Itineraries for Your Trip to Cusco
3 Days in Cusco for First Timers
Perched a dizzying 11,150 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level, Cusco takes your breath away both in altitude and ambience. I spent six weeks in the sacred capital of the Incas, resting and recalibrating after traveling South America for six months, but I never tired of wandering Cusco's cobbled streets or gazing at the Andean peaks that surround the city like a warm embrace.
Though most travelers swiftly pass through on their way to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, this quaint, colonial gem is worth staying put for a few days. Here’s how to see the best of it in 72 hours.
Cusco can feel really chilly, especially at night, so pack plenty of layers.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Machu Picchu, a once-in-a-lifetime attraction.
On your first morning, acclimatize to the city’s high altitude with some easy walking around the UNESCO-listed Cusco Historic Center. Head to the city’s central square, Plaza de Armas, a bustling epicenter overlooked by the grand 16th-century Cusco Cathedral.
From there, embark on a short 10-minute stroll to Qorikancha, a sacred Incan temple that Spanish conquistadors razed to the ground to build Santo Domingo Church on its foundations. Taking a tour gives you deeper insight into both Incan mythology and Cusco’s turbulent history.
No visit to Cusco, or Peru, would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The Incan archaeological site sits 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level and comprises 15th-century temples, mist-shrouded mountains, and ceremonial sites, plus plenty of free-roaming llamas.
There are hundreds of different tour offerings, but if you've only got one day, maximize your time by riding the panoramic Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the wonder. As well as floor-to-ceiling windows, the train trip might include gourmet meals and live on-board entertainment.
This morning, visit the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas—10 minutes on foot from Plaza de Armas. It’s nicknamed the Balcony of Cusco, due to panoramic views you can enjoy. Here, you’ll find cute coffee shops, art galleries, and stalls selling artisan textiles and souvenirs.
Then, dedicate your final afternoon to Cusco’s delicious cuisine. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and stacked stalls of San Pedro Market, where you can sample fresh fruit smoothies, roasted pork sandwiches, and steamed corn-on-the-cob rolled in queso fresco.
