Cusco, Peru 9-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Cusco

Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.

Take a pre-arranged taxi to your hotel. Focus on resting and drinking coca tea upon arrival to help acclimatize to the high altitude (3,400m / 11,200ft).

It's crucial to take it easy on your first day to prevent altitude sickness. Hydrate well, avoid strenuous activities, and eat light meals. Consider booking an airport transfer in advance.

Gentle Plaza Stroll

Take a very gentle walk around the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, to admire the stunning colonial architecture, including the Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús.

Avoid climbing hills.

The plaza is beautiful in the late afternoon. There are many benches to sit and people-watch if you feel tired.

Light Dinner

Enjoy a light, acclimatization-friendly dinner at a restaurant near your hotel.

Opt for soups, salads, or local Peruvian dishes that are easy to digest.

Many restaurants around the Plaza de Armas offer delicious local and international cuisine. Try a quinoa soup or a light alpaca steak.

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

Visit the impressive Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God.

It served as the empire's main astronomical observatory and was later used as the foundation for the Convent of Santo Domingo.

This site beautifully illustrates the blend of Inca and Spanish architecture. Consider hiring a local guide at the entrance for deeper insights.

San Pedro Market

Explore the bustling San Pedro Market, a vibrant hub of local life.

Browse stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, bread, crafts, textiles, and traditional remedies. It's a great place to observe local culture.

A sensory experience! Be prepared for crowds and an authentic local atmosphere. Great for souvenirs and trying local snacks.

Lunch in Cusco

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Cusco.

Many offer a 'Menu del Dia' (set lunch menu) which is a great value and often features traditional Peruvian dishes.

Look for restaurants slightly off the main square for more authentic and affordable options.

Sacsayhuaman Fortress

Visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Incan fortress with massive stone walls overlooking Cusco.

Marvel at the precision of Inca masonry and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Part of the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket), which covers multiple sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Purchase it at your first site or the main office.

Q'enqo Archaeological Site

Explore Q'enqo, an ancient Inca site known for its carved rock formations and underground passages, believed to be a place of rituals and sacrifices.

Located just a short distance from Sacsayhuaman. Also included in the Boleto Turístico.

Dinner in San Blas

Dine in the charming San Blas neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere, artisan workshops, and excellent restaurants.

San Blas is a picturesque area with narrow, cobbled streets. It's a short uphill walk from the main square, so take it slowly or opt for a taxi if you're still acclimatizing.

Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)

Embark on a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

This immersive experience will take you through breathtaking landscapes, ancient Incan ruins, and vibrant local markets.

A fantastic way to see the highlights of the valley. Many tour operators offer similar itineraries. Lunch is typically included or suggested at a local restaurant.

Pisac Market & Ruins

Visit the traditional Pisac market, famous for its colorful textiles and artisan crafts (Sundays are largest, but daily markets exist).

Afterwards, explore the stunning Incan ruins of Pisac, known for its agricultural terraces and sun temple.

The ruins are quite extensive and offer incredible views. Included in the Boleto Turístico. Be prepared for some walking uphill at the ruins.

Lunch in Urubamba

Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch in Urubamba, often a buffet-style meal with a variety of local dishes, during your Sacred Valley tour.

Many tour groups stop here for lunch. It's a good opportunity to sample a wide range of Peruvian flavors.

Ollantaytambo Fortress

Explore the magnificent Inca fortress and town of Ollantaytambo, a prime example of Inca urban planning and engineering.

This site also served as a major administrative center and military stronghold.

The climb to the top of the terraces can be tiring but offers rewarding views. Included in the Boleto Turístico.

Dinner after Tour

After returning to Cusco, enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

You might be tired from the day, so a cozy restaurant close to your hotel is a good option.

Consider trying a Pisco Sour, Peru's national drink, to celebrate a day of exploration (in moderation, especially with the altitude).

Moray, Maras & Chinchero Tour

Take a half to full-day tour to explore more unique sites in the Sacred Valley: the agricultural terraces of Moray, the incredible Maras Salt Mines, and the traditional weaving village of Chinchero.

This tour offers a different perspective on Inca ingenuity and Andean traditions. Can be done as a combined tour from Cusco.

Moray Agricultural Terraces

Discover the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory where different microclimates were created to test crop adaptation.

The site is fascinating for its engineering and agricultural significance. Included in the Boleto Turístico.

Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)

Visit the pre-Inca Maras Salt Mines, a stunning landscape of thousands of salt pans carved into the mountainside.

Observe the traditional method of salt extraction still practiced today.

A truly unique and photogenic site. There's a small separate entrance fee, not included in the Boleto Turístico.

Lunch Near Maras

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local restaurant in the vicinity of Maras or Urubamba before continuing your tour.

Chinchero Weaving Village

Explore the traditional Andean village of Chinchero, known for its vibrant indigenous market and demonstration of traditional textile weaving techniques.

Visit the colonial church built on Inca foundations.

A great place to learn about traditional Peruvian textiles and perhaps purchase some authentic souvenirs. The site is included in the Boleto Turístico.

