Cusco & Machu Picchu
Inca capital in the Andes, gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Cusco sits at 11,000 ft and rewards a slow first day for acclimatization. From here you build to Machu Picchu via the Sacred Valley or the Inca Trail.
Highlights
- 01Machu Picchu with an early bus from Aguas Calientes
- 02Sacred Valley: Pisac + Ollantaytambo ruins
- 03San Blas neighborhood walk
- 04Rainbow Mountain day hike (14,000 ft)
- 05Cusco Cathedral + Qorikancha Sun Temple
Where to stay
5-day itinerary
- 01Acclimatize
Plaza de Armas, San Blas, coca tea only.
- 02Sacred Valley
Pisac + Ollantaytambo, sleep in valley (lower altitude).
- 03Machu Picchu
Train + bus, morning MP tour, back to Cusco.
- 04Rainbow Mountain
Early start hike; only after acclimatization.
- 05Cusco
Cooking class + San Pedro Market.
Local intelligence
- 01Book Machu Picchu tickets + train weeks in advance; capped daily entries.
- 02Sleep the first night lower (Sacred Valley) if you can — helps altitude.
- 03Cash for market food; card for restaurants.
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