5 day itinerary for Cusco, Peru

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!