Cusco & Sacred Valley

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

Arrive CUZ(1 hour)

From Lima (1.5h). 3,400m — altitude hits immediately. Move slowly

Transfer to Sacred Valley(1.5 hours)

Colectivo PEN 10-15 or taxi PEN 80-150. Descending 600m helps acclimatization

Check in(1 hour)

Budget: KB Tambo Ollantaytambo (PEN 40-80). Mid: Tunupa Lodge (PEN 200-350). Splurge: Sol y Luna (PEN 800-1,500)

Light lunch and coca tea(1 hour)

Coca tea is essential. Quinoa soup, alpaca steak PEN 35

Gentle Ollantaytambo walk(1 hour)

Living Inca town. Stone streets, flowing channels. Don't climb ruins yet

Ollantaytambo Fortress(2.5 hours)

200-step stairway. Sun Temple. Boleto Turístico PEN 130. Manco Inca's victory site

Pisac Market(1.5 hours)

Textiles, silver, alpaca. Bargain at 40-50%

Mullu lunch(1 hour)

Quinoa burgers PEN 25, organic cafe

Pisac Archaeological Park(2 hours)

Terraces, temples, cliff cemetery. Boleto Turístico. Drive to upper entrance, walk down

Moray Terraces(1.5 hours)

Inca agricultural lab. 15°C variation between levels. Boleto Turístico

Maras Salt Mines(1.5 hours)

3,000+ pans. PEN 10. Buy pink salt. Morning light

Maras village lunch(1 hour)

Set lunch PEN 10-15

Chinchero Weaving(1.5 hours)

Natural dyes, cochineal. Free demos. Buy direct PEN 50-300

Check into Cusco(1 hour)

Pariwana (PEN 35-60), Tierra Viva (PEN 200-350). Take it easy at 3,400m

Plaza de Armas and Cathedral(1.5 hours)

Cathedral PEN 25. Last Supper with guinea pig painting

Qorikancha(1 hour)

Sun Temple. PEN 15. Inca stonework — not a blade fits between blocks

Cicciolina lunch(1.5 hours)

Tapas bar. Lamb PEN 28, ceviche PEN 35

San Blas quarter(1.5 hours)

Art galleries, workshops. Limbus Restobar for sunset panorama

Sacsayhuaman(2 hours)

Zigzag walls. Boleto Turístico. 15-min walk from plaza. Tunnels and throne stone

Qenqo and Tambomachay(1.5 hours)

Ritual rock channels. Inca bath with 600-year-old flowing water

Walk to San Cristóbal viewpoint(45 minutes)

Classic panoramic Cusco photo. Terracotta rooftops

San Pedro Market lunch(1 hour)

Juice PEN 3-5, aji de gallina PEN 8-12. Chaotic, authentic

Early departure(3 hours)

Tours 4-5AM (PEN 90-130). 3h drive to Soraypampa

Hike to Humantay Lake(3 hours)

3km up, 1.5h. Altitude challenging at 4,200m. Horse option PEN 40

Jack's Cafe lunch(1 hour)

Pulled pork PEN 28. Recovery eating

Evening rest(1.5 hours)

Hot shower, coca tea, early bed

Cusco walking — Hatunrumiyoc stone(1 hour)

Find the famous 12-angled stone in an Inca wall on Hatunrumiyoc street. The precision of the 12 angles fitting perfectly is extraordinary. Free to view

Inca Museum(1 hour)

PEN 10. Excellent collection of Inca artifacts, textiles, and mummies

Lunch at Morena Peruvian Kitchen(1.5 hours)

Modern Peruvian cuisine. Causa (layered potato and seafood, PEN 30), lomo saltado (PEN 35). Creative cocktails

Dinner at Chicha by Gastón Acurio(2 hours)

Peru's most famous chef's Cusco restaurant. Regional Andean cuisine elevated: rocoto relleno (stuffed pepper, PEN 42), alpaca in mole (PEN 55). Reservations essential. Worth the splurge

Early train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes(2 hours)

