What to Do in Cusco on Your First Day: A Guide to Acclimatize and Enjoy the City at a Relaxed Pace
Have you just arrived in Cusco and don’t know where to start? The Imperial City has so much to discover, but during your first few hours, it is important to take it easy so your body can adjust to the altitude.
If you are wondering what to do in Cusco on your first day, the best option is to choose light activities, walk slowly, stay well hydrated, and visit places close to the historic center. In this guide, you will find a practical route to enjoy your arrival without getting too tired, along with recommended places to visit, tips to help prevent altitude sickness, and an excellent way to discover the city: a Free Walking Tour in Cusco with a local guide.
1. Rest When You Arrive at Your Accommodation
One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Cusco is go to your hotel, drop off your luggage, and rest for a while. It is not recommended to head out immediately for long walks or climb steep streets.
If you arrive in the morning or around midday, take a one- or two-hour break. Drink water, breathe calmly, and allow your body to start adjusting to the altitude.
This initial rest is key when talking about what to do in Cusco on your first day, as many travelers want to make the most of every minute and end up getting tired too quickly.
Ideally, you should rest, but not sleep all day. After a short break, you can go for a walk around nearby areas and start enjoying the city at a relaxed pace.
2. Drink Coca Tea or an Andean Herbal Infusion
Coca tea is one of the most traditional drinks for travelers arriving in Cusco. Many hotels offer it as a courtesy, and you will also find it in restaurants, cafés, and local markets.
This infusion is part of the Andean experience and may help you feel better during your first few hours at high altitude. You can also try muña tea, chamomile tea, or other natural herbal infusions.
If you are planning what to do in Cusco on your first day, including a short break to enjoy a warm drink is an excellent idea. It will help you relax, stay hydrated, and begin your trip at a calm pace.
Avoid drinking alcohol on your first day, as it can increase fatigue or make altitude-related discomfort worse.
3. Walk Around Cusco’s Main Square
Cusco’s Main Square is the heart of the city and one of the best places to begin your visit. It is a spacious, beautiful area full of history, surrounded by churches, colonial balconies, restaurants, cafés, and travel agencies.
If you are not sure what to do in Cusco on your first day, walking around the Main Square is an excellent option. It does not require much effort, and it will give you a great first impression of the city.
From here, you can admire the Cusco Cathedral, the Church of the Society of Jesus, and the mountains surrounding the city. You can also sit on a bench, take photos, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Cusco’s Main Square is also a useful reference point for getting to other nearby places, such as San Blas, Qorikancha, Hatun Rumiyoc Street, or San Pedro Market.
4. Join a Free Walking Tour in Cusco
One of the best answers to the question of what to do in Cusco on your first day is to join a Free Walking Tour in Cusco. This type of tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore the city without doing an activity that is too demanding.
During the tour, you will walk through historic streets accompanied by a local guide who will share the history, culture, and interesting facts about Cusco. You will also get a better sense of the city’s layout and receive useful recommendations for the following days of your trip.
A walking tour in Cusco may include places such as:
- The Main Square.
- Inca and colonial streets.
- Qorikancha from the outside.
- The 12-Angled Stone.
- The San Blas neighborhood.
- Nearby viewpoints.
- Traditional and photogenic streets.
The best part of this activity is that it combines history, culture, and a light walk. It also allows you to discover important corners of the city without having to plan the route on your own.
If you have just arrived and feel well, a Free Walking Tour in Cusco can be the most practical and enjoyable way to begin your visit.
5. Visit the San Blas Neighborhood at a Relaxed Pace
The San Blas neighborhood is one of the most charming places in Cusco. Its narrow streets, white houses, blue balconies, artisan workshops, and viewpoints make it a must-visit stop for many travelers.
When someone asks what to do in Cusco on the first day, San Blas is usually a great recommendation, as long as you visit it without rushing. Some streets go uphill, so it is best to walk slowly and rest whenever necessary.
In San Blas, you can visit:
- San Blas Square.
- Artisan workshops.
- Small cafés.
- Colonial streets.
- Viewpoints overlooking the city.
- Perfect spots for taking photos.
This neighborhood has a peaceful, bohemian atmosphere. It is perfect for those who want to discover a more artistic and traditional side of Cusco during their first day.
6. Visit the 12-Angled Stone
The 12-Angled Stone is one of Cusco’s most famous symbols. It is located on Hatun Rumiyoc Street, very close to the Main Square, and forms part of an ancient Inca wall.
This is a perfect place to visit on your first day because it is in the historic center and does not take too much time. You can walk there from the Main Square and combine the visit with San Blas or a guided tour.
If you are looking for what to do in Cusco on your first day without going too far from the center, this stop is an excellent option. It will also allow you to appreciate the precision of Inca architecture and better understand the city’s historical importance.
Keep in mind that there are usually many visitors taking photos, so it is best to be patient and keep an eye on your belongings.
7. Eat Something Light During Your First Day
Cusco’s cuisine is delicious, but during your first day, it is better to choose light meals. Your body is still adapting to the altitude, and a very heavy meal may make you feel tired or uncomfortable.
If you are planning what to do in Cusco on your first day, you should also think about what to eat. Good nutrition can help you feel better when you arrive.
Some recommended options are:
- Quinoa soup.
- Vegetable cream soup.
- Grilled trout.
- Grilled chicken.
- Fresh salads.
- Artisan bread.
- Coca or muña infusions.
- Natural juices without too much sugar.
It is better to leave heavier dishes, such as guinea pig, chicharrón, or very spicy meals, for the following days, once you are more acclimatized.
8. Visit San Pedro Market
San Pedro Market is one of the most authentic places in Cusco. There, you will find fruits, bread, cheese, juices, flowers, medicinal herbs, handicrafts, and traditional food.
How to Get to San Pedro Market
This market is ideal for getting a glimpse of local life. You can walk through its aisles and buy water, fruit, or a snack for your trip.
If you are wondering what to do in Cusco on your first day and want to enjoy an experience
9. Take Photos on Beautiful Streets in the Historic Center
Cusco is a very photogenic city. Even without taking a long tour, you can find beautiful places to take photos during your first day.
Some recommended spots are:
- The Main Square.
- Hatun Rumiyoc Street.
- The San Blas neighborhood.
- 7 Borreguitos Street.
- Colonial balconies.
- Cobblestone streets.
- Viewpoints near the historic center.
If you are looking for what to do in Cusco on your first day without getting too tired, a photo walk through the historic center is an excellent alternative. Just remember to walk slowly, carry water, and protect yourself from the sun.
10. Avoid Demanding Tours on the Same Day You Arrive
Although Cusco offers incredible tours, not all of them are recommended for your first day. Activities such as the Humantay Lake tour, Rainbow Mountain, or long hikes require more energy and better adaptation to the altitude.
That is why, when deciding what to do in Cusco on your first day, it is best to leave demanding activities for later.
During your first day, avoid:
- Rainbow Mountain.
- Humantay Lake.
- Long hikes.
- Tours with a lot of uphill walking.
- Adventure activities.
- Mountain biking.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Very heavy meals.
Your first day should be focused on acclimatizing, getting to know the city, and preparing yourself for the more intense tours that will come later.é
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