Dinner in Cusco

Enjoy another evening dining in Cusco, perhaps trying a restaurant known for its modern Peruvian cuisine or a cozy spot with live music.

Cusco Leisure & Shopping

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Cusco at your own pace.

You could revisit a favorite spot, browse artisan shops for last-minute souvenirs, or simply enjoy a coffee in the Plaza de Armas.

Popular items include alpaca clothing, traditional pottery, and silver jewelry. The San Blas neighborhood is excellent for unique artisan crafts.

Museo Inka (Optional)

For those interested in delving deeper into Inca history, visit the Museo Inka, which houses an extensive collection of Inca artifacts, textiles, mummies, and pottery.

A good option for a relaxed morning activity. The museum provides excellent context for the sites you'll visit.

Lunch in Cusco

Have lunch in Cusco before preparing for your departure to Machu Picchu tomorrow.

Choose a restaurant you've wanted to try or revisit a favorite.

Machu Picchu Preparation

Spend the afternoon preparing for your overnight trip to Machu Picchu.

Pack a small backpack with essentials for 1-2 nights (train luggage limits are strict). Confirm your train and Machu Picchu tickets.

You'll leave your main luggage at the Cusco hotel and take only a small bag to Aguas Calientes. Remember your passport and original Machu Picchu ticket for entry.

Farewell Cusco Dinner

Enjoy a special dinner in Cusco to conclude your exploration of the city before heading to Machu Picchu.

Perhaps a restaurant with traditional music or a scenic view.

Train to Aguas Calientes

Board a scenic train from Ollantaytambo (or Poroy, if you're returning from Cusco directly) through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

Ensure you have your train tickets booked well in advance, as they can sell out. There are different service levels (Expedition, Vistadome) offering varying amenities.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel in Aguas Calientes, drop off your luggage, and refresh before exploring the town.

Riverside Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant along the Urubamba River in Aguas Calientes, soaking in the pre-Machu Picchu atmosphere.

Explore Aguas Calientes

Wander through the small, bustling town of Aguas Calientes.

Visit the artisan market, explore the town square, or simply enjoy the unique vibe of this gateway to Machu Picchu.

This is a great place to pick up last-minute souvenirs or snacks.

Dinner & Early Rest

Have dinner in Aguas Calientes and get an early night's rest to prepare for your early morning visit to Machu Picchu.

Bus to Machu Picchu

Take an early bus from Aguas Calientes up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu, aiming to arrive as the gates open or shortly after.

Machu Picchu Exploration

Explore the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu.

Wander through its ancient temples, terraces, and residential areas, learning about its history and purpose. Consider hiring a guide at the entrance for an insightful tour.

Entry requires pre-booked tickets (often months in advance) with specific time slots. Ensure you have your passport and ticket. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. 'Machu Picchu' Tripadvisor link for reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294318-d668949-Reviews-Machu_Picchu-Machu_Picchu_Sacred_Valley_Cusco_Region.html?m=66827

Optional Huayna Picchu Hike

For the adventurous, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu for spectacular panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding landscape.

Note: Requires a separate, highly limited ticket booked far in advance.

Tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are extremely limited and must be purchased simultaneously with your main Machu Picchu entrance ticket, often 4-6 months in advance. 'Huayna Picchu' Tripadvisor link for reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294318-d548890-Reviews-Huayna_Picchu-Machu_Picchu_Sacred_Valley_Cusco_Region.html?m=66827

Return to Aguas Calientes

Take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes after a fulfilling day at Machu Picchu.

Relax & Dinner

Enjoy a well-deserved relaxing evening and dinner in Aguas Calientes after a monumental day of exploration.

Depart Aguas Calientes

Enjoy breakfast, check out of your hotel, and board the train back towards the Sacred Valley.

Train to Ollantaytambo

Take the scenic train journey back to Ollantaytambo, serving as a gateway to more Sacred Valley exploration.

Maras & Moray Excursion

From Ollantaytambo, take a private taxi tour to the fascinating Maras Salt Mines, an ancient complex of salt-evaporation ponds, and the mysterious Moray agricultural terraces, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory.

Combine these two sites with a taxi from Ollantaytambo. Entrance fees are separate and can be paid on-site. The 'Salinas de Mara' Google Places link is: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Salinas+de+Mara%2C+Valle+Sagrado%2C+Peru

Lunch in Urubamba

Enjoy a late lunch in Urubamba, a central town in the Sacred Valley, before continuing your journey to Cusco.

Travel to Cusco

Take a taxi or collectivo from Urubamba (or directly from Ollantaytambo if preferred) to Cusco.

Check into your hotel in Cusco.

Farewell Dinner in Cusco

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Cusco, savoring the flavors of Peruvian cuisine and reflecting on your incredible journey.

Leisurely Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Cusco.

Last-Minute Souvenirs

Take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Cusco's artisan markets or shops around Plaza de Armas.

Lunch & Check-out

Have a final Peruvian lunch before heading to the airport.

Check out from your hotel.

Transfer to Cusco Airport

Arrange for a taxi to transfer you from your hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) for your departure.