Things to Do in Cusco: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire at about 3,400 meters in the Andes, blends Inca stone walls with Spanish colonial churches. It is the base for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
This guide covers the best things to do in Cusco, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, plus altitude tips, food and where to stay.
Top things to see in Cusco
Plaza de Armas
Colonial square with the cathedral.
Qorikancha
Inca Sun Temple beneath a convent.
Sacsayhuamán
Massive Inca fortress above the city.
San Blas
Artisan quarter with views.
San Pedro Market
Local market and juice stalls.
Sacred Valley
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and villages.
Machu Picchu
The Inca citadel.
Maras and Moray
Salt pans and agricultural terraces.
Cusco in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Historic center
Take it easy to acclimatize: start at the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, then the Qorikancha. Lunch at San Pedro Market. In the afternoon, see the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street and climb to San Blas. Dinner with coca tea.
2Day 2 · Inca ruins
Visit Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay above the city. Lunch back in town. In the afternoon, the Museo Inka or the Pre-Columbian Art Museum. Evening on the Plaza.
3Day 3 · Sacred Valley
Tour the Sacred Valley: Pisac market and ruins, then Urubamba. Lunch in the valley. In the afternoon, Ollantaytambo's terraces. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Cusco in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Machu Picchu
Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and the bus up to Machu Picchu. Lunch in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, a second circuit or hot springs. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
5Day 5 · Huayna Picchu
Sunrise at Machu Picchu with a hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (permits needed). Lunch in town. In the afternoon, train back to Cusco.
Cusco in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Rainbow Mountain
Early start for Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain, at over 5,000 meters. Breakfast and lunch on tour. Return late.
7Day 7 · Last day
Visit Maras salt pans and Moray terraces, then shop for alpaca textiles. Lunch. Fly from Cusco's airport.
What to do in Cusco on a weekend
For a weekend in Cusco, combine the historic center, Sacsayhuamán and the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu needs at least one extra day.
What to do in Cusco in the evening
Evenings mean Peruvian cuisine, pisco sours and live Andean music.
The Plaza de Armas glows at night.
Cusco for couples
Couples can stay in a boutique hotel in San Blas, take the Vistadome train and toast with pisco.
Cusco with kids
With kids, the markets, llamas, the Sacred Valley and the ChocoMuseo are favorites.
What to eat in Cusco
Cuy
Roasted guinea pig.
Lomo saltado
Stir-fried beef.
Alpaca steak
Andean specialty.
Chicha morada
Purple corn drink.
Pisco sour
National cocktail.
Where to stay in Cusco: best areas
Historic center
Near the Plaza.
San Blas
Bohemian and scenic.
Sacred Valley
Lower altitude.
Aguas Calientes
Near Machu Picchu.
What to do in Cusco when it rains
On rainy days, visit museums, the ChocoMuseo and the Qorikancha.
How much does a trip to Cusco cost?
Expect $60 to $200 per night, $5 to $20 for meals and $150 to $300 for Machu Picchu with train and entry.
Practical tips for Cusco
Best time to visit
May to September, the dry season.
Getting around
Walk in the center; taxis; trains to Machu Picchu.
Our practical tips
- Acclimatize slowly.
- Book Machu Picchu early.
- Drink coca tea.
- Bring layers.
- Carry cash.
- Stay hydrated.
Mistakes to avoid
- Rushing up to high altitude.
- Not booking Machu Picchu tickets.
- Visiting in February when the Inca Trail closes.
- Forgetting sun protection.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
The historic center, Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
How do you deal with altitude?
Rest the first day, drink water and coca tea.
How many days do you need?
Five to seven.
When is the best time to visit?
May to September.