Cuzco is the gateway city for trips to Machu Picchu, and contains a lovely historic colontial center and numerous natural attractions in the valleys and mountains nearby. It is also produces the best crops and coffee in the country, so don't miss out while sightseeing.
Below you'll find a list of places I most liked to visit when I was there, followed by a list of my favorite food and coffee places.
Plaza Mayor and Cathedral of Cuzco
The focal point of historic Cuzco, it still retains a lot of it's stony charm despite the rapid changes due to increasing tourism over the past 2 decades. You'll want to wander around through every day to see if any cultural shows/events are happening.
Cuzco Main Square · Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000, Peru
Cuzco Tourist Tickets
If you're staying in Cuzco for a few days, you'll probably want to take advantage of some of the tourist passes sold by the government to various sites in and around the city. Some tours will include a particular circuit or you can buy it if you hire a taxi to drive you around for the day. You can also just visit individual tourist attractions and pay at the entrance but you may save some money if you're planning on visiting most of them anyway.
Museo de Arte Precolombino
Smaller scale version of the Larco Museum in Lima, this is the best curated and presented museum in Cuzco covering prehispanic artifacts.
Museo de Arte Precolombino · Nazarenas 231, Cusco 08002, Peru
Church and Convent of Santo Domingo of Guzmán
The largest convent and grounds in Cuzco, displays a mix of religious art, prehispanic art and even some ruins.
Church and Convent of Santo Domingo of Guzmán · Ahuacpinta 659-A, Cusco 08002, Peru
Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
They do a show most nights showcasing traditional Peruvian music, dance and costume, Arrive early if you want better seats as seating is first-come first-served.
Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo · Av. El Sol 872, Cusco 08002, Peru
San Pedro Central Market
The largest and most famous market in historic Cuzco. You will find a variety of fresh foods and souvenirs for sale, along with many stalls selling drinks, coffee, meals and snacks.
San Pedro Central Market · Thupaq Amaru 477, Cusco 08002, Peru
Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios
Worth stopping for an hour to appreciate a well-displayed and preserved glimpse of the lives of the nuns who used to live here.
Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios · Sta. Catalina Angosta 401, Cusco 08002, Peru
San Cristobal Viewpoint
My favorite nighttime viewpoint over Cuzco city, and just next to the picturesque street of Siete Borreguitos and the Sapantiana Aqueduct.
Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal · Plaza San Cristobal, Don Bosco, Cusco 08002, Peru
Urubamba Valley
Urubamba is the agricultural capital of Cuzco with some spectacular mountain and valley views. This valley contains a number of sights worth seeing and are all usually included in day tours from Cuzco covering Urubamba valley. This includes Moray, Salineras de Maras and Chinchero.
Moray
Ruins famous for circular agricultural terraces, with gorgeous views while getting there and back.
Moray · Maras 08655, Peru
Salt Mine of Maras ( Salineras de Maras )
Worth a visit for the views alone, this valley houses one of the largest salt farms in the area. You can also buy salt and other souvenirs after trying some samples in the shops next to the exit.
Salt Mine of Maras · MRWW+G8W, Urubamba 08655, Peru
Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero
Picturesque colonial town built over the local ruins, wonderful views in the morning.
Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero · Museo de Sitio de Chinchero, Ruta Santisimo Downhill 2, Chinchero 08651, Peru
Rainbow Mountain
Not for the faint of heart or in poor health, this trek at an elevation of 5km is worth it for the views, despite the hordes of selfie zombies that visit. You can either hike the 1-2 km from the entrance or ride a burro most of the way up for a small fee.
Vinicunca · 08225, Peru
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Chicha
My favorite restaurant in Cuzco during my last visit. I went twice to try more of their criollo dishes, and really enjoyed everything I tried. Don't miss the desserts! Reservations highly suggested for lunch and required for dinner.
Chicha por Gaston Acurio · Plaza Regocijo, Cusco 05184, Peru
Cicciolina
One of the most famous and highly rated restaurants in Cuzco, they do a nice job with decor, service and flavors, focusing on Italian dishes. Reservations required.
Cicciolina · C. Palacio 110, Cusco 08002, Peru
Organika Restaurant
This restaurant focuses on organic local produce and ingredients, and it shows in the flavors of each dish. Don't miss the mixed vegetable plate!
Organika Restaurant · Ataud 154, Cusco 08000, Peru
KION Peruvian Chinese
Another of the top-rated restaurants in Cuzco, they offer solid renditions of Peruvian/Chinese dishes and a trendy environment. Reservations suggested.
KION Peruvian Chinese · Triunfo 370, Cusco 08002, Peru
Florencia y Fortunata Café
My favorite coffee in Cuzco, their beans are divine!
Florencia y Fortunata Café · Suecia 332, Cusco 08000, Peru
Café Dwasi Peruvian Coffee
2nd favorite coffee in Cuzco, but it was close.
Café Dwasi Peruvian Coffee · Heladeros 135, Cusco 08002, Peru