9 Things to Do in Cusco: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Your Must-Sees
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
Welcome to my post on things to do in Cusco. I am hoping you landed here because you are either in Cusco or planning a trip to Cusco and are looking for all of the best things to see and do in this elevated city. Cusco is a short flight from Lima and is a great spot to immerse yourself in history and culture, and venture onto Machu Picchu. In this guide, I will be diving into all of the best things do in Cusco from my experiences on my recent solo trip to Peru.
Introduction: Things to do in Cusco
When I first was planning my trip, I didn’t know much about Cusco, other than it was a high altitude, and that it felt more as the gateway to visiting Machu Picchu. But once I started diving deeper into my planning, I quickly realized that Cusco was so much more than a city perched high in the Andes that people visited prior to going to the Scared Valley. Cusco is filled with history, culture, and amazing food and people. In this guide, I will be diving into all of the things to do in Cusco, that will make your trip to Peru even more memorable.
1. Plaza de Armas: City Center
If you are just arriving to Cusco, the first place I recommend visiting, is Plaza de Armas. Located in the city center Plaza de Armas is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, cathedrals, basically everything you would want to see and explore in a city center.
This was a great area to wander around, get lost in, and just take in the architecture and visit the Cusco Cathedral. If you are wanting to visit when there are less people, try going in the morning, before the rush, otherwise, around lunch time, the city center starts to fill up with locals and tourists.
2. Qoricancha: Temple of the Sun
Not too far from Plaza de Armas is Qorichancha, which is also known as the Temple of the Sun. This temple is from the Inca times, and when the Spaniards came over, they covered it into the Santo Domingo Convent.
This was a large temple, with a beautiful courtyard, and I actually spent a few hours here wondering tough the rooms, admiring the Inca stonework, and just incredibly impressed on how they were able to construct this during that time. The precision on the stonework is absolutely incredible.
3. Sacsayhuamán: Sexy Women
An unexpected highlight was visiting Sacsayhuamán, also known as Saqsaywaman or sometimes jokingly called “Sexy Woman”. This incredible Inca fortress was a moderate and muddy hike to do (but not in the rain) and gave you incredible views of the valley below.
Once I reached the top, the scale of the place hit me. The massive, interlocking stones, some taller than me, felt almost otherworldly. It’s wild to think they were placed without mortar, yet they’ve stood for centuries. I joined a guided walk to learn more about the symbolism behind the zigzagging walls and ceremonial spaces, which added a whole new layer of meaning to what I was seeing.
4. San Blas Neighborhood & Artisan Workshops
One afternoon I wandered through San Blas, Cusco’s artsy hillside neighborhood, and completely lost track of time. The steep, narrow alleys are full of character with whitewashed walls, blue doors, and bursts of color from hanging textiles and flowerpots. I ducked into tiny galleries and wood shops where artisans were carving everything from furniture to flutes out of native Andean woods. One workshop was crafting traditional musical instruments, and I stood for a while watching the delicate work of carving Andean motifs into the wood.
I also found a few small textile shops run by Quechua women, where I got to hear stories behind the patterns they weave, each one tied to family, land, and tradition. It felt like such a privilege to listen and learn.
Eventually, I climbed up to the San Blas viewpoint for a quiet moment. The sun was starting to dip, casting long shadows over the terracotta rooftops and painting the city in warm gold. If you go, skip the steep stairs most tourists take and head in from Calle Carmen Alto as it’s a gentler route and gives you a more peaceful entrance into the neighborhood.
5. Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)
One of my favorite quiet stops in San Blas was the Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP). It’s tucked into a beautifully restored colonial building that was once an Inca ceremonial courthouse, which gives the whole place a kind of reverent energy. Inside, I wandered through rooms filled with ancient ceramics, textiles, and metalwork from cultures across Peru. The lighting is soft, the layout thoughtful and it felt more like a conversation with the past than a typical museum visit.
I took my time, letting each piece speak for itself, and I’d definitely recommend using the audio guide or joining a tour. The stories behind the artifacts turn them from beautiful objects into living expressions of Peru’s deep cultural roots.
6. Mercado San Pedro
Another morning, I threw myself into the bustle of Mercado San Pedro. It’s loud, colorful, and completely alive. The market is where locals shop for everything, including produce, meats, grains, herbs, and more. I wandered past stalls stacked with rainbow-colored chili peppers and baskets of fresh coca leaves, stopping to chat with vendors about their ingredients.
I was on the hunt for a traditional breakfast and ended up with a steaming bowl of quinoa soup, a tamale wrapped in banana leaf, and a fresh mango smoothie. It’s best to go early, before the crowds swell and the best goods disappear. Bring small bills, a sense of curiosity, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost, and it’s one of the best ways to feel the heartbeat of Cusco.
7. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
I didn’t have time to make it out to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), but if you’re planning your Cusco itinerary, definitely put it on your list. It’s technically outside the city, but regionally it’s one of the most iconic experiences. I spoke with other travelers who did the early morning tour, which meant leaving before sunrise, crossing high-altitude passes, and hiking through surreal landscapes until the mountain’s pastel stripes came into view. The altitude and steepness make it a tough trek, but everyone said the payoff at the summit was worth it.
If you go, pack layers (it’s freezing at dawn), sunscreen, snacks, and consider hiring a horse for the steeper sections. Some tours also include the Red Valley (Palccoyo), which offers a gentler hike with equally stunning colors. I’m saving this one for next time as it’s too good to miss twice.
8. Choquequirao
I didn’t get the chance to trek to Choquequirao, but it’s high on my list for next time, and if you’ve got the time and stamina, it’s one of the most epic adventures in the Cusco region. Often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is more remote, less visited, and perched dramatically above the Apurímac River canyon. Friends who’ve done the 3-day trek described steep climbs, long days, and camping under starry skies, with the final reward being a sprawling set of terraces, plazas, and temples carved into the mountainside.
Because it’s harder to reach, the site sees far fewer tourists, which makes the experience feel more sacred and wilder, like discovering a hidden chapter of Inca history. If you go, be sure you’re well-prepared: good gear, layers for changing weather, and a reputable guide are essential. It’s not a casual hike, but from everything I’ve heard, it’s absolutely worth the effort.
9. Cusco Walking Tours
Some of my favorite memories in Cusco weren’t planned at all. I spent an afternoon wandering Avenida del Sol and ended up standing in front of a massive mural by Juan Bravo Vizcarra, 3,000 years of Peruvian history painted across one wall. It was mesmerizing. I also joined a free walking tour with Across Every Border, and it turned out to be a gem. The guide led us through quiet alleys, hidden courtyards, and shared stories that don’t show up in guidebooks. It gave me a deeper sense of the city’s layers, Inca, colonial, modern, all woven together.
But honestly, what stuck with me most were the slow moments: sitting on church steps, sipping coffee in tucked-away plazas, watching locals go about their day. Those unscripted slices of life made Cusco feel less like a destination and more like a place I got to know.
Conclusion: Things to do in Cusco
Cusco is a city you feel more than see. It requires time, patience, and openness to its layers, Inca, colonial, Quechua, modern. As a solo female traveler, I took slow mornings, allowed my heart and legs to rest on acclimation days, asked for directions at local shops, and followed intuition down alleys. The things to do in Cusco are many: explore ruins, wander artisan neighborhoods, taste local food, hike city heights, and lean into quiet moments. My hope is this guide helps you pace your journey, soak in unexpected corners, and carry Cusco with you long after you depart.