Cusco 10 days

The main airport serving Cusco, located a short distance from the city center. It's the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

A charming mid-range hotel in the historic center, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service. It's a great base for exploring the city on foot.

• Book in advance, especially during peak season.
• Ask for a room away from the street for quieter sleep.

The vibrant heart of Cusco, surrounded by colonial architecture, the Cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus. It's a perfect spot for an evening stroll and people-watching.

• Enjoy the street performers and local vendors.
• Try some 'chicha morada', a non-alcoholic purple corn drink.

Experience modern Peruvian cuisine with a focus on traditional ingredients at this acclaimed restaurant by Gastón Acurio. It offers a refined dining experience in a beautiful setting.

• Reservations are highly recommended.
• Don't miss their unique take on ceviche.

A magnificent colonial cathedral built on the foundations of an Inca palace. It houses an impressive collection of religious art, including the famous 'Last Supper' painting featuring a cuy (guinea pig).

• Consider hiring a guide for deeper insights.
• Photography inside is often restricted.

Once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti. The Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent on its ruins, creating a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

• Notice the precise Inca stonework, which the Spanish couldn't replicate.
• The museum within the complex offers further context.

Known as the 'Artisans' Quarter,' this charming neighborhood features narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and bohemian cafes. It offers stunning views of the city.

• Explore the small galleries and purchase unique souvenirs.
• The 'Mirador de San Blas' offers panoramic city views.

A popular restaurant specializing in traditional Cusqueñan cuisine, including roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca. It has a lovely courtyard setting.

• Try the 'pachamanca', a traditional Andean earth oven meal (often needs pre-ordering).
• The courtyard is particularly atmospheric at night.

An immense Inca fortress complex with massive, perfectly fitted stone walls, located just above Cusco. It offers incredible views of the city and the surrounding Andes.

• Wear comfortable shoes; the site is large and uneven.
• The scale of the stones is truly astonishing.

A fascinating archaeological site featuring a large carved rock, possibly used for religious ceremonies or astronomical observations. It includes an underground chamber with intricate carvings.

• The site is typically included with the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).
• Look for the zigzagging channels carved into the rock.

Puka Pukara is a small Inca military outpost with strategic views, while Tambomachay is known as the 'Inca Baths' due to its water channels and fountains.

• These sites are best visited in conjunction with Sacsayhuamán.
• Tambomachay is believed to have been a site for water worship.

A popular spot offering delicious pizzas, pastas, and other international dishes with a Peruvian twist. It's known for its cozy atmosphere and good value.

• Great option for a more relaxed meal after a day of sightseeing.
• They have a good selection of wines.

An impressive Inca site perched high above the Urubamba River, featuring agricultural terraces, temples, and a well-preserved Inca cemetery. The views are spectacular.

• The hike to the top is steep but rewarding.
• Visit the Pisac market (usually Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays) for local crafts and produce.

A vibrant market known for its handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and local produce. It's a great place to find souvenirs and interact with local vendors.

• Haggle respectfully for the best prices.
• Sample local fruits and snacks.

A remarkable Inca fortress and town, serving as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. Its massive terraces and temples are a testament to Inca engineering.

• Climb the terraces for incredible views and to explore the temples.
• The town of Ollantaytambo itself is a living Inca city, worth exploring.

Located within the Ollantaytambo train station, this restaurant offers delicious farm-to-table meals in a charming setting. It's a convenient and high-quality dining option.

• Enjoy the fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Perfect for a meal before catching a train or after exploring the ruins.

The iconic Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore its temples, plazas, and residential areas, marveling at the engineering and natural beauty.

• Book your tickets and train tickets months in advance.
• Consider hiring a guide at the entrance for a richer experience.

For the adventurous, hike Huayna Picchu for breathtaking views over the citadel or Machu Picchu Mountain for a more expansive panorama. These require separate, limited tickets.

