Cusco City Guide: Must-See Attractions 2 Days

Make the most of your short stay in Cusco with this expert city guide. Stroll through the historic Plaza de Armas, admire the impressive Qorikancha Temple of the Sun, and explore the mighty walls of Sacsayhuamán. Wander through the charming streets of San Blas, visit fascinating museums, browse vibrant local markets, and uncover hidden corners known only to locals

Why Spend 2 Days in Cusco?

Cusco is not merely a transit hub to Machu Picchu it s a living museum: a vity where Inca stonework underlies colonial facades, where local markets hum with tradition, and where every narrow alley whispers history. With proper planning, two days is enough to absorb its essence and prepare you for journeys to the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, or beyond.

This guide walks you through:

A two-day itinerary that balances ruins, culture & local life
Logistics tips to move smartly between sites
Internal link opportunities you can insert
FAQ & conversion elements to support bookings

Practical Tips Before You Go

Altitude warning: Cusco sits at ~3,400 m (11,200 ft). Take it easy the first mornin hydrate, rest, avoid heavy exertion.
City Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): Required for many archaeological sites (Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tipón, etc.). Choose the full or partial version depending on your itinerary.
Walking and transport: Many sites are walkable; others (ruins outside city) require short taxi or city bus/van rides.
Opening hours and closing days: Museums and churches sometimes close midday or on specific weekday plan accordingly.
Guided vs self-guided: A local guide adds depth (Inca culture, hidden stones, stories) and helps navigate ticket systems.

On your firts day, you may opt to explore these sites, with a flexible schedule tailored to your timing and preferences

In the morning, you can start by visiting these places

Plaza de Armas (Cusco): The vibrant heart colonial balconies, fountains, street life. Begin here to orient yourself.

Cusco Cathedral: Inside, you’ll see colonial paintings, ornate altars, and historical relics great contrast with Inca foundations.

Qorikancha / Coricancha (Temple of the Sun): Built by the Incas, later converted by the Spanish into the Convent of Santo Domingo. The fusion of Inca stonework with colonial architecture is amazing

In the afternoon, you can visit museums and admire Cusco stunning stonework and architecture

Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP): Excellent collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts in curated galleries.

Museo Inka (Inka Museum): Focused on Inca-era objects: textiles, metalwork, ceremonial items.

Twelve-Angled Stone & Inca walls around Hatun Rumiyoc: Walk the narrow alleys near Plaza de Armas to appreciate masterful Inca masonry (stones that interlock without mortar).

In the evening, explore Cusco’s vibrant nightlife from charming plazas and illuminated ruins to top rated restaurants and cozy cocktail bars.

Climb up to Mirador Cristo Blanco for sunset views over the city. Many tours suggest this short uphill walk or taxi ride.

Stroll San Blas: artisan studios, galleries, cafés, bars.

Dinner: try regional dishes (cuy, alpaca, local potato varieties) in a cozy colonial restaurant.

Experience all these incredible sites in just one day with the famous City Tour. This experience includes Cusco’s must-see highlights and additional archaeological gems like Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay a perfect introduction to the Inca capital

On the second day, you can choose to visit these places (Inca Ruins and Surrounding Archaeology)

Morning: Ruins on Cusco’s Edge

Take an early start to beat crowds. Use a private or shared vehicle to visit:

Sacsayhuamán: Massive terraces, impressive stonework, panoramic views over Cusco.

Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay: These three small sites lie along the “Circuito Rústico” around Cusco. Visit in sequence, descending back toward the city.

Midday: Lunch and Relaxation

Return to the center. Take time in a café or at a plaza, rest, absorb street life.

Afternoon: Hidden Gems and Local Immersion

Museo Histórico Regional (Casa Garcilaso): In the house where Inca Garcilaso de la Vega was born, this museum displays ceramics, paintings, textiles from Cusco’s history.

Iglesia de la Merced: Close to the plaza, this church houses colonial art and local history.

Iglesia de Santa Ana: A quieter gem in the northwest sector of the historic city.

Shopping and Textiles: Explore local handicraft shops in San Blas, Plazoleta Nazarenas, or in arcades around Plaza.

Evening: Cultural and Culinary Finale

Attend a traditional music / dance show (e.g. folklore nights) or cultural dinner with live performancesgreat end to the city experience.

Final stroll through Plaza de Armas lit up at night.

You also have the option to enjoy a truly unique experience at the Qaytu Textile Workshop an art and cultural school where master weavers share their ancestral techniques. This is the perfect choice if you wish to take home not just a souvenir, but one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.

Publication date: 2025-09-29