PeruRail or IncaRail from Ollantaytambo (1.5-2h, $60-80 each way). Book well ahead at perurail.com. The 6AM departure gets you to Machu Picchu by opening. Take a taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo at 4AM or stay overnight near the station

Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu(30 minutes)

$24 round trip. 25-minute winding road up the mountain. Buy tickets at consettur.com. Or walk up (1.5h, steep). The first view as you enter the citadel gate is unforgettable

Guided tour of Machu Picchu(3 hours)

Entry: PEN 152 (~$40) for adults. Must be booked with a time slot and circuit at machupicchu.gob.pe. A guide ($20-40 for group, $80-150 private) transforms the experience — they explain the Inca engineering, astronomy alignments, and the mystery of why this city was abandoned. Circuit 1 or 2 includes the iconic Sun Gate viewpoint

Lunch in Aguas Calientes(1 hour)

The town is touristy but Indio Feliz (French-Peruvian, PEN 45-65 set menu) is genuinely excellent

Return train to Ollantaytambo and taxi to Cusco(3 hours)

Afternoon trains depart 1-6PM. Arrive Ollantaytambo and taxi to Cusco (PEN 80-150, 1.5h). A very long but unforgettable day

Late brunch at The Meeting Place(1 hour)

San Blas. Pancakes PEN 18, smoothie bowls PEN 22

Afternoon wandering(2 hours)

Cusco rewards aimless walking. Duck into churches, courtyards, and chocolate shops. The Museo del Chocolate on Garcilaso street has free tastings

Evening at Paddy's Irish Pub(1.5 hours)

Plaza de Armas. The balcony has the best plaza views in Cusco. Pisco sours PEN 20. Live music most nights. A traveler institution

Rainbow Mountain tour(12 hours)

Tours depart 3-4AM (PEN 70-120). 3h drive to trailhead. The hike is 7km round trip but at 5,200m — extremely challenging. Horse option for most of the ascent (PEN 60-80). The striped colors come from mineral deposits — the mountain was only discovered (under ice) in 2015. Go only if well-acclimatized. Bring warm layers, sunscreen, coca leaves

Early bed(1 hour)

This is the hardest physical day of the trip

San Pedro Market guided tour(1.5 hours)

Several cooking schools include a market tour. Learn about Peruvian ingredients — hundreds of potato varieties, aji peppers, exotic fruits. Taste as you go. The juice stalls alone are worth the visit

Peruvian cooking class(3 hours)

Learn ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa. PEN 100-200 ($27-55) including market tour, ingredients, and pisco sour cocktail class. Cusco Culinary and Marcelo Batata are well-reviewed. You eat everything you cook

Dinner at MAP Cafe(2 hours)

Inside the Museo de Arte Precolombino. Glass-ceilinged dining in a colonial courtyard. Contemporary Peruvian cuisine PEN 45-80 per dish. Artistic presentation matching the museum setting

Tipón(2 hours)

Inca aqueducts and terraces with water channels still functioning perfectly after 600 years. PEN 10 or Boleto Turístico. 23km from Cusco. Far fewer visitors than Sacsayhuaman. The water engineering is the most impressive Inca hydraulics anywhere

Pikillacta(1.5 hours)

A massive pre-Inca Wari empire city (600-1000 AD). Adobe walls of a planned urban grid covering 47 hectares. Boleto Turístico. Eerie and atmospheric — the scale suggests a major administrative center. Almost no tourists

Lunch at cuy restaurant in Tipón(1.5 hours)

The road to Tipón is Cusco's cuy (guinea pig) restaurant row. Try the roasted cuy (PEN 60-80) — it is crispy-skinned and delicious, considered a delicacy. Cuyería Sumac is well-known

Final San Blas shopping(1.5 hours)

Textiles, silver, retablos. Better prices than airport

Afternoon free(2 hours)

Sit in the plaza, drink pisco sours, and watch the mountain light change on the colonial facades

Farewell dinner at Chicha(2 hours)

One last Gastón Acurio meal. Alpaca, rocoto, and pisco

Transfer to CUZ airport(30 minutes)

Taxi PEN 15-25. Flights to Lima connect internationally. Or train to Machu Picchu if extending

