The Plaza de Armas is the vibrant heart of historical Cuzco, a bustling square flanked by the magnificent Cusco Cathedral and the ornate Church of the Company of Jesus. Originally the 'Huacaypata' or 'Warrior Square' for the Incas, it has been the center of city life for centuries. Visitors can relax on a bench, admire the colonial arcades, watch locals and tourists mingle, and soak in the incredible atmosphere. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the city, with numerous restaurants, shops, and travel agencies surrounding it.

Once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, Qorikancha, meaning 'Golden Courtyard' in Quechua, was a religious complex dedicated to the sun god, Inti. Its walls were reputedly covered in sheets of solid gold. After the Spanish conquest, the convent of Santo Domingo was built atop its foundations, creating a striking fusion of Inca stonework and colonial architecture. Visitors can marvel at the perfect, mortarless masonry of the Inca and the contrasting European design built right on top of it, a powerful symbol of the city's complex history.

Perched on a hill overlooking Cuzco, Sacsayhuamán is a monumental Inca fortress-citadel renowned for its incredible stonework. The complex features massive, zigzagging walls constructed from enormous stones, some weighing over 100 tons, fitted together with astounding precision without any mortar. While its exact purpose is debated—whether purely military, religious, or ceremonial—its scale is undeniably impressive. The site offers panoramic views of the city below and is the main stage for the annual Inti Raymi festival.

Known as the artisan's quarter, San Blas is Cuzco's most picturesque neighborhood. Characterized by steep, narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed adobe houses with bright blue balconies, and a bohemian atmosphere, it's a delight to explore on foot. The area is packed with independent art galleries, workshops of renowned local artists, and charming cafes and restaurants. The small but lovely Plaza de San Blas and its simple adobe church are central points in this creative and tranquil part of the city.

For an authentic slice of local life, a visit to the San Pedro Market is essential. Designed by Gustave Eiffel in the 1920s, this bustling market is a sensory overload in the best way possible. You'll find everything from vibrant piles of fresh produce, exotic fruits, and countless varieties of potatoes and corn to sections for meats, cheeses, and local handicrafts. The food stall section offers a chance to try cheap, delicious, and traditional Peruvian dishes alongside the locals. It's a fantastic place for people-watching and photography.

Dominating the Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral is a masterpiece of colonial baroque architecture. Built over 100 years on the site of an Inca palace, its cavernous interior houses a stunning collection of colonial art from the 'Cusco School,' which blends Catholic religious themes with indigenous symbolism. Highlights include a massive solid silver altar, intricately carved cedar choir stalls, and the famous painting of the Last Supper featuring a guinea pig (cuy) as the main dish.

A short distance from Sacsayhuamán lies Q'enqo, a fascinating Inca holy site, or 'huaca.' This unique archaeological complex is centered around a massive limestone monolith, intricately carved with symbolic figures, channels, and steps. Below the great rock, a cave has been carved out, likely used for religious ceremonies, sacrifices, or mummification rituals. The name Q'enqo means 'zigzag' or 'labyrinth' in Quechua, likely referring to the small, twisting channels cut into the rock, which may have been used for channeling liquids in ceremonies.

Known as the 'Red Fortress' due to the hue of its stones at twilight, Puka Pukara is a small Inca military outpost located on a hill with commanding views of the Cusco Valley. It is believed to have served as a guard post, checkpoint, and administrative center to control entry to Cusco from the Sacred Valley. The complex consists of high walls, terraces, and stairways, providing a glimpse into the strategic military planning of the Inca Empire. It's an easy stop to combine with visits to Tambomachay and Sacsayhuamán.

Often referred to as the 'Inca Baths,' Tambomachay is an archaeological site dedicated to the worship of water. This beautifully preserved location features a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls running through terraced rocks, showcasing the Incas' mastery of hydraulic engineering. The precise function is still debated, but it was likely a spa for the Inca elite or a religious site. The crystal-clear water flows year-round from a still-unknown source, adding to the site's mystical appeal.

Housed in the colonial 'Admiral's Palace,' the Inca Museum offers one of the most comprehensive collections of Inca artifacts in the world. Its exhibits trace the history of the region from pre-Inca cultures to the height of the empire and its eventual fall. Visitors can see an impressive array of ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and even a collection of well-preserved Inca mummies. It's an essential visit for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the civilization that shaped this incredible city.