View of Cusco with the Plaza de Armas, La Compañía and the cathedral from Qolqampata hill
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Cusco in 1 day

  • 1 day
  • 4.2 km on foot
  • 16 stops
  • Audio guide

One day in Cusco goes a long way if you plan it well: three short walks through the centre, from a busy local market to walls built by the Incas and the legends the city tells as the sun goes down. It suits travellers who have already spent at least one night at altitude, or who are passing through on the way to Machu Picchu and want to make sense of the city.

One day in CuscoInca stone, gold and legends

Start slowly with a cup of coca tea, then spend the morning on "Cusco in a morning: market, squares and the famous stone", from San Pedro Market to the Plaza de Armas and the Twelve-Angled Stone. Head down to Calle Pampa del Castillo for chicharrón at lunch; share a plate, as rich food sits heavy at altitude. Right next door, "From the Temple of the Sun to the Cross" takes in Qorikancha, Calle Loreto and San Blas. Rest at your hotel, then come back at sunset for "Tunnels, tremors and serpents", ending at the San Cristóbal viewpoint. Finish with lomo saltado on the plaza.

  1. Morning

    Cusco in a morning: market, squares and the famous stone

    Mixed · 1.3 km · 1 h 40 min

    1. San Pedro MarketCusco’s pantry since 1925: juices, giant loaves, medicinal herbs and steaming soups under an iron roof.
    2. Arch of Santa ClaraA neoclassical triumphal arch honouring a country that lasted only three years: the Peru-Bolivian Confederation.
    3. Plaza and Church of San FranciscoA leafy square presided over by an austere Franciscan church that hides crypts, a carved choir and a gigantic canvas.
    4. Plaza Regocijo, the old KusipataThe other half of the great Inca square, with the town hall and the house where Inca Garcilaso de la Vega lived.
    5. Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of CuscoPeru’s most photographed square: two Baroque churches, carved wooden balconies and the great festival of Inti Raymi.
    6. The Twelve-Angled StoneThe most famous block of Inca masonry: twelve edges fitted to their neighbours without mortar.

    Start the audio guide See the route

  2. Lunch

    Try Cusco-style chicharrón at Chicharronería Los Mundialistas. Calle Pampa del Castillo 371

  3. Afternoon

    From the Temple of the Sun to the Cross: Cusco of two empires

    History · 1.4 km · 1 h 45 min

    1. Qorikancha and Santo DomingoThe Inca Temple of the Sun, turned into a Dominican convent, where Inca stonework survived the earthquakes that brought down the colonial walls.
    2. Calle Loreto: the alley of Inca wallsA narrow alley between two Inca walls: on one side, Huayna Cápac’s palace; on the other, the house of the chosen women.
    3. Plaza de Armas: the old HuacaypataThe great ceremonial square of the Incas was also the stage for the conquest and for the execution of Túpac Amaru II.
    4. Hatun Rumiyoc and the palace of Inca RocaThe wall of the palace attributed to Inca Roca, now the Archbishop’s Palace, with the Twelve-Angled Stone set into its base.
    5. San Blas: the neighbourhood and its churchThe artisans’ quarter at the top of a steep slope, with a plain-looking church that holds one of the most celebrated pulpits in the Americas.

    Start the audio guide See the route

  4. Early evening

    Tunnels, tremors and serpents: legendary Cusco

    Mysteries & legends · 1.5 km · 1 h 50 min

    1. Qorikancha: the golden garden and the ChinkanaA golden garden described by the chroniclers, and a tunnel that, according to tradition, ran underground all the way to Sacsayhuamán.
    2. La Compañía and its quarrel with the cathedralA façade that, so the story goes, tried to outshine the cathedral and sent a complaint all the way to the Pope.
    3. Cusco Cathedral and the Lord of the EarthquakesA dark Christ that Cusco credits with calming the 1650 earthquake, and a bell with a woman’s name.
    4. Plazoleta de las Nazarenas and Siete CulebrasA quiet little square, a former religious house on Inca walls, and an alley with serpents carved into the stone.
    5. San Cristóbal: Manco Cápac and the puma of CuscoFrom the forecourt of a church linked to a baptised Inca prince you see the city that, according to an old idea, was shaped like a puma.

    Start the audio guide See the route

  5. Dinner

    Try Lomo saltado at Inka Grill. Portal de Panes 115, Plaza de Armas

The map

Cusco in 1 day, on the map

Each route’s stops are numbered in order; the stars are the extra sights.

Mixed History Mysteries & legends

Loading the map…

Before you go

Tips for Cusco in 1 day

  • Altitude sets the pace: walk slowly, especially on the climbs up to San Blas and San Cristóbal, drink plenty of water, eat light and skip alcohol on your first day. If you've only just landed, pick two of the three walks.
  • The Andean sun burns even when the air feels cool, and the temperature drops sharply in the late afternoon. Pack a cap, sunscreen and a warm layer.
  • Streets are cobbled, narrow and slippery in the rain, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip. From November to March it rains most afternoons; in the dry season (May to September) skies are usually clear.

Questions

Cusco in 1 day: your questions

Can you see Cusco in one day?

You can see the essentials of the historic centre: Qorikancha, the Plaza de Armas, the Inca walls of Loreto and Hatun Rumiyoc, and San Blas. What won't fit is Sacsayhuamán or the Sacred Valley. If it's your first day at altitude, go even slower than you think you need to.

How far will I walk?

About 4.2 km in total across the three walks, each between 1.3 and 1.5 km. That sounds easy, but at around 3,400 m and with hills it's far more tiring than at home, so build in long breaks between walks.

How do I avoid altitude sickness?

Do what locals do: take it slowly, drink water and coca tea, eat small, low-fat meals and avoid alcohol on day one. A good night's sleep helps a lot. If you get a severe headache or feel short of breath, rest and see a doctor.

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