Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Cusco Region February 2026 | Expedia.co.uk # What to do in Cusco Region ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Cusco Region Types of activities Where to stay [Cusco Region travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Cusco-Region.dx6235224) ![Cusco featuring tranquil scenes, landscape views and wild flowers](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6235224/7e1ae5e6-4bad-439d-bf88-1f86d1c06087.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cusco featuring tranquil scenes, landscape views and wild flowers](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6235224/7e1ae5e6-4bad-439d-bf88-1f86d1c06087.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cusco which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/941/dd86f84b-88c7-4af8-8ce0-5637643cd61b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Urubamba featuring tranquil scenes, landscape views and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602026/74ac44c4-2f7b-4286-82b1-535809c06057.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Peruvian Highlands which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/941/5b814554-224d-4053-9fc6-6d78be593dae.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Cusco Region Attractions One of the most renowned and spectacular architectural sites on the planet, **Machu Picchu** is simply awe-inspiring. This incredible ancient Incan city perches atop the Andes at 2430 metres above sea level. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the sky, what’s often called ‘The Lost City of the Incas’ is an absolute must for all visitors to Peru. If you’re planning an extended stay in the area, then the nearby city of Cusco is the perfect spot to set up camp between this towering world of the ancients and the here and now . #### Areas & Neighbourhoods in Machu Picchu **Cusco** — As well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site itself, Cusco was once also the capital of the Inca Empire. Still a thriving hub today, Cusco is a blaze of colourful traditional crafts and textiles, and a wonderful place to stay in its own right. Cusco delivers all this and the Sacred Valley of the Incas right on your doorstep. **Wayna Picchu** — This imposingly steep mountain may already be familiar to you from pictures of Machu Picchu. Towering over the ruins, the mountain might seem almost insurmountable from the base, but a narrow set of stone stairs will take those daring enough to the top. The walk itself is a beautiful trek, but the view once you reach the summit is simply out of this world, with its bird’s eye view down on to Machu Picchu and the endless mountainscape beyond. **Inti Punku, the Sun Gate** — If you head in to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail your arrival at the Sun Gate marks the threshold of the ancient city. As well as affording fabulous views into the valleys, for those of you up early enough and able to hike fast enough, you might even make it in time for sunrise. If so you will witness a truly splendid scene as the sun rises over the mountain to shine through the gate. **Temple of the Sun** — This incredible centrepiece of the city is a true wonder. Unlike the rest of the city’s stonework, which is functional but unspectacular in itself, the detailed masonry at the Temple of the Sun is incredible. Meticulously cut bricks fit together perfectly demonstrating the staggering technical prowess of the ancient masons. #### Things to See in Machu Picchu Machu Picchu is itself one endless sight to behold, and having made it this far you’ll not want to miss a thing. But as you head away, don’t overlook the many sights to take in back at Cusco. This beautiful city boasts incredible colonial architecture that frequently sits atop walls that have stood since the time of the Inca Empire. What’s more, Cusco is a lively city, with a thriving nightlife buzzing along the ancient city streets. #### Things to Do in Machu Picchu If you’re keen to sift through an array of traditional crafts and produce, the main market in Cusco is a colourful swirl of stalls and traders. Once you’ve exhausted yourself there, then perhaps head next door to the Plaza de San Francisco, where you can set yourself up with a great cup of local coffee at one of the many cafes there. If you’re a runner and you’re really keen to test your mettle then you should certainly see how you get on south or east of the plaza. These are great running routes, and the thin air at high altitude will really put you through your paces. You can also book top [Cusco, Machu Picchu hotels](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cusco-Hotels.d941.Travel-Guide-Hotels) and great [Cusco, Machu Picchu package deals](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cusco-Machu-Picchu.d6053554.Holidays-City-Breaks) right here on Expedia.co.uk. --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.co.uk/welcome-one-key) --- ## Top places to visit ### 1\. Aguas Calientes Hot Springs Aguas Calientes sits below Machu Picchu and is the last train stop before the sacred Inca city. The small town lies in a deep valley enclosed by mountains and forests. With restaurants, thermal baths, hiking trails and a market, Aguas Calientes is more than just a gateway to the ancient ruins. It is worth spending a day or two here before going onto Machu Picchu. