

Cusco Historic Center (Centro Historico de Cusco)
The Basics
Begin a visit to the historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage SIte since 1983—at the Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor. Festooned with fountains, this magnetic square is lined with gorgeous charming colonial buildings and churches that live alongside—and at times atop—ancient Inca walls and foundations.
There are many options for exploring Cusco’s historic center; private or group tours run day and night. Multi-day tours may incorporate visits to Lake Humantay, Machu Picchu, and other key attractions inside the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cyclists may opt to explore Cusco as part of a multi-day mountain bike trek.

Things to Know Before You Go
Many attractions in the historic center have small entrance fees, which would be included if you are visiting as part of a larger tour.
Though the center is safe, it’s always recommended to be careful with your possessions and avoid wearing eye-catching jewelry and accessories.
Remember sun protection.
Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
How to Get There
The historic center of Cusco is walkable from most hotels. If you’re staying farther away, book a tour that includes round-trip transportation, as public transit is scant.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
As the center of life in Cusco, the historic center is popular with all travelers in the region, and it’s great any time of day. At night, the illuminated Plaza de Armas and its grand cathedral create one of the most enchanting sights in Peru.
Attention Painting Buffs
Pay a visit to Santo Domingo Church, just off the main plaza, a colonial church built atop an Inca temple. Dedicated to the worship of the sun, the sacred structure was at one point flush with statues and altars made of solid gold. Though Spanish conquistadors violently looted the temple, much of the original site, with its masterful masonry, remains, and stands in stark contrast to the baroque church above.
- Things to do in Sacred Valley
- Things to do in Arequipa
- Things to do in Puno
- Things to do in Ica
- Things to do in Paracas
- Things to do in Lima
- Things to do in Huaraz
- Things to do in Uyuni
- Things to do in South Coast
- Things to do in Altiplano
- Things to do in North Coast
- Things to do in Northwest Argentina
- Things to do in Amazon
- Plaza de Armas (Huacaypata)
- Tambomachay
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Inca Museum (Museo Inka)
- ChocoMuseo Cusco
- Inca Trail
- Pre-Columbian Art Museum (MAP)
- Ausangate Trail
- San Blas
- Qorikancha (Coricancha)
- Cusco Cathedral (Catedral del Cuzco)
- Mercado Central de San Pedro
- Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC)
- Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)
- Planetarium Cusco