Cusco solo

The main airport serving Cusco, located a short distance from the city center. It's your entry point to the Andes.

• Arrange airport transfer in advance or be prepared for taxi negotiations.

The vibrant heart of Cusco, surrounded by colonial architecture, cathedrals, and Inca ruins. It's the perfect spot to get your bearings and soak in the atmosphere.

• Enjoy a coca tea at a cafe overlooking the plaza to help with altitude.
• Watch out for street vendors; be firm but polite if you're not interested.

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

• Photography inside the cathedral is usually prohibited.

Experience elevated Peruvian cuisine in a stylish setting. This popular restaurant by renowned chef Gastón Acurio offers a modern take on traditional dishes.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.

Visit the vibrant artisan market in Pisac for souvenirs and local crafts, followed by an exploration of the impressive Inca ruins perched on the hillside overlooking the Sacred Valley.

• Go early to avoid the biggest crowds at both the market and the ruins.
• Bargain respectfully at the market.

Enjoy lunch in Urubamba, a town situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Many restaurants offer set menus with local flavors.

Explore the formidable Inca fortress and town of Ollantaytambo, a remarkable example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It served as a royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti.

• Climb the steep terraces for breathtaking views.
• The town itself is a living Inca city, worth wandering through.

Dine at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo, enjoying regional specialties before heading back to Cusco.

Take a scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. PeruRail and Inca Rail are the primary operators.

• Book train tickets well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Consider the Vistadome or Expedition service for different views and comfort levels.

Explore the iconic Lost City of the Incas, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at its intricate stonework and stunning mountain setting.

• Book your entrance tickets and any additional 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.

After descending from Machu Picchu, explore the bustling town of Aguas Calientes. You can relax, have a late lunch, or browse the local market.

Return to the Sacred Valley or Cusco via train from Aguas Calientes.

Visit the impressive Inca fortress complex of Sacsayhuamán, known for its massive, perfectly fitted stones. It offers panoramic views of Cusco.

• Combine this with other nearby Inca sites like Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay using the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).

Explore Qorikancha, once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, now overlaid with the Santo Domingo Convent. It's a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture.

• Note the incredible precision of the Inca stonework, which the Spanish incorporated into their convent.

Wander through the charming artisan neighborhood of San Blas, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and bohemian atmosphere. It's a great place for unique souvenirs.

• Visit the San Blas Church for its beautiful Baroque altar.

Experience the bustling local life at San Pedro Market. You can find everything from fresh produce and local delicacies to textiles and souvenirs.

• Try a fresh fruit juice from one of the many vendors.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

Depart from Cusco.