
Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
1. Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park
Incredible Incan ruins with massive stone walls. Offers a unique insight into the Inca civilization.
- Architectural Marvel: Featuring giant stones perfectly fitted without mortar
- Historical Significance: Serving as a fortress and temple during the Inca Empire
- Stunning Views: Providing panoramic vistas of Cusco city and the surrounding Andes
2. Qorikancha Museum
Remains of the Temple of the Sun with beautifully restored Inca walls. It offers an extraordinary glimpse into the religious life of the Incas.
- Religious Center: Dedicated to the worship of the sun god Inti
- Architectural Preservation: Showcasing the architectural techniques used by the Incas
- Cultural Insight: Offering an understanding of Incan religious beliefs and practices
3. San Pedro Market
A lively local market selling everything from fresh produce to traditional textiles. It's a great place to experience authentic Peruvian culture.
- Cultural Immersion: Offering a window into everyday life in Cusco
- Local Flavors: Featuring a wide variety of regional foods and delicacies
- Handmade Crafts: Showcasing traditional Peruvian textiles, jewelry, and pottery
4. Chinchero Market
Colorful market selling textiles made using ancient Andean techniques. It showcases the vibrant culture of the surrounding villages.
- Textile Traditions: Highlighting traditional Peruvian weaving techniques
- Authentic Crafts: Offering high-quality, handmade textiles and crafts
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Featuring a lively, bustling market environment
5. Maras Salt Mines
Incredible salt pans that have been in use since Incan times. Visit these picturesque terraces for a unique and Instagrammable experience.
- Historical Significance: Dating back to the Inca Empire
- Natural Beauty: Featuring stunning views of the Sacred Valley
- Unique Product: Producing high-quality, artisanal salt
6. Moray Inca Terraces
A series of unusual circular terraces used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. Explore these fascinating ruins for a unique experience.
- Innovative Agriculture: Designed for temperature variations and crop experiments
- Historical Significance: Showcasing the Inca's advanced agricultural techniques
- Stunning Landscape: Featuring breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes
7. Ollantaytambo Fortress
Incredible Incan fortress with impressive terracing and stone structures. It offers a unique insight into the architectural prowess of the Incas.
- Architectural Marvel: Featuring massive stones perfectly fitted without mortar
- Historical Significance: Serving as a fortress and temple during the Inca Empire
- Stunning Views: Providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding Sacred Valley
8. Pisac Ruins and Market
Combination of Incan ruins and a bustling local market. It offers a unique blend of history and culture.
- Archaeological Site: Featuring impressive terracing and stone structures
- Cultural Immersion: Offering a window into everyday life in the surrounding villages
- Local Flavors: Featuring a wide variety of regional foods and delicacies
9. Tambomachay Inca Ruins
Incredible Incan baths built for religious purposes. It offers a unique insight into the spiritual life of the Incas.
- Religious Center: Dedicated to water worship
- Architectural Preservation: Showcasing the architectural techniques used by the Incas
- Historical Significance: Serving as a sanctuary during the Inca Empire
10. Q'eswachaka Inca Bridge
A traditional Incan rope bridge rebuilt every year using ancient techniques. It offers a unique experience and a glimpse into the past.
- Cultural Tradition: Preserving an ancient tradition
- Engineering Marvel: Built using only local materials and traditional techniques
- Stunning Location: Located in the picturesque Apurimac valley
11. Llactapata Inca Ruins
Overlooks Machu Picchu from a higher vantage point. It offers a unique perspective and a less crowded experience.
- Historical Significance: Serving as an Inca city and religious center
- Stunning Views: Featuring breathtaking views of Machu Picchu
- Less Crowded: Offering a quieter, more serene experience
12. Huchuy Qosqo Inca Ruins
Small but significant Incan ruins offering a unique and less crowded experience. It showcases the architectural prowess of the Incas.
- Architectural Marvel: Featuring well-preserved terracing and stone structures
- Historical Significance: Serving as an Inca city and administrative center
- Less Crowded: Offering a quieter, more serene experience
13. Tipon Inca Ruins
Incredible Incan agricultural center with well-preserved terracing and aqueducts. It offers a unique insight into the Incan way of life.
- Agricultural Center: Dedicated to crop cultivation and water management
- Architectural Preservation: Showcasing the architectural techniques used by the Incas
- Historical Significance: Serving as an administrative center during the Inca Empire
14. Pikillaqta Ruins
Incredible Incan city with well-preserved houses and plazas. It offers a unique insight into daily life during the Inca Empire.
- Residential Area: Featuring well-preserved houses and plazas
- Architectural Preservation: Showcasing the architectural techniques used by the Incas
- Historical Significance: Serving as an administrative center during the Inca Empire
15. Llaqtapata Inca Site Museum
Museum showcasing artifacts from the Llactapata archaeological site. It offers a unique insight into Incan culture and history.
- Historical Artifacts: Featuring pottery, textiles, and other artifacts from the Llactapata site
- Cultural Insight: Offering an understanding of Incan life, religion, and culture
- Architectural Models: Featuring models of Inca buildings and structures