Don’t Be Bored! 15 Unique and Fun Things to Do in Cusco!

Introduction: The Cusco Efficiency Protocol

Most travelers treat Cusco as a waiting room for Machu Picchu. They walk around the Plaza de Armas, buy a cheap alpaca sweater that’s actually 100% acrylic, get altitude sickness, and complain that the city is “too touristy.” You are not that traveler. As your consultant, I am giving you the high-utility blueprint to a city that sits at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). This guide is designed to maximize your oxygen, your wallet, and your cultural immersion.

Before we dive in, buy a 6-pack of Cielo water and a bag of Inka Corn (the giant roasted kernels). You need the hydration and the salt. If you feel the “soroche” (altitude sickness) hitting, skip the pills and grab a Cusqueña Negra (the dark beer) later—but for now, stick to Coca tea. Let’s get to work.

1. Master the Saqsaywaman “Backdoor” Entry

Don’t just take a taxi to the main gate like a novice. To truly experience this megalithic fortress, you need to approach it from the San Blas neighborhood. The stonework here involves blocks weighing over 100 tons, fitted so tightly a needle won’t pass through.

Fact Sheet: Saqsaywaman

• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 17:30.
• Best Arrival Time: 07:15 AM. You want the morning light hitting the “Zig-Zag” walls before the tour buses from the sacred valley arrive at 10:00 AM.
• Exact Pricing: Part of the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTG). Full ticket: 130 PEN ($35 USD); Partial ticket: 70 PEN ($19 USD).
• Logistics: Walk up Calle Resbalosa from the Plaza de Armas. It is steep. If you are not acclimated, take a “Cristo Blanco” bus from the Rosaspata stop (0.80 PEN) and walk downhill to the site.