What to do in Cusco in 2023?
If we had to choose among the thousands of experiences that Cusco can offer you, this guide would be the experiences that I would recommend.
Experiences in Cusco, the first thing that comes to mind and what I always advise people who come to Cusco is to take the mirabus from Cusco.
It is really very charming to see the city from the mountains and walk through those old streets while they tell you stories about Cusco. But perhaps the most interesting part of this tour was the Coca leaf ceremony, a unique experience that you may not have again in your life. A few blocks from the main square you will find a path famous for its 12-angled stone.
I recommend that you go through this street. You will find a variety of artisan products. I bought some chakana necklaces that were a sacred symbol in Inka times. In that area you will also find these three places that I loved:
- The Streets of San Blas are old and small streets in the Inca style, the best thing was to see the sunset at the San Blas viewpoint.
- Xapiri Ground , is a contemporary art museum focused on the lives of indigenous people. The aesthetics and design are what caught my attention the most.
- Chocolate Museum , I loved the variety of chocolates they have and that they make you try them for free so you can choose the ones you like. In addition, they have chocolate making workshops and guided tours if you are interested.
If you love Peruvian culture and would like to learn more about our ancestors, these three museums are the ones that impacted me the most. I recommend that you get a guide inside the museums. It will help you a lot to understand better.
- Inka Museum , Provides an excellent idea of Inca culture .
- Qorikancha was the most important and imposing religious temple in all of Tahuantinsuyo (the empire of the Incas). It was even more important than Machu Picchu.
- Cusco Cathedral is an invaluable artistic and historical museum, as it has a large collection of pictorial and sculptural works from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
- Qosqo Native Art Center, theatrical works that show customs and traditions with dances and dances.
Peruvian food is undoubtedly one of the best in the world. So much so that it has won various awards and recognitions worldwide. It would be very exciting if you could learn about the most popular foods in Peru. This is the list that I recommend:
- Ceviche from Ceviche Seafood Kitchen
- Lomo Saltado from Morena Peruvian Kitchen
- Grilled chicken from La Estación
- Chicha Regional Food by Gaston Acurio
- Vegetarian and Peruvian food from El Encuentro
If you are looking for international food , this would be my selection:
- Kintaro Japanese Food
- Green Point Healthy Food
- Delicious pizzas from Bodega 138
- American Food from Jacks Café
- Middle Eastern Food from La Casa De Kebab
- Vegetarian food from Parada Vegana
- Delicious Papachos burger
If you are looking for a place for desserts and relaxation , this would be my recommendation:
- Green Matcha Desserts and Drinks
- Empanadas and La Valeriana teas
- Qucharitas Ice Cream
- Coffee by Dwasi Coffee
- Coffee from Three Monkeys Coffee Cusco
- Alcoholic drinks and the Limbus Restobar viewpoint
- Alcoholic drinks from the Pisco Museum
The last recommendation I can suggest is to buy souvenirs for yourself and/or your loved ones.
“A gift has the ability to strengthen a bond, show love and gratitude, or simply make someone feel special.”
In Cusco you will find endless stores selling anything, but finding a gift that is meaningful takes time . These 3 stores offer quality products and have good customer service.
- Piece of Art , they offer a variety of craft products.
- Kuna, luxury baby alpaca and vicuña clothing and accessories .
- Cusco Traditional Textiles Center, Crafts Center with demonstrations of local weaving traditions and sale of colorful fabrics.
- Ekekos offer a variety of craft and ceramic products.
- SBS Bookstore, offer a variety of Peruvian and international literature books.
Alpaca Tamon, they offer everything from exclusive ponchos to baby gloves. They are unique designs and everything is 100% made of alpaca.
The best souvenir you can take with you from Cusco is without a doubt a garment made from Alpaca fiber.
“In the times of the Inkas, only the upper class could wear garments made from alpaca fiber. Due to its qualities such as its resistance and flexibility, which is almost three times greater than Merino and Sheep wool, it is also soft to the touch, hypoallergenic, waterproof and anti-flammable.”
Because of these benefits, alpaca clothing has higher prices than clothing made from sheep or plastic. I bought a scarf and a hat made of alpaca and it really feels good in winter.
Thank you for taking the time to read my first blog I made. I hope it was of some use to you. If you are looking to learn more about alpaca, visit our stores in Cusco and Machupicchu (officially opens in January 2023). We will be happy to help and serve you.
If you visited or live in Cusco, what would you recommend?