How to Visit Cusco on a Budget: 19 Free Things to See and Do

Wondering how to visit Cusco on a budget? You’re in the right place!

Cusco and its surroundings—including the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu—are stunning, but they can get expensive if you’re not careful.

The good news? With a few smart tips, it’s totally possible to plan a budget-friendly stay in Cusco.

In this guide, I’ll share all the free things to do in Cusco and the best places to visit without spending a sol.

You’ll also find my top tips to explore the Sacred Valley for free, a special section on how to visit Machu Picchu on a budget, and plenty of practical advice to save on accommodation, transport, and food.

So—how do you travel cheap to Cusco? Let’s get into it.

Buying the Tourist Ticket

Before you start your visit to Cusco and its surroundings, you must decide if you are going to buy the tourist ticket.

Yes, it’s an investment, but if this is your first trip to Cusco, I recommend that you buy it because it gives you access to the main attractions of Cusco and the Sacred Valley: museums, churches, archaeological sites.

It’s important to understand that all the sites included are only accessible with this ticket and that it is impossible to buy individual entrances.

There are several types of tickets: the integral ticket valid for 10 days or the partial ticket with 3 different circuits, valid for 1 or 2 days depending on the chosen route.

19 Free Activities in Cusco

Yes, it’s totally possible to explore Cusco without buying the tourist ticket.

In fact, during one of my trips, I spent a whole month in Cusco without it because I simply didn’t want to spend the extra money.

Cusco is full of history, culture, and stunning architecture. And you’ll see — there’s plenty to do without the crowds and often completely for free!

Here are my favorite free activities to enjoy in Cusco:

1. Explore the markets

In Latin America, markets are the perfect place to experience daily life, discover local products, and grab an affordable meal.

These are some of the best markets to visit in Cusco:

• San Pedro Market: This is the main market in Cusco. It’s huge and known for its variety of products, especially potatoes and quinoa. Although it’s become more touristy in recent years, I still love it — and fun fact: it was designed by Gustave Eiffel!
• San Blas Market: Much smaller and quieter than San Pedro, but a great spot to find delicious, affordable meals, including vegetarian options.
• Wanchaq Market: Since it’s never mentioned in guidebooks, it’s not touristy at all. If you’re looking for an authentic local market experience, this one’s for you.

2. Walking around San Blas

San Blas is Cusco’s bohemian neighborhood, full of charm and character.

With its whitewashed houses, bright blue doors, wooden balconies, and cobblestone streets, it’s often considered the most picturesque area in Cusco.

You’ll find cozy cafés and artisan shops, including the lovely L’Atelier, a café and gallery that’s perfect for a relaxing break.

Another highlight is the Hilario Mendívil Museum-Workshop, dedicated to one of the most important Peruvian folk artists of the 20th century. His sculptures are instantly recognizable by their elongated necks and religious symbolism. And the best part? Entrance is free!

The museum is located right on the charming Plazoleta San Blas, the heart of the neighborhood and a must-see during your walk through Cusco.

3. Admire the architecture

Cusco presents an amazing mix of Inca and colonial architecture.

Here are some places I recommend you to see:

• Casa del Almirante: plateresque decoration on its facade with a small Mudejar style window. It houses the Inka museum but you don’t have to pay if you only enter to see the inner courtyard and fountain.
• House of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega: it is located on the corner of the Plaza Regocijo. It was built on Inca walls and has colonial arches with balconies.
• House of the Four Busts: there was an Inca palace that was part of the anteroom of the Coricancha. A large two-story house with stone arches, columns, rosettes and four busts was built on top of it. Today it is the magnificent Hotel Palacio del Inka.
• Inca Palace of Qollqanpata: today you can still see its wall from the Inca period in the Plazoleta San Cristobal, right next to the church.
• Casa Cabrera in the Plazoleta Nazarenas, which houses the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
• House of the Marquises of San Lorenzo de Valle Umbroso which is the School of Fine Arts
• Casa Marqués de Picoaga which is the hotel of the Costa del Sol on Santa Teresa Street
• Palacio Arzobispal which is located on the corner of Hatun Rumiyoc street, whose base is built with Inca stones and the facade is baroque.

