The Ultimate Cusco and Sacred Valley Itinerary | 1 Week
The Imperial City of Cusco and the incredible Sacred Valley are a highlight on any Peru itinerary. While most people visit Cuzco region for a quick-stop over to visit Machu Picchu, the city and surrounding areas deserve so much more time. To make the most of a Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary, plan for at least a week. But to be honest, it’s easy to slow down, fall in love, and explore all the treasures of this enchanting region if you have more time.
There are so many incredible things to do in Cusco. The city is a delight, with its cobblestone streets, bustling markets, and reminders left behind from the mighty Inca empire. This in-depth Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary highlights the very best of the popular Cusco Tourist Ticket, which showcases must-see impressive Inca sites.
This Cusco itinerary focuses on all the gems to see and do in the city of Cusco and in the Valley, but it doesn’t include a day solely dedicated for visiting Machu Picchu. However, there’s plenty of inspiration on how to reach the “Lost City” of Machu Picchu, via a tour or by one of the many popular Cusco Treks.
➜ Steal one of my Unique Cusco Itineraries
Nearby, find the lush and magical Cusco Sacred Valley, with glacial peaked mountains, miles of hiking trails, and hidden Inca ruins on top of towering hilltops. It’s called the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a reason. Speedy collectivos (public vans) connect Cusco to Sacred Valley, making it a convenient, yet exhilarating ride through the Andes Mountains. With all the incredible things to do in the Sacred Valley, you may wish to extend your time to explore some truly “off the beaten path” Peru hidden gems.
Plan for this enchanting Peru region by using this ultimate one week Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary!
Table of Contents
- Cusco Itinerary | 3 Days
- Where to Sleep in Cusco Peru
- Sacred Valley Itinerary | 4 Days
- Sleeping in Urubamba Sacred Valley
- Cusco and Sacred Valley Itinerary | Visiting Machu Picchu
- Final Thoughts | Cusco and Sacred Valley Itinerary
✈ More Peru Travel Guides | 32 Unique & Famous Landmarks in Peru to Visit
Cusco Itinerary | 3 Days
This Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary budgets 3 days in Cusco. Here are the top Cusco highlights and what to see in Cusco on 3 days.
Cusco Highlights
- Day 1 | Acclimation & Independent Exploration
- Day 2 | The Main Cusco Inca Sites
- Day 3 | Cusco’s South Valley
- Add More Days to Explore Cusco | Travel Deeper in Cusco
Day 1 | Cusco | Acclimation & Independent Exploration
Welcome to the Imperial City of Cusco! This beautiful city was once the hub of the mighty Inca Empire, conquered by the Spanish, and today is a fusion of both cultures. The original Inca city of Cuzco was built to resemble the sacred animal of the puma, which represents the symbolism of life on Earth. In Inca culture, the condor (heavens) and the snake (underworld) were also significant creatures. Keep these three spirit animals in mind, as they can be seen represented throughout Cusco city, at Inca sacred sites, and found in the villages of the Sacred Valley.
Cusco sits majestically in the Andes mountains, at an elevation just shy of 11,200 feet. Many travelers arrive to Cusco and may suffer from altitude sickness. In Peru, altitude sickness is commonly known as “Soroche,” which may come in handy if heading to a local pharmacy or “Botica.” Altitude sickness symptoms can include: dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, shortness of breathe, and nausea. Symptoms may be mild to rather extreme.
Cusco Altitude Sickness Tip | Almost all tiendas, markets, and street vendors sell coca leaves. These leaves are a staple plant to help fight altitude sickness and can either be chewed or steeped in tea. Many hostels and hotels provide coca tea free of charge. Do as the locals do and use these medicinal leaves to help combat altitude sickness symptoms. However, don’t try to bring them into another country or the US, they are illegal!
Those who have never experienced traveling at these great altitudes should prepare to acclimate in Cusco for the first day or two and casually explore the city. Don’t worry! There are plenty of things to do in Cusco while acclimating.
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Take a Cusco Free Walking Tour or Explore Cusco Independently
On Day 1 of this Cusco Itinerary, take a free walking tour. In a heavily toured city like Cusco, there are multiple companies that offer free Cusco tours. Bloody Bueno Peru is a superb Cusco walking tour. This free walking tour in Cusco gives a basic history of the Imperial City and highlights the city’s main attractions.
