A trip to Machu Picchu or hiking the Inca Trail is on many travelers’ bucket lists. Before setting off on the adventure, most visitors spend a few days exploring Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Spending time in Cusco is important not only to acclimatize to the altitude but also to experience one of the most fascinating cities in South America.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Cusco before your Machu Picchu hike, from exploring local markets and walking tours to unique neighborhoods and incredible Peruvian food.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of them at no extra cost to you. I only promote travel brands that I use myself.
Planning Your Cusco Trip
🏨 Where to stay: Principe III – Great location near Wanchaq
🥾 Best Machu Picchu tours: Short Inca Trail or Classic 4-Day Inca Trail
🚶 Best walking tours: GuruWalk Cusco
🏔 Best time to visit: May–September (Dry Season)
Where to Stay in Cusco
If you’re looking for an excellent location away from the hustle and bustle of the main square, I recommend the Wanchaq neighbourhood. You’re still in the Historic Center, about a 15-minute walk to the square where all the action is. This area puts you close to authentic markets, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, and local neighbourhoods. I stayed at the Principe III hotel in this neighbourhood.
Here is my affiliate link if you’d like to check out The Principe III hotel in Cusco.
How Many Days in Cusco Before Hiking Machu Picchu?
For me, it’s always three days to adjust to altitude before a hike, but everyone is different. The absolute minimum to adjust to altitude is 2 days. This should give you ample time to adjust, and then the Inca Trail will be a breeze. The reason is that Cusco is 3400 meters above sea level, which is pretty damn high. While Machu Picchu is about 2400 meters above sea level, you are actually going down. So once you’re good after a few days in Cusco, you’re in the clear and can rest easy for your hike.
Plus, Cusco is an incredible ancient city to explore, and it deserves a few days on its own. You will learn so much about Inca history, culture, and customs that the hike becomes even more meaningful. Cusco is where your Machu Picchu adventure begins, so let’s dig into things to do in Cusco that will make your journey all the more memorable.
Planning to hike the Inca Trail? Check out my short Inca Trail guide, which includes acclimatizing in Cusco, Short Inca Trail (2-Day) Machu Picchu Hike: Ultimate Guide.
Things to Do in The Cusco Historic Center
There are many things to do in Cusco before hiking Machu Picchu, from historic sites to incredible local markets. From learning about culture and local dining to exploring ancient architecture, learning about Inca history, enjoying the nightlife, and much more.
1. Grab a Peruvian Coffee and Walk the City
This is the first thing you should do upon arriving in Peru. Stop by Café Dwasi and walk along the ancient cobblestone roads built by the Incas. This will be your first glimpse of Inca architecture, culture, and the beautiful scenery. You’ll see children walking pet llamas, locals going about their days, and feel the Cusco vibe. Cusco is a fun city to get lost in and just enjoy the vibe. This is one of my favourite things to do in Cusco.
2. Do a Cusco City Walking Tour
One thing I almost always do when I arrive in a new city is do a walking tour. When I was in Cusco, I did two Guru Walk Tours, and they were both amazing. On one of the tours, we visited the main shopping and market areas in San Sebastian, local neighbourhoods, ruins, and the city landmarks you shouldn’t miss.
Walking tours are a great way to learn about the history of Cusco’s historic center while picking up tips on where to eat, drink, and what to try while in Cusco. Guru Walk guides are amazing resources for the rest of your stay, which is why I always try to do a tour on day one.
Here are some current available guruWalk tours in Cusco
If you haven’t booked your Inca Trail or Machu Picchu tour yet, check out my blog, Discover Cusco’s Top Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Tours. This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Inca Vision Tours in Cusco, but I paid full price for the tour, and my opinions are honest and unfiltered.
3. Explore the Main Square in Cusco (Plaza de Armas)
Spend a few hours in the morning and a second visit in the evening to the main square. This is the heart of the historic Center. The focal point is the Statue of Pachacuti, depicting Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui, credited with commissioning the construction of Machu Picchu. This is an Instagram moment, set against a beautiful backdrop of ancient buildings and mountains.
There is also an iconic cathedral to explore and admire, the Church of the Society of Jesus, dating back to the 1600s. Of course, there are amazing cafés and restaurants to sit back with a Peruvian coffee, admire the architecture, and take in the vibe.
If you are interested in iconic churches, check out my blog post, 8 Iconic Churches You Must Visit Around the Globe
4. Embrace The Cusco Main Square Nightlife
I highly recommend heading back to Plaza de Armas at night, have dinner, and taking in the nightlife. The ancient, narrow cobblestone side streets come alive at night with packed bars, dancing, and a fun energy. There are some really cool restaurants where you can try guinea pig, have a few Peruvian beers, and enjoy a pisco sour.
