10 Unobvious Things To Do In Cusco, Peru

Note Feb 2023: there’s at the moment 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 unbelievable surroundings and historical 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 prepared to look additional might be rewarded with some distinctive experiences in Cusco.

In this information, I’ll uncover 10 superb issues to do in Cusco that you might 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 right base camp for exploring the encircling Sacred Valley area, which is filled with glacial lakes, towering peaks and once-inhabited Incan websites.

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

Also nearby 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 obtainable for many 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 capsules) which assist to stop any signs.

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

Advanced hikers or these in search of a tougher expertise also can discover multi-day treks across the Ausangate National Park. However, you’ll need to put together correctly given the situations are much less forgiving (to not point out you can be climbing above 5500m!).

2. Learn find out how to 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 approach of digging into Peru’s sweeter aspect of issues too.

Peru is famend for its wealthy chocolate, which is constructed from the Cacao plant that prospers within the distant Andean and Jungle areas round Cusco.

Within the historic centre yow 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 find out how to make your very personal chocolate bar, each step of the best way!

You also can serve up a scorching chocolate or tea too, which could be very a lot wanted given how chilly Cusco can get at instances. As effectively as studying find out how to make the great things, there’s additionally a small museum devoted to the Cacao tree right here, which is nice for studying concerning 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 throughout 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 can be 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 top of simply 7 metres. Despite this, it’s nonetheless a surprise to go to, particularly at evening when it lights up and illuminates the encircling 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 anyplace from half-hour to an hour relying in your health degree.

Whilst you can even take the hop-on hop-off bus, I like to recommend strolling because you’ll additionally go by the traditional web site of Q’enqo in your approach up, together with the encircling forest which you’ll wander via. It’s additionally a good suggestion to begin heading up round 5:00pm, the place you’ll additionally be capable of 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 probably the most. Recently rising as one of the crucial upcoming cuisines on earth, right here you’ll discover in style 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 efficient approach of easing into issues, these in search of a deeper expertise will love occurring a cooking class. Here you’ll first discover the notorious San Pedro Market, which is dwelling to many Cusqueñan staples in addition to different in style 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 find out how to make varied dishes such because the locals favorite of Lomo Saltado in addition to Ceviche and Chilcano soup. You’ll additionally be capable of take pleasure in some freshly-made Piscos to your troubles too!

Whilst there’s many various cooking courses to select from, I like to recommend the one talked about above probably 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 in search of their subsequent repair shall want look no additional!

The Urubamba River is without doubt one of the longest that flows via the Peruvian Andes, and likewise connects to the Amazon Jungle additional north too. And with the rocky landscapes offering all types of twists and turns, it makes for excellent whitewater rafting situations.

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

It goes with out saying, however this actually is a type of actions that you simply don’t need to try alone. I like to recommend going with this respected tour, the place you’ll spend a half-day having fun with the perfect components of the river. You’ll even have extra relaxed parts of the experience too, the place you’ll be able to sit again and benefit from the lush vegetation because it passes you by. At the tip you’ll be able to even go for a fast (lengthy in fact) dip within the sauna, and likewise 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 components of South America which can be graced with excessive altitude), then you definitely’ll know simply how vital 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 induced from being in excessive altitudes. They allowed employees 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 strictly 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 many who are in search of completely different experiences and results). Also throughout the museum you’ll discover many collections of ceramics and artefacts, which supplies us a greater concept of how these in historical instances used to dwell in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

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

7. Go Horseback Riding

Although the centre of Cusco is an architect’s dream full of beautiful landmarks and issues to do, the actual magic is discovered throughout the surrounding area of the Sacred Valley.

From its rolling historical plains to dizzying mountain peaks, there’s no higher option to discover this various panorama than by horseback. On this scenic tour, you’ll be capable of 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 historical 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 12 months!

You’ll additionally go to Chacan, which is dwelling to hanging mountains in addition to indigenous locals you’ll be able to work together with and get to know. You’ll additionally be capable of stand 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 greatest methods one can get to know a international tradition, these with a lightweight abdomen could also be greatest skipping this one!

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

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

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

Whilst you could possibly additionally head to the San Pedro Market or have locals put together it for you elsewhere, it’s not one of the best 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 throughout the Sacred Valley go, most vacationers will solely go to Pisac or Ollantaytambo on their travels to this area of Peru.

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

And as such, it’s the right place to purchase hand-woven clothes and souvenirs, and likewise to work together with the indigenous locals who will present you their conventional methods (which embrace find out how to 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 historical language that’s slowly dying in modern-day Peru.

You’ll additionally discover the unbelievable 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 dwelling to many well-thought out and complete museums, that are one of many absolute best methods to be taught concerning the historical civilisations that after roamed these lands. You will even see how Cusco has reworked via the time of the Incas, and the way Peru total 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 an alternative favor to go to historical ruins in addition to the Museo de Arte Precolombino. However I totally advocate travellers to move to the Museo Inka as an alternative. 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 also be dwelling to the world’s greatest assortment of queros (which have been utilized by the Incans for ceremonial functions). The courtyard is sort of well 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 throughout the Andes within the south of Peru, which makes journey somewhat extra sophisticated in comparison with cities alongside the coastal plains.

By Bus: The first option to get to Cusco is to take the bus, which isn’t for the faint of coronary heart (nor for many who get cranky after a couple of hours in a seat). From Lima, it’s going to 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 somewhat extra for the semi-cama possibility, which is nearer to a mattress than an upright seat).

The bus is the most suitable choice for many who are in search of the most affordable approach 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 deliver additional layers since these buses can get chilly at evening, and likewise to deliver as a lot food and drinks as you deem obligatory.

By Plane: The different approach of arriving into Cusco is by airplane. It’s the preferred selection in fact, because it takes simply a few hours. The different motive 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 might advocate travellers who’re on a decent schedule to take the flight. This approach you’ll be capable of 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 via and thru (I’ve received a behavior of strolling aimlessly via new areas), I’ll now share a few of my very own ideas that will help you get probably the most out of your journey right here.

Prepare for the Higher Altitude

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

Located up at round 3400m, it’s frequent 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 resorts and hostels and has been utilized by natives for 1000’s of years to beat points brought on by the upper altitude. You also can purchase Soroche Pills from any Inkafarma too, which offers faster aid.

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 right place for making an attempt each nationwide delicacies in addition to specialities from the mountains.

Whilst you could possibly eat at stylish institutions all day continuous, I might advocate heading to a neighborhood restaurant to eat the menu ejecutivo. This is a two-course meal that mixes among the greatest Peruvian dishes, and can also be very low-cost too (at simply 15 Soles most it’s undoubtedly the most suitable choice for price range travellers).

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

Final phrases

And that’s the whole lot 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 be capable of hike in some really magical landscapes, and likewise to go to ruins which embrace the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu.

But as you’ve seen, Cusco is way more than the standard touristy highlights that almost all travellers concentrate on. This metropolis is filled with many underrated sights and actions that almost all 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 could have fewer crowds there with you, you’ll additionally get to know Cusco in a way more intimate and memorable approach.