Arrive CUZ(1 hour)

From Lima 1.5h. 3,400m — move slowly. Coca tea

Transfer to valley(1.5 hours)

Colectivo PEN 10-15 or taxi PEN 80-150

Check in(1 hour)

KB Tambo (PEN 40-80), Tunupa Lodge (PEN 200-350), Sol y Luna (PEN 800-1,500)

Light lunch(1 hour)

Quinoa soup, coca tea

Gentle Ollantaytambo walk(1 hour)

Living Inca town. Don't climb ruins yet

Ollantaytambo Fortress(2.5 hours)

Boleto Turístico PEN 130. Sun Temple, Six Monoliths. 200 steps

Pisac Market(1.5 hours)

Bargain at 40-50%. Best textiles in Peru

Mullu lunch(1 hour)

Quinoa burgers PEN 25

Pisac ruins(2 hours)

Terraces, cliff cemetery. Drive to upper entrance, walk down

Moray(1.5 hours)

Inca agricultural lab. 15°C variation. Boleto Turístico

Maras Salt Mines(1.5 hours)

3,000+ pans. PEN 10. Buy pink salt

Maras village lunch(1 hour)

Set lunch PEN 10-15

Chinchero Weaving(1.5 hours)

Natural dyes. Free demos. Direct purchase PEN 50-300

Check in(1 hour)

Pariwana PEN 35-60, Tierra Viva PEN 200-350

Cathedral and Plaza(1.5 hours)

PEN 25. Last Supper with guinea pig

Qorikancha(1 hour)

PEN 15. Inca stonework perfection

Cicciolina lunch(1.5 hours)

Tapas. Lamb PEN 28, ceviche PEN 35

San Blas quarter(1.5 hours)

Galleries, Limbus for sunset

Sacsayhuaman(2 hours)

Zigzag walls. Boleto Turístico. Tunnels, throne stone

Qenqo and Tambomachay(1.5 hours)

Ritual channels. 600-year-old flowing water

San Pedro Market lunch(1 hour)

Juice PEN 3-5, aji de gallina PEN 8-12

Tour departure(3 hours)

4-5AM (PEN 90-130). 3h drive

Hike to lake(3 hours)

3km up. Horse option PEN 40

Jack's Cafe(1 hour)

PEN 28. Recovery

12-angled stone(1 hour)

Hatunrumiyoc street. Free. Extraordinary precision

Inca Museum(1 hour)

PEN 10. Textiles, mummies

Morena lunch(1.5 hours)

Causa PEN 30, lomo saltado PEN 35

Chicha dinner(2 hours)

Gastón Acurio. Rocoto relleno PEN 42, alpaca PEN 55. Reserve

Train to Aguas Calientes(2 hours)

PeruRail from Ollantaytambo $60-80 each way. 6AM departure. Taxi from Cusco at 4AM

Bus to Machu Picchu(30 minutes)

$24 round trip. consettur.com

Guided tour(3 hours)

PEN 152 entry. Guide $20-40 group, $80-150 private. Book time slot at machupicchu.gob.pe

Indio Feliz lunch in Aguas Calientes(1 hour)

French-Peruvian. PEN 45-65 set menu

Meeting Place brunch(1 hour)

Pancakes PEN 18

Afternoon wandering(2 hours)

Churches, chocolate shops (Museo del Chocolate — free tastings)

Paddy's Irish Pub(1.5 hours)

Best plaza balcony. Pisco sours PEN 20. Live music

Rainbow Mountain tour(12 hours)

3-4AM departure (PEN 70-120). 7km round trip at 5,200m. Horse PEN 60-80. Discovered under ice in 2015. Warm layers, sunscreen, coca leaves

Market tour(1.5 hours)

Hundreds of potato varieties, aji peppers, exotic fruits

Cooking class(3 hours)

PEN 100-200. Ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, pisco sour

MAP Cafe dinner(2 hours)

In Museo de Arte Precolombino. PEN 45-80. Glass ceiling courtyard

Tipón(2 hours)

Functioning 600-year-old aqueducts. PEN 10 or Boleto. Few visitors

Pikillacta(1.5 hours)

