Cusco a week

The main airport serving Cusco, located about 4 km (2.5 miles) east of the city center. It's a relatively small airport, but serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

• Pre-book your taxi or airport transfer to avoid inflated prices.
• Drink plenty of water upon arrival to help with acclimatization.

Cusco's vibrant main square, surrounded by colonial architecture, the Cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus. It's the historical heart of the city and a great place to start exploring.

• Enjoy the street performers and local vendors.
• Sit on a bench and people-watch to soak in the atmosphere.

A magnificent Renaissance cathedral built on the foundations of an Inca palace. It houses a rich collection of colonial art, including the famous 'Last Supper' painting with a guinea pig as the main dish.

• Consider a guided tour to appreciate the art and history.
• Photography inside is often restricted.

A popular spot in Cusco offering delicious tapas and a selection of international and Peruvian dishes in a cozy, atmospheric setting. It's known for its quality ingredients and excellent service.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
• Try their Pisco Sour!

Once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti. Today, it's the site of the Santo Domingo Church and Convent, showcasing a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish architecture.

• Look for the perfectly fitted Inca stonework at the base of the walls.
• The museum within the complex offers further insights.

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

• Wander through the streets and discover hidden courtyards.
• Perfect place to find unique souvenirs.

Located in the 16th-century Admiral's Palace, this museum displays a comprehensive collection of Inca artifacts, including pottery, textiles, tools, and mummies. It provides a deep dive into Inca culture and history.

• The museum offers context for the ruins you'll see later.
• Look for the intricate Inca textiles.

A bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, local snacks, handicrafts, and textiles. It's a great place to experience daily life and practice your bargaining skills.

• Try some local fruits or freshly squeezed juices.
• Great spot for authentic, affordable souvenirs.

A renowned restaurant by celebrity chef Gaston Acurio, offering a modern take on traditional Peruvian cuisine with an emphasis on regional ingredients. The ambiance is lively and the food is exceptional.

• Book well in advance, as it's very popular.
• Explore their extensive menu of Andean flavors.

An immense Inca fortress complex overlooking Cusco, famous for its colossal stone walls, precisely fitted without mortar. It was a significant ceremonial and defensive site.

• Wear comfortable shoes as the site is extensive and uneven.
• The scale of the stonework is truly breathtaking.

A fascinating Inca archaeological site featuring a large rock with intricate carvings, likely used for rituals. It includes an underground chamber with an altar and a zigzag channel.

• Often included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).
• The 'amphitheater' area offers great photo opportunities.

Meaning 'Red Fortress,' this small Inca site is believed to have been a military outpost or a tambo (rest stop) for travelers. Its strategic location offers panoramic views.

• Combine with visits to nearby Tambomachay and Q'enqo.
• Enjoy the expansive views of the surrounding valleys.

Known as the 'Inca Baths,' this site features well-preserved Inca stonework with water channels and fountains, suggesting it was a site for water worship or a royal spa.

• Admire the sophisticated Inca hydraulic engineering.
• Often visited as part of a tour of the ruins north of Cusco.

A popular expat and tourist hangout in Cusco, offering a relaxed atmosphere, live music, and a wide selection of drinks. It's a good spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

• Check their schedule for live music performances.
• Good place to meet other travelers.

A stunning Inca ruin perched high above the Sacred Valley, featuring agricultural terraces, ceremonial sites, and a well-preserved Inca town. The views are spectacular.

• The hike to the top is rewarding but challenging; consider starting early.
• The site is part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.

Famous for its vibrant traditional market, especially on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. You can find a wide array of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and local produce.

• Bargaining is expected, but always be respectful.
• Look for high-quality alpaca wool products.

The scenic valley through which the Urubamba River flows, dotted with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and agricultural landscapes. It's a crucial part of the Sacred Valley's charm.

• Enjoy the drive through the valley, stopping for photos.
• Many restaurants in the valley offer excellent local cuisine.

A remarkably preserved Inca town with a massive Inca fortress complex. It's one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning and architecture, and a key gateway to Machu Picchu.

• Climb the steep terraces for incredible views.
• The town itself is a living Inca city, worth exploring on foot.

Located at the Ollantaytambo train station, this restaurant offers delicious farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients sourced from their own organic garden. It's a charming spot with a beautiful ambiance.

• Perfect for a meal before or after visiting the ruins.
• Try their quinoa dishes and fresh salads.

The iconic Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Perched high in the Andes, it's a breathtaking testament to Inca engineering and spirituality.

• Book tickets and train tickets months in advance, especially for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Hire a guide at the entrance for a deeper understanding of the site.
• Carry your passport for entry and to get a commemorative stamp.

The small town at the base of Machu Picchu, serving as the main hub for visitors. It has a variety of restaurants, hotels, and shops, and is the departure point for the train back to Cusco.

• Enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes after your visit.
• Browse the local market for souvenirs.

The scenic train journey back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, offering beautiful views of the Urubamba River and the Andean landscape. Various train services are available, from budget-friendly to luxury.

• Book your return train tickets in advance along with your Machu Picchu tickets.
• Enjoy the onboard service and scenery.

An extraordinary complex of thousands of salt pans cascading down a mountainside, used for salt extraction since Inca times. The sight of the shimmering white pools is unique and photogenic.

• Wear shoes with good grip as the paths can be slippery.
• You can purchase local salt products here.

An incredible Inca agricultural laboratory featuring concentric circular terraces built into the mountainside. These terraces created microclimates for growing different crops, showcasing advanced agricultural knowledge.

• The purpose of Moray is still debated, adding to its mystique.
• The scale and precision of the terraces are impressive.

A picturesque Andean village known for its traditional weaving culture, colonial church built on Inca foundations, and stunning mountain views. It offers a glimpse into authentic Quechua life.

• Visit a local weaving cooperative to see demonstrations and purchase textiles.
• The Sunday market is particularly vibrant.

Located in the Sacred Valley, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and traditional Peruvian dishes. It's known for its pleasant ambiance and good service.

• A great option for lunch or dinner while exploring the valley.
• Try their cuy (guinea pig) if you're adventurous!

Cusco's main public market, a lively hub where locals shop for everything from fresh produce and meats to textiles and handicrafts. It's a fantastic place for an authentic culinary and cultural experience.

• Try a fresh fruit juice or a local snack.
• Be prepared for a sensory overload – it's bustling and colorful.

Housed in a beautiful colonial courtyard, this museum showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art from various ancient Peruvian cultures. It's a sophisticated and well-curated exhibition.

• The museum's collection provides excellent context for the Inca civilization.
• Enjoy the peaceful courtyard and cafe.

A charming restaurant in the San Blas neighborhood known for its traditional Andean cuisine, including wood-fired oven specialties like roasted guinea pig and alpaca. It has a lovely courtyard setting.

• A great place for a final taste of authentic Peruvian flavors.
• Try their Pisco cocktails.

Depart from Cusco's international airport, concluding your journey through the historical heart of the Inca Empire.

• Allow ample time for check-in and security, especially during peak travel periods.