- Meeting Point: Outside the Starbucks in the Plaza de Armas
- Cost: Free, but the guides work hard and rely on tips. Share the love!
- Tour Times:
- 10:00 / 13:00 / 15:30
- Duration: 2 hours
With the Cusco free walking tour only taking a couples of hours, it’s easy to explore the city on your terms for the rest of the day.
Some thing to do in Cusco while acclimating include: wandering the streets of charming San Blas, grabbing a lunch menu in town, or visiting Qorikancha. The site of Qorikancha is a Cusco must-see museum that showcases a once Incan Temple of Gold that was destroyed by the Spanish and repurposed as a monastery.
Cusco Markets
Make sure to visit at least one traditional market in Cusco. Visiting a Cusco market is one of the best free things to do in Cusco and also a top Cusco food experience.
Stroll past the many caseras selling unusual fruits and veggies, freshly squeezed juices, cheeses, meats, and typical products of the region. In these markets, find everything from artisanal products to plant medicines.
A great market is the authentic San Pedro Market. Another popular choice is the smaller San Blas Market. Of course, the city is filled with a plethora of markets, don’t be afraid to explore off the main tourist path!
As the sun sinks behind the mountains, catch a sunset from one of the city’s viewpoints like San Blas, and then move to the Cusco Plaza de Armas to people-watch.
Cusco Restaurants & Markets | The Complete Guide on Where to Eat in Cusco
Day 2 | The Main Cusco Archaeological Sites
On Day 2 in Cusco, discover the four sprawling Cusco Archaeological Parks that house some impressive Inca sacred sites, right in the hillsides of Cusco. To access these locations, you’ll need to buy a Cusco Tourist Ticket. Don’t worry! This ticket can be purchased at any of the 4 sites on the itinerary for today.
The Four main ticketed Cusco Inca sites include Saqsaywaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. All four Inca sites are worth a visit.
Remember how Cusco resembles a Puma? Saqsaywaman is in fact, said to be the animal’s head. Q’enqo is just down the road, and although small, it is believed to be an altar or a place where sacrifices took place.
Puka Pukara literally translates to “red fortress” and is perched on top of a lovely hill. Just across the street from the fortress, find Tambomachay. This Inca site highlights water and could have been used as a spa, for ceremonies, or as a military outpost. That’s the draw of these peculiar Inca ruins, no one knows for sure what their actual purpose was. Let your mind ponder these incredibly advanced and ancient sites.
Refresher | Cusco Tourist Ticket or Boleto Turístico Cusco | Cost: 70 PEN ($18.50 USD per person) for the 4 above sites or 130 PEN ($34.50) for all 16 sites / valid for 10 days | For this Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary, purchase the 10 day Cusco Boleto Turistico ticket
A Note on Cusco Day Tours vs Independent Visit
Multiple Cusco tour companies run throughout the day to visit all four Cusco attractions. The guided tour costs usually DO NOT include the actual cost of the tourist ticket. Independent travelers can easily discover these sites using a taxi or the public bus. Tour guides are available at each site and can offer their services at the main gate for those looking to get a better understanding of each site. Always verify that the tour guide offering their services is in fact licensed.
The Cusco tour cost basically covers the transportation costs. However, it’s super easy to visit these site without a tour. If crunched on time, take a tour.
The Only Cusco Guide You Need | How to Tour 16 Sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket Without a Tour
Day 2 | Afternoon in Cusco
After a tour (self-guided or with a company) of the four Cusco Archaeological Parks, spend the afternoon wandering the hip neighborhood of San Blas. It’s literally just down the steep staircases from these sites. On the Cusco tourist ticket, there are quite a few museums that can be visited. However, the Museo Histórico Regional (Museum of Regional History) is the most comprehensive on the entire ticket.
Don’t forget there is the nightly show, Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, included with the purchase of the ticket. The show begins at 19:00 with seating opening at 18:30.
If you don’t want to visit any more museums, another top thing to do in Cusco is to take a Peruvian cooking class or an organized Cusco Food Tour. With great chocolate and cuisine, there’s no better way to experience the city than through food. Although, the Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP) is not part of the Cusco ticket, but is extremely well-done and is open late.
Day 3 | Explore the Underrated Cusco South Valley
On day 3 of this Cusco itinerary, visit the two impressive sacred sites of Tipón and Pikillaqta (Pikillacta). Although these sites are included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket, few people make the effort to visit the Cusco South Valley.
