Cusco 2 weeks

The main airport serving Cusco, located about 15-20 minutes from the city center. It's your gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

• Arrange airport transfer in advance for a smoother arrival.

A comfortable mid-range hotel in the historic center, known for its colonial architecture and proximity to key sites. Perfect for settling in and relaxing.

• Ask for a room away from the street for quieter sleep.

Experience traditional Peruvian cuisine in a charming courtyard setting. Famous for its cuy (guinea pig) and other local specialties.

• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

The historic heart of Cusco, surrounded by colonial cathedrals and arcades. It's a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike.

• Grab a coffee at a cafe overlooking the plaza for great people-watching.

A magnificent colonial cathedral built on the foundations of an Inca palace. It houses a significant collection of Cusco School paintings.

• Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and art.

Once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, now overlaid with the Santo Domingo church. Its stone masonry is a marvel of Inca engineering.

• Look for the incredibly precise Inca stonework at the base of the structure.

Known as the 'Artisans' Quarter,' this charming neighborhood features narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and bohemian cafes.

• Wander aimlessly and discover hidden courtyards and local art.
• Visit the San Blas Church for its beautiful baroque pulpit.

A renowned restaurant by celebrity chef Gastón Acurio, offering elevated Peruvian cuisine with a focus on Andean ingredients.

An imposing Inca fortress complex overlooking Cusco, famous for its massive, precisely cut stone walls. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

• Wear comfortable shoes as the site involves walking on uneven terrain.
• Hire a local guide at the entrance for historical insights.

An intriguing Inca archaeological site featuring a carved rock altar and underground passages. It's believed to have been a ceremonial center.

• Part of the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) for Cusco.

A small Inca fortress, also known as the 'Red Fortress,' likely used as a military or administrative center. It offers good views of the surrounding valley.

• Often visited in conjunction with Tambomachay.

Known as the 'Inca Baths,' this site features well-preserved water channels and fountains, suggesting a focus on water worship.

• Observe the intricate Inca hydraulic engineering.

A town in the Sacred Valley, serving as a convenient base for exploring nearby ruins and attractions. It has a more relaxed atmosphere than Cusco.

• Enjoy the local market for handicrafts and fresh produce.

A magnificent Inca fortress and town, showcasing impressive terracing and stonework. It's one of the best-preserved Inca sites and a living Inca city.

• Climb the terraces for incredible views and a sense of scale.
• Explore the town's narrow streets, which retain their original Inca layout.

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo, where residents live in ancient Inca buildings. The town itself is a historical marvel.

Visit the vibrant Pisac market, famous for its handicrafts, and then explore the impressive Inca ruins perched high above the town.

• The market is busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
• Be prepared for a hike to reach the upper ruins.

Enjoy a delicious meal in Ollantaytambo, offering a range of Peruvian and international dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Board your scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. PeruRail and Inca Rail are the main operators.

• Book train tickets well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.

Enjoy the breathtaking train ride through the Urubamba Valley, with stunning views of the Andes mountains and lush cloud forest.

Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, this bustling town is the gateway to the citadel. It has a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels.

• Explore the local market for souvenirs.
• Consider visiting the hot springs for relaxation (though they can be crowded).

A popular choice in Aguas Calientes offering a unique blend of Peruvian and French cuisine in a quirky, jungle-themed setting.

The iconic Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at its architectural genius and stunning mountain setting.

• Book tickets and train in advance. Entry times are staggered.
• Hire a guide at the entrance or book one in advance for historical context.
• Allow ample time to explore; it's a vast site.

For the adventurous, hike either Huayna Picchu (steeper, iconic view) or Machu Picchu Mountain (longer, broader views). Both require separate, limited tickets.

• Tickets sell out months in advance; book them with your citadel entry.
• Huayna Picchu requires good physical condition and is not recommended for those with fear of heights.

Take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes after your exploration of the citadel.

Board your train back to Ollantaytambo, reflecting on the incredible experience of Machu Picchu.

Take a shared taxi or private transfer back to Cusco from Ollantaytambo. The journey offers more views of the Sacred Valley.

• Negotiate taxi prices beforehand.
• Shared taxis are more economical.

