Arrive at Cusco Airport (CUZ)(1 hour)

Flights from Lima (1.5h). The airport is at 3,400m — you will feel the altitude immediately. Move slowly, breathe deeply. Do not plan strenuous activity today

Transfer to Sacred Valley — Urubamba or Ollantaytambo(1.5 hours)

Colectivo from Calle Pavitos (PEN 10-15, 1.5h) or private taxi (PEN 80-150). Descending 600m to the valley floor helps acclimatization enormously. Stay here 1-2 nights before sleeping in Cusco

Check into Sacred Valley lodging(1 hour)

Budget: KB Tambo Hostel in Ollantaytambo (PEN 40-80); mid-range: Tunupa Lodge Urubamba (PEN 200-350); splurge: Sol y Luna (PEN 800-1,500). The valley air is warmer and easier to breathe

Light lunch at Puka Rumi, Ollantaytambo(1 hour)

Quinoa soup, alpaca steak (PEN 35), coca tea. The coca tea (mate de coca) is essential — drink it freely. Available free at most hotels

Gentle walk through Ollantaytambo town(1 hour)

Stroll the narrow stone streets — the only living Inca town. The irrigation channels still flow. Do not climb the ruins today — save your energy for tomorrow. Buy coca leaves and Sorojchi pills at any pharmacy if altitude is bothering you

Ollantaytambo Fortress(2.5 hours)

Climb the steep 200-step stairway to the Sun Temple and Wall of the Six Monoliths. Entry with Boleto Turístico (PEN 130/~$35 for multi-site pass, valid 10 days). Open 7AM-5:30PM. The quarry across the valley shows how the massive stones were transported. The town below was the site of Manco Inca's only military victory over the Spanish

Drive to Pisac(45 minutes)

30km east along the valley road. Colectivo PEN 5 or taxi PEN 30-50

Pisac Market(1.5 hours)

Daily market, most vibrant on Sundays when Quechua communities trade. Textiles, alpaca wool, silver jewelry, ceramics. Bargain — start at 40-50% of asking price. The handwoven textiles are the best souvenirs in Peru

Lunch at Mullu Restaurant, Pisac(1 hour)

Organic cafe overlooking the plaza. Quinoa burgers (PEN 25), fresh salads, excellent coffee. Popular with the Pisac expat community

Pisac Archaeological Park(2 hours)

Above the town — impressive Inca terraces, temples, and a massive cemetery carved into the cliff. Included in Boleto Turístico. The terraces seen from the valley floor are only a fraction of what is above. Drive or taxi to the upper entrance and walk down (easier than climbing up)

Moray Terraces(1.5 hours)

Concentric circular terraces descending into the earth — believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory. Entry with Boleto Turístico. Temperature varies 15°C between top and bottom rings. 50km from Cusco (1.5h drive). Best combined with Maras (7km away)

Maras Salt Mines (Salineras)(1.5 hours)

3,000+ salt pans cascading down a hillside, fed by a natural saltwater spring. In use since pre-Inca times. PEN 10/~$2.70 (separate from Boleto Turístico, now community-owned). Don't step in active pans. Buy artisanal pink salt at entrance shop. Morning light best for photos

Lunch at a local restaurant in Maras village(1 hour)

Simple set lunch (PEN 10-15) at family-run restaurants in the village. Sopa de quinoa, segundo (main dish with rice, potato, meat). Authentic and incredibly cheap

Chinchero Weaving Community(1.5 hours)

Highland village where Quechua women demonstrate traditional Inca weaving — natural dyes from plants, insects (cochineal), and minerals. Free demonstrations at cooperatives. Buying directly supports families (PEN 50-300 per piece). The village has Inca ruins and a colonial church with painted ceilings

Transfer to Cusco(45 minutes)

After 2 nights at lower altitude, you should be better acclimatized for Cusco's 3,400m. Colectivo or taxi from Chinchero

Check into Cusco accommodation(1 hour)

Stay in or near the Plaza de Armas. Budget: Pariwana Hostel (PEN 35-60); mid-range: Tierra Viva (PEN 200-350); splurge: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (PEN 1,500+). Take it easy — you are at 3,400m

