10 Unobvious Things To Do In Cusco, Peru

Note Feb 2023: there’s presently some political turbulence in Peru that may trigger disruptions for travellers. Be certain to examine journey advisories.

From its heat locals and mountainous tradition to unimaginable surroundings and historic ruins, Cusco is a perfect location for digging deeper into the actual coronary heart and historical past of Peru.

Most of us are already conscious of the good sights, corresponding to Machu Picchu and the multi-coloured Rainbow Mountain. However, those that are keen to look additional shall be rewarded with some distinctive experiences in Cusco.

In this information, I’ll uncover 10 wonderful issues to do in Cusco that you’ll have by no means heard of earlier than. From visiting a Coca Leaf Museum to creating your personal Incan Chocolate, let’s dig up a few of these hidden gems!

10 Unobvious Things To Do In Cusco

1. Hike across the Ausangate National Park

Cusco is thought for being the proper base camp for exploring the encompassing Sacred Valley area, which is stuffed with glacial lakes, towering peaks and once-inhabited Incan websites.

A lesser-known mountain climbing journey is to the Ausangate National Park, which is roughly 85 km from Cusco. This surreal area is house to seven brightly colored lakes, which vary from darkish purple to gentle blues.

Also close by is Nevado Ausangate – a 6300m+ tall Andean mountain that gives a surprising backdrop while you might be exploring this scenic panorama.

There is a multi-day trek, however most travellers head right here on a less complicated day hike. Setting off from base camp, the rugged path takes round 4 hours to finish, and loops again on itself to complete in the identical place. There are additionally mules out there for individuals who want an additional serving to hand.

The altitude of this hike ranges from 4000m to 4300m above sea degree, so I like to recommend spending a couple of days in Cusco first to get well-adjusted. You also can purchase Coca Leaves or Soroche Pills (the Peruvian title for altitude illness drugs) which assist to forestall any signs.

To get to Ausangate National Park you’ll want to come back with an organised tour, which could be organised inside the Plaza de Armas. Alternatively, you’ll be able to be a part of this mountain climbing tour, which incorporates all transport in addition to a hearty breakfast and lunch (you’ll want it – so profit from these meals!).

Advanced hikers or these searching for a more difficult expertise also can discover multi-day treks across the Ausangate National Park. However, you’ll wish to put together correctly given the circumstances are much less forgiving (to not point out you can be climbing above 5500m!).

2. Learn how one can make Andean Chocolate

Whilst most foodies both head to the San Pedro market or persist with native eating places, there’s additionally a extra indulging means of digging into Peru’s sweeter facet of issues too.

Peru is famend for its wealthy chocolate, which is comprised of the Cacao plant that thrives within the distant Andean and Jungle areas round Cusco.

Within the historic centre you will discover the ChocoMuseo, the place you may get concerned of their very personal chocolate workshop. From selecting the best Cacao and fruits to sitting again and having fun with the completed product, right here you’ll be proven by a professional how one can make your very personal chocolate bar, each step of the way in which!

You also can serve up a sizzling chocolate or tea too, which could be very a lot wanted given how chilly Cusco can get at instances. As properly as studying how one can make the good things, there’s additionally a small museum devoted to the Cacao tree right here, which is nice for studying in regards to the historical past of the bean and the way it rose to worldwide fame.

You can e book your two-hour slot on-line right here. The ChocoMuseo is positioned inside the edgy San Blas district, simply a few blocks east of the Plaza de Armas.

3. Visit the Christ Statue

Those heading to Cusco are sometimes so excited to go to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, that they have a tendency to miss gems which are actually inside touching distance.

Known because the Cristo Blanco, this statue is a a lot smaller model of its huge brother in Rio de Janeiro, which reaches a peak of simply 7 metres. Despite this, it’s nonetheless a marvel to go to, particularly at evening when it lights up and illuminates the encompassing space (you’ll be able to simply see it from Cusco’s centre).