Wari empire city (600-1000 AD). 47-hectare grid. Boleto Turístico. Almost no tourists

Cuy lunch near Tipón(1.5 hours)

Guinea pig restaurant row. Roasted cuy PEN 60-80. Cuyería Sumac

Train to Aguas Calientes(2 hours)

Same route as day 8. Book separate Huayna Picchu entry ($200 total with Machu Picchu + HP. Only 400 permits/day — book months ahead at machupicchu.gob.pe)

Huayna Picchu climb(3 hours)

Steep, narrow trail with chains and ladders to the peak that looms behind Machu Picchu in every photo. 2km round trip, 360m gain. Vertigo-inducing but the view down over the citadel is the ultimate photo. Start 7AM (timed entry). Not for those afraid of heights

Explore Machu Picchu areas missed on day 8(1.5 hours)

The Inca Bridge (short walk along cliff edge), the agricultural sector, and the quarry area are often overlooked on first visits

Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco(1.5 hours)

Free museum and shop on Av. El Sol. Demonstrations of Andean weaving techniques. The textiles here are museum-quality and fair-trade priced. Excellent place to understand the complexity of Inca textile traditions

Lunch at Calle del Medio(1.5 hours)

Balcony restaurant on the plaza. Alpaca steak PEN 45, cocktails. The second-floor balcony view of the plaza is excellent

Afternoon at Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)(1.5 hours)

PEN 20. Curated collection of pre-Columbian art in a colonial mansion. The gold room and Nazca ceramics are outstanding. English audio guide available

Temple of the Condor and storehouses(2 hours)

Climb above the main fortress to the storehouses (qollqas) on the mountain behind. The views over the valley are extraordinary and you will likely be alone up there. The condor-shaped rock formation is impressive

Walk to the quarry across the valley(1.5 hours)

The Inca quarry at Cachicata is visible from the fortress. A 2km walk across the valley floor to see the massive stones that were being transported when the Spanish arrived — some are still on the ancient ramp. Free

Lunch at Hearts Cafe(1 hour)

Social enterprise cafe in Ollantaytambo. Profits fund community projects. Good soups, salads, and coffee (PEN 15-30)

Drive to Pacchanta(3 hours)

Join a tour (PEN 80-130) or hire a taxi (PEN 300-400). 3h drive south of Cusco through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery

Hike to Ausangate base area(3 hours)

Moderate hike at 4,300-4,600m through grasslands with Ausangate glacier (6,384m) dominating the skyline. Vicuñas, alpacas, and traditional herding communities. The landscape is vast and wild. Carry warm layers and coca leaves

Hot springs soak at Pacchanta(1.5 hours)

Natural hot springs at the base of the mountain (PEN 5-10). Soak in warm water while staring at a 6,000m glacial peak. One of Peru's most spectacular natural hot spring settings

San Pedro neighborhood walk(2 hours)

The streets around San Pedro Market have vibrant street art, local markets, and a completely different vibe from the tourist center. Hardware shops, bakeries, and juice stands — the real Cusco

Chocolate Museum and tasting(1.5 hours)

The ChocoMuseo on Garcilaso offers free tastings and chocolate-making workshops (PEN 80-100 for full workshop). Peruvian cacao is world-class

Lunch at Pachapapa in San Blas(1.5 hours)

Courtyard restaurant with wood-fired oven. Cuy al horno (PEN 55), rocoto relleno (PEN 25). Traditional Cusqueño cuisine in a beautiful setting

Afternoon at Mercado de Wanchaq(1 hour)

The local market (not the tourist one). Where Cusqueños actually shop. Incredible variety of potatoes, grains, and dried goods. Zero tourists. Bring camera but ask before photographing people

Final San Blas shopping(2 hours)

Last chance for textiles, silver, retablos

Afternoon at the plaza(2 hours)

Pisco sours, mountain light on colonial facades

Farewell dinner at Chicha(2 hours)

Final Gastón Acurio meal. Alpaca, pisco, and Andean flavors you will dream about

Transfer to CUZ(30 minutes)

Taxi PEN 15-25. Flights to Lima connect internationally