Again, there are Cusco day tours that visit these two places, but it’s quite easy to visit the Cusco South Valley without a tour via public transportation.
Tipon Ruins
Try to leave Cusco as early as possible, since the Tipón Archaeological Site is massive. It’s easy to spend the entire day exploring Tipón. The local buses begin running at 6:00 a.m.
First, visit Tipón and see the epic Inca water canals, terraces, and ceremonial fountains. Above the park, take the steep climb to the Mirador of Cruzmoqo.
To get really off the beaten path, visit the nearby Pukara ruins. Pukara can be reached via a steep climb along an old Inca water canal and is rarely explored by tourists.
These Cusco hidden gems are the main reason why it’s so special to visit these places on your own time schedule without a tour.
After Tipón, hop on a bus and head further south to Pikillaqta.
Pikillaqta Ruins
The Pikillaqta ruins are the only site on Boleto that is believed to predate the mighty Inca Empire. There is a noticeable difference in the building techniques, which makes archaeologists conclude that it was a thriving city of the Wari civilization. Pikillaqta is quite large and is worth a visit.
A short 5-minute walk from Pikillaqta is the Rumicolca Gate, which may have been the main entrance gate to the Imperial City of Cusco.
The Only Cusco Guide You Need | Discover Cusco South Valley, an epic day trip from Cusco
Cusco South Valley Itinerary Add-On | Andahuaylillas
Aggressive sightseers may wish to head further south and see the stunning Saint Peter Apostle Church which boasts stunning Baroque architecture. in the tiny hamlet of Andahuaylillas. This impressive church is not included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket, but it has been called the “Sistine Chapel of South America.” The village is charming and there are nearby churches included on the “Ruta del Barroco Andino Ticket.”
St. Peter Apostle Church | Included on the Ruta del Barroco Andino Ticket | Standard Ticket Cost: 15 PEN ($4) / valid for 3 other churches in the Cusco South Valley | 5 minutes by local bus from the Rumicolca Gate of Pikillaqta | Official Website
Add More Days to Your Cusco Itinerary
Cusco Peru is simply magical. You may just fall in love and wish to add more time to your Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary. Here are some other worthwhile places to see and things to do in Cusco if you have a week.
Those looking to get off the beaten path in Cusco may wish to hike in the nearby mountains. Close to Saqsaywaman Archaeological Park are many free Inca ruins that are rarely visited by tourists. Visit sites like the stunning Inkilltambo Site, Temple of the Fly, Temple of the Moon, and more by following along with this self-guided Free Inca Ruins in Cusco hiking tour.
If you’re super fascinated by the Incas like me, plan a day trip to Maukallacta. What makes this place so special is that it may be the actual birthplace of the Inca civilization. The two origin stories include Lake Titicaca and the mystical cave of Puma Orqo.
Top Cusco Hikes
Adventure hikers will love the day hike up Cerro Picol, the tallest peak in Cusco.
From the Cusco site of Tambomachay it’s possible to hike all the way to Huchuy Qosqo, or “Little Cusco.” The 2 day Huchuy Qosqo trek ends in Lamay in the Sacred Valley.
In Cusco South Valley it’s possible to visit the up and coming” Cusco attraction of the “horned fortress” of Waqrapukara. Seriously, this is one of the most epic Inca sites in all of Peru. Personally, Waqrapukara is best experienced via a 2 day trek to Waqrapukara.
There are day tours to the popular Rainbow Mountain, or “Vinicunca Mountain.” The most thrilling way to hike to Rainbow Mountain is to add it the intrepid Ausangate Trek. This trek is oftentimes called the “most beautiful trek in the world” and climbs incredible and steep mountain passes, passes by sparkling alpine lakes, walk with thousands of alpaca, and the option to soak in top Peru hot springs. Shockingly, the Ausangate trek never dips below 13,000 ft (4,000 m).
🥾 Cusco Trekking Guide | 🎒 Peru Packing List for Multi-Day Treks
Where to Sleep in Cusco
There is a wide range of places to stay in Cusco for any budget from budget, to mid-range, and of course, travelers looking to splurge on luxury accommodation. Find Cusco hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and more. The two most desirable places to stay in Cusco include the historic centro and the San Blas neighborhood.
