Cusco a week

The main airport serving Cusco, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 ft). It's the gateway for most travelers heading to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

• Drink coca tea offered upon arrival to help with altitude sickness.
• Arrange airport transfer in advance or be prepared for taxi negotiations.

A well-regarded mid-range hotel in Cusco, known for its comfortable accommodations and central location. It offers a good base for exploring the city.

The historic heart of Cusco, this bustling main square is surrounded by colonial architecture, including the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. It's a perfect spot for a gentle evening stroll.

• Enjoy the street performers and local vendors.
• The square is beautifully lit at night.

A popular restaurant offering modern interpretations of traditional Peruvian cuisine. It's a great introduction to the rich flavors of the region.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.

A magnificent Renaissance cathedral built on the foundations of an Inca palace. It houses an impressive collection of colonial art, including the famous 'Virgen de la Leche' painting.

• Consider purchasing the Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) if you plan to visit multiple sites.
• Look for the unique depiction of the Last Supper featuring guinea pig.

Once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti. Today, it's a fascinating blend of Inca stonework and colonial architecture, topped by the Santo Domingo Church.

• Marvel at the precision of the Inca stonework, which fits together without mortar.

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

• Explore the workshops of local artists and craftspeople.
• Enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the many charming cafes.

This museum provides a comprehensive overview of Inca history and culture, with artifacts ranging from ceramics and textiles to mummies and religious objects. It's located in the colonial mansion of Admiral Francisco de Alderete.

A traditional Cusqueñan restaurant set in a beautiful courtyard, famous for its roasted meats, especially cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca. Offers a cozy and authentic dining experience.

An imposing Inca fortress complex overlooking Cusco, renowned for its massive, perfectly fitted stone walls. It was the site of a major battle during the Spanish conquest and offers breathtaking panoramic views.

• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and uneven terrain.
• The scale of the stones is truly astonishing; ponder how they were moved.

A fascinating archaeological site featuring carved rocks, underground passages, and a ceremonial altar. It's believed to have been a place for Inca rituals and astronomical observations.

• Explore the zigzagging channels carved into the rock.
• The site is often included in tours of the nearby ruins.

Meaning 'Red Fortress,' this small Inca site likely served as a military outpost or a lodge for Inca officials traveling to Tambomachay. Its strategic location offers good views of the surrounding valley.

Known as the 'Inca Baths,' this site features impressive water channels and fountains, suggesting it was a place for ritual bathing and worship of water. It's a beautiful example of Inca hydraulic engineering.

• Admire the intricate stonework and the flow of water.
• Often visited in conjunction with Q'enqo and Puka Pukara.

A popular mid-range restaurant offering a contemporary take on Peruvian classics. Known for its creative dishes and pleasant ambiance.

Famous for its vibrant traditional market, Pisac offers a wide array of handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and local produce. The market is busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

• Haggle respectfully for the best prices.
• Look for high-quality alpaca wool products.

Perched high above the town, these impressive Inca ruins feature agricultural terraces, ceremonial sites, and a well-preserved Inca citadel. The views of the valley are spectacular.

• The climb to the ruins can be strenuous; consider hiring a taxi or taking a guided tour.
• Visit early or late to avoid the midday sun and crowds.

A magnificent Inca fortress and town, strategically important during the Inca Empire. It features impressive terracing, temples, and a complex water system, offering a glimpse into Inca urban planning.

• Climb the steep terraces for incredible views and to appreciate the engineering.
• Explore the living Inca town below the ruins.

Located at the Ollantaytambo train station, this charming restaurant offers delicious Peruvian cuisine in a rustic setting. It's a convenient and enjoyable dining option.

A scenic train journey through the Urubamba River valley 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.
• Consider the Vistadome or Expedition service for different scenic experiences.

A short but steep bus ride up the winding road from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Buses run frequently.

The iconic Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore its temples, terraces, and residential areas, marveling at its construction and setting.

• Book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and any optional hikes (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain) months in advance.
• Hire a guide at the entrance or pre-book one for a richer understanding of the site.
• Stay hydrated and wear sun protection; the sun is intense at this altitude.

A unique and popular restaurant in Aguas Calientes known for its eclectic decor and delicious fusion cuisine. Offers a memorable dining experience.

Thousands of salt pans cascade down a hillside, used for salt extraction since Inca times. The sight is visually stunning and offers insight into traditional practices.

• Best visited on a sunny day to see the salt pans shimmer.
• Purchase some of the local pink salt as a souvenir.

Features unique circular agricultural terraces built by the Incas, believed to have been an experimental farming laboratory. The concentric rings create a striking visual pattern.

• Imagine the different microclimates created at each level for crop cultivation.
• Often visited in combination with the Maras Salt Mines.

Offers a unique perspective on Inca astronomy and cosmology, using a planetarium to show the Inca constellations. It's an educational and engaging experience.

• Check showtimes in advance as they can vary.
• Great for understanding the Inca worldview and their connection to the stars.

A well-regarded restaurant in Cusco known for its excellent steaks and cozy atmosphere. Offers a more relaxed dining experience after a day of exploration.

A bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, local snacks, souvenirs, and everyday goods. It’s a great place to experience the daily life of Cusqueños.

• Try some local fruits or freshly squeezed juices.
• A good spot for last-minute, authentic souvenirs.

If time permits before your flight, consider a short guided tour to revisit a favorite spot or see something missed.

Depart from Cusco after your memorable trip.