• Huayna Picchu is steep and challenging; Machu Picchu Mountain is longer but less precipitous.
• Book these hikes *very* far in advance as tickets sell out quickly.

Enjoy a refined dining experience in Aguas Calientes, offering gourmet Peruvian cuisine. The ambiance is elegant and set within beautiful gardens.

• A splurge, but worth it for a special meal.
• Try their tasting menus for a culinary journey.

Take the scenic train journey back through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo. Enjoy the river and mountain views.

• Choose a window seat for the best views.
• PeruRail and Inca Rail are the main operators.

Thousands of salt pans cascade down a hillside, used for salt extraction since Inca times. It's a visually stunning and unique landscape.

• Wear shoes with good grip as the paths can be slippery.
• Purchase some of the locally harvested salt.

Features unique circular agricultural terraces built by the Incas, believed to have been an experimental agricultural laboratory. The concentric rings create a mesmerizing effect.

• The purpose of Moray is still debated by archaeologists.
• It's often visited in conjunction with the Maras Salt Mines.

A contemporary Peruvian restaurant in Cusco offering excellent ceviche and other Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) dishes. It provides a lively atmosphere.

• Great for trying a variety of Peruvian flavors.
• Their Pisco Sour selection is extensive.

Experience thrilling zip-lining across the Sacred Valley, followed by a guided Via Ferrata climb. This offers adventure with stunning aerial views.

• All safety equipment and guides are provided.
• Not recommended for those with a severe fear of heights.

Enjoy a hearty Peruvian lunch in the town of Urubamba, a central hub in the Sacred Valley. Many restaurants offer traditional dishes.

• Look for 'menu del día' for good value.
• Try local trout or 'lomo saltado'.

A living museum where you can see and learn about South American camelids like llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. It also showcases traditional weaving techniques.

• You can feed the animals (for a small fee).
• It's a great place to understand the importance of camelids in Andean culture.

A highly-rated restaurant in Cusco known for its tapas and creative Peruvian dishes, alongside an extensive Pisco cocktail menu. It has a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

• Order a variety of tapas to share.
• The Pisco bar is a highlight.

Embark on a challenging but rewarding trek to Vinicunca, famous for its striking multi-colored mineral stripes. The altitude is significant, requiring good acclimatization.

• Start early; most tours depart Cusco around 4 AM.
• Consider hiring horses for the final ascent if needed.
• The altitude can be extreme; take it slow and stay hydrated.

Most tours include a simple packed lunch or buffet-style meal at a basic restaurant near the trekking route. Fuel up for the hike.

After a long day of trekking, enjoy a delicious and well-prepared Peruvian meal in Cusco. This restaurant offers a warm ambiance and flavorful dishes.

• A great place to relax and recount the day's adventure.
• Their Pisco Sours are a good way to celebrate.

A bustling local market offering a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, handicrafts, and prepared foods. It's a vibrant slice of Cusco life.

• Try some exotic fruits or a fresh juice.
• Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Dedicated to the Inca civilization, this museum displays a remarkable collection of Inca artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and tools. It provides excellent context for the sites you've visited.

• Look for the exhibit on cranial deformation.
• It's located in the colonial mansion of Admiral Francisco de Alderete.

After days of hiking and exploring, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. Many hotels and independent spas in Cusco offer massages and wellness therapies.

• Book in advance, especially for popular treatments.
• Inquire about treatments using local ingredients like coca.

Enjoy a high-quality steak dinner in a sophisticated setting. This restaurant focuses on premium cuts and a refined dining experience.

• They offer various cuts of beef, including alpaca steak.
• A good choice for a romantic final dinner.

Pick up any last-minute gifts or souvenirs from the shops around Plaza de Armas or in the San Blas neighborhood.

Enjoy a final taste of Peruvian cuisine at a comfortable restaurant before heading to the airport. Choose a place that offers a quick and satisfying meal.

Depart from Cusco, reflecting on your incredible journey through the Andes.

• Allow ample time for check-in and security, especially for international flights.