➜ Browse the Best Cusco Hotels & Cusco Accommodations here
Here’s a few of my favorite places to sleep in Cusco.
Budget Friendly Cusco Guesthouses
- Secret Garden | Shared & Private Rooms | Wonderful Local Host Family | Stores Valuables | Little details like made-up beds every morning | Kitchen Access | Centrally Located in Cusco
- Kokapelli Hostel Cusco is a popular party Hostel in Cuzco that is centrally located
- Loki Cusco is a hostel that has great common spaces and close to the Cusco City Center
- Supertramp Hostel Cusco boasts incredible views in the San Blas neighborhood and has lots of nice outdoor spaces
Mid-Range Cusco Guesthouses & Hostels
- Casa Rivero | Private Rooms | Friendly & Helpful Owners | Breakfast Included | Excellent Location, only 2 blocks from Plaza de Armas | Bus stop to Tipón across the Street
- There are not one, but two of the top Flashpacker Hostels (Selina) in Cusco | Selina Plaza De Armas Cusco | Selina Saphi Cusco
- Maytaq Wasin Boutique Hotel comes highly recommended in the heart of Cusco
Sacred Valley Itinerary | 4 Days
After exploring Cusco, head to the the lovely Sacred Valley, or Valle Sagrado. This Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary budgets 4 days for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. To make the most of this Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary, I suggest sleeping in the centrally located village of Urubamba Peru.
Although Urubamba may not as “visually charming” as some of the other hamlets in the valley, it is one of the most authentic. Urubamba has two convenient bus terminals, two central markets, and is the gateway to some of the Sacred Valley’s most memorable day hikes, like Saywa Mountain and the alpine lake of Laguna Juchuycocha. The scenery is the perfect backdrop with towering mountains dressed in glacial peaks. It’s easy to feel the magic and mystical energy of the Sacred Valley.
It is easy to visit all of the sites in a full day Sacred Valley tour. However, I’ve included add-on itineraries and more things to do in each Sacred Valley village. Slow down and really appreciate the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The four Inca Archaeological Sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket in the Sacred Valley include: Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, and Olltantaytambo
Popular Sacred Valley Highlights by Village
- Day 4 | Pisac Village
- Day 5 | Chinchero Archaeological Site
- Day 6 | Maras Salt Mines & Moray Inca Ruins
- Day 7 | Ollantaytambo Village
- Urubamba as a “Home Base” in the Sacred Valley
➯ Detailed Peru Guide | How to Visit All 16 Sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket Without a Tour
How to Get to from Cusco to Sacred Valley Peru
There are multiple ways and routes to get from Cusco to the Sacred Valley using public transportation. Here’s the most common bus and collectivo routes to the Sacred Valley from Cusco.
Cusco to Pisac
🚐 Cusco to Pisac Collectivos | Average Fare: 4 PEN ($1 USD) | Duration: 45 minutes | Depart: frequently, when collectivo is full from Puputi Street, near the Garcilaso Monument | Hours: 6:00 – 19:00
Cusco to Urubamba
🚐 Collectivo Cusco to Urubamba | Average Fare: 8 PEN ($2 USD) | Duration: 1 hour | Depart: frequently, when collectivo is full | Departure Location: Av. Grau 510 | Hours: 6:00 – 19:00
🚌 Bus Cusco to Urubamba | Average Fare: 6 PEN ($1.50 USD) | Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes | Depart: frequently from Jirón 21 de Mayo 944 | Hours: 6:00 – 19:00
Cusco to Ollantaytambo Peru
🚐 Cusco to Ollantaytambo Collectivos | Average Fare: 10 PEN ($2.75 USD) / could be less with a transfer in Urubamba | Duration: 1 hour | Depart: frequently, when collectivo is full | Departure Location: Av. Grau 510 | Hours: 6:00 – 19:00
Day 4 | Pisac Village
Pisac makes an ideal first stop on this Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary. This charming village is the closest village in the Sacred Valley to Cusco. Secondly, it boasts a gorgeous Inca ruins that towers over the whole village. Everyday, find a lovely artisanal market in the the villages photogenic Pisac Plaza de Armas.
Local Tip | Try to visit Pisac on a Sunday, when the market caters to locals coming down from the mountain communities. Find tiny food stands and vendors littered among the daily artisanal stands serving up authentic soups, plates, and treats.
The Pisac ruins remains a favorite site among tourists.
