Cusco, Peru-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

  • Morning: Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
  • 9:00 AM: Pick up your luggage and exchange currency (soles or Peruvian dollars)
  • 10:00 AM: Head to the hotel, La Morada Inn (Recommended) for check-in
    • Address: Av. El Sol 621, Cusco
    • Phone: +51 84 221111
    • Price range: $80-$120 USD per night
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Cusco (free admission)
    • Take a stroll around the plaza and take in the sights and sounds
    • Visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo (free admission, but donations welcome)
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at El Palacio (Recommended) for traditional Peruvian cuisine
    • Address: Av. El Sol 616, Cusco
    • Price range: $10-$20 USD per meal
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Qoricancha Sun Temple (S/70 soles or $20 USD per person)
    • Discover the history and significance of the sun temple
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Bodega 138 (Recommended) for local cuisine and craft beers
    • Address: Calle Plateros 136, Cusco
    • Price range: $15-$30 USD per meal

Day 2: Sacred Valley Exploration

  • 8:00 AM: Depart from Cusco to the Sacred Valley (S/100 soles or $28 USD per person for transportation)
    • Visit the Pisac Ruins and Market (free admission)
    • Explore the ruins, try local cuisine at a food stall
  • 12:00 PM: Head to Urubamba (S/50 soles or $14 USD per person) for lunch at El Chango Loco
    • Address: Av. Pachacuti 215, Urubamba
    • Price range: $10-$20 USD per meal
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Moray Ruins (S/50 soles or $14 USD per person)
    • Discover the ancient agricultural techniques and history of the Inca people
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Cervecería (Recommended) for craft beers and local cuisine
    • Address: Calle Plateros 138, Cusco
    • Price range: $15-$30 USD per meal

Day 3: Cusco City Tour

  • 8:00 AM: Meet with a guide (S/100 soles or $28 USD per person) for a city tour of Cusco
    • Visit the Q’enqo Rock, known for its stone carvings and ritual significance
    • Explore the Inca Museum (free admission)
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Casa de Mama (Recommended) for local cuisine
    • Address: Av. El Sol 616, Cusco
    • Price range: $10-$20 USD per meal
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Tambomachay Water Temple (S/70 soles or $20 USD per person)
    • Learn about the history and significance of this ancient water temple
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at El Mesón de la Encañada (Recommended) for traditional Peruvian cuisine
    • Address: Av. Pachacuti 215, Cusco
    • Price range: $15-$30 USD per meal

Day 4: Sacsayhuamán and Q’enqo Ruins

  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Sacsayhuamán Fortress (free admission)
    • Explore the ancient Inca ruins and learn about their history
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Estación del Che (Recommended) for local cuisine
    • Address: Av. El Sol 616, Cusco
    • Price range: $10-$20 USD per meal
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Q’enqo Rock (free admission)
    • Discover the ancient stone carvings and ritual significance of this site
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Casa de Papa (Recommended) for local cuisine
    • Address: Calle Plateros 136, Cusco
    • Price range: $15-$30 USD per meal

Day 5: Free Day

  • Take a free day to explore the city on your own
  • Visit any attractions you missed or take a cooking class at La Casa de Mama
  • Enjoy dinner at any of the recommended restaurants in Cusco

Day 6: Ollantaytambo and Chinchero

  • 8:00 AM: Depart from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (S/70 soles or $20 USD per person for transportation)
    • Visit the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo
    • Explore the local market and try some local cuisine at a food stall
  • 12:00 PM: Head to Chinchero (S/50 soles or $14 USD per person) for lunch
    • Visit the Chinchero Ruins and learn about its history
  • 3:00 PM: Return to Cusco

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last morning in Cusco at leisure
  • 10:00 AM: Check out of La Morada Inn (Recommended)
    • Address: Av. El Sol 621, Cusco
    • Phone: +51 84 221111
    • Price range: $80-$120 USD per night

Things to Know

  • Altitude sickness: Be aware that you will be at high altitude and take necessary precautions (drink plenty of water, rest when needed)
  • Weather: Cusco has a dry climate with cold nights and mild days. Bring warm clothing for the evenings.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Peruvian sol, but USD are widely accepted
  • Transportation: Taxi fares from 10-20 soles (3-$6 USD) to destinations in the city
  • Safety: Be mindful of your belongings and avoid traveling at night

Tips

  • Book restaurants and tours in advance to ensure availability
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals
  • Bring sunscreen, hat, and comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
  • Take regular breaks when exploring ruins or hiking to acclimate to the altitude
  • Enjoy local cuisine at recommended restaurants

Additional Recommendations

  • Visit the local markets (Mercado Central) to try local produce and textiles
  • Explore the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas for its art galleries, bars, and cafes
  • Take a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley or hike to the nearby villages
  • Learn about the Andean cosmology and mythology at the Inca Museum

Note: Prices listed are estimates and may vary depending on the time of year, hotel availability, and personal spending habits. Always research and confirm prices before booking any services.