4. Visiting the churches

There are several churches in the historic center and some of them are jewels of colonial architecture.

However, it is necessary to pay at the entrance (for example, the Convent of La Merced) or get the tourist ticket (for example, the cathedral, the Company of Jesus, the church and the Convent of Santo Domingo).

The trick to visit Cusco’s churches for free is to go at mass time.

It may not be the best time to walk around and see all the details inside (paintings, sculptures, etc.), but if you want to save money in Cusco, you also have to make small concessions.

5. The Stone of the 12 Angles

The “Stone of the 12 Angles” is one of Cusco’s main tourist attractions.

It is a great example of Inca engineering: the stones are so well carved that they fit perfectly and not even a needle can go through them.

In addition, no cement was used and still, they remain solid after several centuries!

You can see the stone for free because it is located on the outer wall of the old Inca palace of Sinchi Roca, today the Archbishop’s Palace, on the long and narrow Hatun Rumiyoc street.

6. See the typical dances

What is fantastic in Cusco is that there is always a festival where you can admire the colorful traditional costumes and discover the regional dances.

And you don’t need to be there on a special date like INti Raymi or Corpus Christi: there are dances every Sunday in the Plaza de Armas.

It’s a free show in Cusco that is really beautiful! Besides, you can just sit in the square without having to consume.

7. The street of the 7 snakes

There are seven streets in Cusco that begin with the number 7: Siete Mascarones, Siete Ventanas, Siete Cuartones, Siete Diablitos, Siete Angelitos, Siete Culebras, Siete Borreguitos.

Among them, Siete Culebras is one of the most beautiful streets of Cusco.

It is a narrow passage between Plazoleta Nazarenas and Choquechaka Street.

The street of the “Seven Snakes” owes its name to 14 snakes carved in the stones of the walls: 7 in the walls of the Nazarene Palace and 7 in the passage.

Of course, over time, many of them have faded a bit, but they are still visible. Try to find them!

Inside the passageway there is also a colonial arch that delimited, in those times, the colonial zone and the indigenous zone.

8. Take a free tour of Cusco

As is the case in many cities around the world, there are also free guided tours in Cusco, commonly known as Free Walking Tours.

They are walking tours (1h30-2h) that allow a first glimpse of the city: Plaza de Armas, San Blas neighborhood, the Stone of the 12 angles, San Pedro market…

It is also an opportunity to locate the monuments and orient yourself, which is very practical.

There are two companies that organize the tours:

• Inkan Milky Way (yellow vest): departures 10h, 13h, 15h30 from Monday to Saturday and 10h on Sundays in front of Chicha restaurant in Plaza Regocijo.
• Free Walking Tour Cusco (red t-shirt): daily departures at 7h15 9h45 in front of the KFC in the main square.

9. Take a salsa class

Yes, there are free salsa and bachata classes in Cusco!

You can easily find them in the popular clubs around the square such as the Inka Team.

And don’t be shy, these are classes for beginners, and it’s a great way to meet other travelers!

10. Cusicancha Palace

The Cusicancha Palace is known as the birthplace of Pachacutec, one of the greatest rulers of the Inca Empire, and it also served as the residence of his family.

It’s believed that many rituals and activities were held here to complement those of the Coricancha, the most sacred temple of the Inca civilization, located just across the street.

Today, it’s one of those hidden gems you can visit for free in Cusco, and surprisingly, you’ll rarely see other tourists there — even though it’s right in the historic center.

You’ll find a fascinating mix of pre-Inca, Inca, colonial, and republican architecture, along with archaeological remains and an ancient Inca canal system.

11. Climb up to the White Christ

My favorite view of Cusco is from the Sacsayhuaman fortress, but you need the tourist ticket to get in.

Fortunately, there is a free alternative: the White Christ, on the hill of Pukamuqu.

At 8 meters high, the statue of the White Christ with its open arms has an air of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer and seems to protect the city of Cusco.

Once at the top of the hill, you have a magnificent view of the city.

If you look to the right, you can also see Sacsayhuaman.

12. The Monkey Temple

Not far from the White Christ is the Temple of the Monkey or Cusilluchayoc in Quechua.