Pisac Archaeological Park | Included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket | Two Entrances: main entrance is block from the Pisac Plaza de Armas / or hop on a Collectivo to Mask’a to reach the back entrance | Tour Guides Available onsite
Pisac is an adorable village and it’s easy to slow down and spend a few days here. The cobblestone streets are lined with the timeless Inca water canals. The powerful mountains tower in the backdrop and the mighty Urubamba River rushes nearby. Make sure to visit the three lake of Kinsa Cocha which are incredibly beautiful.
In Pisac, find a wide range of authentic restaurants, a worthwhile market, and some modern restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops.
There is an eclectic expat community that gives the village a modern flair and there are many opportunities to dabble into the plant medicines of Ayahuasca and San Pedro (Wachuma).
Wanna sleep in Pisac? El Parche Rutero Hostel offers shared and private rooms, a great rooftop terraces, and is located outside of town right on the river. Or, browse all the best places to stay in Pisac
Day 5 | Chinchero Ruins & Hikes
Chinchero Archaeological Park is an easy half day trip and sits in between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This site has beautiful Inca terraces, a colonial church, and a large plaza. Chinchero is known for its weaving community, and their artisanal handicraft items are very much sought after. In the main plaza of the Chinchero Archaeological Park, find local woman proudly selling items.
Chinchero Archaeological Park | Accessible via bus or collectivo from Cusco or Urubamba | Included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket | Simple & informative Museum | Interior of Spanish Church: additional 3 PEN (75¢) | Chinchero Tour Guides Available onsite
On site, there is a rather small, but informative museum. The museum highlights Topa Inca Yupanqui, one of the most famous Incas to conquer much of the Andes. He would eventually die here, in his palace in Chinchero.
The church in the center of the plaza is a reminder of the Spanish conquest. Many of the sacred Inca sites were demolished and Catholic Churches were built on top.
Chinchero Itinerary Add-On | After exploring this important sacred site, add on a simple, yet beautiful Chinchero to Urquillos hike. Follow along a scenic old Inca road, walk among the water canals, and arrive back to the Valley close to Urubamba. For those who choose not to hike, Chinchero and Moray can be combined in just one day due to their close proximity
Day 6 | Maras Salt Mines & Moray Inca Ruins
The small village of Maras is the gateway to the Moray Archaeological Park. These three unusual terraces are often referred to as the “agricultural experimental laboratories of the Inca.” However, no one really knows for sure what they were used for.
Moray Archaeological Park | Included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket | Reach it from the Maras Transit Hub or via Hiking from Media Luna | Tour Guides Available onsite
Moray can either be reached via a gentle hike from the Maras Salt Flats, or by public transportation. If planning on visiting via a collectivo, you will have to transfer to a taxi at the Maras Transportation Hub. These taxis drop at the Maras Plaza de Armas, or can continue to the Moray Archaeological Park. If you want, the hike from Maras to Moray is easy to follow and has plenty of market signage.
🥾 Sacred Valley Day Hike | Hike the Maras Salt Mines, Maras Village, and Moray Inca Ruins
Note that the Maras Salt Mines are not included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket. The entrance ticket to the Sacred Valley Salt Mines costs 10 PEN per person ($2.75 USD).
Day 7 | Ollantaytambo Village
Finally, the Archaeological Park of Ollantaytambo is another splendid Inca site possibly honoring the sun. It can be found looming over the adorable hamlet of Ollanta (for short). There are so many things to do in Ollantaytambo Peru. The charming village boasts charming cobblestone streets with lovely Inca water canals. Another notable highlights of this village are free Inca ruins, some even located within the village itself.
Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park | Included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket | Few Blocks from the Plaza de Armas of Ollantaytambo | Tour Guides Available onsite
Wanna Sleep in Ollantaytambo? Casa Quechua Hostel Camping offers private and shared rooms with a lovely garden and sweeping views. There are plenty of places to pitch a tent, a sweet host family, and is conveniently only a few blocks from the Plaza. El Albergue Ollantaytambo is right next to the Ollantaytambo train station that leads to Machu Picchu and has a beautiful garden that serves organic food. Or just browse all the best places to stay in Ollantaytambo.
Hidden Gems Near Ollantaytambo
From Ollantaytambo, there are a wide range of hidden gem spots and some of the top Sacred Valley hikes in the surrounding hillsides. These treasures may convince you to add extra days to your Cusco and Sacred Valley Itinerary.
