Cusco 10 days

The main airport serving Cusco, located just a few kilometers from the city center. It's crucial to take it easy upon arrival due to Cusco's high altitude.

• Arrange airport transfer in advance or take a registered taxi.
• Drink coca tea offered at most hotels to help with altitude sickness.

Cusco's main square, once the heart of the Inca Empire. It's surrounded by colonial architecture, including the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, and offers a vibrant atmosphere.

• Enjoy the people-watching and admire the colonial balconies.
• Be aware of street vendors; agree on prices before purchasing.

A magnificent example of Spanish colonial architecture built on the foundations of an Inca palace. It houses an impressive collection of religious art, including the famous 'Virgen de la Evangelización' painting.

• Photography inside the cathedral is generally not permitted.
• Consider hiring a guide to understand the rich history and art.

A renowned restaurant offering elevated Peruvian cuisine with a focus on Andean ingredients. It's a great place to experience contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
• Try the 'Cuy' (guinea pig) if you're adventurous.

Once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti. Today, it's a fascinating blend of Inca stonework and the Santo Domingo Convent built atop its ruins.

• The precise Inca stonework is best appreciated from the outside walls.
• Look for the museum showcasing artifacts found on-site.

Known as the 'Artisans' Quarter,' this charming neighborhood features narrow, winding streets, whitewashed walls, and numerous workshops and galleries showcasing local crafts.

• Explore the small plazas and workshops for unique souvenirs.
• Enjoy a coffee at one of the many bohemian cafes.

This museum provides a comprehensive overview of Inca culture, from their social structure and daily life to their advanced engineering and cosmology. It features a significant collection of ceramics, textiles, and mummified remains.

• Focus on the exhibits detailing Inca agriculture and astronomy.
• The museum is housed in an old colonial mansion.

A bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, and a variety of handicrafts. It's a great place to experience the daily life of Cusqueños and find authentic souvenirs.

• Try some local fruits or freshly squeezed juices.
• Bargaining is expected for handicrafts.

A popular restaurant specializing in traditional Cusqueñan cuisine, particularly known for its wood-fired oven dishes. The ambiance is warm and rustic, set in a courtyard.

• The roasted guinea pig (cuy) and alpaca steak are house specialties.
• Enjoy the live Andean music performances.

Perched high above the Urubamba River, the Pisac ruins are a stunning example of Inca terracing and architecture. The vibrant traditional market below offers a wide array of textiles, ceramics, and silver.

• The market is busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, but operates daily.
• Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the steep ruins.

A pleasant town in the heart of the Sacred Valley, often used as a base for exploring nearby attractions. It has a relaxed atmosphere and local markets.

• Stop for lunch at a local restaurant to sample regional dishes.
• This is a good place to buy local crafts if you missed them in Pisac.

A remarkable Inca fortress and town, considered one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning. Its massive stone terraces climb steeply up the hillside, offering breathtaking views.

• Climb to the Temple of the Sun for panoramic views.
• Explore the living Inca town below the ruins, with its original street layout.

Several restaurants near the train station offer good food after exploring the ruins. Options range from casual to more formal dining with local and international flavors.

• Enjoy a meal while waiting for your train to Aguas Calientes.
• Try Peruvian staples like Lomo Saltado or Aji de Gallina.

The scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is the primary way to reach Machu Picchu. Several companies offer different service levels.

• Book train tickets well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Choose a window seat for the best views of the Urubamba River.

A 25-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes up a winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Buses run frequently throughout the day.

• Purchase bus tickets in Aguas Calientes the day before or early in the morning.
• Consider walking down if you want to save money and get some exercise.

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

• Book your entrance tickets and any optional hikes (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain) months in advance.
• Hire a guide at the entrance for a richer understanding of the site's history and significance.

The town at the base of Machu Picchu offers numerous dining options catering to tourists. Many serve a mix of Peruvian and international dishes.

• Look for restaurants slightly off the main drag for potentially better value.
• Try trout, a local specialty.

Board your return train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the scenic valley views once more.

• Ensure you have your return train ticket and ID.
• Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

From Ollantaytambo, arrange transport to the Maras Salt Mines, a unique pre-Inca site with thousands of salt pans carved into the hillside.

• The best light for photography is typically mid-morning or late afternoon.
• Wear shoes that can handle uneven terrain and salt residue.

This extraordinary site features thousands of individual salt pans, fed by a natural underground brine spring. The salt has been harvested here since Inca times and continues to be a vital local industry.

• You can purchase artisanal salt directly from the locals.
• The stark white pans against the green valley are visually striking.

Travel back to Cusco from the Maras area, likely via a shared van or private taxi.

A popular spot offering fantastic views over Cusco, especially at sunset. It's known for its creative cocktails and relaxed atmosphere, a great place to unwind.

• Arrive early to secure a good spot with a view.
• They offer some small plates if you're looking for a light dinner.

An imposing Inca fortress overlooking Cusco, famous for its massive, precisely cut stones fitted together without mortar. It was the site of a major battle during the Spanish conquest.

