There are so many amazing things to see in Cusco that you may find yourself overwhelmed at first. Its ancient Inca ruins, Spanish-colonial churches and colourful streets are deeply entrancing. Fortunately, it’s easy to incorporate the highlights with down time to better soak in the scenery and watch the locals. Be sure and buy a city-managed tourist pass (boleto turístico) from the tourism office. It allows admission to 16 of Cusco’s most significant sites.

Central Market 
Cusco’s famous Central Market is an absolute buzz of activity as local shoppers come from all over the city to conduct business. Even though most of the things for sale are fresh produce and household goods, the scene is arguably the most colourful in town. Ancient traditions carry on here, including pick-pocketing, so keep an eye on your gear.

La Catedral 
Cusco’s most iconic building dominates the scene at the Plaza de Armas. It’s a beautiful structure, and like most of the city’s buildings, was constructed on the stone foundations of the Inca Viracocha. Inside the cathedral are around 400 paintings by Escuela Cusqueña, one of Peru’s most famous artists, and some stunning examples of woodcarving. The massive silver main altar is also a centrepiece of attention. Next door to the cathedral is the Capilla del Triunfo, Cusco’s first Christian church.

Machu Picchu 
Cusco is the base for trips to the legendary Inca stronghold Machu Picchu. By taking the morning train from the city, you can be back from your adventure by late afternoon. But this sublime site and the surrounding region truly deserve more than a quick visit. The villages and markets of the Sacred Valley are nearly as engaging as the Inca ruins themselves.

Plaza de Armas 
The hub of daily life in Cusco since the time of the Inca has always been the lively Plaza de Armas. This wonderfully entertaining plaza is still the focal point of the city and is a great place to linger. Benches provide spots to sit and relax, while numerous cafés, bars, shops and travel agencies line its perimeter. Framing it all in the background are the majestic Andes mountains.

Qoricancha and Santo Domingo 
These two essential sites are the epitome of the collision between Inca and European cultures. This was once the home of the gold-laden Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), the empire’s most magnificent structure and home to thousands of Inca priests. It was also the Inca’s main astronomical observatory. After the Spanish ransacked it, the Convent of Santo Domingo was built on its stone foundations, which aptly are far superior and more impressive than the church itself. An excavation has opened a series of original Inca stone chambers, whose brilliant engineering is self-evident. Phone: +51 84 222 071.