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Best Attractions in Cusco (2026)

Cusco's sights fall into two groups: the Inca and colonial monuments of the city itself, and the archaeological sites of the surrounding valleys. In the centre, the Plaza de Armas is framed by the Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, both built over Inca palaces, while the Qorikancha, the empire's most important temple, survives inside the Dominican convent of Santo Domingo. The Museo de Arte Precolombino on the Plazoleta Nazarenas is a good first stop for context, and its late opening hours make it easy to fit in. Above the city, Sacsayhuamán is a steep walk or a short drive away, and the upper part of the site gives one of the best views over the rooftops.

Further out, plan whole or half days. Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray are usually combined on a Sacred Valley route, often with the Maras salt pans, while Tipón lies on the road south-east towards Puno. Check opening times and ticket arrangements locally before you set out, as they can change. Take the altitude seriously: start with the sites in the centre, walk slowly, drink water and leave the higher ruins for your second or third day.

10 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 attractions in Cusco

  1. Sacsayhuamán Inca archaeological site, Sacsayhuamán Archaeological ParkThe great Inca complex on the hill above Cusco, famed for zigzag terrace walls of huge, precisely fitted stones and a plaza still used for Inti Raymi.
  2. Qorikancha (Coricancha and Santo Domingo) Inca temple and colonial convent, Historic CentreThe Inca Empire's most important temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti, with fine stone rooms surviving inside the Dominican church and convent of Santo Domingo.
  3. Cusco Cathedral Cathedral and colonial art, Plaza de ArmasThe Renaissance cathedral on the north-east side of the Plaza de Armas, built on an Inca palace and filled with Cusco School paintings and carved altars.

Attraction

1. Sacsayhuamán

Inca archaeological siteSacsayhuamán Archaeological Park

The great Inca complex on the hill above Cusco, famed for zigzag terrace walls of huge, precisely fitted stones and a plaza still used for Inti Raymi.

View details — Sacsayhuamán

Attraction

3. Cusco Cathedral

Cathedral and colonial artPlaza de Armas

The Renaissance cathedral on the north-east side of the Plaza de Armas, built on an Inca palace and filled with Cusco School paintings and carved altars.

View details — Cusco Cathedral

Attraction

4. Plaza de Armas

Historic main squareHistoric Centre

Cusco's main square, the Inca Huacaypata, framed by the Cathedral, the Compañía church and colonial arcades built over Inca palaces.

View details — Plaza de Armas

Attraction

8. Ollantaytambo

Inca town and temple complexSacred Valley

A living Inca town in the Sacred Valley with a terraced temple hill, the Wall of the Six Monoliths and streets still laid out on the original grid.

View details — Ollantaytambo

Attraction

9. Moray

Inca circular terracesMaras, Sacred Valley

Inca terraces laid out in deep circular depressions near Maras, about 50 km from Cusco, thought to have served as an agricultural testing ground.

View details — Moray

Attraction

10. Tipón

Inca estate and waterworksOropesa, Quispicanchi

An Inca estate about 22 km south-east of Cusco, known for its great terraces and working stone channels and fountains fed by a natural spring.

View details — Tipón