The Cristo Blanco is positioned on prime of the Pukamojo hill, which is to the north of Cusco and overlooks the historic centre. Once you’re acclimated to the upper altitude right here, you’ll be able to stroll as much as the statue from the San Blas district, which takes wherever from half-hour to an hour relying in your health degree.

Whilst you may also take the hop-on hop-off bus, I like to recommend strolling because you’ll additionally move by the traditional web site of Q’enqo in your means up, together with the encompassing forest which you’ll be able to wander by means of. It’s additionally a good suggestion to start out heading up round 5:00pm, the place you’ll additionally have the ability to watch the memorable sundown because it unfolds over Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

4. Try a Cooking Class

Peru as a complete is thought for lots of issues, nonetheless the meals is what tends to shock travellers essentially the most. Recently rising as one of the upcoming cuisines on earth, right here you’ll discover widespread dishes such because the must-try ceviche, in addition to native staples corresponding to Papa Rellena (a potato filled with meat) and Papa a la Huancaina (a potato-based dish which is served with a scrumptious Andean sauce).

Whilst consuming out and about is an effective means of easing into issues, these searching for a deeper expertise will love happening a cooking class. Here you’ll first discover the notorious San Pedro Market, which is house to many Cusqueñan staples in addition to different widespread meals from across the nation.

Once you’ve collected your substances you’ll then head to a restaurant and start cooking, the place you’ll be proven by an knowledgeable chef how one can make varied dishes such because the locals favorite of Lomo Saltado in addition to Ceviche and Chilcano soup. You’ll additionally have the ability to get pleasure from some freshly-made Piscos on your troubles too!

Whilst there’s many various cooking lessons to select from, I like to recommend the one talked about above essentially the most as you’ll be in a smaller group, which permits for a extra intimate and personable expertise.

5. Rafting alongside the Urubamba River

Adrenaline seekers searching for their subsequent repair shall want look no additional!

The Urubamba River is without doubt one of the longest that flows by means of the Peruvian Andes, and in addition connects to the Amazon Jungle additional north too. And with the rocky landscapes offering every kind of twists and turns, it makes for excellent whitewater rafting circumstances.

It’s appropriate for all expertise ranges, though those that need extra of a problem will wish to come throughout the wet season (from November till late April), the place rapids in sure stretches can attain the harder IV and IV+ lessons.

It goes with out saying, however this actually is a kind of actions that you just don’t wish to try alone. I like to recommend going with this respected tour, the place you’ll spend a half-day having fun with the easiest elements of the river. You’ll even have extra relaxed parts of the journey too, the place you’ll be able to sit again and benefit from the lush vegetation because it passes you by. At the top you’ll be able to even go for a fast (lengthy after all) dip within the sauna, and in addition go zip-lining too earlier than heading again to Cusco.

6. Visit the Museo de la Coca

If you’ve been travelling round Peru for some time (or different elements of South America which are graced with excessive altitude), then you definitely’ll know simply how necessary Coca Leaves are.

Used way back to the traditional instances, these leaves have been identified for his or her medicinal advantages which included resistance to results triggered from being in excessive altitudes. They allowed staff to work lengthy shifts within the mountains, and these days are helpful for travellers to get by with out an excessive amount of hassle.

The Museo de la Coca is precisely that – a museum devoted to this highly effective leaf, which additionally shares the historical past and significance of it. You can go to the three completely different exposition rooms inside, which characteristic completely different strains and the way every has their very own explicit profit (helpful for individuals who are searching for completely different experiences and results). Also inside the museum you’ll discover many collections of ceramics and artefacts, which supplies us a greater concept of how these in historic instances used to stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

The Museo de la Coca is positioned just some blocks east of the Plaza de Armas, and is a pleasant cease for individuals who are exploring the historic centre and San Blas district.

7. Go Horseback Riding

Although the centre of Cusco is an architect’s dream stuffed with gorgeous landmarks and issues to do, the actual magic is discovered inside the surrounding area of the Sacred Valley.

From its rolling historic plains to dizzying mountain peaks, there’s no higher method to discover this numerous panorama than by horseback. On this scenic tour, you’ll have the ability to spend a day away from the bustle of Cusco, the place you’ll discover some really spectacular sights.

