Peru · Cusco
Peru: Cusco & Machu Picchu
Acclimatize in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, give a full day to Machu Picchu with an early entry, and book the train, entrance ticket and any Inca Trail permit well in advance.
Thomas Quine / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia CommonsOverview
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and is the gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the wider Historic Sanctuary, a UNESCO mixed cultural and natural site of more than 32,000 hectares where the eastern Andes drop toward the upper Amazon basin. It is a layered trip: living Inca streets, colonial churches built on Inca stone, and one of the most recognizable ruins on earth.
Machu Picchu earns the hype, but the real trip is the whole Sacred Valley arc: Ollantaytambo’s inhabited Inca streets, Pisac’s ruins and market, and Cusco’s fusion of Inca stonework and colonial churches. The single most common mistake is racing straight to the citadel without acclimatizing first.
Best for
Culture and history travelers · Trekkers and hikers · Photographers · Bucket-list first-timers · Couples
Daily itinerary
5 to 7 days for Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu; 9 to 10 days with the classic Inca Trail.
This is a multi-stop, altitude-driven route rather than a single resort. You move from Lima at sea level to Cusco near 3,400m, down to the Sacred Valley around 2,900m, and on to the Machu Picchu citadel at 2,430m, and the logistics of trains, entrance tickets and Inca Trail permits must be arranged months ahead.
Best time to visit
The dry season runs May to October with clear skies and cold nights. April, May, September and October balance good weather against thinner crowds; June to August is peak, driest and busiest.
- April to May: Green landscapes drying out, good weather, shoulder-season value.
- June to August: Peak dry season: clearest skies, coldest nights, heaviest crowds and prices.
- September to October: Excellent all round: stable weather, softer crowds.
- November to March: Wet season; February the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
Things worth knowing
- Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, staged in Cusco every June 24 at Sacsayhuaman and the Plaza de Armas.
- Corpus Christi processions in Cusco (movable, around June).
Where to stay
Cusco historic center and San Blas
The heart of the old Inca and colonial city and its artisan-bohemian hillside quarter above the Plaza de Armas, reached by steep cobbled lanes. Walkable to the Cathedral, Qorikancha and the best restaurants.
Best for: First-time visitors · Culture · Food · No car
Steep hills are hard on arrival day at altitude; nightlife near the Plaza de Armas can be loud.
Sacred Valley (Urubamba and Ollantaytambo)
A string of towns roughly 500 to 900m lower than Cusco along the Urubamba river, with luxury resorts, Inca sites and markets. The smart place to acclimatize and slow down before Machu Picchu.
Best for: Acclimatization · Couples · Resorts · Ruins and markets
Fewer restaurants and less nightlife than Cusco; you need a car, driver or tour to move between towns.
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
The town at the foot of Machu Picchu, reached only by train or on foot. Staying here lets you take the first bus up for an early, quieter entry to the citadel.
Best for: Early Machu Picchu entry · One-night stays
A captive-market town: prices are high and it feels transient. Most people stay only one night.
Ollantaytambo town
The only Inca town still inhabited on its original street grid, and the main train departure point for Machu Picchu. A characterful, lower-altitude base with a spectacular fortress above it.
Best for: Atmosphere · Train access to Machu Picchu · Couples
Small; dining and services are limited compared with Cusco or Urubamba.
Lima Miraflores (gateway)
The standard first or last night, a seafront district of good restaurants and safe streets before or after the flight to Cusco.
Best for: Arrival and departure night · Dining · Safety
Flying from sea level straight to Cusco at 3,400m is the biggest altitude jump of the trip; plan for it.
Where to sleep
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
luxury · Cusco historic center
Best for: Couples · History lovers · Central Cusco
- A restored 17th-century seminary on Inca foundations two blocks from the Plaza de Armas
- Oxygen-enriched rooms available for altitude
- Beautiful cloistered courtyards
- Very high price
- Central location means some street noise
- Some rooms are small or dark given the colonial structure
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
luxury · Machu Picchu citadel gate
Best for: Couples · First and last entry to the ruins · A splurge
- The only hotel at the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel
- First and last access without the bus queue
- Immersive setting
- Among the most expensive hotels in South America
- Only about 30 rooms, so it books out far ahead
- No other services nearby beyond the citadel
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
resort · Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Best for: Couples · Acclimatization · Spa · Direct train to Machu Picchu
- Its own private train station connecting to Machu Picchu
- Lower Sacred Valley altitude helps acclimatization
- Heated indoor pool and full spa
- Resort feel is more international than Andean
- Outside the town center, so a taxi or shuttle is needed for local exploring
Hotel Sol y Luna
boutique · Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Best for: Couples · Gardens and grounds · Andean-village feel
- Individual stone casita bungalows set in gardens
- Intimate, authentic Sacred Valley setting
- Well-regarded spa
- Outside walking distance of Urubamba town center
- The casita layout means more walking between rooms and the restaurant
Casa Andina Standard Cusco San Blas
value · San Blas, Cusco
Best for: Couples on a budget · Walkable Cusco base · Good value
- A Peruvian chain built around a colonial stone patio
- Quiet San Blas location a short walk from the Plaza de Armas
- Reliable value
- Basic amenities with no spa or pool
- The uphill walk back from downtown is tough at altitude
- Rooms are on the smaller side
Essential experiences
Machu Picchu (UNESCO)
The 15th-century Inca citadel at 2,430m, built without mortar and inscribed as a UNESCO mixed World Heritage site since 1983.