It takes its name from a monkey carved in the stone.

It is believed to have been an astronomical observatory and ceremonial place.

but… monkeys in Cusco? That’s a bit strange since there are no monkeys in the Andes! So, according to one theory, it would have been a place in honor of the jungle.

There is a set of galleries and corridors, and you can also see a sculpture that looks like a puma.

it’s an unusual and off the beaten path place in Cusco!

13. The Temple of the Moon

Near the Monkey Temple, there is another well-kept secret of the Inca capital and another 100% free visit to make in Cusco: the Temple of the Moon.

From afar, it looks like a big rock, but when you get closer you discover an Inca temple (15th-16th centuries) carved in stone with lots of details such as snakes, condors, pumas and chacanas (the Andean cross).

In this temple rituals were performed in honor of the Moon (Killa) and other deities.

14. Inkilltambo

If you still feel motivated to walk, I recommend that from the Temple of the Moon you follow the path to Inkilltambo, another free place in Cusco.

I was very surprised when I visited it because it is quite large, with agricultural terraces, corridors, canals and fountains.

It is an Inca ceremonial site built in the time of Viracocha (15th century) and probably dedicated to the mallkis, the mummies of the royal families.

15. The Devil’s Balcony

The Devil’s Balcony is a huge rock at the foot of the Apu Senqa that served as the entry point to the city of Cusco in Inca times.

At its center, the rock is shaped like a balcony (hence the name) and offers a magnificent view over the surroundings and the small river flowing below.

By the way, I recommend you to cross the narrow tunnel that goes through the rock and down to the river, it is very beautiful!

Honestly, no photo does justice to the beauty of the place.

But if you like to explore less crowded areas, you will love this free activity in Cusco.

16. Enjoying the views

As the city is surrounded by hills, it is quite easy to find spots that offer beautiful free views of Cusco without having to consume in a bar or restaurant.

In addition to the Cristo Blanco, you can go to the Mirador de San Cristobal, considered the best viewpoint in Cusco, with its great panoramic view, small square and church.

There is also the Mirador de San Blas, just 5 minutes walk from the main square, the Mirador de la Plaza Santa Ana and the Huaca Sapantiana.

17. The Coffee Museum

Another free place to visit in Cusco is the Coffee Museum, located a few steps from the Plaza de Armas.

The exhibition presents the history and cultural importance of coffee, the varieties, the manufacturing process, etc.

There is also a very nice cafeteria, but there is no obligation to consume to see the exhibition.

• Address: Espaderos 136, Cusco
• Coffee museum website

18. The Almudena Cemetery

I like to visit cemeteries when I travel because they allow me to learn more about the local culture.

The Almudena Cemetery is the main cemetery in Cusco and was declared a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2011.

It is the last home of illustrious characters of Cusco and Peru in general: presidents, mayors, writers, scientists, lawyers, artists and union leaders of all political orientations.

Among them are, for example, the archaeologist Manuel Chávez Ballón (the Machu Picchu Museum is named after him!), the great photographer Martín Chambi SITIO DOWN or María Trinidad Enríquez who was the first woman lawyer in Peru (XIX century).

There are beautiful examples of religious art in the cemetery (angels, gargoyles, crosses, domes), but what I like most is to see the beer glasses, Inca Kola bottles, toys, photos, in short all kinds of objects placed on the tombs.

Because in Latin America, we mourn the dead, but we also celebrate their lives; it is a good way to pay tribute to them!

19. The Máximo Laura Museum

Near the Plaza de Armas is a free museum featuring the colorful works of Peruvian artist Máximo Laura, who specializes in tapestries.

There are among others 200 tapestries, 1800 drawings, 10,000 photos and 850 paintings!

• Address: Santa Catalina Ancha 304, Cusco
• Open every day from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Máximo Laura Museum website

Explore the Sacred Valley for Free

If you’re not planning to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket, don’t worry — there are still several great free things to do in the Sacred Valley.