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Best Things to Do in Cusco While Acclimatizing
It’s smart planning to center your time in Cusco around acclimatizing to the high altitude for your hike. Remember, Cusco is at a higher elevation than Machu Picchu, so if you acclimatize well in Cusco, the Inca Trail will be a breeze.
how to Acclimatize in cusco
5. Try The Coca Tea and it’s Altitude Benefits in Cusco
The hotels in Cusco serve complimentary coca tea. You heard that right. Coca tea is made from the coca leaf used to manufacture cocaine. It’s believed to help with altitude, though some dispute this. Peruvians swear by it. Every morning, I start my day with two cups of coca tea before my first coffee. I believe this helps, and I recommend trying it, though this is by no means medical advice. And don’t worry about any effects from the tea; it does not get you high on its own. It’s safe, and I absolutely love it, and I hope you do too.
6. Get Your Steps In to Warm Up For Your Hike
If you’re in Cusco to hike the Inca Trail, you’ll be doing intense climbs. In Cusco, aim to get in ten to twenty thousand steps per day on the hilly, uneven cobblestone roads. Avoid cabs and bikes and just walk the city. Plus, it’s the best way to explore a new city, in my opinion, so it’s a win/win.
7. Shop for Your Inca Trail Hike packing list
Perhaps you are well prepared, depending on how you’re traveling, but I wasn’t. I was backpacking around the world, so on arrival in Cusco, I needed some essentials for the hike. I picked up a light jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a few other essentials in Cusco. Cusco is centred on Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tourism, so you can buy whatever you need there. There are some excellent outdoor gear shops in the historic center.
Earlier in this blog, I shared my 2-day Inca Trail Hike guide. Here is a link to the packing list in that guide. Just click the table of contents after the first paragraph to access the direct link.
Local Markets in Cusco You Should Visit
Cusco has many amazing markets, both inside the historic center and outside, if you want to venture into the local neighbourhoods. I’m sharing my favs, both in the historic center and outside, so there’s a nice mix.
8. Visit the Authentic Mercado Wanchaq
This was my favourite market in Cusco. It sits right on the edge of the historic center, close to Cusco’s local Inca neighbourhoods, such as Lucrepata. This market offers a true local experience with local pricing. If you want to get off the beaten path a bit, visit Mercado Wanchaq. What I loved most about this market was the authentic food, such as soups, chicken dishes, ceviche, and everything Peruvian. If it’s a local taste you’re after for lunch or breakfast, head to this market. I popped over every morning for a coffee, too, as it was a short walk from my hotel.
Mercado Wanchaq also has great shopping. I bought my North Face wind jacket for my hike here for $10 USD, and it was amazing. They also have an incredible local fruit and vegetable section. Oh, and I picked up some cheap razors and other toiletries that did the trick. If finding local things to do in Cusco is on your list, don’t miss the Wanchaq market.
9. Markets in San Sebastian
The iconic San Sebastian neighbourhood is another local experience that takes you off the beaten path outside the Historic Center. Here, you will find local shops, restaurants, and a unique vibe, along with authentic markets. Take a few hours to explore the San Sebastian neighbourhood, and thank me later.
10. Visit the Iconic San Pedro Market
The San Pedro market is a must-visit while in Cusco. It is a bustling market steeped in history, and you’ll see things here you won’t see at home. You’ll find hanging chickens, guinea pigs, authentic Peruvian throws, and things you never thought were a thing before your trip to Peru. This is the real deal when it comes to authentic Peruvian markets in Cusco.
You will almost certainly visit this market on a Cusco city tour. Here is an affiliate link for a free Cusco city tour with local Guru Walk.
11. Explore The Authentic Traditional Markets In The Historic Center
Throughout the historic center, you will see pop-up markets selling items such as Peruvian pullovers or throws, as well as hats. These markets are more targeted to Tourists so pricing is likely higher than outside the Historic Center. You know you want one of those pullovers and a fancy Peruvian hat, and there is ample opportunity to find them at these markets throughout the historic center.
I picked up a custom new leather belt at one of these markets, and they trimmed it and punched holes for me with a hammer and a nail-like tool that seemed designed for this purpose.
Unique Things to Do in Cusco Beyond the Main Square
If you want to get off the beaten path like I do, I suggest exploring beyond the historic Center. I explored local Inca neighbourhoods, markets, and museums, and even walked the very start of the Inca Trail before it becomes “The Inca Trail”. In this section, I am sharing some unique things to do in Cusco that are a little off the beaten path.