Sacsayhuaman
The massive dry-stone Inca fortress above Cusco, built with blocks weighing up to hundreds of tonnes; the setting for the Inti Raymi festival.
Ollantaytambo ruins
A royal Inca estate and fortress with steep terraces and a monolithic Sun Temple, above the only Inca town still inhabited on its original grid.
Pisac ruins and market
An Inca ceremonial complex with terraces and cemetery above a town famous for its artisan market, busiest on Sundays.
Qorikancha and Cusco Cathedral
The Inca Empire’s principal sun temple, over which the Spanish built the Convent of Santo Domingo, and the colonial Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
A mineral-striped ridge above 5,000m reached by a long drive and a demanding high-altitude walk; only attempt it after acclimatizing.
The Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado)
The chain of Inca sites and market towns along the Urubamba river between Cusco and Machu Picchu, lower and greener than Cusco.
Food & drink
- Ceviche: Peru’s national dish: raw white fish cured in lime with chili, onion, sweet potato and toasted corn.
- Lomo saltado: A Peruvian-Chinese stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes and peppers, served with fries and rice.
- Cuy: Roasted guinea pig, a traditional and culturally significant Andean dish; an adventurous choice.
- Alpaca: Lean Andean meat, common on Cusco menus as steak or in stews.
- Chicha morada: A sweet non-alcoholic drink of boiled purple corn with pineapple, cinnamon and cloves.
A cheap set lunch (menu del día) is the local value option; the celebrated tasting menus are in Cusco’s historic center. Eat light on your first day at altitude.
Where to eat
Cicciolina
fine-diningA long-running Cusco gastronomic reference with a tapas bar and dining room. Book ahead.
Last researched 2026-07-15
MAP Café
fine-diningA glass-walled dining room in the courtyard of the Museo de Arte Precolombino.
Last researched 2026-07-15
Chicha por Gastón Acurio
modernChef Gastón Acurio’s Cusco restaurant focused on seasonal regional produce, a block from the Plaza de Armas.
Last researched 2026-07-15
Sunrises
Machu Picchu, first entry
There is no separate sunrise ticket; book the earliest entry slot and take the first bus up from Aguas Calientes for the quietest light over the ruins.
Dry season (May to October) · A timed entrance ticket bought in advance is mandatory; there is no ticket sale at the gate.
Intipunku (the Sun Gate)
The pass where the Inca Trail meets the citadel gives the classic elevated view back over Machu Picchu in the morning.
Dry season (May to October) · A steady uphill walk from the main citadel; check which entry circuit includes it when you book.
Sunsets
Sacsayhuaman above Cusco
The hilltop fortress catches golden light over the city; a short uphill walk or taxi from the historic center.
Year-round · Entry is covered by the regional Boleto Turístico; the site closes in the evening, so time it and leave before dark.
San Blas miradors, Cusco
The viewpoints on the San Blas hillside look over Cusco’s rooftops at sunset without needing transport beyond a walk.
Year-round
Ollantaytambo terraces
Climbing the fortress terraces gives sunset views down the Sacred Valley.
Dry season (May to October) · Requires the Boleto Turístico and a short steep climb; descend before dark.
Day trips
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
A striped mineral ridge above 5,000m, one of the region’s hardest day trips because of the altitude.
About 2 to 3 hours each way by road plus a high-altitude walk · Full day
Humantay Lake
A glacial turquoise lake at about 4,200m reached by a steep hike; give yourself acclimatization days first.
About 3 hours each way by road plus a 1 to 2 hour hike · Full day
Maras salt pans and Moray terraces
The thousands of hand-worked salt pools at Maras and the concentric agricultural terraces of Moray, often combined in one loop.
Half to full day · Half to full day
Daily itinerary
Six days in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Acclimatize gently, work down the Sacred Valley, give a full day to Machu Picchu, then close in Cusco.
