Cusco Peru 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Morning

  • Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
  • Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as Hotel Picoaga or Casa Andina Standard Cusco

Afternoon

  • Visit the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, surrounded by colonial-era buildings and the Cathedral of Santo Domingo
  • Explore the nearby San Blas neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, picturesque alleys, and local artisan shops
  • Try some traditional Peruvian cuisine at La Llupa, a cozy restaurant serving dishes like cuy (guinea pig) and paprika de ají

Evening

  • Get accustomed to the high altitude by taking it easy and enjoying a relaxing evening in your hotel or exploring the nearby streets
  • Consider booking a Cusco city tour for the next day to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history and landmarks

Tips and Things to Know

  • Cusco is at an altitude of over 11,000 feet (3,400 meters), so take necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness
  • The city can be quite crowded, especially during peak season, so plan accordingly and consider visiting popular attractions early in the morning or later in the evening

Day 2: Cusco City Tour

Morning

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café de la Plaza, located on the main square
  • Meet your guide for a Cusco city tour, which will take you to:
    • The Cathedral of Santo Domingo, a stunning example of colonial-era architecture
    • The Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), an Inca temple dedicated to the sun god
    • The San Pedro Market, a bustling marketplace selling local handicrafts and souvenirs

Afternoon

  • Visit the Sacsayhuamán fortress, a massive Inca ruin located just outside of Cusco
  • Explore the Qenko archaeological site, featuring ancient Inca stonework and tunnels
  • Enjoy lunch at Green Point, a restaurant serving healthy, organic options

Evening

  • Relax in your hotel or explore the nearby streets, perhaps visiting the Twelve Angles Stone (Piedra de los Doce Ángulos), an impressive example of Inca stonework
  • Consider booking a Sacred Valley tour for the next day to explore more of the region’s incredible history and landscapes

Transportation

  • Walking is a great way to get around Cusco, but consider hiring a taxi or shuttle bus if you’re not comfortable with the high altitude
  • Many tour operators offer transportation services as part of their packages

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour

Morning

  • Depart from your hotel and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a scenic region between Cusco and Machu Picchu
  • Visit the Pisac Market, a colorful marketplace selling local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs
  • Explore the Pisac ruins, an ancient Inca settlement featuring impressive stonework and terracing

Afternoon

  • Continue to Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca architecture and stunning views of the surrounding valley
  • Visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, an Inca fortress and temple complex
  • Enjoy lunch at El Albergue, a restaurant located in a converted train station

Evening

  • Return to Cusco in the evening, perhaps stopping at a local village or scenic viewpoint along the way
  • Consider booking a Machu Picchu tour for the next day to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Tips and Things to Know

  • The Sacred Valley is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the high-altitude sun

Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour

Morning

  • Take an early train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu
  • Meet your guide and take a bus up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
  • Explore the ancient Inca city, including the Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana stone

Afternoon

  • Take some time to explore the ruins on your own, perhaps hiking to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or Huayna Picchu, a scenic mountain overlooking Machu Picchu
  • Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Indigo, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine

Evening

  • Take the train back to Cusco, reflecting on an incredible four days in this unforgettable region of Peru
  • Celebrate your travels with a farewell dinner at Central Restaurante, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Peruvian cuisine

Transportation

  • Trains are the most convenient way to get to Machu Picchu, but consider booking in advance as seats can fill up quickly
  • Many tour operators offer transportation services as part of their packages