The Wanderbug’s One Perfect Day series asks travel bloggers around the world for their favourite insider tips & experiences in the cities they love most. I think it’s the best way to find fresh inspiration for visiting a city, with a handful of icons & must-dos interspersed with more low-key (but just as special) experiences that the guidebooks miss. If you’re a travel blogger itching to share your One Perfect Day on The Wanderbug, please get in touch!

Today’s post was brought to The Wanderbug by Hannah from That Adventurer. If you want to read more about South America and hiking the Machu Picchu trail, check out her blog here, or follow her adventures on Twitter @adventurehan, Instagram @adventurehan, YouTube or Facebook.

Cusco is a city with a rich history; a popular base for hikers before and after their trips to Machu Picchu no stay in Cusco would be complete without learning about the Incas and seeing some of their special sites.

Morning

A perfect day in Cusco starts with a quick breakfast before a bit of a hike up to Cristo Blanco. Popular all over South America, the figure of Christ is often found on top of mountains looking down and protecting the city below it. Although not as tall as Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, this figure is nonetheless impressive.

The statue is near the ancient Inca site of Sacsayhuaman (pronounced a bit like Sexywoman). However modern researches think that this was the residential area for wealthy nobles and had rich houses, temples and squares for religious ceremonies. The fields surrounding the site are full of llamas and alpachas which make for some great photo opportunities!

Afternoon

After the morning’s walk you’ll need a good lunch to stock up. The best deals all over South America are the set menus or menu del diá. In Cusco you can find these in most restaurants, although for the cheaper ones head towards the back streets and away from Plaza de Armas in the centre. The menus include a soup, main course, drink and sometimes a dessert and prices range from $5-10. They’re always tasty and it’s where you’ll find the locals eating during their lunch breaks.

After lunch head to Plaza de Armas for a stroll around the main square in Cusco. Wander around the streets linking up to the great square, explore the church, shop for cosy alpaca jumpers, colourful Andean blankets and don’t forget to look up at the beautiful buildings! When shopping remember that haggling is a must! It’s expected and if you don’t haggle you’ll definitely pay way over the odds. Stop for a coffee in one of the cafés or just perch on a bench with a soft drink and soak up the sounds of bustling Cusco.

Evening

Dinner: For a true taste of Andean food you have to try alpaca. Head to Blue Alpaca for a taste.

If you’re looking for somewhere for drinks afterwards then try Paddy’s Irish Pub just off Plaza de Armas, which is bound to be full of backpackers and Machu Picchu hikers. Or take an after dinner stroll back to your hostel or hotel and, if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble across outdoor performances and musicians.

Feeling inspired? What’s your top tip for Cusco?

For more One Perfect Day articles, check out the guides for Budapest, Shanghai & Paris or click here for the full list.

Genevieve Lauren

Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.

I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.

My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!

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