Take the casual half-day hike to the little visited Pumamarca ruins The original Pre-Inca site is nice, but the real highlight is walking on lovely Inca terraced trail.
Adventure hikers will love the challenging climb up to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate that towers above Ollantaytambo. This hiking trail follow the old Inca Quarry trail, passes by some interesting ruins. Throughout the winding trail, admire the towering and powerful Mount Veronica in the backdrop.
Close to Ollantaytambo is the tiny village of Pachar. It’s possible to casually walk here from Ollantaytambo past the Choqana ruins along another Old Inca trail. From Pachar, visit the energetic “dimensional portal” site of Ñaupa Iglesia. Farther along on this route, there’s the Perolniyoc Waterfall and the ruins of Raqaypata, that sit on top of the stunning cascade cliff.
Love adorable villages like this? Discover more charming villages in South America in the Andes
Urubamba Peru as a “Home Base”
It takes little effort to slow down and get really explore more of gorgeous Sacred Valley. You will definitely want to add more days to your Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary. Here’s some more worthwhile highlights that aren’t included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
➜ Many of these Inca sites are free!
Urubamba Peru is the ultimate “home base” while exploring the Sacred Valley, especially if utilizing this 7 day Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary.
From Urubamba there are a ton of epic day hikes that are free and worth the effort. Hike to the top of the magical Saywa Mountain to appreciate the two standing pillars of Saywa Archaeological Park and those views of Urubamba.
Nature lovers will jump at the opportunity to dip in the freezing alpine lake of Laguna Juchuyocha with views of Chicón glacier in the backdrop. This alpine lake is a tough climb, but sits at an impressive 15,200 feet!
Calca Village & Lares Valley
Close to Urubamba is the village of Calca, which has peculiar ruins like Urqo and the high energy ruins of Ancasmarca. Just a short collectivo ride from Calca is the village of Lamay, which boasts the steep uphill trail to the sacred site of Huchuy Qosqo or “Little Cusco.” Calca is also the gateway to the Lares Valley, which is known for its beautiful weavers, intrepid hiking trails, and of course the local Lares hot springs.
This area is filled with so many sacred sites, natural wonders, and incredible views, if possible try to squeeze in a few extra days on your Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary!
Sleeping in Urubamba Sacred Valley
If following along with this Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary, it’s convenient to sleep in the village of Urubamba. With it’s lovely Plaza, central location, a user-friendly bus terminal, and authentic places to eat, the village is an obvious choice.
Cusco and Sacred Valley Itinerary | Visiting Machu Picchu
So, what about visiting Machu Picchu? I mean, it’s the main reason eager visitors start creating a Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary in the first place. Machu Picchu is incredible and there are many ways to reach Machu Picchu.
Since there are a wide range of routes, means, methods, and options, to reach this popular destination, it’s hard to include it in such a detailed Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary.
So, this is an overview of helpful planning tips for Machu Picchu!
All the Ways to Reach Machu Picchu
The “lost city” of Machu Picchu in the clouds can be done as either a day trip from Cusco or the adorable village of Ollantaytambo. Take a tour, collectivo, or train to reach the magnificent Machu Picchu. This site is accessed via the village of Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu Day Trips from Cusco
Be mindful that it is quite a long day to reach Machu Picchu as a full day trip. The popular Machu Picchu hikes of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain must be completed in the morning, making these Machu Picchu ticket add-ons almost impossible if visiting as a day trip from Cusco. For those with limited time for their Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary, one of these options will work best.
- Full-Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
- Independently take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Catch a Collectivo from Cusco or Ollantaytambo
- This Machu Picchu day trip requires a walk from the Central Hidroelectrica Machu Picchu of 5+ miles or to purchase a train ticket into MachuPicchu Pueblo
- Short Inca Trail
- One full day Inca Trail alternative option to Machu Picchu
Worthwhile Treks to Machu Picchu
Adventure hikers will love the many ancient “Inca roads” that lead to Machu Picchu. If you have some time to play with your Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary, why not add an epic trek.
