Cusco Inca and Colonial Art

Old-town churches, Inca and pre-Columbian museums, and a textile center, then Tipón, the Wari ruins and the church known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas' in the southern valley

This is a museums-and-architecture route with a relaxed pace. Walk through the old-town churches and museums over two days. On the third day, take a half-day trip to the less crowded southern valley: the Inca water channels and terraces of Tipón, the Wari culture's Pikillacta ruins, and Andahuaylillas church, whose walls are covered in murals. Return to town in the afternoon to see the Qorikancha. Machu Picchu and high-altitude hikes are not included. Suited to repeat visitors and people interested in art history.

Mostly indoors, so it works in the rainy season too. Late June, around the Inti Raymi festival, is crowded.

Day by day

Day 1 · Churches Around Plaza de Armas

Cusco（Plaza de Armas, Cusco、Cusco Cathedral、Church of the Society of Jesus, Cusco、Basilica and Convent of La Merced, Cusco）

A taxi from the airport to the old town takes about 20 minutes. In the afternoon, walk around the square to visit three churches.

The cathedral has its own admission fee. The Jesuit church and La Merced charge separately.

Stay: Plaza de Armas Area

Day 2 · Nazarenas Museums and San Blas

Cusco（Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MAP)、Museo Inka、Twelve-Angled Stone & Hatun Rumiyoc Street、San Blas）

Walk through the two museums on Plaza Nazarenas, Hatun Rumiyoc Street and San Blas. The total walk is about 2 km.

Stay: Plaza de Armas Area

Day 3 · Southern Valley Half-Day and Qorikancha

Cusco（Tipón、Pikillaqta、Church of San Pedro Apóstol, Andahuaylillas、Qorikancha）

Join a half-day tour or hire a car heading southeast about 40 km, visiting Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas in turn. Return to town at 2–3 pm, then walk to the Qorikancha.

Tipón and Pikillacta require the Boleto Turístico. Andahuaylillas church requires a separate ticket, and photography is not allowed inside.

Stay: Plaza de Armas Area

Day 4 · Traditional Textiles and Market

Cusco（Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco、San Pedro Market）

In the morning, walk to the textile center for a weaving demonstration, then go to San Pedro Market and take a taxi to the airport.

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