One Free Day in Cusco: The Ultimate Walking Tour & Photography Guide

If you are in Cusco and have a free day to explore, an incredible adventure awaits you! This city combines history, culture, and spectacular landscapes, offering ideal places to stroll, learn, and take stunning photos. Here are some recommendations to help you make the most of your day:

1. Visit the Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral

The Plaza de Armas is the vibrant heart of Cusco and the main meeting point for locals and tourists. It is surrounded by magnificent colonial churches, restaurants, cafes, and gardens that fill it with life at any time of the day. Among the most emblematic sites is the Cusco Cathedral, an architectural jewel that houses important artworks from the Cusco School.

Cathedral Ticket Prices & Hours

Note: You can buy tickets directly at the entrance without worrying about availability, as there is always access during operating hours.

Must-Have Photo: You cannot leave without a photograph in the Plaza de Armas with the Cusco Cathedral in the background. It is a perfect place to capture the sunset, when the golden rays illuminate the cathedral's facade and the colors of the sky enhance the beauty of the surroundings. Additionally, the central gardens and fountains offer a unique contrast that will make your photo an unforgettable memory.

2. Visit the San Blas Neighborhood

The San Blas Neighborhood is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting Cusco, known as the artisans' quarter. Here, you can explore shops and artisan workshops where local artists exhibit and sell their creations, such as ceramics, textiles, and handmade jewelry. San Blas is not only a place to buy crafts but also to learn more about Cusco's culture and its rich artistic tradition.

In the heart of the neighborhood lies the Plazoleta de San Blas, a charming space surrounded by cafes and restaurants. In the square, you can also visit the San Blas Church, a small but significant church that houses an impressive carved wooden pulpit. Furthermore, you cannot miss the climb to the San Blas Viewpoint, which will offer you a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city. It is a unique and charming corner that you must explore if you are in Cusco.

Must-Have Photo: The panoramic view from the San Blas Viewpoint, where you can capture the Cusco skyline with its reddish roofs and Andean mountains in the background. Another essential photo is in the small square, next to the water fountain that adds a magical touch to this picturesque place.

3. Visit the Qorikancha Temple and Santo Domingo Convent

The Qorikancha Temple, one of the most sacred places during the Inca Empire, was the main religious center dedicated to the Sun God, but it also housed shrines for other Inca deities, such as the Moon, the Earth, Lightning, the Rainbow, and the stars. In this majestic temple, rituals and offerings were made, where gold objects abounded. Its architecture reflects the incredible ability of the Incas to build perfectly aligned walls without the use of mortar, which impresses with its precision and symmetry. Additionally, the remains of Inca royalty were kept in Qorikancha, making it a ceremonial and funerary site.

Following the arrival of the Spanish, the temple was partially destroyed, and the Santo Domingo Convent was built on its foundations. This construction stands as a testament to the Spanish conquest and the destruction of the Inca culture, leaving only some remnants of the original Inca architecture. The contrast between the polished Inca stones and the colonial arches is one of the most fascinating attractions of the place.

Qorikancha Ticket Prices & Hours

Must-Have Photo: You cannot miss a photo next to the polished stone walls that blend with the colonial details of the convent. Another spectacular shot is from Avenida del Sol, where the profile of Qorikancha stands out with its elegant mix of architectural styles.

4. Visit Sacsayhuamán

Located about a 45-minute to one-hour walk from the Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán is an imposing Inca fortress known for its gigantic stone blocks assembled with surprising precision. It is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cusco, surrounded by open spaces that offer panoramic views of the city of Cusco and the Andes.

From Sacsayhuamán, you can enjoy nature and the beauty of the Cusco landscape. This site is part of the "Cusco City Tour," which includes other important sites like Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, making the experience even more enriching.

Tourist Ticket Options & Prices

Must-Have Photo: An essential photo is next to the huge stone walls, whose precision in assembly is one of the greatest mysteries of Inca engineering. If you have the chance, the sunset at Sacsayhuamán is magical: the last rays of sun bathe the stones, creating a unique golden atmosphere to capture on your camera.

5. Visit the San Pedro Market

The San Pedro Market is the oldest and most emblematic market in Cusco, known for its vibrant atmosphere and its rich cultural offerings. Designed by the same architect who created the Eiffel Tower in France, Gustave Eiffel, this market is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals. Here you will find a wide variety of crafts, traditional dishes, desserts, juices, fresh fruits, and much more.

This market is perfect for an energetic breakfast or an authentic lunch, where you can try typical dishes like cuy chactado (fried guinea pig), quinoa soup, or chicharrón (fried pork). It is a vibrant space that reflects the richness of local culture and is ideal for picking up unique souvenirs.

San Pedro Market Hours

Must-Have Photo: The photos you cannot miss are of the fruit, flower, and craft stalls that decorate the market. Also, capture a moment while tasting a typical dish and purchasing a local handicraft.

6. Visit the Sapantiana Aqueduct

In Cusco, history is lived in every corner, and one of the recently rescued treasures is the Sapantiana Aqueduct. This impressive colonial aqueduct, which had remained hidden for years, can now be visited on a short walk through the San Cristóbal and San Blas neighborhoods, making it one of the main tourist attractions in the city.

Located at 3,500 meters above sea level and 900 meters from the Plaza de Armas, this aqueduct is a hydraulic engineering work built between the 17th and 18th centuries by the Jesuit Order and the Cusco City Council. With its distinctive four-level arch wall, it was used to transport water from the P’ujru River to the viceregal city until 1950. Today, it is a valuable vestige that reflects the region's rich history.

Must-Have Photo: Do not forget to capture an image of the Sapantiana Aqueduct, which stands out for its ingenious colonial architecture and its connection to Cusco's past.

7. Visit Hatun Rumiyoq Street

Hatun Rumiyoq Street is a fascinating place in Cusco, famous for housing the Twelve-Angled Stone, an outstanding example of the Incas' mastery in architecture. This street, with its Inca walls and colonial houses, offers a journey through the rich history of the city, where the fusion of Inca and Spanish cultures can be appreciated. Furthermore, very close to the street is the Museum of the Archbishop's Palace of Cusco, an important religious site that adds more historical value to the area.

Must-Have Photo: Make sure to take a photo next to the Twelve-Angled Stone, highlighting the precision of the stone cuts that characterize Inca masonry.

8. Visit 7 Borreguitos Street

7 Borreguitos Street is a charming and narrow road located in the heart of the Historical Center of Cusco, a few steps from the Plaza de Armas. Its name comes from a colonial story in which seven little lambs (borreguitos) were the only inhabitants of this street belonging to an old convent. Walking through it, you will marvel at the surrounding colonial architecture, characterized by colorful doors and windows. The street is filled with small shops, cozy restaurants, and local artists' workshops, offering an ideal experience to enjoy delicious Cusco cuisine and acquire unique crafts.

Must-Have Photo: Do not forget to take a photo with 7 Borreguitos Street in the background.

Additional Tips

• Comfortable Clothing: Cusco is over 3,400 meters above sea level, so the weather can change quickly. Bring a light jacket.
• Altitude: Take your time to acclimatize. Do not do too much physical activity at the beginning.
• Walking: Most of these places are accessible on foot, so take the opportunity to explore at your own pace!
• Altitude Sickness: If you feel dizzy, try drinking coca tea to help you feel a bit better.