Cusco's main market, a vibrant and chaotic place where you can find everything from fresh produce and local cheeses to handicrafts and medicinal herbs.

• Be open to trying local fruits and juices.
• Bargain politely for souvenirs.

A small but informative museum showcasing Inca artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and tools, offering deeper insights into the Inca civilization.

• Focus on the exhibits that explain Inca social structure and daily life.

A popular restaurant in Cusco known for its modern take on traditional Peruvian dishes and excellent Pisco Sours.

An early start for a day trip to Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain. Most tours include transport from Cusco.

• This is a full-day tour with significant altitude gain.

Journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, passing traditional villages and stunning mountain scenery on the way to the trek starting point.

Trek to the summit of Vinicunca (5,200m / 17,060 ft) to witness the breathtaking colors of the mineral-streaked mountain.

• Acclimatize well in Cusco before attempting this trek.
• Bring layers of warm clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Consider renting a horse for part of the ascent if needed.

Descend from Rainbow Mountain and travel back to Cusco, likely with a stop for lunch included in your tour.

Celebrate your adventure with a sophisticated meal and excellent Pisco cocktails. Limo offers a refined menu with ocean-inspired Peruvian flavors.

Visit the unique Maras salt pans, a vast network of over 3,000 salt pools fed by a subterranean stream. The evaporation process creates different salt colors and textures.

• The best light for photos is usually in the morning.
• You can purchase local salt products here.

Explore the fascinating circular agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory for experimenting with crops at different altitudes.

• Imagine the Inca's advanced understanding of microclimates.
• The concentric circles create a visually stunning effect.

Visit the traditional weaving village of Chinchero, known for its vibrant textile market and colonial church built on Inca foundations. You can often see demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques.

• Support local artisans by purchasing textiles directly.
• The Sunday market is particularly lively.

A popular Cusco establishment offering a lively atmosphere, delicious tapas, and a good selection of wines and cocktails.

Choose an adrenaline-pumping adventure: rappel down waterfalls with canyoning or traverse cliff faces on a Via Ferrata route in the Sacred Valley.

• Tours typically include transport, equipment, and guides.
• Must be comfortable with heights and physical activity.

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch, often included in adventure tours, with scenic views of the Sacred Valley.

Return to Cusco and unwind with a tasting of Peru's national cocktail, the Pisco Sour, at a reputable bar.

• Try different variations of the Pisco Sour.

An early start for a guided tour to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake, nestled at the foot of the Humantay glacier.

• This is a high-altitude trek (around 4,200m / 13,780 ft).

Travel through scenic Andean landscapes to the trek starting point, followed by a moderate hike up to the lake.

Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Humantay Lake, with its vibrant glacial waters set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Humantay mountain.

• The colors of the lake are most vivid in the morning light.
• Respect the natural environment; do not swim in the lake.

Descend from the lake and return to Cusco, usually with a stop for lunch included in the tour.

Enjoy a relaxed evening meal in Cusco, known for its pizzas, pastas, and extensive wine list.

Showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art from various Andean cultures, providing a chronological overview of artistic development.

Learn about the history and production of chocolate, with opportunities to taste and even make your own chocolate.

• Fun and interactive experience for all ages.

Visit this center to learn about traditional Peruvian weaving techniques and purchase high-quality, ethically made textiles directly from artisans.

• A great place to buy authentic souvenirs and support local communities.

Enjoy a delicious meal focusing on Peruvian beef dishes, known for its quality cuts and Andean flavors.

Begin a multi-day trek through the Lares region, known for its stunning Andean scenery, traditional Quechua communities, and hot springs. This is a less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail.

• This is a guided camping trek; book with a reputable operator.
• Pack for variable weather conditions, including cold nights.

Visit a local Quechua community to learn about their way of life, followed by a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Lares.

Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner at the campsite, surrounded by the tranquility of the Andes.

Continue your trek, enjoying more spectacular mountain views and cultural encounters as you make your way towards the end of the trek.

After completing the trek, you'll be transferred back to Cusco, likely arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.

Enjoy a final dinner in Cusco, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or trying a new restaurant to celebrate your Andean adventure.