Cuzco 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

  • Arrival: Most flights arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shared shuttle service to your hotel.

  • Accommodation: For budget travelers, consider Hostel Puri Wasi or Loki Cusco. For mid-range options, try Hotel Rapha or Hotel Libertador Cusco. High-end travelers might prefer Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel or Palacio del Inka, a Belmond Hotel, Cusco.

  • Lunch: Try Cicciolina for Italian cuisine, Inca Grill for Peruvian food, or Green Point for vegetarian options.

  • Afternoon: Rest and acclimatize to the altitude (Cusco is at 11,152 feet/3,399 meters above sea level). Drink coca tea to help with altitude sickness. Visit the San Pedro Market for local goods.

  • Evening: Explore the historic center of Cusco and have dinner at a local restaurant like Greens Organic Cafe or Almacena Restaurant.

Day 2: City Tour & Sacsayhuaman

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or grab something quick from a bakery like Panaderia Oro Verde.

  • Morning: Take a guided city tour to visit sites like Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.

  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near one of the tourist attractions. Some options include El Albergue, Chicha Cusqueña, or Museo Restorán Inka Grill.

  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the San Blas neighborhood known for its artisan shops and beautiful cobblestone streets. Visit the Inca Museum (Museo de Arte Precolombino) if you’re interested in Incan history and artifacts.

  • Dinner: Dine at a restaurant like Uchu, Loco Bistro or La Cicciolina, which offer modern Peruvian cuisine with a focus on Andean ingredients.

Day 3: Day Trip to Machu Picchu

  • Early Morning: Depart early in the morning for Machu Picchu. You can choose between taking the train or the bus from Ollantaytambo. The Inca Rail and PeruRail are popular train operators.

  • Mid-Morning: Arrive at Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) and have breakfast at a local café.

  • Morning to Afternoon: Spend the day exploring Machu Picchu with a guide. Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning views of the ruins.

  • Lunch: Have lunch in Aguas Calientes at a restaurant like El Indio Feliz or Inca Grill.

  • Afternoon/Evening: Return to Cusco by train, arriving back in the evening. Have dinner at one of your favorite restaurants from the previous days or try something new. Some options include Pachapapa, Lima Social, or La Bodega Cantina.