downtown cusco

Things to Do in Cusco

Cusco, a UNSECO World Heritage Site, is situated at 11,152 feet high in the Andes Mountains of Peru.  Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere.

The bustling, mountain city of 500,000, features remarkable Inca stonework dating back to the 13th century as well as beautiful colonial architecture from the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

Being the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, Cusco attracts millions of tourists a year. It’s history and culture, gastronomic delights, and tremendous natural landscape afford tourists many things to do in Cusco.

Plan at least three days to acclimate to the high altitude and explore the city and Sacred Valley.  Add more time for visiting Machu Picchu and hiking through the spectacular terrain.

EXPLORE!

Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain…WOW!  It has been on my bucket list ever since I saw a picture of it on Instagram.  I couldn’t believe it was so close to Cusco, and I didn’t know about it when I hiked to Machu Picchu. 

Well, when I hiked to Machu Picchu fifteen years ago, the Rainbow Mountain was capped in snow, so no one knew of the magnificent colors that lay below.  Now, however, the mountain with 14 different color minerals attracts thousands of tourists.

Thousands of tourists in an awe-inspiring place was not my idea of fun, so I did some research and found a four day backpacking trip to Rainbow Mountain with Salkantay Trekking that allows you to see the sunrise and sunset on the mountain without the masses.

Unfortunately for me, I ended up with Salmonella poisoning in high altitude.  With a bad pancreas to boot, I spent a night in the clinic getting fluids and had to cancel my trek.  Fortunately for me, I at least got to see Rainbow Mountain by joining a dreaded day tour with the masses.  It is amazing how much my perspective changed due to my intense desire to see Rainbow Mountain, as I really enjoyed it, people and all!

HAPPY HIKING!