Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
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THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Cusco
Best Free Things to Do in Cusco
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Flea & Street Markets
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Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Flea & Street Markets
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
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Antique Shops • Flea & Street Markets
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Playgrounds
What travellers are saying
- Gareth CLos Angeles, CA539 contributionsThe Plaza de Armas is a great central location of Cuzco's historic center. The streets that fan out from there are host to quaint back alleys, cool eateries, colonial-styled hotels, and a lot of tour agencies.
On sunny days, the plaza is an awesome spot to sit and watch people walk by. Yet, be mindful of the legion of kids selling souvenirs. As adorable as they may seem, their marketing skills are keen, they're beyond persistent, and some of them even know a few words in other languages--like Japanese, French, and German.Written 16 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Diego P1 contributionThe Plaza de Armas in Cusco is simply magical. During the day, the sun lights up the colonial churches, and the energy is incredible. At night, the lights create an amazing atmosphere.
It’s the heart of Cusco, surrounded by history, great restaurants, and friendly people. Perfect for grabbing a coffee with a view, taking epic photos, or just sitting and enjoying the vibe.
If you visit Cusco and don’t stop by here, did you really go to Cusco?Written 26 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ted S2 contributionsFairly well organized and secure for a Latin American open air market. Lots of tourist trinkets but they were usually over priced. The vegetables were OK, the meat and cheese were good, fresh and decently priced.
The "restaurants" were a bit dirty and crude.Written 24 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Judy BHouston, TX20 contributionsEasily reached from the center of Cusco by walking. the artisans market in the Plaza San Blas is less crowded than the central market and some of those who displayed their wares had stores near by.Written 25 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Louis CecileLondon, UK623 contributionsThis small local museum provides a quick stopover to learn and shop about chocolate. There are chocolate sculptures and information on the history in English/Spanish on the walls. The staff are helpful and allow you to navigate as you wish. There is an array of products and items to purchase. There are many chocolate items you will have never seen or purchased before. A good small local museum/shop that provides many interesting insights into chocolate.Written 15 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shuqin Y2 contributionsAnelhi y Yesenia’s service is real good, she is very patient and nice. Their product is high quality and beautiful, I highly recommendWritten 24 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- gaiasongErie, PA46 contributionsAmazingly Beautiful textile art that is moving and exciting. Lovely small gallery. Laura has won many awards. A highpoint while touring Cuzco.Written 22 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- happykoabugHonolulu, HI704 contributionsVisited this site a couple of times since it was on the way to the main plaza from my hotel. There is usually people in front of it taking selfies in case you can't find it.
The stone of the 12 angles is part of the architecture of the archiepiscopal palace (religious art museum of Cusco). This Inca structure is famous due to its large dimensions & the precision with which it was polished to fit into the wall.Written 3 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - GAJ 93London, UK141 contributionsLots of Artisan Peruvian souvenirs .clean and safe .very close to city center .Prepare to bargain and don’t buy from the first stallWritten 14 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WorldTraveler639Montreal, Canada297 contributionsWe stopped here for hot chocolate and a brownie after reading all of the amazing reviews and we were not disappointed. The brownie was perhaps the best we've ever had in our lives... I wish I could go back to Cusco just to visit Xapiri!Written 21 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mary P22 contributionsThis is a fun free thing to go see. We hiked up from the back side (coming from Sucsayhuaman) and it was a short and moderate walk up to the Christ.Written 24 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TheExplorerFamilySomerset, NJ7,131 contributionsThe long street starts at the Municipal Complex downtown, and ends at The Plaza de Armas. It was very close to our hotel, so we had occasion to walk down it, and drive down it several times during our stay in Cuzco.
We found it to be a very busy street filled with Money Exchange Stores, Hair Cutting Stores, Souvenir Stores plus plenty of Restaurants. We felt safe walking up and down, even late in the evening. People seemed very nice and helpful.
Since it is such a busy thoroughfare, everybody gets to see it at least once while staying in this city.Written 22 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ali921Edinburgh, UK1,549 contributionsIt's just off the main Plaza. Walked by lots of tourist walking tours. Perfect example of surviving Inca architecture still used today. The skill of how the stones are fitted is incredible but you will see such engineering in other locations in Peruvian Inca sites.Written 12 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- daret stewCalifornia4 contributionsa small square ideal for a rest after a walk through the historic center.
We loved visiting this little place that is far from everything.Written 12 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NINO SHUJA PUGHAustria3 contributionsInteresting place, where they explain to you how is the process of dyeing wool with natural pickets; like plants, flowers, volcanic stones, and minerals like salt as a catalyst, also the spinning and weaving process.Written 8 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
