Cuzco 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Exploring Cusco, Peru

Day 1: Arrival & City Tour

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Palacio del Inka, a Belmond Hotel, Cusco
  • Mid-range: Hotel Libertador El Mercado, Autograph Collection
  • Budget: Casa Andina Classic Cusco

Breakfast: You’ll find various options at your chosen accommodation.

Morning: After settling in, start with a guided city tour visiting the following sites:

  1. Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
  2. Sacsayhuaman
  3. Qenqo
  4. Puca Pucara
  5. Tambomachay

Lunch: Try traditional Peruvian dishes at Cicciolina Cusco or Mama Simona.

Afternoon: Visit the San Pedro Market for local products and the Main Square (Plaza de Armas). Don’t miss the Cathedral, where you can see exquisite gold and silverwork.

Dinner: Dine at Greco Peruviano or Inka Grill, both offering Peruvian-fusion cuisine.

Day 2: Cusco Surroundings

Breakfast: At your accommodation.

Morning: Take a half-day tour to the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, and Tambomachay.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Peruvian buffet at El Albergue in Ollantaytambo before your afternoon activity.

Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Ollantaytambo and visit its Inca ruins, or opt for the Maras-Moray day tour (additional cost).

Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo such as Pachapapa or El Indio Feliz.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour & Ollantaytambo

Breakfast: At your accommodation.

Morning: Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac Market, Pisac Ruins, Ollantaytambo Ruins, and the town of Chinchero.

Lunch: Try local dishes at Killa Wasi Restaurant in Chinchero or Huch’uy Qosco in Urubamba.

Afternoon: Return to Cusco and spend the evening exploring the San Blas neighborhood or shopping for souvenirs in the Artisans’ Street (Calle Hatun Rumipuccho).

Dinner: Dine at Zona Café & Social or Green Point, both offering fusion cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Breakfast: At your accommodation.

Morning: Depart early for Machu Picchu (you can choose between the train journey from Ollantaytambo or Poroy station).

Full day: Guided tour of Machu Picchu and free time to explore on your own. You may also opt for a Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike (additional cost and permits required). Return to Cusco in the evening.

Dinner: Celebrate your adventure at Getsemani or Lima Limon, both offering Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Tips & Things to Know:

  1. Altitude sickness is common in Cusco, so drink plenty of water and coca tea.
  2. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and rain gear as weather can be unpredictable.
  3. Always carry small bills for tips and purchases.
  4. Wi-Fi may be limited or slow in some areas.
  5. Peruvian Soles are the local currency; you can exchange money at banks or exchange offices.
  6. Spanish is the primary language, but many tour guides also speak English.
  7. To reach Machu Picchu, you’ll need a return ticket for either the train or bus (if hiking).
  8. Consider booking your tours and entrance tickets in advance to secure spots, especially during peak season.