- Classic Inca Trail | 4 Days
- Permit Required & Guides Mandatory and must book in advance | Dramatic Entrance into the Inti Punku Machu Picchu Gateway | Inca Trail closes every February
- Salkantay Trek | 5 Days
- Passes by the popular Laguna Humantay | Reach Machu Picchu via the Central Hidroelectrica | Daily Trekking Tours from Cusco | No Guide required for Salkantay Trek
- Lares Valley Trek | 1 – 6 Days
- Standard Weavers Way passes by traditional weaving communities | Includes the Lares Hot Springs | Must take transportation to Machu Picchu, as the trek is quite some distance from MachuPicchu Pueblo
- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek | 9 Days
- Totally intrepid trek to Machu Picchu | Includes an overnight at “The Cradle of Gold” Inca Site of Choquequirao | Climb three towering mountain passes, stay in untouched hamlets, and eventually meet up with the Salkantay Trek | No Guide or Tour Necessary but must be a more advanced hiker | Very little trafficked alternative Inca trail to Machu Picchu | Download my free Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek map
💬 Real Talk | I literally had tears in my eyes when I first laid eyes on the sacred site of Machu Picchu. Those intense 9 days of trekking made the final destination of Peru’s crown gem, the ultimate reward.
Final Thoughts | Cusco and Sacred Valley Itinerary
In short, this is the ultimate Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary for one week. This itinerary highlights all of the best things to in Cusco and the magic of Peru’s Sacred Valley. This Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary focuses around the incredible Inca sites included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket and more. There truly is so much more to see and do in the Cusco region. It’s probably best to add a few extra days to your Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary.
Of course, most visitors come to the Cusco region to gaze upon the world wonder of Machu Picchu, but as you can see, there are many other incredible points of interest.
So, slow down, wander the streets of Cusco, eat all the traditional food, hike in the mountains of the Sacred Valley, awe at the remains of the powerful Inca dynasty, and fall in love with this magical region.
Have you visited Cusco and the Sacred Valley in Peru? Did you follow along with this Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary? Is there any place I am missing on this Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!
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Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for a very long time! I went to Peru last year and explored Lima and a few coastal towns. This post makes me miss Peru!
Yes, Peru is soo diverse, from the mountains to the coast! Hope you can make it to Machu Picchu in the near future!❤️
What a great guide! Peru was one of the top 5 destinations I wanted to get to next. The hike to Urquillos is absolutely stunning!!! Honestly besides Machu Picchu I had no idea what I was going to see haha. There is sooo much beauty and so much to see.
Thanks, Sarah! Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu and each site is sacred and special in its own way! Hope you get to do some exploring here in the near future! 🥾
I am a history/ruins fans so, I would love to go deep into Cusco and the Sacred Valley as you did. Love all the archeological sites! I was trying to choose a favorite but it is so difficult.
Thank Ruth! The sites are all so fascinating and unique in their own way… I can’t choose a favorite one either! 😉
This is AWESOME! I have become obsessed with visiting Peru & this has fuelled that fire! Great post, will be bookmarking this for later once it’s safe to start planning some travel again 🙂
Thanks Anna! Yeah! Glad this guide could help and hope that you can get to Peru in the near future! Happy planning ❤️
Your article brought me right back to our time in Cusco and Sacred Valley, one of the highlights of South America. One experience I can really recommend is a meal at Virgilio Martínez’s Mil Restaurant in Sacred Valley, a really interesting and delicious culinary journey through the cuisine of this part of the Andes.
ohhh thanks for the tip Kelli! Added to my list of places to explore in the Sacred Valley!😋
I’m dying to visit Peru, and Cusco and the Sacred Valley are definitely on my list. Your photos are amazing and really bring the places to life. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks so much Teresa!!! Hope to see you soon here in Peru! 🇵🇪
Pisac looks so interesting! Liked reading this as I know very little about this part of the world
Thanks so much Katy! It’s such an incredible destination! The Sacred Valley and Cusco have stolen my heart for sure.💚
That looks like such beautiful hike! Hope to make it one day!
Thanks Talia! There is so much beauty waiting in Peru! 🙃
This is such a detailed guide to the Cusco and the Sacred Valley area of Peru, Megan. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Hazel! Hope this guide helps inspire future travels. 😉
This is definitely a trip that would draw us back to South America. The landscapes are lovely and you saw so many different places. Definitely a spot that is on our travel wish list. But then that list keeps growing.
I know Linda, my bucket-list only grows and never shrinks! I hope you can experience the magic of Cusco and the surrounding region in the near future. 🏔