You’ll first make a stop-off on the Temple of the Moon. This scenic cave was as soon as worshipped by the Incas, and inside you’ll discover historic cave drawings that depict a Puma and a Snake, amongst others. Even extra extremely, cracks have been made within the cave wall in order that moonlight would strike the altars at sure instances of the yr!

You’ll additionally go to Chacan, which is house to placing mountains in addition to indigenous locals you’ll be able to work together with and get to know. You’ll additionally have the ability to rise up and shut with the Devil’s Balcony, which is a surprising, overhanging cliff.

You don’t want any expertise to go on this horse driving tour, and it’s additionally nice because you’ll have all transport included to the ranch, in addition to a educated native information readily available to show you the historical past of the completely different websites.

8. Try Cuy

Although making an attempt native meals is without doubt one of the finest methods one can get to know a overseas tradition, these with a lightweight abdomen could also be finest skipping this one!

Cuy is the Spanish translation for Guinea Pig, and right here they’re a real Andean staple for locals (which could be discovered principally all through the mountains of Peru and Bolivia).

When I first tried Cuy I received’t lie – the presentation definitely put me off. However the style was surprisingly good, and one I used to be glad I pushed myself to strive.

Whilst you will discover Cuy in different mountainous locations of Peru corresponding to Huaraz, Arequipa and Churin, Cusco is by far the perfect and most simply accessible for vacationers. I like to recommend heading to DEVA Cocina Andina to strive Cuy, because it’s ready properly right here with affordable costs.

Whilst you would additionally head to the San Pedro Market or have locals put together it for you elsewhere, it’s not the perfect concept for a first-timer given they’ll put together it proper there in entrance of your eyes!

9. Explore the agricultural city of Chinchero

As far as cities inside the Sacred Valley go, most vacationers will solely go to Pisac or Ollantaytambo on their travels to this area of Peru.

Whilst they’re definitely gems inside their very own proper, those that are searching for a much less touristy and extra genuine vacation spot will wish to head to Chinchero. Located roughly 29 km north of Cusco, this rural village is thought for its ruins and in addition for conserving historic traditions alive, together with that of hand spinning.

And as such, it’s the proper place to purchase hand-woven clothes and souvenirs, and in addition to work together with the indigenous locals who will present you their conventional methods (which embody how one can hand spin for those who’re up for it).

Chinchero is over 2000 years previous, and right here you’ll discover most locals talking their native tongue of Quechua – an historic language that’s slowly dying in modern-day Peru.

You’ll additionally discover the unimaginable archaeological ruins of Chinchero, which includes a sequence of metre-high ledges that have been as soon as used for agriculture and different practices. You can head to Chinchero with this all-inclusive tour, which additionally options stops on the salt mines of Maras in addition to the round ruins of Moray.

10. Head to the Museo Inka

Cusco is house to many well-thought out and complete museums, that are one of many easiest methods to be taught in regards to the historic civilisations that after roamed these lands. You may even see how Cusco has remodeled by means of the time of the Incas, and the way Peru general has undergone some really extraordinary modifications.

Despite having the title “Inka” in it, the Museo Inka remains to be visited by fewer vacationers, who as a substitute want to go to historic ruins in addition to the Museo de Arte Precolombino. However I totally advocate travellers to move to the Museo Inka as a substitute. Situated inside a stunning colonial constructing, right here you’ll discover a number of rooms displaying gold artefacts, together with textiles and even actual mummies too.

This museum can be house to the world’s greatest assortment of queros (which have been utilized by the Incans for ceremonial functions). The courtyard is nearly definitely worth the go to in itself too, which is ideal for a snap with its fountain and arched pillars.

The Museo Inka is positioned proper behind the Catedral de Cusco within the Plaza de Armas (proven beneath).

How to get to Cusco

As with any journey in Peru, truly attending to the vacation spot itself is half the journey. Cusco is positioned inside the Andes within the south of Peru, which makes journey just a little extra difficult in comparison with cities alongside the coastal plains.

