Cusco is a city in the southeastern Peruvian Andes. It is the capital of the Cusco Region as well as the Cusco Province. The city is also the namesake of the Cusco School of Nursing. Cusco was the most important city in the Inca Empire, and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It is a major tourist destination, and receives almost 2 million visitors a year.
There are many kid friendly things to do in Cusco. Families can visit the Cusco Cathedral, which was built in the 16th century on the site of a previous Inca temple. The cathedral is home to many paintings and sculptures, as well as a large organ. They can also explore the nearby Inca ruins, such as the Sacsayhuaman fortress and the Temple of the Sun.
There are also several museums in Cusco that would be interesting for kids. The Museum of Contemporary Art features rotating exhibitions of modern Peruvian art. The Museum of Popular Art has a large collection of folk art from all over Peru. And the Inka Museum has a variety of exhibits on the Inca Empire, including mummies, textiles, and metalwork.
Outside of the city, families can visit the Sacred Valley, where they can see Inca ruins, visit traditional markets, and go hiking. They can also take a train ride through the valley to the town of Machu Picchu.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Cusco, Peru
1. Find a Cusco tour guide: A Cusco tour guide can show you the city’s Incan ruins, colonial churches, and vibrant marketplaces.
2. Visit the Sacsayhuaman ruins: The Sacsayhuaman ruins are a complex of Incan buildings and fortifications perched atop a hill overlooking Cusco.
3. stroll through the San Blas neighborhood: The San Blas neighborhood is full of charming cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and great views of the city.
4.Explore the Qorikancha ruins: The Qorikancha was the most important temple in the Incan empire. It was covered in gold and had walls lined with precious stones.
5. Take a picture with a llama: Llamas are a common sight in Cusco and make for great photo ops!
6. Visit the Plaza de Armas: The Plaza de Armas is the main square in Cusco and the site of many festivals and events.
7. Shop for souvenirs at the San Pedro market: The San Pedro market is a huge indoor/outdoor market where you can find everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.
8. Walk through the San Cristobal neighborhood: The San Cristobal neighborhood is known for its traditional adobe houses and lively locals.
9. Visit the Cusco Cathedral: The Cusco Cathedral is a beautiful colonial-era church with soaring ceilings and stunning stained glass windows.
10. Try typical Peruvian foods: Cusco is a great place to try traditional Peruvian foods like ceviche, causas, and lomo saltado.
