Written by Hilary Bradt
As Peru’s main tourist centre, the city’s sights are well documented and are covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico). Here are my personal favourites from 20 years of introducing trekkers to Cusco.
The Cathedral (La Catedral)
© Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
Particularly rewarding if you can catch an early-morning service, but at any time for the painting of Christ and his disciples enjoying a guinea pig at the Last Supper.
Coricancha (Qoricancha)
© Pytyczech, Dreamstime
An awe-inspiring example of exquisite Inca stonework (the Temple of the Sun) topped by a Spanish colonial church, Santa Domingo.
The Church of San Blas (Iglesia San Blas)
This is my favourite religious building in Cusco. From the outside its adobe façade looks unremarkable but inside is some of the best wood carving you will see in Peru. Take a close look at the cherubs holding up the weight of the pulpit. The artistry is marvellous but the physiological knowledge less so – try that position yourself!
Convent of San Francisco (Iglesia y convento de San Francisco)
© Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
Most interesting for its crypt housing a macabre display of skulls and bones.
Inca Museum (Museo Inka)
The best of the museums. An impressive and somewhat gruesome collection of mummies and Inca artefacts. Helps put the Inca culture into perspective.