Free Tourist Attractions in the City of Cusco
Not all tourist destinations in Cusco require a ticket. Just a few steps from the historic center, you’ll find free spaces that can enrich any of your tours around the city. Discover the main attractions at no cost and add them to your itinerary for a more authentic and accessible trip to Cusco.
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Cusilluchayoc
Cusilluchayoc – Cusco
Known as the Temple of the Monkeys, the archaeological remains of Cusilluchayoc were part of the Inca ceremonial system. When visiting, you can see some rock carvings depicting monkeys, felines, and snakes. There are also stone altars and natural passageways formed by giant stone blocks.
- Location: North zone of Cusco, within the urban area leading to Sacsayhuamán.
- Distance from Main Square: 20 minutes by car / 1 hour walking.
- How to complement my visit: Cusilluchayoc is surrounded by green areas where you can enjoy a countryside day.
Kusicancha
Kusicancha – Cusco
One of the most valuable urban archaeological complexes in Cusco is Kusicancha. During the time of the Tahuantinsuyo, it was a residence linked to the Qoricancha, the most important temple of Inca culture. When visiting, you can walk through its internal streets, see rooms that were part of a palace, and take a rest in an amazing and little-visited place.
- Location: Maruri Street, at the Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco.
- Distance from Main Square: 5 minutes walking.
- How to complement my visit: You can visit the Qoricancha temple and explore the historic center.
Inkilltambo
Inkilltambo – Cusco
The ancient archaeological sanctuary of Inkilltambo was dedicated to the worship of water and Mother Earth. With large agricultural terraces, stone-carved channels, and abundant vegetation, it is one of the city’s most notable historical spaces. Despite its significance, it remains a free site, ideal for connecting with nature and Inca culture.
- Location: Upper area of the San Sebastián district, within the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park.
- Distance from Main Square: 30 minutes by car.
- How to complement my visit: You can enjoy a countryside day near the archaeological site.
💡 The vastness of the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park
Many of the free archaeological attractions within the city belong to the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park, as in Inca times all these places were part of a single ceremonial and urban circuit. Today, they are dispersed across different neighborhoods, but they remain part of the same heritage, allowing you to visit them as small stops within a single tour.
Twelve-Angled Stone
Twelve-Angled Stone – Cusco
This stone is one of the most astonishing remnants of Inca engineering. Its fine finish and precise interlocking are part of an ancient wall from the palace of Inca Roca. When visiting, you can see colonial buildings resting on Inca structures, a classic feature on any walk through Cusco.
- Location: Hatun Rumiyoc Street, in the historic center.
- Distance from Main Square: 3 minutes walking.
- How to complement my visit: You can take a tour of the historic center alongside the Cusco Cathedral.
Sapantiana Aqueduct
Sapantiana Aqueduct – Cusco
The colonial structure of the Sapantiana aqueduct is one of the most photogenic spots in Cusco. Built with stone walls, visiting it means exploring walkways, staircases, channels, and natural viewpoints. Although its original function was to supply water to the city, today it serves as a little-known tourist destination and viewpoint.
- Location: Sapantiana Gorge, between the San Blas and San Cristóbal neighborhoods.
- Distance from Main Square: 15 minutes walking.
- How to complement my visit: You can explore the San Blas neighborhood or visit the San Cristóbal viewpoint.
Cristo Blanco
Cristo Blanco – Cusco
One of the most impressive viewpoints in Cusco is Cristo Blanco. From its platform, you can see the vastness of the city and the entire valley surrounding it. It is an ideal place to enjoy the sunset, take photographs, and go for short walks. The white sculpture stands 8 meters tall.
- Location: Pukamoqo Hill, above the city of Cusco.
- Distance from Main Square: 30 minutes walking or 15 minutes by car.
- How to complement my visit: You can visit the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park next to it.
💡 The Cusco City Tour
Visiting Cristo Blanco is often part of the classic Cusco City Tour. This half-day tour (can be taken during the day or in the afternoon) includes a visit to the Cathedral at Main Square, the Qoricancha Temple, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Its reservation is simple, and you can book it just a few days in advance, ideal for your first days in the city.
Devil’s Balcony
Devil’s Balcony – Cusco
An ideal destination for a short excursion is the Devil’s Balcony, which is located in the midst of Cusco’s forests. Its name “balcony” comes from a natural viewpoint inside a small cave offering stunning views. Additionally, there is a much larger cave where, during the rainy season, a small waterfall falls.
- Location: Chakan Gorge, in the northeast area of Cusco, near Sacsayhuamán.
- Distance from Main Square: 20 minutes by car + 50 minutes walking.
- How to complement my visit: You can have a countryside day or a picnic in this dreamy natural setting.
Temple of the Moon
Temple of the Moon – Cusco
A significant Inca structure was the Temple of the Moon. It is believed to have had ritual functions due to its rock-carved cavities, altars, and internal passageways naturally illuminated, linked to the lunar cycle. Its natural surroundings and spiritual energy make it an unmissable stop for those seeking a quiet and less-visited place.
- Location: Qenqo Grande area, near Sacsayhuamán.
- Distance from Main Square: 20 minutes by car + 10 minutes walking.
- How to complement my visit: You can visit the Qenqo archaeological site and enjoy a countryside day.
K’allachaka
K’allachaka – Cusco
The archaeological site of K’allachaka is characterized by what seems to be an Inca pyramid or an “ushnu” altar, with each of its steps forming agricultural terraces. When exploring the site, you will also find Inca pathways, channels, and small stone structures next to vast natural fields.
- Location: Las Salineras Gorge, in the northeast of Cusco, near Sacsayhuamán.
- Distance from Main Square: 20 minutes by car + 20 minutes walking.
- How to complement my visit: You can also visit Inkilltambo or the Temple of the Moon, which are close to each other.