5 day itinerary for Cusco, Peru
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Itinerary
Cusco is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage, and there's so much to see and do. Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Cusco that will give you a taste of the city's history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day 1: Arrival and City Tour
Upon arrival in Cusco, take some time to acclimate to the altitude (Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet above sea level). In the afternoon, take a guided city tour to get your bearings and learn about the city's history. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), which was once the most important religious site in the Inca Empire.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
Take a full-day tour of the Sacred Valley, which is home to many important Inca ruins and traditional Andean villages. Visit the Pisac Market, where you can shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, and explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo, an impressive fortress built by the Incas.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
No trip to Cusco would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Take an early morning train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then catch a bus up to the ruins. Spend the day exploring the site and learning about the fascinating history of the Inca Empire.
Day 4: Maras and Moray
Take a half-day tour of the Maras salt mines and the Moray agricultural terraces. The salt mines have been in use since pre-Inca times and are still harvested today using traditional methods. The Moray terraces were used by the Incas to experiment with different crops and growing techniques.
Day 5: Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo
On your final day in Cusco, visit the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman, which was once a massive fortress and ceremonial center. Then head to Qenqo, an ancient site that was used for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations. Finish off your trip with a traditional Peruvian meal and some souvenir shopping.
Overall, this itinerary will give you a great introduction to the history and culture of Cusco and the surrounding area. Enjoy your trip!
Places of interest
Cathedral
The Cathedral of Cusco, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, is a stunning example of colonial architecture located in the historic center of Cusco, Peru. Built in the 16th century on the site of an Inca palace, the cathedral features intricate carvings, beautiful stained glass windows, and impressive works of art.