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Aguas-Calientes-Hot-Springs-Machu-Picchu.d6242397.Attraction) ![Cusco featuring landscape views and a small town or village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6242397/513c9b6d-de92-4d3e-9872-89b7df479c99.jpg) ### 2\. Plaza de Armas Head to where the action is at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, a large landscaped square bordered by shops, restaurants and ancient churches. For more than 500 years, the square has been at the heart of city life. Come to the plaza nowadays and you might see festivals, concerts and religious processions. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the ornate lampposts and colonial archways and relax with a drink. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Plaza-De-Armas-Cusco-Historic-Center.d6116934.Attraction) ![Plaza de Armas featuring a park and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6116934/dc2d6491-e7bf-4387-965c-9563e5ee69bd.jpg) ### 3\. San Pedro Market Cusco San Pedro Market is a sprawling, open-air market, with everything from produce and meat to clothing and incense. Popular with locals and visitors, the market is an entertaining destination for shoppers and anyone curious about local culture. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Pedro-Market-Cusco-Historic-Center.d6254422.Attraction) ![Cusco San Pedro Market showing markets as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6254422/d08d3936-ff46-4a36-a0c1-091fe076c593.jpg) ### 4\. Sacsayhuaman Venture into the archaeological park just outside Cusco’s city center to explore the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. This colossal stone fortress and temple sits on a steep hill overlooking the city and attests to the brilliance of Incan engineering. Come to observe traditional Incan ceremonies and to admire how the structure was built, noting the large limestone blocks that lock together without mortar. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sacsayhuaman-Cusco.d6116938.Attraction) ![Inca fort at Sacsayhuaman, Cusco, Peru](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6116938/7ed250db-196c-4268-9734-a60d4ce9d075.jpg) ### 5\. Huayna Picchu Rising more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the ancient plazas and palaces of Machu Picchu is the rhino horn-shaped peak of Huayna Picchu, also called Wayna Picchu. The mountain is believed to have been a home for high priests and virgins. Hike up to the summit for the views and to see ancient temple ruins. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Huayna-Picchu-Machu-Picchu.d6224240.Attraction) ![Huayna Picchu](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6224240/48f12d39-a792-4353-bef8-1a6a1af42861.jpg) ### 6\. Cusco Cathedral Standing over Cusco’s main square is Cusco Cathedral, an impressive Gothic-Renaissance structure built on the site of an Inca palace. Explore the interior, filled with more than 400 canvases, woodcarvings and a silver altar. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cusco-Cathedral-Cusco-Historic-Center.d6116936.Attraction) ![0_TR006566](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6116936/115a3a1b-7a65-4c02-ab84-643de28d2fe0.jpg) ## What to do in Cusco Region --- ### Popular places to visit ![Cusco featuring street scenes and café scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6242397/0639074f-f93f-4e8f-a698-896003f0b1fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Aguas Calientes Hot Springs 3/5(1 review) Known for its thermal baths, trekking routes and beautiful scenery, this deep valley village is an attractive stopover for those waiting to climb up to Machu Picchu. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Aguas-Calientes-Hot-Springs-Machu-Picchu.d6242397.Attraction) ![Plaza de Armas featuring a park and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6116934/dc2d6491-e7bf-4387-965c-9563e5ee69bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Plaza de Armas 4.5/5(22 reviews) Cusco’s busy main square has been the center of public life for centuries. Enjoy its spacious layout, ancient churches and restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Plaza-De-Armas-Cusco-Historic-Center.d6116934.Attraction) ![Cusco San Pedro Market which includes food and markets as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6254422/e5edd200-bb72-42ca-bf41-4fdabda15fe0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### San Pedro Market 4.5/5(13 reviews) Get caught up in the chaos of this intriguing attraction and enjoy a uniquely Andean experience. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Pedro-Market-Cusco-Historic-Center.d6254422.Attraction) ![Young Llama on a hillside, Inca trail, Peru](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532464991/e6589e9c-952b-4f96-964f-8a192fd93b87.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Inca Trail 4.5/5(3 reviews) You can take time to visit Inca Trail during your travels to Machu Picchu. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Inca-Trail-Machu-Picchu.d553248621532464991.Attraction) ![Sacsayhuaman featuring a ruin and heritage elements as well as an individual child](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6116938/55afa65c-11b9-4d20-9ac5-7cc8e7b75be8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sacsayhuaman 4.5/5(14 reviews) The colossal stones of Cusco’s hilltop fortress are a powerful testimony to the ingenuity of Incan construction techniques. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sacsayhuaman-Cusco.d6116938.Attraction) ![Huayna Picchu featuring heritage elements, tranquil scenes and animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6224240/5b3f1a07-a4e4-43c9-8404-7ec4a5e8f9bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Huayna Picchu The distinctive mountain that towers over the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu has its own temple ruins and archeological sites. