Whether you’re acclimatising to the altitude before embarking on the Inca Trail, taking a jungle trek to Machu Picchu or simply passing through Cusco, there is an assortment of activities to do and sights to see.
1. The daily free walking tour is a great way to become acquainted with Cusco’s city streets and sights. The tour guides are friendly, knowledgeable and point you in the right direction while offering discounts for various tourist sites and restaurants.
2. Toast Cusco from above, at the Christ the Redeemer statue situated on the road to Sacsayhuaman. Lit up at night, Christ looks down on the city lights. Although far smaller and stylistically different to its larger counterpart in Rio de Janeiro, this Christ statue still makes an impression in Cusco. Pack some snacks and beverages, dress warmly and enjoy the city and surrounding mountain views.
3. For those with a sweet tooth, visit the Choco Museo. Enjoy a hot cup of chocolate flavoured tea on arrival while perusing the different sections of the small museum. You can learn more about the various cocoa plantations in the Cusco region while sampling delicious truffles. The Choco Museo also offers group chocolate making lessons where you will make your own Peruvian chocolate bar. If your time and budget suits, it is definitely a memorable and enjoyable activity. An absolute must is the hot chocolate – you mix your own cloves and cinnamon into hot milk and then stir in the melted liquid chocolate. On chilly days, this spot offers the best hot chocolate in town as well as great views of the neighbouring square.
4. The Inca Museum is worth a visit with its vast assortment of Inca artifacts and its wealth of information. I learnt a great deal about the Inca’s origins, their rich culture, decline and great agricultural talent, from simple terraces to Machu Picchu.
5. Visit the markets and shop until you drop! There are many markets within Cusco city that offer a wide selection of Peruvian silver jewellery, lama and alpaca wool clothing, and many souvenirs for very reasonable prices. For those on a South African budget, you can barter the prices down by hanging around a bit and being indecisive.
