Exploring Historic Cusco
Cusco’s streets, stone foundations, churches, markets and neighborhoods reflect a layered history that remains visible today. Beyond its role as a gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco offers cultural experiences that deserve dedicated time during your vacation.
Where Inca Heritage Meets Living Culture
Cusco is a destination in its own right, offering archaeology, architecture, local artistry, markets and regional cuisine.
The Historic Center
Cusco’s central streets and public squares bring together historic architecture and everyday city life. A guided walking experience connects individual landmarks to the history of the former Inca capital.
Qorikancha and Nearby Inca Sites
Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo are essential places for understanding the city’s Inca heritage. Entrance requirements differ between attractions, and your itinerary specifies the applicable tickets and visits.
San Blas and Local Artistry
San Blas is known for its narrow streets and artistic traditions. Our longer cultural itinerary includes a guided neighborhood walk and a pottery activity, with the workshop arrangements stated in the tour description.
Markets and Regional Flavors
San Pedro Market introduces travelers to regional ingredients and everyday food culture. Our seven-, eight- and nine-day tours include a cooking session with lunch, with a shared or private format depending on the travel category.
Spend Meaningful Time in Cusco City
Cusco deserves more than a brief stop on the way to Machu Picchu. Our itineraries include time in the historic city after visiting the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
The cultural experiences vary according to the program you choose.
- All five tours include a private historical Cusco visit and specified Inca sites.
- The seven-, eight- and nine-day tours include a cooking experience.
- Our nine-day Andean Immersion includes San Blas and a traditional pottery activity.
- Shopping is voluntary. Our itineraries do not depend on mandatory sales stops.
Discover more: If you want time for regional cuisine, local traditions and cultural activities, consider our seven- or nine-day journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Peru Complete tours include a Cusco city tour?
Yes. All five standard programs include a private historic Cusco visit and the specified Inca sites.
Are shopping visits mandatory?
No. Any personal shopping time is voluntary. Our cultural itineraries do not depend on mandatory commercial stops.
Which packages include a cooking experience?
Our seven-, eight- and nine-day packages include a cooking session with lunch. The experience is shared in Comfort and private in Premium.
Which tour includes San Blas pottery?
Andean Immersion, our nine-day cultural itinerary, includes a San Blas neighborhood walk and pottery activity.
Discover Cusco’s Heritage and Traditions
Explore thoughtfully organized journeys through the historic city, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Choose the experiences that best match your interests and travel plans.