If you’re looking for free places to visit in Cusco, we’ll provide a list of recommendations, each offering a unique perspective, and the best part is that you won’t have to travel far from the city center. From historic destinations to short hikes in the middle of nature, you’ll also discover the best places to get panoramic views and enjoy a relaxing day. Discover them and enjoy a better travel experience in Cusco.

• The best free places in Cusco
  • Qenqo Forest
  • San Blas neighborhood
  • White Christ
  • San Cristóbal Viewpoint
  • Cruzmoqo
  • Devil’s Balcony
  • Zone X
• Tips for visiting Cusco
• Frequently Asked Questions

San Cristóbal Lookout – Cusco

The best free places in Cusco

The city of Cusco offers a wide variety of tourist attractions to visit, many of which are completely free, making them ideal for adding to your travel itinerary. The free experiences we’ll present are divided into nature spots, historical sites, and viewpoints.

Qenqo Forest

If you’re looking to spend a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature and beautiful views, the Qenqo Forest is the ideal free option for you. Just 20 minutes from downtown Cusco, you’ll find a magnificent place that offers a moment of relaxation and tranquility. You can take advantage of this destination for a day out with friends, a picnic, or a romantic getaway.

Additionally, if you want to explore more of Qenqo, the archaeological site is just a short walk away, where you can learn more about its heritage and discover its main buildings. Remember that the Qenqo forest is open to visitors at any time of day.

San Blas neighborhood

The magical neighborhood of San Blas will take you through its streets to discover incredible places where you’ll experience the art that Cusco has to offer. It’s a perfect destination to find a café, restaurant, or bar with great views of the city. It’s also a hub for cultural activities, which will provide you with a unique experience during your trip.

You can explore it on easy walks, although there are also some ascents up the steps for even better views. The San Blas neighborhood is just a few minutes from the main square and can be reached on an easy walk through historic streets. The best part is that San Blas never seems to rest, as you can explore it at any time of day and discover why it’s so magical.

Cusco City Tour
Discover a more immersive experience in Cusco with this city tour, which will take you to iconic sites such as the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, the Qoricancha temple, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. The tours are half-day, and you choose whether to do it in the morning or afternoon, so you can make the most of your day discovering incredible places full of history and beautiful landscapes.

White Christ

Visible from any central location in Cusco, the White Christ seems to watch over the entire city. Imagine visiting it and taking in the sweeping panorama it offers. To reach it, you can take a 30-minute hike uphill from the center or a 15-minute drive.

The free Cristo Blanco viewpoint is just a few steps from the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park and also offers a place to relax, a short but necessary stop to appreciate the majesty of Cusco.

San Cristóbal Viewpoint

One of the city’s most popular viewpoints is the one located next to the Church of San Cristóbal, in the neighborhood of the same name. From here, next to a large plaza, we can enjoy a relaxing day overlooking Cusco’s beautiful landscapes.

The free San Cristóbal viewpoint is just a 15-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. A walk that takes you through narrow streets where you’ll discover more and more historical angles of the city, it’s a perfect destination for watching the sunset in Cusco with a romantic view.

Cruzmoqo

The Cruzmoqo viewpoint is located near the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park. Admission is completely free. To reach it, you’ll have to cross a magnificent eucalyptus forest, which extends along a long stretch. You’ll also find plenty of benches and green spaces for a rest.

Cruzmoqo isn’t as well-known, so if you’re looking for a more relaxing day surrounded by panoramic views, this is an ideal destination. Remember that you’ll have to travel by car for 20 minutes from the city center to get there, and it’s open at any time of day.

Devil’s Balcony

One of the most popular free hikes in Cusco is the Devil’s Balcony hike. While it has become increasingly popular recently, it’s not crowded, so it’s a relatively peaceful stretch. The route begins near the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park and offers a hike with gentle inclines for just over an hour.

Much of the Devil’s Balcony’s charm lies in its expansive views from a small mountain cave. Descending into the cave, you’ll discover a much larger cave with gentle waterfalls, depending on the season. It’s a magical and mystical place to relax and spend a day surrounded by Cusco’s biodiversity.

