The city of Cusco and the surrounding valley make up a stunning and diverse region in Peru. Scenically surrounded by the Peruvian Andes, the region was once the heart of the Inca empire and is home to many indigenous cultures today. These ten activities explore the best of nature, history, and culture in Cusco and the beautiful Sacred Valley.

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#1- Take a trip to Rainbow Mountain

Full day trips depart from Cusco to Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain for its spectacular colors. The high altitude makes this hike challenging, with the highest point at 5,100 meters above sea level. Tours transport you before dawn to the trailhead in Phullawasipata at 4,630 meters, followed by a 7-km out-and-back hike to the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain. American Inca Trail offers this day tour starting at $50 USD per person (2025).

#2- Visit the Pisac Ruins & Sunday market

The town of Pisac is located in the Sacred Valley, less than an hour from Cusco. You can visit by taking a public minivan from Cusco, or as part of a full day Sacred Valley Tour. The Inca Ruins of Pisac lie atop a hill with beautiful views of the valley. Guides are available for just a couple of dollars and bring the ruins to life. On Sundays, indigenous communities from around the valley sell handicrafts, traditional clothing and local produce on the market held in town.

#3- Tour the Ollantaytambo Terraces

Ollantaytambo houses remains of an Inca settlement that was built on a series of impressive terraces. Together with Pisac, the town can be visited on a full day tour of the Sacred Valley from Cusco. Alternatively, you can stay a night at the Intitambo Hotel and wake up with sunrise over the ruins from the rooftop terrace. Local guides are happy to take you around the best viewpoints of the Sacred Valley with return to Cusco.

#4- Visit engineering marvels Moray & Maras

Moray and Maras are two archeological sites 15 minutes apart that are a testament to pre-hispanic engineering. The circular terraces of Moray are believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas. The different levels allowed them to test different crops, with different soils imported from across the empire. The Maras salt mine is in use since pre-Inca times. You can buy the pink salt with unique flavors that is cherished by chefs.

#5- Learn about textile in Chinchero

The town of Chinchero in the Sacred Valley is well-known for its ancient textile traditions. The indigenous communities use wool of sheep, llama and alpaca to weave colorful textiles. You can visit a textile workshop or take home a traditional piece from the daily market on the town square.

#6- Climb the stairs to Machu Picchu

Peru’s Wonder of the World can be visited from the nearby town of Aguas Calientes or by arriving on a multiple-day trek through the Andes. The trail to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes entails a strenuous hour of stair climbing. An easier but much less rewarding option is taking the bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. By reserving your time slot right at opening time, you can enjoy the majestic site without the crowds for at least a little bit.

#7- Take in the views from San Blas

San Blas is a charming neighborhood in Cusco, known for its bohemian vibe. White colonial houses with wooden balconies line the cobblestone streets, which lead up to spectacular views over the city. Enjoying a local beer with views of the city’s red roofs is an activity that shouldn’t be missed in Cusco. Many hotels in this area have a lovely terrace to enjoy the views.

#8- Discover Cusco’s Historic Center

The heart of Cusco is the beautiful Plaza de Armas in the historic city center. The Cathedral is flanked by bars and restaurants housed in colonial buildings, with seating on balconies overlooking the square.

#9- Try local meats

In Peru’s Andes region, guinea pigs are not kept as pets but feature on the meat menu. Pachapapa in Cusco is a popular restaurant to try this local staple, either oven-roasted whole or deboned and fried. Pachapapa offers live music, delicious cocktails and many other typical dishes from the region. For less carving and more flavor, you can try juicy alpaca meat.

#10- Conquer a cup of chicha morada

This popular Peruvian drink originated in the Andes mountains. Chicha Morada gets its taste and unique color from purple corn. Local Cusco joint La Chomba Ajha Wasi serves the non-fermented and fermented alcoholic version, which both come bucket-sized.