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Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Cobblestone streets wind past walls built from perfectly cut stones, some fitted without mortar over 500 years ago. At its core is the Plaza de Armas, where churches tower over ancient foundations and just a few blocks away, visitors can walk through the Qurikancha site, where a convent was built on top of what was once the most sacred Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti.

Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals, complete with traditional dress, music, and symbolic offerings. The experience offers an amazing spectacle that reveals how deeply connected Cusco remains to its Inca roots.