Zone X

Zone X is a perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon in the countryside and do all the activities you can imagine , such as playing a sport with friends, a board game, perhaps a picnic day, walks along places that preserve certain historical vestiges or simply rest in green spaces that offer you a lot of comfort.

To get to Zone X, we have to travel by car from the city of Cusco for approximately 25 minutes. Our first impression will be a vast countryside that could take us all day to explore. It’s best to find a place that suits you and relax in the tranquility that Zone X offers.

Tips for visiting Cusco

If you want to visit the best free places in Cusco, we’ll provide you with a series of tips and recommendations to help you have a better experience on each of your adventures. Discover them:

• We can explore Cusco’s historic center and most of its iconic neighborhoods on short walks. These highlights are within walking distance, so we can combine many visits into a single tour.
• Taking short walks during your first few days in Cusco is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. The important thing is not to overexert yourself.
• The hike to the Devil’s Balcony is completely safe, but remember that doing it with friends or a group of people can make the experience more memorable.
• If you visit Cusco during the rainy season (November–March), be prepared for each of your trips with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as the weather can change at any time.
• When visiting Cusco during the dry season (April to October), we will find clearer and more colorful weather, although there are usually more visitors.
• Cusco’s free viewpoints are a must-see experience. You’ll discover a broader perspective of the city, and most offer a break from your daily routine, where you can simply admire the magical landscapes.
• For a more immersive travel experience in Cusco, we recommend visiting some of the places on this list, so you’ll get to know lesser-known and surprising aspects of the city.
• Take advantage of your trip and calmly enjoy each of the landscapes you will find, the geography of Cusco will allow you to have moments of rest and introspection .
• To add even more value to your travel experience in Cusco, give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for every new and surprising moment along the way, just as they do in Andean culture.
• Remember that you can book various tours and experiences in Cusco with Boletomachupicchu. Ask our advisors about all the options available to enhance your travel experience.

Cruzmoqo Viewpoint – Sacsayhuamán Cusco

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is it safe to visit the free attractions in Cusco on your own?

  Yes, most of the places mentioned, such as San Blas, Cristo Blanco, and the viewpoints, are safe to explore on your own, especially during the day. However, if you decide to take longer hikes, such as to the Devil’s Balcony or Zona X, it’s advisable to have someone with you.

• 2) What is the best time of year to visit Cusco?

  The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is more stable, the skies are clear, and the panoramic views are more colorful.

• 3) Is any permit or entry required to access these places?

  No, all the sites on the list are free to enter and do not require a ticket or payment. You can plan your visit on any day.

• 4) Are the places accessible from the historic center of Cusco?

  All the sites are within walking distance of the city center; some, like San Blas or the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, can be visited on foot. Others, like the Cruzmoqo Viewpoint or Zona X, require a short 15- to 25-minute drive.

• 5) Can I visit more than one place on the same day?

  Yes, it’s entirely possible. Many of these sites are close to each other or located on common routes. For example, you can visit Cristo Blanco, Sacsayhuamán, and Cruzmoqo in a single day, or explore San Blas and San Cristóbal in a single morning.

• 6) Are these places suitable for the whole family?

  Yes, all destinations are suitable for people of all ages, so you can plan your visit to each of these places with your entire family.

• 7) Can I have a picnic or rest in these places?

  Yes, spaces like the Qenqo Forest, Cruzmoqo, or Zona X are designed for relaxing in nature. You can bring your own food and spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

• 8) Are these free places open all year round?

  Yes, all the locations mentioned are open 365 days a year. They have no fixed opening hours or formal restrictions, so you can visit them at any time.

• 9) Are there public transportation options to get to these locations?

  Yes, there are public transportation services or local taxis that can take you to nearby areas.

• 10) Is it necessary to acclimatize before hiking in Cusco?

  Yes, Cusco is located at over 3,000 meters above sea level. If you’re new to Cusco, we recommend resting or doing light activities on the first day.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Anya S.

“Devil's Balcony“

“In my first days of travel in Cusco I visited the Devil's Balcony, it was an amazing hike, it is an ideal place to spend the morning and enjoy nature.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 17, 2025