By Bus: The first method to get to Cusco is to take the bus, which isn’t for the faint of coronary heart (nor for individuals who get cranky after a couple of hours in a seat). From Lima, it should take a prolonged 21 hours, which is without doubt one of the longest bus rides you’ll be able to take when in Peru. Bus corporations corresponding to Palomino make this journey each day, and seats are fairly spacious (I like to recommend paying just a little extra for the semi-cama possibility, which is nearer to a mattress than an upright seat).

The bus is the best choice for individuals who are searching for the most affordable means of attending to Cusco, the place a one-way from Lima prices round $30. Other close by cities you’ll be able to journey from are Arequipa which takes 11 hours, in addition to from Puno within the south with the bus taking 7 hours. Just remember to carry additional layers since these buses can get chilly at evening, and in addition to carry as a lot foods and drinks as you deem vital.

By Plane: The different means of arriving into Cusco is by airplane. It’s the most well-liked alternative after all, because it takes simply a few hours. The different cause is that the worth of a flight from Lima to Cusco is definitely fairly low cost, costing between $35-45 one-way (not together with baggage charges).

Whilst prices are related between the 2, I’d advocate travellers who’re on a good schedule to take the flight. This means you’ll have the ability to hit the bottom operating with extra time in Cusco, versus spending a complete day travelling adopted by the inevitable grogginess {that a} 21+ hour bus induces (belief me on this one).

Cusco Travel Tips

After having spent a few weeks exploring Cusco by means of and thru (I’ve received a behavior of strolling aimlessly by means of new areas), I’ll now share a few of my very own suggestions that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey right here.

Prepare for the Higher Altitude

The first (and most necessary) factor to grasp about Cusco is that it’s a high-altitude metropolis.

Located up at round 3400m, it’s widespread for us low-lying people to have uncomfortable reactions, given there’s much less oxygen within the air. Symptoms can begin as pounding complications and nausea, resulting in illness and even nosebleeds (the final one was the least enjoyable of all of them).

However there are precautions you’ll be able to take to keep away from all of this within the first place. The first is to drink Coca Leaf tea, which is served in most lodges and hostels and has been utilized by natives for hundreds of years to beat points brought on by the upper altitude. You also can purchase Soroche Pills from any Inkafarma too, which supplies faster reduction.

I additionally advocate spending the primary couple of days relaxed as your physique begins to regulate (keep away from strenuous hikes throughout this time).

Take benefit of the Menu Ejecutivos

Peruvian meals actually is stable all-round, and Cusco is the proper place for making an attempt each nationwide delicacies in addition to specialities from the mountains.

Whilst you would eat at elegant institutions all day continuous, I’d advocate heading to an area restaurant to eat the menu ejecutivo. This is a two-course meal that mixes a number of the finest Peruvian dishes, and can be very low cost too (at simply 15 Soles most it’s positively the best choice for price range travellers).

Some of the dishes I like to recommend making an attempt embody Papa a la Huancaina or a heat Caldo to start out with, adopted by both Lomo Saltado or Bistec a lo Pobre. The finest locations to eat the menu ejecutivo in Cusco are discovered inside the San Pedro Market (within the meals court docket), in addition to there being some good choices simply south of the Plaza de Armas too.

Final phrases

And that’s all the pieces for this information on visiting the lesser-known sights hidden away in Cusco.

This metropolis actually is a must-see when heading to Peru, and is a perfect cease alongside the southern portion of the nation. Here you’ll have the ability to hike in some really magical landscapes, and in addition to go to ruins which embody the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu.

But as you’ve seen, Cusco is way more than the standard touristy highlights that the majority travellers concentrate on. This metropolis is stuffed with many underrated sights and actions that the majority by no means get to expertise, just because they’re not on the mainstream path but.

If something I believe this makes it an ideal time to go and go to them, simply as I did. Not solely will you may have fewer crowds there with you, you’ll additionally get to know Cusco in a way more intimate and memorable means.