Cusco is the main travel destination for most tourists in Peru, not only for housing one of the wonders of the world but also for the many things to do there, including cultural experiences, adventure sports, and natural wonders.
However, it can be hard to decide what to do among the sea of attractions in the ancient capital of the Incas, so we have gathered some of the non-touristy things to do in Cusco, yet unique and impressive, that you should include in your itinerary.
Cusco is not all about Machu Picchu; the Inca culture left a prevailing legacy in our lands that will continue on for generations.
Besides our pre-Columbian heritage, there are several natural wonders that you should know about, and some of them are pretty close to the former capital.
When it comes to the city, it comprises several archeological sites yet unknown to many, even locals. You could also take some routes to the surrounding mountains and forests, which are located only minutes away from the city.
So, to help you plan a great adventure through the “Cusqueñan region”, here you’ll find some of the most authentic things to do there!
Hike the White Christ Statue
While strolling around the Cusco Historic Center, you’ll notice an enormous white figure at the top of a hill, especially from Plaza de Armas.
This religious monument is located at the top of the Pukamuqu hill and represents the figure of Jesus Christ.
This 9-meter statue overlooks the entire city of Cusco, and the Palestinian Arab community that lived in Cusco during that time built it as a gift in 1945.
Artisans made the monument of granite covered with marble and plaster, depicting Jesus Christ with his arms wide open, like Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.
The monument serves as a viewpoint of the entire city and is next to the Sacsayhuaman Ceremonial Fortress.
It only takes about 30 minutes to get there from the San Blas Neighborhood, which is located in the very heart of Cusco’s old town.
You can either take a taxi to it, walk to the top of the mountain, or visit it after exploring the Sacsayhuaman Archeological Site. This is definitely one of the perfect ways to improve your acclimatization in Cusco.
Explore the Qenqo Chico Forest and Ruins
Next to the Qenqo Archeological Site lies another part of this former Inca temple, looming over the city of Cusco.
In case you didn’t know, Qenqo was an important ceremonial center for the ancient Quechua culture, where important rituals, sacrifices, and mummifications took place.
Unfortunately, Spaniards destroyed this place completely during the colonization process; therefore, information is very limited.
Apparently, the site was so important that the colonizers made a major effort to destroy it, leaving the remains that stand today.
Next to these Inca ruins lies a beautiful forest, with 15-meter trees just at the top of a mountain that overlooks the entire Imperial City.
It is the perfect spot to picnic, do yoga, and other activities with friends and family. This location is easily accessible from Cusco since it is also located next to the White Christ and Sacsayhuaman. You can either take a taxi to this location or walk from the San Blas neighborhood.
Make your way to the Moon Temple
Continuing with the off-the-beaten-track archeological circuit of Cusco, there is a structure located 1 kilometer away from the Qenqo Temple.
The Moon Temple is a ceremonial center situated in an enormous rock formation that rises up to 80 meters in height.
According to the excavations on this site, archaeologists found burial areas, agricultural terraces, and irrigation channels, among other structures, indicating that this was an important religious temple for the Inca culture.
The Moon Temple comprises a remarkable finish on its structures along with carvings representing the ‘Andean trinity,’ such as the condor, the cougar, and the snake.
However, this place must not be confused with the Temple of the Moon in Huayna Picchu mountain, since that one is located in Machu Picchu.
You can easily visit it by taking a taxi, walking from the San Blas neighborhood, or from Qenqo. The natural setting here is nearly unspoiled, comprising a valley surrounded by towering hills and enormous rocks.
Discover the Archeological Site of Inkilltambo
The archeological circuit in the surroundings of Cusco doesn’t end with Templo de la Luna, since a couple of kilometers from there lies another important Inca site.
Inkilltambo was an agricultural and ceremonial center, probably built between 1400 and 1438 A.D. According to chroniclers, the Inca Viracocha was the Inca monarch who ordered Inkilltambo’s building, and later, Pachacutec expanded it.
The site comprises several temples, precincts, irrigation channels, and agricultural terraces. Currently, Inkilltambo remains a free tourist attraction, and you can easily get there by taxi or by following the trail along the Temple of the Moon.
It takes about 1.5 hours to get there from this special spot, crossing greenish valleys and rivers throughout the entire route.
Spot Ancient Inca Palaces
This route is undeniably beautiful and can be suitable for an acclimatization hike from Cusco, or if you would simply like to walk around, explore, and have a nice picnic surrounded by the lush nature of the region. Spot the ancient Inca palaces of the city
While talking about the Inca Palaces, many people may think of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, and other archeological sites around Cusco.
