Cusco’s top Inca sites explained
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and its stones still tell that story. Before you head to Machu Picchu, these are the sites that make the old capital one of the great historical cities of the Americas.
In the city
Qorikancha — the Temple of the Sun
Once the empire’s holiest temple, its walls were said to be sheathed in gold. The Spanish built a convent on top, and today the two worlds stand fused in one extraordinary building — the finest Inca stonework in the city.
The Plaza de Armas and San Blas
The heart of Cusco, ringed by colonial arcades built on Inca foundations, with the artisan quarter of San Blas climbing the hill above.
Above the city
| Site | What it is |
|---|---|
| Sacsayhuamán | Vast ceremonial fortress of colossal stones |
| Qenqo | Carved ritual rock and underground chamber |
| Puka Pukara | Roadside fort and resting station |
| Tambomachay | Sacred springs, the “Inca baths” |
These four are the classic half-day circuit and the start of many treks. See them on our Cusco city tour.
Explore Inca Cusco
Walk the capital’s greatest sites with a local guide.
Frequently asked questions
Qorikancha, the Plaza de Armas, and the four ruins above the city — Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay — are the essentials.
Allow at least two days, which also helps you acclimatize before any trek. A half-day city tour covers the main Inca sites.