusco is the perfect place to begin your trip. The city combines Inca foundations with colonial architecture, creating a unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Plaza de Armas<\/li>\n<li>Cusco Cathedral<\/li>\n<li>Qoricancha Temple<\/li>\n<li>Traditional streets and balconies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc49 Tip:<\/strong> Walking slowly around the city during your first day can help with acclimatization.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Additional Insight:<\/strong> At night, the Plaza de Armas lights up beautifully, offering a magical atmosphere with live music and local performances.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Visit_the_Sacred_Valley_of_the_Incas\"><\/span>2. Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Sacred Valley is located at a lower altitude than Cusco, making it an excellent place to acclimatize while exploring beautiful landscapes and archaeological sites.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pisac<\/li>\n<li>Ollantaytambo<\/li>\n<li>Moray<\/li>\n<li>Maras Salt Mines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc49 Recommendation:<\/strong> Many travelers visit the Sacred Valley before going to Machu Picchu or starting a trekking tour.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra Tip:<\/strong> The Sacred Valley is also known for its vibrant artisan markets, where you can buy textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/sacred-valley-tour.html\">Explore Sacred Valley Tours<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Try_Traditional_Peruvian_Food\"><\/span>3. Try Traditional Peruvian Food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cusco offers excellent opportunities to discover Peruvian gastronomy.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lomo Saltado<\/li>\n<li>Trout dishes<\/li>\n<li>Alpaca meat<\/li>\n<li>Cuy (guinea pig)<\/li>\n<li>Traditional soups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Local restaurants and markets offer both traditional and modern Andean cuisine.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra Tip:<\/strong> Don\u2019t miss trying chicha morada (purple corn drink) or pisco sour, Peru\u2019s national cocktail.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Visit_San_Pedro_Market\"><\/span>4. Visit San Pedro Market<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>San Pedro Market is one of the best places to experience local culture in Cusco.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fresh fruit juices<\/li>\n<li>Traditional food<\/li>\n<li>Souvenirs<\/li>\n<li>Local products<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is also a great place to observe daily life and interact with local people.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Additional Insight:<\/strong> Early mornings are the best time to visit, when locals shop for fresh produce and the market is most lively.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Take_a_City_Tour_Around_Cusco\"><\/span>5. Take a City Tour Around Cusco<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A traditional city tour usually includes important archaeological sites near Cusco:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sacsayhuam\u00e1n<\/li>\n<li>Qenqo<\/li>\n<li>Puka Pukara<\/li>\n<li>Tambomachay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These sites provide an excellent introduction to Inca history and culture.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra Tip:<\/strong> Sacsayhuam\u00e1n is especially impressive during Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in June, one of Cusco\u2019s most important celebrations.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Visit_Rainbow_Mountain_or_Humantay_Lake\"><\/span>6. Visit Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you enjoy nature and adventure, Cusco offers spectacular day hikes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rainbow_Mountain\"><\/span>Rainbow Mountain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Famous for its colorful landscapes and high-altitude scenery.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Humantay_Lake\"><\/span>Humantay Lake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc49 Important:<\/strong> These hikes require proper acclimatization due to the high altitude.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra Tip:<\/strong> Dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly at high elevations.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Learn_About_Altitude_Sickness\"><\/span>7. Learn About Altitude Sickness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Altitude sickness is common in Cusco, especially during the first days.<br \/>\nTo reduce symptoms:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drink plenty of water<\/li>\n<li>Rest during your first day<\/li>\n<li>Avoid alcohol<\/li>\n<li>Drink coca tea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/altitude-sickness-in-cusco\">Read our altitude sickness guide<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra Tip:<\/strong> Spending a night in the Sacred Valley before Cusco can help ease the transition to higher altitude.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Experience_Cuscos_Culture_and_Traditions\"><\/span>8. Experience Cusco\u2019s Culture and Traditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cusco is known for its festivals, traditional dances, and Andean culture.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Traditional music<\/li>\n<li>Local festivals<\/li>\n<li>Artisan markets<\/li>\n<li>Andean textiles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Depending on the season, travelers may witness cultural celebrations and religious events throughout the city.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Additional Insight:<\/strong> Inti Raymi (June 24) is the most famous festival, attracting thousands of visitors with colorful parades and ceremonies.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Prepare_for_Your_Machu_Picchu_Trip\"><\/span>9. Prepare for Your Machu Picchu Trip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before traveling to Machu Picchu, it is important to confirm tickets, transportation, and schedules.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc49 Explore our Machu Picchu tours:<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/machu-picchu-tours\">Machu Picchu Tours from Cusco<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc49 Need help planning your itinerary?<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/51944016963?text=Hello%20I%20want%20information%20about%20Cusco%20and%20Machu%20Picchu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chat with us on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra Tip:<\/strong> Booking train tickets and entrance passes in advance is essential, especially during peak season (June\u2013August).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_should_I_spend_in_Cusco_before_Machu_Picchu\"><\/span>How many days should I spend in Cusco before Machu Picchu?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most travelers spend 2\u20133 days in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Cusco_worth_visiting_besides_Machu_Picchu\"><\/span>Is Cusco worth visiting besides Machu Picchu?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Cusco offers history, culture, gastronomy, and adventure activities beyond Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_activity_for_acclimatization\"><\/span>What is the best activity for acclimatization?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Visiting the Sacred Valley is one of the best options because of its lower altitude.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_visit_Rainbow_Mountain_immediately_after_arriving\"><\/span>Can I visit Rainbow Mountain immediately after arriving?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is recommended to acclimatize for at least 1\u20132 days before high-altitude hikes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_time_of_year_to_visit_Cusco\"><\/span>What is the best time of year to visit Cusco?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The dry season (May\u2013September) offers the best weather, while shoulder months (April and October) provide fewer crowds.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_guided_tours_necessary_in_Cusco\"><\/span>Are guided tours necessary in Cusco?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Guided tours are highly recommended for archaeological sites, as they provide historical context and cultural insights.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cusco offers incredible experiences before your visit to Machu Picchu. From archaeological sites and local markets to adventure hikes and cultural activities, spending time in Cusco will make your trip to Peru even more memorable.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Final Advice:<\/strong> Balance your itinerary between cultural exploration, relaxation, and adventure. Cusco is not just a stopover\u2014it is a destination in itself.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the best things to do in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu, including the Sacred Valley, local markets, food, hikes, and cultural experiences.Things to do in Cusco are much more than simply waiting for your train to Machu Picchu. Cusco [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[249,273,266,6],"tags":[337,289,31,288,100,328],"class_list":["post-2581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cusco-tours","category-cusco-travel","category-travel-guides","category-travel-tips","tag-cusco-attractions","tag-cusco-travel","tag-machu-picchu","tag-peru-travel","tag-rainbow-mountain","tag-travel-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2581"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2581\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2587,"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2581\/revisions\/2587"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cuscodestination.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}