• The scale of the stones is truly awe-inspiring.
• You can see where the stones were quarried and shaped.

A fascinating archaeological site featuring carved rocks, a subterranean chamber, and an amphitheater. It's believed to have been a religious or ceremonial center for the Incas.

• Explore the underground chambers carved directly into the rock.
• Look for the zigzag channels on the rock surface.

Meaning 'Red Fortress,' this small Inca site is thought to have been a military outpost or a stop for Inca officials. Its strategic location offers good views of the surrounding valley.

• It's a relatively small site, best visited in conjunction with others.
• Enjoy the panoramic views from its elevated position.

Known as the 'Inca Baths,' this site features a series of aqueducts and water channels still functioning today, demonstrating advanced Inca hydraulic engineering. It's believed to have been a site for water worship.

• Observe the intricate stonework and the flow of water.
• The site is set in a beautiful natural landscape.

A popular spot for delicious pizzas and pasta, offering a break from traditional Peruvian cuisine. It's a casual and cozy restaurant with a good selection of wines.

• Their thin-crust pizzas are highly recommended.
• A good option for families or those craving comfort food.

A spectacular mountain famous for its vibrant, multi-colored strata of minerals. The hike to the summit offers breathtaking Andean scenery and a unique geological wonder.

• This is a strenuous hike at high altitude (over 5,000m / 16,400ft); acclimatization is crucial.
• Consider hiring a horse for part of the ascent if needed.
• Bring layers of clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Most tours to Rainbow Mountain include a packed lunch. This is typically enjoyed at a scenic spot during the excursion.

• Pack snacks like nuts and chocolate for energy during the hike.
• Ensure your packed lunch is filling and easy to eat.

A buffet restaurant offering a wide variety of Peruvian and international dishes. It's a convenient option after a long day of trekking, providing hearty meals.

• Great for trying many different Peruvian dishes in one sitting.
• The ambiance is usually lively and tourist-oriented.

A fascinating Inca agricultural laboratory featuring concentric circular terraces built into natural sinkholes. Scientists believe these terraces were used to experiment with crop cultivation at different microclimates.

• Imagine the Incas using these terraces to grow a variety of crops.
• The unique design is visually stunning from above.

Travel from Moray to the picturesque village of Chinchero, known for its traditional weaving and colonial church.

This high-altitude Andean village boasts a beautiful colonial church built on Inca foundations, a vibrant Sunday market, and active traditional weaving cooperatives where you can see demonstrations and purchase textiles.

• Attend a weaving demonstration to learn about the natural dyeing process.
• The views of the surrounding mountains and fields are spectacular.

Return to Cusco from Chinchero, reflecting on the cultural experiences of the Sacred Valley.

A highly-regarded restaurant offering a sophisticated menu of tapas and main courses with a Peruvian-fusion twist. It has a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for couples.

• Reservations are essential, especially for dinner.
• Their wine selection is extensive.

Cusco's main public market, a vibrant hub of local activity. You'll find everything from fresh produce and meats to textiles, crafts, and food stalls.

• Try a fresh fruit juice from one of the many stalls.
• Be adventurous and sample local delicacies.
• Great place to buy souvenirs at local prices.

Housed in a beautiful colonial courtyard, this museum showcases an exceptional collection of pre-Columbian art from various Andean cultures, including Moche, Nazca, and Inca.

• The museum offers guided tours that enhance the experience.
• Look for the intricate metalwork and ceramic pieces.

A narrow street in Cusco famous for the 'Twelve-Angled Stone,' an iconic piece of Inca masonry showcasing their incredible precision in stonework. It's a quick but impressive stop.

• Be mindful of the crowds; it's a popular photo spot.
• Appreciate the perfect fit of the stone with its neighbors.

A cultural center that hosts traditional Andean music and dance performances. It offers a lively and authentic glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.

• Check performance schedules in advance.
• A great way to experience local music and dance.

A highly-rated restaurant offering modern Peruvian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The ambiance is chic and inviting.

• Their ceviche and pisco sours are excellent.
• A perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

This museum showcases traditional Peruvian folk art, including ceramics, textiles, masks, and retablos. It's a small but insightful collection that highlights local craftsmanship.

• Look for the intricate wooden carvings and painted ceramics.
• A good place to buy unique folk art pieces.

Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some final souvenir shopping in the artisanal markets or shops around the Plaza de Armas.

• Compare prices before buying.
• Consider purchasing local coffee or chocolate.

Enjoy a final Peruvian meal before heading to the airport. Choose a restaurant that offers a dish you haven't tried yet or revisit a favorite.

• Try a 'Menu del Dia' for a more affordable and authentic experience.
• Savor your last taste of Peruvian cuisine.

Head to the airport for your departure. Allow ample time for check-in and security, especially given the airport's altitude and potential for weather delays.

• Confirm your flight status before leaving your hotel.
• Be prepared for security checks, which can sometimes be thorough.