On the way to Machu Picchu, don't forget to spend at least a couple of days in Cusco.  It's an exotic, high-altitude (11,000 ft / 3430 m) metropolis where venerable Inca civilization collided with "Levi's and cell phones."  You'll see ladies wearing bowler hats with babies swaddled in hand-made textiles on their backs, strolling the streets with llamas as well as fashion-forward hipsters in high heels (barely hampered by the ignored mounds of doodoo that collect on the streets!)  

It's quite common to see animal feces on the streets.  Dogs roam, and cats as well, (but not as visible).  And the llamas have got to go somewhere. People do not take their pets to the park.  There are very few green spaces near the city center.  And no one picks up feces.  It gets ground in and eventually washed away somewhere when it rains.  

For that reason, it's recommended that you wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes when exploring Cusco. Or when going out to dinner for that matter. There is no dress code. Khaki and fleece are acceptable everywhere.  

It doesn't matter if you're staying in a backpacker's hostel or the 5 star luxury Monastery hotel. Cusco city center has abundant opportunities for foodies, photographers and inquisitive travelers of all ages and interests.

It's possible to walk to all the following (free) sights, or easy enough to flag down a small taxi for a few soles, along the way.  

  • Plaza de las Armas is the center of the historical district.  A statue of King Pachacutec (the man responsible for making Machu Picchu happen) greets all who enter the heart of the city. 
  • San Pedro Market - for those who want to see authentic Peruvian foods and some dry goods.  Not far from Plaza de las Armas.  If you go on a Saturday, the surrounding streets are jammed with hand-to-hand street commerce.  It's generally Ok to eat "choclo," the plump kernels of corn boiled on the cob.  Avoid the chunk of cheese usually served with it.
  • Artisan Market - follow Avenida del Sol from the main plaza about 1/2 mile to the market.  Located on your left.  Clothing, bags, woven goods. Learn how to distinguish acrylic yarns from real alpaca, if that's what you're looking for. Hand-woven items look handmade. Machine woven look perfect.
  • Urban hike. Temple of the monkeys and adjacent Temple of the Moon. From San Blas plaza, follow cobbled pedestrian-only street up and up until you cross over a 2- land road.  Continue a couple of hundred meters and on your right, you cross a small footbridge over the creek to ascend wide, rough stone and dirt steps up to the Monkey ruins.  (the carvings on the stone outcropping are very old and rough and were mistaken for monkeys.  They're actually pumas. Heads are missing.  Also see snake carvings.)  Visible up ahead is another small hill of rock. This is the Temple of the Moon. There is a small cave this has been closed to entry due to recent excavations. But you can climb up the sides of the hill to the top of the mound where you enjoy amazing views of Cusco and surrounding areas. No tickets are needed. Maybe 1 hour to hike up.  20-30 minutes to hike back to the city center.
  • Explore San Blas neighborhood.  The plaza is anchored by a cathedral on one side and small shops on the other.  Artisans set up tables on weekends and the streets

Also visit the following ticketed sights:

  • Not far from the main Plaza del las Armas, is Qoricancha Temple.  Also spelled Korikancha.  (closed Sundays) Entry tickets about 10 soles pp. 
  • Sacsayhuaman, Qenco, Tambomachay and Pukapukara are part of the "Cusco Outskirts" tour.  Most groups will use a guide and driver to begin this half day tour at Tambomachay.  But it is possible to get dropped off at Tambomachay and walk back to Cusco, stopping at each ruin along the way.  The walk is mostly down hill and quite easy and when clear, offers some of the best views of Cusco. The trail is not marked and is therefore recommended that you hire a local guide.  The entry tickets are part of the "Turistico Boleto."  
  • Turistico Boleto is a "book of tickets."  There is a full book which costs $50 USD pp and includes entry to all secondary archaeological sights for the Cusco outskirts and Sacred Valley and the Cusco South Valley.  The full book is valid for 10 days. There are a couple of versions of short "Turistico Boletos" that offer tickets only for Cusco outskirts or Sacred Valley.  Those books cost about $30 USD pp are valid for 2 days.  The link above will have all the options.  The office is located in Cusco on Avenida del Sol.  And tickets can be purchased at the entry to each site.  YOU CANNOT PURCHASE ONLY ONE TICKET FOR ONE SITE.  

Once a year, the city of Cusco is host to the world-renowned Inti-Raymi - Festival of the Sun, on June 24. Beginning in early June, on Sundays especially, the city center comes alive with parades, dances and performances portraying the history and culture of the ancient Incas as well as the Catholics.

There is a grand performance in the Sacsayhuaman ruins on June 24 which attracts multitudes of visitors.  Entry tickets cost about $100 USD pp.
Reserve your hotels and train tickets at least 4 months or more before you plan to travel if you're visiting around mid-June.  

For information about trips, treks, tours and day hikes, contact Adios Adventure Travel US office.