• Pisac: Although the Pisac ruins require a ticket, you can still explore the town freely. Don’t miss the colorful Andean market, the small community museum (free), and the beautiful Quechua mass on Sundays around 11 a.m. — it’s a powerful experience.
• Chinchero: Discover how traditional textiles are made in local workshops, visit the artisan market, and just walk around the village to enjoy its charm and authenticity.
• Ollantaytambo: Besides the main ruins (which do require a ticket), you can visit the Catcco Museum for free — it’s small but informative, with exhibits on local history and crafts.
• Hike up to the Pinkuylluna granaries for a breathtaking view of Ollantaytambo and its ruins — it’s completely free and less crowded. You can also explore off-the-beaten-path hikes like the one to Ñaupa Iglesia, a lesser-known Inca temple.

The Sacred Valley is vast, and there are plenty of villages to explore — like Urubamba, Yucay, or Calca. Just walking through them is a great way to soak in the landscape and culture.

How to Visit Machu Picchu on a Budget

For many travelers, visiting Machu Picchu represents one of the biggest expenses of their trip to Peru.

And while it’s true that it’s one of the top places to visit in Peru, it’s also much more expensive than most other attractions in the country!

Let’s be clear — you can’t visit Machu Picchu for free (there’s a lot of control and surveillance), but there are definitely some smart ways to save money on your visit.

1. Choose the cheapest entry ticket

The first and most important step is to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance. Here are your options:

• Standard Machu Picchu ticket: the cheapest and most popular option.
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket: a more exclusive experience — book it months in advance.
• Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: ideal for panoramic views and a longer hike.

You can read my full comparison here: Huayna Picchu vs. Machu Picchu Mountain

The cheapest ticket is the one that includes access only to the citadel of Machu Picchu, without any mountain hike. But don’t worry — there’s plenty to explore inside the site itself!

2. Choose a cheap hotel in Aguas Calientes

If you decide to stay in Aguas Calientes one day before going up to Machu Picchu, keep in mind that it is a very touristy town and prices are inflated.

Here are the best cheap hotels in Aguas Calientes:

• Supertramp Hostel Machu Picchu: from only 18€ in a shared dormitory!
• Machu Picchu Land: from only 21€ in a private room!
• Nativus Hostel Machu Picchu: from only 13€ in a shared room!

3. Avoid the train

The cheapest way to get from Cusco is to take the colectivo to Hidroeléctrica ( 7h) + walk to Aguas Calientes (3h)

The train is much more expensive!

4. Walking up to the entrance

There are only two ways to get to the entrance of Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes: on foot or by bus.

The vast majority of people go by bus because it is a steady climb (1h30-2h walking) on a dusty road where buses pass, so it is not very pleasant as a walk.

But if you really want to save money and you are in good shape, it is possible to walk up.

A good compromise is to go up by bus and then walk down.

5. Bring your snacks

There is a little cafe just before the entrance to Machu Picchu, but of course it is very expensive! So bring water and some light snacks in your backpack (they don’t allow food in).

6. Eating cheap in Aguas Calientes

Not only hotels are expensive in Aguas Calientes: restaurants are too!

The best way to eat cheap is to go to the Mercado de Abastos (don’t confuse it with the handicraft market) to enjoy juices and menus that cost a few soles.

My tips for saving money in Cusco

1. Choose a good cheap hotel in Cusco

Cusco is the tourist capital of Peru, not only for its historical charm but also because it’s the main gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

With so many travelers passing through, the accommodation options are plentiful, but not always easy to navigate.

During my first trip to Cusco in 2009, I picked a budget hostel near the center. I thought I had found a great deal, but it turned out there was no hot water (essential at this altitude!), the room was freezing, and the atmosphere was gloomy.

Sadly, I still hear similar stories today from some travelers who booked in a rush or based only on price.

Luckily, there are some affordable hotels in Cusco with excellent value for money. These little hidden gems offer comfort, charm, and good service.

My advice: book in advance, especially during high season, because the best budget-friendly places fill up fast!

