Cusco has many great attractions for which people come from all over the world, but Cusco also has some great hidden gems waiting to be discoved. Discover a hidden temple just an hours walk from the main plaza, or maybe sunrise that features 3 suns, are you curious? read further to discover these 7 Gems of Cusco.
Temple of the Moon
The Temple of the Moon is only a one-hour walk uphill from Plaza De Armas. It’s nicely tucked away from the noise and bustling movement of the Plaza. The temple contains a cave with a ceremonial altar, where the figures of pumas, snakes, and condors are carved. Its purpose is to revere fertility. Its caves were built to let in sunlight and moonlight on specific days, pointing to specific parts of the altars. Access to the temple is entirely free.
How to get there: From Plaza de Armas, walk along Calle Triunfo (be aware that the street name changes a few times as you proceed), and continue walking up through the entire San Blas neighborhood. It’s all uphill, so it does require a certain level of physical fitness. Eventually, the route becomes rural. Continue up the stairs until you reach the green plateau where the Temple is located. Monkey Cave, Zone X, and Quenco are also in the same area.
The Last Cuy Supper
Cultural adaptations of certain beliefs, especially when it comes to religious works, usually give a unique flavor to an already well-known history. This is the case of the canvas of the Last Supper in the Cathedral of Cusco. We have the classic elements of traditional Christian Last Supper paintings, but it clearly noticeable that the feast was given in Cusco. In the painting, you can see chili peppers, fruits, corn, and the most important thing: a guinea pig, the most important delicacy of the region, since pre-Hispanic times. The painting is attributed to Peruvian painter Marcos Zapata, who used to incorporate cultural blends like these into his works.
Where to see it: In the Basilica of the Cathedral of Cusco, in the Plaza de Armas.
The Haunted House
Warning: this description is violent. Also, we must state up front: we do not recommend anyone enter this house, it´s in complete deterioration, with structural cracks. We suggest you observe it from Saphi Street and immerse yourself in thoughts about what has happened in the past 70 years that it has remained uninhabited. According to journalist Estela Bocangel: As the story goes: It all started after a woman was killed by her lover. Since then, the house has been the place of secrets, strange rituals, torture, and homicides. The most horrifying story of them all is the recent tale of the leader of the Colliguay Sect, Ramón Castillo (better known as Antares de la Luz) who committed suicide here in 2013, after making world news for having burned a newborn alive during a ritual.
How to see it: You must walk along Plateros Street (later called Saphi Street) towards the northwest. It´s located near house no.800.
Devil’s Balcony
Near Sacsayhuaman is the Devils Balcony. This natural architectural site was used by the Inca as a entry point to the city of Cusco. From the balcony you get spectacular views of the streams below. Also while visiting take the tunnel through the rock at the same level as the river below.
How to get there: From Sacsayhuaman, head north for about 1.3km, turn right into a small street, walk for another 750 m, then take a sharp left for 250m, finally take a right and you have arrived. The walk should take around 20 minutes.
Huchuy Qosqo
The perfect one day trek, Huchuy Qosqo has some of the best views in the Sacred Valley, the site is located at 3650 meters above sea level. In the height of the Inca empire this site was an important agricultural center. It produced corn and many other important crops. Here you will see stone constructions called Collcas, which they used to store food. There is no public road access. Trek to the site on a 2 day Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu hike.
How to get there: From Cusco, drive north to Calca. From the Minasmoqo sector, continue on foot or on horseback to the base of the mountain. Then climb the hillside to reach the ruins.
Waqrapukara
Waqrapukara is one of the least known sites in the Cusco region. Archeologists have not decided whether the site was a fortress, sanctuary or astronomical observatory. The site is located 4300 meters above sea level in the Apurimac Canyon, south of Cusco. This ancient site is impressive with platforms, squares and a giant monolith overlooking mountain landscape.
How to get there: You must go on a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cusco to Saint Lucia. From there, the trek is about 2 hours.
Tres Cruces
Here you will experience something that is not often seen. From the Tres Cruses Viewpoint, witness one of the most spectacular, secret sunrises on the planet. Located around 100km from Cusco this viewpoint is called Tres Cruses because on June 21, this is the winter solstice, and a few days before and after, a natural phenomenon occurs. the atmosphere distorts the sunlight, giving the illusion that there is not one but 3 suns that give a gold glow over the land.
How to get there: The journey will take you a total of 5 hours from Cusco to Paucartambo. You will then cross the last section by truck because the route is unpaved. The effect begins to be visible around 4:30 am, we recommend you leave early the night before in order to arrive on time. You can combine your trip with a tour of the Manu National Park, where there are incredible species of vegetables and animals in the area.