12. Visit the other side of Cusco Where The Inca Trail Begins
Exploring the Lucrepata neighbourhood was the start of my best night in Cusco. This is a true Inca neighbourhood on a hill, with epic panoramic views of the city. Its ancient architecture, cobblestone roads, and even Inca ceremonial grounds make it a very special experience. You will walk along the road that becomes the Inca Trail, which is awesome, especially if you’re in Cusco to hike the Inca Trail.
The Lucrepata neighbourhood was my favourite neighbourhood that I explored in Cusco.
In Lucrepata and its surrounding neighbourhoods, you will visit your first Inca ceremonial site before hiking the trail. My guide also shared local legends with me, and I was totally pumped for my Inca Trail hike after visiting this neighbourhood.
13.Visit the Inca Museum at Hotel Manco Capac
This was a cool experience. My guide took me through the museum, which is on the hotel’s ground floor. It tells the history of the Inca people, from the past to the present, using pictures, artifacts, and stories. This isn’t an official museum per se, but visiting this hotel will teach you a lot about the Inca and their history before your hike. Hotel Manco Capac is a local budget hotel and isn’t easy to find on the big hotel booking sites. But you can find it on Google if you are interested in staying there.
14. Explore the Feria de Wanchaq Market (Wanchaq Fair)
Close to the Hotel Manco and the Q’enco neighbourhood, there is an authentic pop-up market called the Feria de Wanchag, or Wanchaq Fair. I believe it isn’t set up every day, but it is set up frequently throughout the year. The market sells local goods, products, and agricultural goods. If you want to find it from the main square, it’s only about a 15-20 minute walk. Another opportunity to acclimatize.
Even if the market isn’t open, you can admire the statue of Tupac Amaru, a national hero and symbol of indigenous rights. To find this market, search for Plaza Tupac Amaru on Google Maps. This market is also a short walk from the Mercado Wanchaq, which I mentioned earlier in the local markets in Cusco you should visit section.
What to Eat and Drink in Cusco Before Your Inca Trail Hike
For me, Peru has the best cuisine in South America. It has delicacies no one else does better, like ceviche and guinea pig. I’m not sure any other country even eats guinea pigs, which Peruvians call cuy. These two dishes, which consist of raw fish or seafood and, well, guinea pig, may raise eyebrows, but they are incredible and worth trying. This is my list of foods and drinks you should try while in Cusco.
15. The Half Chicken, Fries and Soup
In Canada, we have Swiss Chalet and St Hubert, which, depending on which part of the country you are from, many would say serve up the best rotisserie chicken and fries in the world. Well, they’re all wrong! This title belongs to Cusco, Peru. This is what I would call authentic Peruvian fast food.
The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, keeping it moist with the best BBQ sauce glaze I’ve ever had. The fries are amazing, and some places include a chicken soup made from the leftovers, so nothing goes to waste. So if you don’t mind some chicken livers or hearts in your soup, you’ll love this. If that’s not your thing, just skip the soup.
16.Try the Guinea Pig (Cuy) A Peruvian Delicacy
There isn’t a more important delicacy to Peruvians than guinea pig, including those native to Cusco. Many families raise guinea pigs on their properties for holidays such as Christmas. And Christmas is a huge deal in Peru, so that’s how important this food is to them. They don’t eat it every day, but it is available in restaurants throughout the city, so visitors can try it. If I were comparing it to something, I would say dark chicken meat with a crispy skin, depending on how it’s prepared. The skin is the tastiest and best part, if you ask me. If you aren’t a vegetarian, I highly recommend trying cuy (guinea pig) while in Cusco. Thank me later!
17. Try a Pisco Sour – Peru’s National Cocktail
If authentic cocktails are your thing, try a Pisco Sour. Pisco is a grape brandy mixed with fresh lime juice, syrup, an egg white, and Angostura bitters. If you enjoy a whisky sour every now and then, you will love the Pisco Sour. You will find this cocktail throughout Cusco and Peru!
18. Try Ceviche and Alpaca
Perhaps the most famous dish to try in Peru is ceviche, which consists of raw fish marinated in a limey citrus marinade. If you love fish and seafood, this is a must-try in Cusco. You’ll find it at markets like the Mercado Wanchaq, in the food area.
And try the Alpaca. I know they’re cute, but it’s good. I don’t know what to compare it to, but I would describe it as a lean cut of beef. It might have a mild gamey taste, a bit like venison. It can be a bit tough, but I really liked it. Where else in the world are you going to have Al Paca?
If you are planning an Inca Trail hike, you will certainly spend at least a few days in Cusco before your trip to acclimatize. The goal is to adjust to the altitude, and Cusco is an easy city to enjoy while doing so. There are so many fun and interesting things to see and do in Cusco, as it’s a world-class historic city. I hope you were able to take some ideas from this blog and have an incredible time in Cusco, then at Machu Picchu or on the Inca Trail.
Machu Picchu Hiking Tips
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