Posted by Team Tunupa / April 23, 2025
Cusco isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place you feel with all your senses. Here, the Inca legacy weaves itself into the sound of quenas at sunset and the scent of Andean herbs drifting through stone-paved streets. If you’re wondering what to do in Cusco, this guide isn’t just a list — it’s an invitation to a journey where history can be heard, culture is tasted, and every corner whispers stories that aren’t written down.
Explore Cusco’s spots that tell their own stories.
Every street, every stone in Cusco is a silent witness to the Inca Empire. To begin this sensory journey, head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where colonial and Andean history come together in a single breath. Walking beneath its arcades means feeling the sun’s warmth reflecting off the stone walls, hearing the murmur of fountains, and catching the scent of incense, fresh flowers, and just-baked bread drifting from nearby bakeries.
From there, walk down Loreto Street, flanked by original Inca walls, until you reach the imposing Coricancha in Cusco — the ancient Temple of the Sun — whose black stone foundations still pulse with ancestral energy. Then, head north to visit Sacsayhuamán, where cyclopean stones rise like guardians of time, and the wind whispers ancient prayers through their cracks.
On your way down, step into the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas in Cusco — a cobbled corner filled with artists, sky-blue balconies, ceramic workshops, and aromatic cafés. Every step here is a living postcard. Finally, if your heart longs for more, take a deep breath and head beyond the city to explore Maras and Moray, where the earth curves into impossible shapes and the landscapes look sculpted by the wisdom of the gods.
End the day at Tunupa Valle Sagrado, surrounded by mountains, vibrant nature, and a traditional buffet that honors seasonal ingredients and the loving hands that transform them.
What to Do in Cusco: Connect with the land: nature, altitude, and Cusco’s unique climate
Walking through Cusco lifts the soul… and the lungs! At an altitude of around 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), you might feel it at first — so sipping a cup of coca leaf tea is a great way to acclimate. Cusco’s weather varies by season: mornings can be sunny and afternoons cool, so it’s always a good idea to carry a light jacket.
For landscape lovers, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is an unmissable escape. Urubamba, in the heart of this valley, offers pure nature and unforgettable culinary experiences.
What to Do in Cusco: Taste the flavors of one of the world’s finest cuisines.
Peruvian cuisine has been recognized as one of the best in the world, and in Cusco, you’ll find its most authentic expression. Try the iconic cuy (guinea pig), flavorful Andean trout, causa rellena, or the traditional fried trout chicharrón. And if you’re up for discovering new flavors, don’t miss chiriuchu, a true Cusqueñan specialty.
Peruvian ceviche also has its place — even at high altitude — and the classic pisco sour is the perfect drink to celebrate every moment.
What to Do in Cusco: The Tunupa Experience: the sensory heart of Cusco
Right in front of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, Tunupa Restaurante Cusco welcomes you with live music and traditional dances — and even a small museum showcasing typical Cusqueñan artifacts. Here, the senses awaken: the eyes delight in the colors and presentation of each dish; the ears soak in the sound of Andean music; the hands explore the textures of ceramic, wood, and Andean textiles.
At Tunupa Valle Sagrado, the landscape is part of the menu. Its criollo buffet is a celebration of Andean flavors, featuring fresh local ingredients and recipes that honor native traditions. Cusqueñan hospitality is felt in every detail — from the warm welcome to the farewell, served with hot tea and heartfelt smiles.
Final tips for your trip to Cusco
- Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, located just minutes from Cusco’s historic center.
- Choose hotels in Cusco with Andean charm and a convenient location.
- Book tours that offer cultural experiences, guided visits — and above all, professionalism.
- Leave room for spontaneity: the best moments often happen without a map.