- 1
Arrive Cusco, take it slow
relaxedFly in from Lima; rest for the first hours to adjust to the altitude.A light lunch near your hotel.A gentle walk of the Plaza de Armas and Qorikancha, no stairs or exertion.A San Blas mirador over the rooftops.An early, light dinner; coca tea if it helps.Rest; hydrate and skip alcohol tonight.No car needed; stay central and move slowly.Estimate: If you feel the altitude, do even less and stay near the hotel.
- 2
Cusco sights
moderateThe Cathedral and Qorikancha at an easy pace.Central Cusco.Sacsayhuaman above the city.Golden hour at Sacsayhuaman.A first proper dinner in the historic center.Early night.Taxi up to Sacsayhuaman to save your legs at altitude.Estimate: Swap in the San Blas artisan workshops if you want a slower day.
- 3
Down to the Sacred Valley
moderateDrive to Pisac for the ruins and market.Urubamba or Pisac.Maras salt pans and Moray terraces.From your Sacred Valley base.Near your hotel in the valley.Quiet night at lower altitude.Private car or tour; base tonight in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.Estimate: Skip Maras and Moray for a longer, slower Pisac visit.
- 4
Ollantaytambo and the train
moderateThe Ollantaytambo fortress and old town.Ollantaytambo.Board the train to Aguas Calientes.From Aguas Calientes.In Aguas Calientes.Prepare for an early start; rest.Train from Ollantaytambo; book seats well ahead.Estimate: If short on time, train straight through without the Ollantaytambo climb.
- 5
Machu Picchu
fullFirst bus up for an early, quieter entry to the citadel with your guide.Back in Aguas Calientes.Train back up the valley to Ollantaytambo, then road to Cusco.On the return drive.Back in Cusco.A relaxed evening in the city.Timed entrance ticket booked in advance is mandatory.Estimate: Add a Huayna Picchu or Sun Gate walk if you booked the permit.
- 6
Cusco markets and departure
relaxedThe San Pedro market and any Cusco sights you missed.A last Cusco lunch.Fly out via Lima.Departure.Leave a buffer for the airport; afternoon flights are common.Estimate: If you fly late, add Rainbow Mountain or Humantay as a full extra day and shift departure.
Getting around
- Fly into Lima (Jorge Chávez International, LIM), then take a domestic flight of about 1h25m to Cusco (Alejandro Velasco Astete International, CUZ).
- No road connects Cusco to Machu Picchu; access is by train to Aguas Calientes and then a shuttle bus up to the gate.
- Trains to Machu Picchu are run by PeruRail and IncaRail from Ollantaytambo (about 1h45m) or from near Cusco (about 3h30m).
- A shuttle bus climbs from Aguas Calientes to the citadel entrance in about 25 minutes.
- Taxis and private drivers cover Cusco and the Sacred Valley; the valley is easiest with a car, driver or tour.
Things worth knowing
- · Racing to Machu Picchu without acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first.
- · Leaving train tickets, entrance tickets or Inca Trail permits to the last minute in peak season.
- · Attempting Rainbow Mountain or Humantay on the first day at altitude.
Budget
| Low | Expected | Comfortable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation style / per night | $35 | $90 | $260 |
| Food style / per day | $12 | $35 | $80 |
| Local transport / per day | $8 | $25 | $60 |
| Estimate / per day | $15 | $55 | $110 |
Estimate · USD · 2026-07-15. Accommodation is per room per night (two sharing). Attractions reflect the Machu Picchu entrance, train and Boleto Turístico; confirm the current Machu Picchu ticket price on the official platform before booking. Dry-season figures; June to August runs higher.
Things worth knowing
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Five to seven days is ideal: two or three to acclimatize and see Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and a full day for Machu Picchu. Add two or three more for the classic Inca Trail.
How do you deal with the altitude in Cusco?
Cusco is near 3,400m. Rest on arrival, hydrate heavily, eat light, avoid alcohol the first day, and consider spending your first nights lower in the Sacred Valley. Ask a doctor before the trip about medication, and seek help for severe symptoms.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The dry season from May to October has the clearest weather. April, May, September and October balance good conditions with fewer crowds; June to August is peak and busiest, and February the Inca Trail is closed.
Do you need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes. Entrance tickets are sold only on the official government platform, not at the gate, and sell out for peak dates. Trains and Inca Trail permits also need booking months ahead in high season.
How do you get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
There is no road. Take the train from Ollantaytambo or near Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then a shuttle bus up to the citadel, or walk the Inca Trail with a permit and licensed operator.
Sources (3)
- Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site · unesco · 2026-07-15
- Cusco and Machu Picchu overview and practical information · tourism-board · 2026-07-15
- Official Machu Picchu online ticketing platform · government · 2026-07-15
