Best Places to See the City Skyline in Cusco, Cusco, Peru

Cusco, Peru, Cusco, Outdoor & Adventure, Best Places to See the City Skyline

Best Places to See the City Skyline in Cusco, Cusco, Peru

1. Sacsayhuaman

An Incan fortress overlooking Cusco with stunning views of the city skyline and mountains.
  • Historic Site: Offers a unique blend of ancient architecture and modern cityscape.
  • Accessibility: Easily reachable by taxi or local bus, making it accessible for most travelers.
  • Panoramic Views: Provides a panoramic view of Cusco, perfect for sunrise or sunset photography.

2. San Blas Neighborhood

A bohemian neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets and rooftops offering views of the city.
  • Authentic Experience: Offers a taste of local life in Cusco while providing skyline views.
  • Arts and Crafts Shops: Home to numerous artisan shops, perfect for souvenir shopping.
  • Cafes and Restaurants: Hosts a variety of cafes and restaurants with rooftop terraces for enjoying the view.

3. Christ's Cathedral (Catedral del Cusco)

A stunning colonial church located in the heart of Cusco with a tower offering panoramic views.
  • Architectural Marvel: Combines Incan and Spanish architectural styles.
  • City Center Location: Ideal for those who prefer to stay in the city center.
  • Historical Artifacts: Houses a collection of religious artifacts and paintings.

4. Temple of the Moon (Q'enqo)

An Incan temple located on the outskirts of Cusco with breathtaking views of the valley.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape from the city.
  • Accessibility: Easily reachable by taxi or local bus, making it accessible for most travelers.
  • Incan Ruins: A well-preserved Incan site with unique architectural features.

5. San Cristobal Church

A church located on a hill offering panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding valley.
  • Panoramic Views: Provides a breathtaking view of the city and the Andean landscape.
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: A peaceful place to relax and enjoy the view.
  • Cultural Experience: Houses a small cultural museum showcasing Incan artifacts.

6. Labyrinthine Streets of San Pedro Market

A bustling market offering unique views of Cusco's rooftops from its elevated location.
  • Authentic Experience: Offers a taste of local life in Cusco.
  • Shopping Opportunities: Offers a wide variety of local produce, textiles, and handicrafts.
  • Elevated Viewpoints: Provides unique angles for photography, capturing the city's rooftops.

7. Qorikancha (Coricancha)

A Incan temple of the Sun transformed into a Dominican convent with a tower offering skyline views.
  • Archaeological Site: One of the most important Incan sites in Cusco.
  • City Center Location: Ideal for those who prefer to stay in the city center.
  • Golden Room: Features a room covered in gold leaves, showcasing Incan craftsmanship.

8. Q'eswachaka Inca Bridge

A traditional Inca bridge located in the Sacred Valley offering unique views of the landscape.
  • Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into traditional Incan culture.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and the Sacred Valley landscape.
  • Active Experience: Involves a short hike to reach the bridge.

9. Tipón Archaeological Site

An Incan agricultural terrace complex offering panoramic views of the valley.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape from the city.
  • Accessibility: Easily reachable by taxi or local bus, making it accessible for most travelers.
  • Incan Agricultural Systems: Provides insights into Incan agricultural practices.

10. Chinchero Town and Market

A traditional Andean town with a main square offering views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Cultural Experience: Offers a taste of traditional Andean culture.
  • Shopping Opportunities: Hosts a vibrant market selling textiles and handicrafts.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes.

11. Cusco Ruins at Sacsayhuaman (Arqueológico de Cusco)

An archaeological park located on a hill offering panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding valley.
  • Historic Site: Offers a unique blend of ancient architecture and modern cityscape.
  • City Center Location: Ideal for those who prefer to stay in the city center.
  • Panoramic Views: Provides a panoramic view of Cusco, perfect for sunrise or sunset photography.

12. Killarumiyoc (Rincón de la Bodega)

An Incan site with a narrow window offering views of the sacred valley.
  • Historic Site: A unique and well-preserved Incan archaeological site.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and the Sacred Valley landscape.
  • Active Experience: Involves a short hike to reach the site.

13. Tambomachay (Baños del Inca)

An Incan bath complex located on a hill offering panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding valley.
  • Historic Site: A well-preserved Incan site with unique architectural features.
  • City Center Location: Ideal for those who prefer to stay in the city center.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape from the city.

14. Pikillaqta (Cusipata)

A pre-Incan Wari archaeological site located in the Valley of the Incas offering unique views of the landscape.
  • Historic Site: Provides insights into the pre-Incan Wari culture.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape from the city.
  • Accessibility: Easily reachable by taxi or local bus, making it accessible for most travelers.

15. Pisaq Archaeological Site and Market

A sprawling archaeological site located on a mountain with a market offering unique views of the landscape.
  • Historic Site: Offers a blend of Incan and Wari archaeology.
  • Shopping Opportunities: Hosts a vibrant market selling textiles, handicrafts, and local produce.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.