Plaza de Armas and Cathedral(1.5 hours)

The main square with the Cathedral of Santo Domingo (PEN 25). Stunning interior with colonial paintings including a famous Last Supper featuring guinea pig. The plaza is surrounded by colonial arcades and was once the Inca ceremonial center of Haucaypata

Qorikancha (Sun Temple)(1 hour)

The most important Inca temple, once covered in gold, now with the Church of Santo Domingo built on top. PEN 15. The precision of Inca stonework — not a knife blade fits between blocks — is astounding. The juxtaposition of Inca and Spanish architecture tells the entire colonial story

Lunch at Cicciolina(1.5 hours)

Upstairs tapas bar on Triunfo street near the plaza. Lamb tapas (PEN 28), ceviche (PEN 35), Peruvian wines. Atmospheric and excellent

San Blas artisan quarter(1.5 hours)

Climb the steep streets to the bohemian neighborhood above the plaza. Art galleries, workshops, and cafes with rooftop views. The San Blas church has a carved wooden pulpit from a single tree trunk (PEN 15). Stop at Limbus Restobar for sunset drinks with panoramic city views

Sacsayhuaman(2 hours)

The monumental zigzag fortress walls above Cusco — some stones weigh 200 tons and are fitted without mortar. Boleto Turístico. 15-minute steep walk or taxi from the plaza. The scale is humbling. Allow 2 hours to explore the full complex including the tunnels and throne stone

Qenqo and Tambomachay(1.5 hours)

Nearby archaeological sites included in Boleto Turístico. Qenqo is a limestone rock carved with channels used for ritual purposes. Tambomachay (the Inca bath) has water channels still flowing perfectly after 600 years

Walk downhill back to Cusco(45 minutes)

The walk from Sacsayhuaman back to the plaza is all downhill through the neighborhood of San Cristóbal — stop at the viewpoint for the classic panoramic photo of Cusco's terracotta rooftops

Lunch at San Pedro Market(1 hour)

Cusco's central market. Fresh juice stalls (PEN 3-5 for any combination), soup stalls (PEN 5-8), and full meals for PEN 8-12. Try aji de gallina (creamy chicken in yellow pepper sauce). Chaotic, colorful, authentic

Free afternoon in Cusco(2 hours)

Browse the shops on Plateros street, visit the Inca Museum (PEN 10), or simply sit in the plaza with a coffee and watch the world. Rest — tomorrow may be physical

Early departure from Cusco(3 hours)

Tours depart 4-5AM (PEN 90-130/~$25-35 includes transport, breakfast, guide). 3-hour drive to Soraypampa (4,000m). Reputable operators: Alpaca Expeditions, Salkantay Trekking. The drive through the Apurímac Valley is scenic

Hike to Humantay Lake(3 hours)

3km hike up (1.5 hours), 45 min down. Altitude is challenging at 4,200m — go slowly, breathe deeply. The turquoise glacial lake beneath snow-capped Humantay peak is extraordinary. Acclimatize 2+ days in Cusco first. Optional horse rental (PEN 40) for the uphill

Late lunch at Jack's Cafe(1 hour)

Near the plaza. Hearty portions — pulled pork sandwich (PEN 28), mac and cheese (PEN 22). A backpacker institution. Good for recovery eating

Evening rest(1.5 hours)

After a 4,200m hike, rest is mandatory. Hot shower, coca tea, early bed

Sunrise from San Cristóbal viewpoint(45 minutes)

A short steep walk above the plaza for a panoramic farewell view of Cusco as the sun hits the terracotta rooftops. The mountains glow pink at dawn

Last walk through San Blas(1 hour)

Final browse of artisan shops. Handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, and painted retablos (wooden altarpiece boxes) make excellent souvenirs. Prices are better here than at the airport

Breakfast at The Meeting Place(45 minutes)

Peruvian-international cafe in San Blas. Pancakes (PEN 18), smoothie bowls (PEN 22). Great coffee

Transfer to Cusco Airport (CUZ)(30 minutes)

Taxi PEN 15-25. Airport is in the city. Flights to Lima (1.5h) connect to international departures. Alternatively, take the train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo if extending your trip