• Gringo’s Wasi: a beautiful view of the city awaits you from this hostel in the San Blas neighborhood. A stone’s throw from the famous Hatun Rumiyoc street and the San Blas church, the atmosphere is really nice, good wifi, hot water and breakfast is included, only 5€ for a shared dorm!
• Backpacker La Bo’M: in addition to being a great favorite among backpackers thanks to its delicious creperie and the welcome of Sarah, a very friendly French woman, this hostel in San Blas is recommended by Lonely Planet for its excellent value for money. Good wifi and crepe breakfast included, only 14 € for a dorm or 27 € for a room!
• Viajero Cusco Hostel: one of the best hostels in Cusco located in a big house two blocks from the Plaza de Armas with foosball table, bar and happy hour from only 12 € in a shared dorm!

2. Take a budget-friendly tour

If you’re short on time but want to make the most of your stay in Cusco, the easiest option is to take a day tour. With so many agencies in town, it can be overwhelming to choose!

I recommend this affordable and complete Cusco tour, which includes the main Inca sites (Qenko, Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay) with pickup from your hotel:

You can also take this budget Sacred Valley tour, which includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero with lunch and hotel pickup:

3. Don’t take photos of people without asking

In Cusco’s historic center, you’ll see women in traditional dress, sometimes with children or llamas (often baby sheep in disguise!). There’s also usually a man dressed as an Inca near the famous 12-Angled Stone.

If you’d like to take a photo, that’s fine — just keep in mind that they expect a tip. It’s part of their livelihood, so it’s always best to ask first and offer a small contribution.

4. Eating cheap in Cusco

it’s very easy to eat cheaply in Cusco!

There are several street food stalls, usually located on street corners and plazas, usually under 10 soles.

You can find sweet or savory tamales, choclo con queso, chicha de quinua, arroz con leche.

You can also go to the markets of San Pedro, San Blas or, even cheaper, to the one in Wanchaq where you can find daily menus (starter, main course and a beverage)

In fact, these menus offer the best quantity-price ratio in Peru. You can find them in the markets, but also in many restaurants.

In the evening, on Plateros street, there are stalls selling sandwiches (chicken, egg, meat, etc.).

And also at night, you can try the famous anticuchos (beef heart) brochettes served with a potato.

5. Rent a cheap car

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Cusco and other regions of Peru freely and enjoy every stop at your own rhythm!

But before booking, it’s important to compare prices and rental conditions to make sure you get the best deal without going over your budget.

Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars for a few key reasons:

• Easily compare prices from all major rental agencies in one place—finding the best deal has never been easier!
• Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can reserve with peace of mind.
• Better insurance coverage at a lower price than rental companies—saving you money with no extra effort.

Click the button below to find the best car rental deals in Peru:

6. Finding a cheap flight to Cusco

If you don’t have much time (or don’t feel like spending hours and hours on the bus!), you can take a flight to Cusco: 1h15 from Lima, 1h from Arequipa or 45 min from Puno.

But of course, plane tickets are a big part of the budget of a trip.

Therefore, it is very important to compare flights if you want to travel to Cusco on a budget!

If you want to find a cheap plane ticket to Peru, I recommend you to use our comparator, in collaboration with Skyscanner: it is the guarantee to get the best price for your international flight and domestic flights!

7. Getting around Cusco on a budget

The cheapest way to travel between Cusco and the Sacred Valley is to take the colectivo.

These are shared cabs (usually vans, but sometimes cars) that go to various destinations.

The only disadvantage is that you have to wait for them to fill up before leaving, but it is never very long.

Departures to Pisac and Calca are from Puputi street, and colectivos to Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Chinchero and Maras leave from Pavitos street.

8. Set the cab fare in advance

There is a very important rule that applies everywhere in Peru: if you take a cab on the street, you should always fix the price with the driver before getting into the vehicle.

Don’t think this is only for tourists, it is also valid for Peruvians.

9. Buy your souvenirs at El Baratillo

Let me share a great tip a local friend once gave me to find cheap souvenirs in Cusco: visit El Baratillo.

It’s a huge open-air market that takes place every Saturday morning on Calle Ejército.

If you’re in Cusco on a Saturday and want to shop without breaking the bank, you really shouldn’t miss it!

You’ll find absolutely everything there, especially handcrafted textiles like rugs, scarves, cushion covers, and much more.

I thought prices at the Chinchero market were great, but El Baratillo was even cheaper, and the variety was incredible.

Very few tourists know about it, which keeps prices low and the experience authentic.

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