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Huayna-Picchu-Machu-Picchu.d6224240.Attraction) ![Aerial view of the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. Peru](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6116940/be4c70ff-dca2-4160-b660-3511a0a0c666.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site 4.5/5(19 reviews) Learn about the local history of Ollantaytambo with a stop at Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ollantaytambo-Archaeological-Site-Ollantaytambo.d6116940.Attraction) ![1_1eade4e2-e237-462e-beff-16f58653d560_raw](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6116936/ca381f7d-8ea9-426e-94c2-3abf759f0946.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cusco Cathedral 4.5/5(18 reviews) An imposing building constructed with stones from an Inca fortress is celebrated for its beautiful architecture and artwork that spans three centuries. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cusco-Cathedral-Cusco-Historic-Center.d6116936.Attraction) ![Cusco - Machu Picchu featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6166426/113cb1f9-7a83-4452-82ef-ecec726d2e0b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Coricancha 4/5(12 reviews) Discover the remains of an important Incan temple dedicated to the sun, admire its construction and learn about its fascinating history. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Coricancha-Cusco-Historic-Center.d6166426.Attraction) ### Explore areas of Cusco Region ![La Merced Church showing a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6291028/56925dfe-b35f-4dbb-a77e-6e8a0ab770c5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Cusco Historic Center 4.5/5(62 area reviews) Cusco Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Museo de Arte Popular and Coricancha, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cusco. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cusco-Cusco-Historic-Center.dx6291218) ![San Blas showing a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6291295/ae4af96f-3a00-4b7a-8e9d-f2bea35da87a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### San Blas Take a walk through the heart of Cusco’s artisan district, one of the city’s most beguiling and lively areas. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Blas.dx6291295) ![Our hostel was located only a few blocks away from Cusco's Plaza de Armas but it was all up hill. It was worth it though for the incredible views the hostel offered of the city! On this morning we were up early for a day tour and enjoyed our breakfast on the small outdoor patio overlooking the city. #UrbanJungle ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/941/68919e26-e330-476f-97d5-ec9230ed7698.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### San Cristóbal While visiting San Cristóbal, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza de las Nazarenas and Museo de Arte Precolombino. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cusco-San-Cristobal.dx912459006218690560) ![The Inca Trail was the first](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/941/28995670-a9f0-43da-a486-89719229df7b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Santiago If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Santiago and surrounding area, you can visit Santiago Plaza and Cusco Craft Center. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cusco-Santiago.dx944161048121114624) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Santa Monica While Santa Monica may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Real Plaza Cusco and National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cusco-Santa-Monica.dx912477450762801152) ![Paisajes del Valle de los Incas, Laguna Humantay y Reserva Salinas - Arequipa, Cusco - Perú](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976394338/87ab66af-d65c-4a29-bb8f-8bf235fc80d9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Primavera Though Primavera may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cusco Craft Center and Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Primavera.dx553248635976394338) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Day trip destinations from Cusco Region ![Cusco featuring a ruin, heritage architecture and a house](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/941/8118e1a4-6ad8-49e0-b1b9-dbc505b8c6d6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cusco ![Machu Picchu showing building ruins and mist or fog](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/178042/3f325d00-c870-4f18-82af-5d16b77679d8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Machu Picchu ![Urubamba which includes a small town or village and markets](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602026/b0fb2ada-af34-47f0-aee6-0744de9c9e12.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Urubamba ![Cusco which includes a ruin, a small town or village and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/941/8774cda4-23e5-4767-a248-709486401775.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Ollantaytambo ![Last year i did an intership at 'Oye LENA'. Oye LENA consists of three educational projects: – Oye NENE, afterschool nursery education, – Oye INTI WARMA, education for children with a disability, – Oye YACHAQ, a partnership with the local population to work towards better education. Besides the wonderful kids I had to work with, I was really lucky to wake up everyday with this view! They will be seeing me there again, for sure! ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6353504/d461ab87-9bba-4107-a30f-486b981e0a38.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Curahuasi ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app