However, what they didn’t know was that they were walking among them since Cusco is not only composed of colonial architecture, and stones stolen from the sacred places of the Incas. Besides, the Imperial City lies underneath most of those constructions.
One of the Inca architecture features is its anti-seismic activity, which somehow withstood centuries of earthquakes, unlike some colonial buildings that had to be reconstructed several times.
Find the best souvenir at San Pedro Market
For those looking to get fully immersed in the diverse culture of Cusco, you surely wouldn’t like to miss the chance to visit one of the most significant local markets in the area.
Many people recognize the San Pedro Market for its artistic expression, where different artisans gather to sell colorful woven items.
However, that’s not all it has to offer since vendors divide the whole market into several sections where they sell food, juices, vegetables, meat, and many other products.
Gustave Eiffel, the same architect who made the famous Eiffel Tower, designed this special commercial spot in the Historic Center of Cusco.
Although its architecture isn’t its main attribute, the Mercado San Pedro is the perfect place to experience the cultural expression of the city.
Likewise, if you’re on the hunt for the best souvenir to take home at an affordable and convenient price, then you’ll certainly find it in this place.
Here you’ll have a great variety of decorative items, souvenirs, and clothing to choose from. However, we recommend you compare prices first before making a purchase. Keep in mind that locals might raise their prices if you look touristy, so it’s always fine to haggle.
Get to know our history at the Inca Museum
Casa Almagro is the headquarters of the Inca Museum, owned by the San Antonio de Abad University. The site exhibits the largest pottery collection of the Inca culture, Inca mummies, as well as pre-Inca metal and gold work.
The so-called Admiral’s House dates back to the decade of 1580s; it was home to the Spanish conqueror Diego Almagro.
Later, it was the residence of Admiral Francisco Aldrete Maldonado, whose family shields are outstanding on top of a Renaissance main door.
It was the Palace of Huascar, the penultimate emperor of the Tahuantinsuyo. Apparently, the structure was so impressive during the Inca times that they specifically reserved it for Diego Almagro.
Unfortunately, there are no more records regarding the Inca ruin, except for some mentions in a few chronicles.
Visit the Machu Picchu Museum: Casa Concha
The Machu Picchu Museum offers a glance at how life could have been in the famous citadel of the Incas, though some things have remained a mystery until the current date. The site also holds a collection of colonial art, as well as pieces and sculptures from the colonial era.
It is a colonial structure on top of one of the most significant Inca settlements, the palace of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, a descendant of Pachacutec. The famous Inca palace was an enormous structure to distinguished itself from the former Inca rulers.
Unfortunately, there is not much information about the Inca remains except for some of the Inca walls that remained as the foundations of the current colonial building we have today.
Visit the Huchuy Qosqo Archeological Site
If you’re looking to travel off the beaten track, then you should consider visiting the Huchuy Qosqo Archeological Site, a royal Inca precinct constructed under the order of the Viracocha emperor.
This ancient structure is one of the most well-preserved constructions within the Sacred Valley of the Incas, composed of several small buildings and agricultural terraces.
Huchuy Qosqo was built between 1000 A.D. and 1,400 A.D. and is believed to have had military and administrative purposes due to its proximity to the Pisac Archeological Site.
Unfortunately, the Spaniards destroyed part of the structure, and according to the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo, the Spanish conqueror Gonzalo Pizarro found the remains of the Inca Viracocha and ordered the burning of the entire site.
The site is located 50 kilometers north of Cusco, and there are different ways to get there. Depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, you can choose between a two-day trek starting from Tambomachay, a full-day trek, or just a regular tour to Huchuy Qosqo.
Take a horseback ride through Cusco’s surroundings
For those looking for a more intimate and special connection with nature, you should take a horseback riding tour through the archeological circuit of the city.
That way, you’ll get to experience even more off-the-beaten-track attractions and some of the most visually striking scenery of the region.
Cusco offers the perfect setting for these types of adventures! Besides, the natural landscapes of the region and the extensive cultural expression and history of the place will surely captivate you.
Here at Viagens Machu Picchu, we want you to have all the options possible so you can plan the perfect trip to Peru. If you would like assistance, remember that we are just a click away!
For more information about the different things to do in Peru, check our travel packages and start planning your dream vacation with us.
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