Cusco is Peru’s most visited attraction. Also, you should know that Cusco is more than just Machu Picchu: its historic core is filled with precious cobblestone streets, colonial Andean houses, and beautiful landscapes that make this city a wonderful place to visit.
You probably might have heard about the 12-angle stone, San Blas Neighborhood, the main square, or San Cristobal Viewpoint.
These attractions, among others, are popular in the ancient Inca city, sometimes crowded with local and foreign visitors.
Lucky for you, we made this blog where you’ll learn about some not-so-popular attractions in Cusco City, some of which are free. So, get ready to learn more about our city and its mysterious places. Let’s go!
Tetecaca Viewpoint
Firstly, during Inca times, religion played a significant role in their lives, so they constructed shrines, now known as “Huacas.” Today, you can still explore many of these sites in Cuzco.
Some people still see it as holy, while others see it in different ways. Well, in Cusco, these huacas are still important today, even though tourists don’t often visit them.
This archaeological site not only reflects the Inca worship legacy in our country but also serves as a lively center for local traditions. One of the huacas you can see in our city is the Tetecaca, which also serves as a viewpoint.
For example, Balconcillo, often known as the “little balcony,” houses Tetecaca, a sacred huaca or volcanic rock, and is covered with engravings and steps that depict the universe and the seasons.
A cave within the rock, associated with Huarochiri mythology, could have been used for sacrifices. The site’s water systems and terraces show the mutual dependence of agricultural, social, and spiritual life in Andean society.
You can take the bus” El huerto” or “Cristo Blanco”, your stop is “Paradero desvio”. The view from this ancient inca site is wonderful, we recommend going at night.
Take a seat and enjoy the beautiful Andean night landscape. However, be sure to take a taxi or not come back on your own, as the area is silent and dark at night.
Cielo Punku Viewpoint
This viewpoint’s unusual name, “sky door,” is a fitting description of the Huaro Valley landscape you’ll witness.
This viewpoint stands out since it is made up of an extended, enormous hand with fingers that can be used to sit.
As the area is not as touristy as others in Cusco City, the mayor of that time built this viewpoint in the middle of the pandemic, in 2021.
To get there, you can take a bus to “Urco,s”, a nearby town from Huaro. You get off at the Canincunca Temple stop, and from there, you have to walk for around 20 minutes.
If you don’t prefer to stress about setting up your trip, you can hire a travel agency like Viagens Machu Picchu. Additionally, you can learn more about Huaro history by visiting Canincunca Temple or trying the popular Huaro bread. Have fun!
X Zone
The “X-Zone” is an extraordinary area full of megalithic ruins, underground passageways, and amazing rock-cut buildings. It is situated between Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara and has an important history.
This land was originally used as a stone quarry, but there was evidence of previous uses. Walls and chambers are carved into regular shapes, resulting in lovely shrines and doors.
The evident aging and flawless stone surfaces reveal the site’s age. One of the most intriguing elements of the X-Zone is its huge underground tunnel network. Many believe it is linked to the “Chincana Grande”.
Consequently, numerous traditions surround these tunnels, with some claiming they connect to ancient locations like Coricancha and Sacsayhuaman. Some legends even indicate that they may conceal treasures, such as the renowned Sun of Gold.
It’s intriguing to think about the trips that suddenly vanished while exploring these tunnels, which adds to the attraction of the X-Zone. Don’t forget to visit the moon and the monkey temple, as they are close to the X zone.
Cusco 7 Streets
“Tigre” (tiger), “7 “culebras” (7 snakes) “Amargura” (Bitterness), or “Atoqsaykuchi”, which means in Quechua tired fox, are just some curious names that you can find in Cusco streets.
It’s interesting to note that every street in Cusco with an unusual name has its own history that you can learn by asking your tour guide or looking at above.
Besides its curious names, you’ll find that there are 7 streets with the number seven in their names. We encourage you to wander on its paths.
Courtesy of Kazuyoshi Tinoco.
You should also know that most of Cusco’s streets are instragammable, perfect for practicing your best shots.
Although Cusco streets are known for their cobblestone, narrow, and magical paths, be careful as they could be slippery, and some of them aren’t well illuminated, so watch out if you’re walking alone at night.
Apaqunaq Tianan
The “abode of the gods” emerged as a tourist hotspot in 2018. Domestic travelers flock to this site, now drawing global attention.
Sculptor Michael de Titan Monteagudo seized the pandemic’s lull, leading his team to craft colossal stone figures.
These awe-inspiring statues, towering 4 to 8 meters high, transformed the landscape, elevating its allure for visitors worldwide.
From Andean peaks to jungle depths, Inca legends come alive in stone. The Sun God’s human creation stands tall, while Pachamama nurtures all.
For instance, life and death intertwine through carved figures, each telling ancient tales of our beginnings. These sculptures breathe myth into reality, bridging past and present in a timeless dance of belief.
Visitors are welcome to explore the complex at their own pace, whether by private or public transportation.
Then, they can treat themselves to delicious Peruvian cuisine at a charming Inca-themed restaurant nearby.
For those looking for a bit more adventure, a full-day ATV tour led by knowledgeable guides provides a fun way to learn more about the site’s importance.
Inkary Museum
The Inkariy Museum, which began in 2002, offers a fresh look at pre-Hispanic Peru. It celebrates the great achievements of ancient societies. It highlights Peru’s rich culture by showing dioramas of not just the Inca but also the Caral Civilization, Peru, and the Americas’ pioneer people. Chavín, Nasca, Paracas, and other pre-Inca cultures are also present.
Through the lively representations you’ll see in this museum, you may have an idea of how people used to live back then. This project, started by a dedicated team of artists and archaeologists, aims to preserve and share Peru’s diverse heritage.
The Mérida family, known for their beautiful Indigenous art, leads the museum, using amazing artifacts to make history engaging. Inkariy is committed to helping Peruvians connect with their ancestors’ legacy and inspiring a sense of cultural pride.
If you plan to go on your own, you can take the bus heading to Calca on Puputi Street, your bus stop will be “Paradero Museo”. Make sure to let the driver know that this is your stop. Or, if you want, you can hire a tourist agency service.
Cusco, the ancient Inca empire’s cradle city, has hidden and mysterious places yet to be discovered, even for “cusqueños” themselves.
Therefore, when you come by, we hope you can get to know the popular and the little-known places we showed you.
Finally, for a great and quality service, choose Viagens Machu Picchu. We are a receptive travel agency; we do tours all around Peru. Learn more about Peru with real pros! Contact us and start living your Peruvian dream!
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