Cuzco 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Cusco, Peru

Day 1 - Arrival & Acclimatization:

  • Arrival: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Take a taxi or book a private transfer to your hotel.
  • Accommodation: Hotel Monasterio Inticancha or similar, located in the historic center.
  • Lunch: Green’s Cafe, known for its healthy and organic dishes.
  • Afternoon: Rest and acclimatize to the altitude (3,400 meters). Visit the nearby San Pedro Market for a taste of local life.

Day 2 - Cusco City Tour:

  • Breakfast: Hotel or local bakery. Try challah (traditional bread) and muna (hot chocolate).
  • Morning: Guided tour of Cusco, visiting Inca sites like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
  • Lunch: Cicciolina, an Italian restaurant offering Peruvian fusion dishes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the San Blas neighborhood (artisan area) and the Koricancha Temple.
  • Dinner: Restaurant El Tupay for a gourmet experience.

Day 3 - Sacred Valley Tour:

  • Breakfast: Hotel or local café.
  • Morning: Visit Pisac Market, then continue to the town of Pisac and its Inca ruins.
  • Lunch: Huchuco Restaurant in Urubamba.
  • Afternoon: Explore Ollantaytambo Inca site and town.
  • Dinner: El Albergue, located in the Ollantaytambo train station, offers a cozy atmosphere and traditional dishes.

Day 4 - Machu Picchu:

  • Early Morning: Take the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
  • Morning: Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Lunch: Inkaterra Restaurant or similar in Aguas Calientes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the ruins at your own pace, or take a short hike to Intupunku (the Sun Gate).
  • Dinner: El Indio Feliz, a local Peruvian restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5 - Return to Cusco & Rainbow Mountain:

  • Morning: Return to Cusco by train and bus, then rest.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on a guided tour.
  • Dinner: Pachapapa for traditional Peruvian cuisine.

Day 6 - Maras & Moray:

  • Breakfast: Hotel or local café.
  • Morning: Day trip to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray archaeological site.
  • Lunch: Café Maras in the town of Maras.
  • Afternoon: Return to Cusco and relax.
  • Dinner: Limo Restaurant, located in a colonial mansion, offers exquisite Peruvian cuisine.

Day 7 - Departure:

  • Breakfast: Hotel or local café.
  • Departure: Head to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.

Things to Know:

  • Cusco is at a high altitude, so it’s important to rest and drink plenty of water.
  • Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have some local currency (Peruvian soles) on hand.
  • Tipping is customary in Peru, especially for guides and drivers.

Transportation:

  • To get around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you can walk, take a taxi, or use the local collective taxis called combis. For longer trips (like Machu Picchu), consider booking tours that include transportation.

Tips:

  • Learn a few phrases in Quechua, the language spoken by many locals in the Cusco region. It’s appreciated and can help you connect with the community.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill with purified water from dispensers found throughout the city.
  • Always ask for the “menu del dia” (menu of the day) at restaurants, as it often offers great value.