Captivating, historic and charming. Or maybe beautifully striking? It is not easy describing when it comes to Peru’s vibrant capital of Cusco. Whether its the unique blend of Colonial architecture, Inca ruins or epic getaway trips outside the city to legendary locations like Machu Picchu that you are after, one way or the other, Cusco is a place where you bound to end up when visiting Peru. Sure, the city makes a great home base for adventures, but it holds some impressive attractions and fun experiences within itself. Let’s discover 10 reasons why you might want to stay in Peru’s capital a little longer.
Participate in the Free Walking Tour
Looking for not only one of the best things to do but also the best ways to explore and experience the historic Cusco? The free walking tour is hands down, one of the strongest options out there. It is going to be your key for unlocking the former capital of the prosperous Inca empire.
Meet other travellers, a passionate guide and stroll down the historic paths that lead to various sites and attractions from both Colonial and Inka eras like House of Francisco Pizarro or anti-earthquake Inca walls and many more to fulfil any travellers curiosity!
Meet other travellers, a passionate guide and stroll down the historic paths that lead to various sites and attractions from both Colonial and Inka eras like House of Francisco Pizarro or anti-earthquake Inca walls and many more to fulfil any travellers curiosity!
 |
| Participate in Free Walking Tour |
Get Lost In The Bustling San Pedro Market
Filled with countless fresh fruits, meat stalls, and yummy squeezed juices, San Pedro Market is worth discovering for many reasons. Not only you will find fresh local goodies on display, opportunity to have a Peruvian lunch and have a chance to support locals, but this is also where you will experience authenticity at its best in Cusco.
Feel your senses come alive and stroll around the market and its neighbouring streets for one of the most local experiences that you can get in a tourist-busy Cusco.
 |
| Mercado San Pedro |
Go Stargazing with the Cusco Planetarium
It is well known, that back in the Inca days, astronomy and the stars had a massive influence into many aspects of the empire’s life. From mathematics and calendars to religious rituals and architecture.
Take this unique opportunity in Cusco and visit the planetarium, where you will be surrounded by hills and the stars above.
The Cusco Planetarium is truly one of its kind, not only offering breathtaking stargazing from high elevation but also an interpretation for Incan Astronomy, one of the key parts of the historical empire.
The Cusco Planetarium is truly one of its kind, not only offering breathtaking stargazing from high elevation but also an interpretation for Incan Astronomy, one of the key parts of the historical empire.
 |
| Planetarium Cusco |
Relax & Have Fun in Plaza de Armas
Originally built for ceremonies and festivals in ancient times, today it continues this tradition with exciting Peruvian dances, music, and events. It is also a fantastic place to simply hang out, sip a reviving morning coffee or have a fun day or night out in out of the many bars and restaurants that can be found around the square.
History lovers and sightseers will also adore Plaza de Armas, as it is bordered by UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Cusco Cathedral.
Plaza de Armas is a pulsing heart of the city and its where the history of both Colonial Spanish and Inca meet.
Plaza de Armas is a pulsing heart of the city and its where the history of both Colonial Spanish and Inca meet.
 |
| Plaza de Armas Cusco |
Visit Museums & Exhibitions
As you might already notice, Cusco is truly rich in heritage, culture, and history. Take this opportunity and don’t shy away from a great chance to know more by visiting one or a couple of the city’s museums.
You would be surprised how many interesting museums there are in Cusco, from the ones dedicated to coca leaves (Coca Museum) to colourful and fascinating textiles (CTTC Museum), but let’s focus on the main ones, that covers Inca world and history in a wider spectrum.
Situated in a beautiful 16-the century mansion, Museo Inka hosts an extensive collection of Incan pottery, gold, textiles and many more artifacts and combining it with Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, were one of a kind Peruvian carvings, ceramics, jewellery and more can be found, this will be the ultimate bag of knowledge for you to take back home!
 |
| Museums and Exhibitions in Cusco |
Stroll Around the San Blas District
North of the Plaza de Armas sits a neighbourhood, lurking and waiting to capture your heart. Venture out for a walk in one of the most picturesque parts of Cusco, and you will quickly notice why!
But be prepared, the steps leading to San Blas will be steep and challenging, but definitely worth the sweat. Small boutique shops, authentic souvenirs, charming architecture and some of the best cafes make up quite a hipster feeling and vibe to the area.
Simply head out and hang out, take it in slowly, as the ancient walls surround you and small streets compose stunning photographs!
 |
| San Blas Neighborhood in Cusco |
Experience Cusco’s Nightlife
If you are wondering if there’s some fun to have after the sun goes down, then you are in the right place! Cusco is one of the best locations to party, not only in Peru but all of South America.
From DJs and to live bands and rock n roll pubs, most of the nightlife action is around Plaza de Armas.
Popular clubs like Mama Africa or Ukukus will let you dance till the morning while street vendors, night-pizza options and relatively cheap alcohol prices will definitely keep you going.
Blend in into a mixed crowd of backpackers and locals, and you’ll find yourself enjoying a night out in no time!
 |
| Nightlife in Cusco |
Discover Sacsayhuamán
Situated on the northern outskirts of Cusco and a 45-minute walk from the city centre, Sacsayhuamán is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating all the way back to the year 1100.
These impressive ruins and breathtaking black boulders are a perfect opportunity to spend an afternoon or a morning a little bit away from Cusco.
Seeing many battles between Spanish conquistadors and Incas, this former fortress and a religious site is not only a touristic attraction today but also a place for important annual Inca festivals such as Inti Raymi.
 |
| Discover Saqsayhuaman |
See the Korichanka
Its walls once covered in sheets of blistering gold and courtyards filled with golden statues, the “Fabulous beyond belief”. That’s how Spanish used to describe the luxury in Korichanka also known as The Golden Courtyard or Temple of the Sun.
It was the most important temple in the Inca Empire and mostly destroyed after the 16th war with Spanish conquistadors.
Later, the Church of Santo Domingo was built on the remaining ruins and the incredibly strong stones were used as a foundation. The contrast between the foundation and the Catholic church is quite a unique site to see for any visitor, it is once again, where two cultures and their collision can be visible at its best.
 | |
|
Indulge in Chocolate
Peru being a renowned worldwide for its chocolate and cacao beans, you certainly don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!
In Cusco, you can find several chocolate houses where you will taste some of the finest from the local producers. In many of the capital’s cafes, you are also bound to stumble upon some of the most incredible tasting chocolate ever! And how about various chocolate workshops and places like the Choco Museum?
Are you ready?
 |
| Indulge Chocolate from Cusco |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for sharing your time on this Blog.