Cuzco-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel ( approx. $10-15 USD)
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel San Agustin, a 3-star hotel in the historic center of Cuzco
  • Lunch: Eat at Cafe Restaurant Cafe Pachapapa, a cozy cafe with traditional Peruvian cuisine ( approx. $10-15 USD)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cuzco
    • Explore the nearby San Pedro Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Pueblo, a restaurant serving traditional Andean cuisine ( approx. $20-30 USD)
  • Things to Know:
    • Cuzco is located at 3,399m above sea level, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water and take breaks if needed
    • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots

Day 2: Cuzco City

  • Morning: Visit the Sacsayhuaman Ruins, an impressive Inca fortress ( approx. $10-15 USD)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or walk to the next destination
  • Lunch: Eat at Café Restaurant La Bodega, a cozy restaurant with traditional Peruvian cuisine ( approx. $10-15 USD)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Qenqo Ruins, an Inca archaeological site
    • Explore the nearby San Blas neighborhood for its vibrant street art and local shops
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Alpaca, a restaurant serving traditional Peruvian cuisine ( approx. $20-30 USD)
  • Tips:
    • Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting ancient sites and markets
    • Consider purchasing a tourist card for discounts on attractions and transportation

Day 3: Sacred Valley

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the Sacred Valley, a scenic region known for its stunning natural beauty ( approx. $60-80 USD)
  • Transportation: Take a private car or join a group tour
  • Lunch: Eat at Restaurant La Estación, a restaurant serving traditional Peruvian cuisine ( approx. $10-15 USD)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Pisac Market, a bustling marketplace with local handicrafts and souvenirs
    • Explore the nearby Pisac ruins, an Inca archaeological site
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Piqueo, a restaurant serving traditional Peruvian cuisine ( approx. $20-30 USD)
  • Things to Know:
    • The Sacred Valley is known for its stunning natural beauty, but also for its altitude and potential for altitude sickness
    • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots

Day 4: Machu Picchu

  • Morning: Take an early bus or train to Machu Picchu, the famous Inca citadel ( approx. $60-80 USD)
  • Transportation: Take a private car or join a group tour
  • Lunch: Eat at Restaurant El Mapi, a restaurant serving traditional Peruvian cuisine ( approx. $10-15 USD)
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Machu Picchu ruins, an impressive Inca archaeological site
    • Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding Andean mountains
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Sumaq, a restaurant serving traditional Peruvian cuisine ( approx. $20-30 USD)
  • Tips:
    • Consider purchasing a tourist card for discounts on attractions and transportation
    • Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting ancient sites

Day 5: Return to Cuzco

  • Morning: Depart Machu Picchu and return to Cuzco ( approx. $60-80 USD)
  • Transportation: Take a private car or join a group tour
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel San Agustin, a 3-star hotel in the historic center of Cuzco
  • Lunch: Eat at Cafe Restaurant Cafe Pachapapa, a cozy cafe with traditional Peruvian cuisine ( approx. $10-15 USD)
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the nearby San Pedro Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs
    • Visit any last-minute attractions or shops in Cuzco
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Pueblo, a restaurant serving traditional Andean cuisine ( approx. $20-30 USD)
  • Things to Know:
    • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
    • Consider purchasing souvenirs or handicrafts for friends and family