Deciding how many days to spend in Cusco, Peru, really depends on what you want to see, how much time you’ve got, and your budget. This city, sitting up high at about 3,400 meters (around 11,152 feet) above sea level, is packed with history and cool stuff.
If you’re aiming for a good experience where you can see the main attractions, not feel rushed, and get a sense of the place’s long history, planning for about 3 to 4 days is a common recommendation.
It’s a pretty good idea to plan your Cusco trip ahead of time. Think about the specific places you want to visit and what activities are on your list. Also, look into how you’ll get around. Booking your flight and where you’ll stay (accommodation) beforehand is smart. Sometimes, looking at tour packages that include hotels and activities can make planning easier. It also helps to map out a rough schedule for each day, so you make the most of your time.
What to See and Do in Cusco
Cusco’s heart and soul are tied to its past. A lot of the main attractions are about history and culture. Plus, the natural scenery around here is just beautiful and adds a lot to the experience.
Here are some key places and activities you’ll likely want to check out:
Ancient Ruins
Back in the day, from the 13th century until it fell in 1533, Cusco was the main city, the capital of the huge Inca Empire. Lots of different groups lived here, and they built some incredible stuff. Today, you can visit these archaeological sites that show just how advanced that civilization was. Some cool ancient ruins to visit include:
- Sacsayhuamán: This is a big Inca fortress located just outside Cusco, sitting at about 3,700 meters (around 12,142 feet). It’s known for its massive carved stone walls, considered a masterpiece of their building skills. People think it was built for religious or military reasons to help protect Cusco.
- Koricancha: Also called the Temple of the Sun, this was a major religious spot right in Cusco (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet). It was built to honor the Sun God, who was super important to the Incas. Today, it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can still see the incredible Inca stone work mixed with the Spanish colonial structure built on top of it.
- Moray: These are unique Inca agricultural terraces shaped like big circles that sink into the ground, located at an altitude of about 3,500 meters (around 11,500 feet). It’s thought they might have been used like an experimental farm to test different crops at various temperatures found at different levels.
Museums
Checking out some museums in Cusco is a good way to learn more about the Inca culture and what life was like back then. They have cool artifacts from that time.
Here are a few notable ones:
- Koricancha Museum: This one is actually inside the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) site. It has a collection of items and artwork from the Inca period.
- Inca Museum: This museum has a really extensive collection, showing off Inca pottery, textiles, jewelry, even mummies, and gold and silver pieces. It walks you through the whole story of the Inca civilization, from how it started to when it ended.
- Pre-Columbian Art Museum: Here, you can see art pieces from different cultures that lived in Peru before the Spanish arrived, not just the Incas, but also groups like the Nazca, Moche, and Chimú.
In the City Center
Just walking around the streets of Cusco is an experience itself. Many areas are iconic parts of the city’s charm.
These spots are really important:
- Plaza de Armas: This main square in Cusco (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the central spot for ceremonies during the Inca times. After the Spanish came, they built churches and colonial buildings around it. Today, it’s a lively meeting place for both locals and travelers.
- Cusco Cathedral: Located right on the Plaza de Armas (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet), this impressive church has a detailed stone front and is a key example of colonial architecture. Inside its chapels, you can see paintings from the “Cusco School” style of art.
- San Pedro Market: This is a busy, bustling market in Cusco (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet) where you can find all sorts of things – local crafts, medicinal herbs, colorful textiles, and lots of local food stands. It’s a great place to dive into the local scene.
Sample Trip Plans
If you’re planning to visit the old Inca capital, getting a tour package can help you see the highlights. Here are a couple of ideas for how you could structure your days:
A 3-Day Trip Idea
- Day 1: Spend your first day walking around the heart of Cusco. Explore the old cobbled streets, enjoy the beauty of the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. Before the day ends, make sure to visit the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun).
- Day 2: Dedicate this day to checking out archaeological sites. Visit Sacsayhuamán and explore other ruins that are located nearby the city.
- Day 3: Since Machu Picchu (located at about 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet) is relatively close, your last day is perfect for visiting this famous historic sanctuary. You could also consider a trip into the Sacred Valley (ranging from about 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet to 3,000 meters / 9,842 feet depending on the area), which is known for its beautiful nature, like waterfalls and little valleys, and interesting sites.
A 4-Day Trip Idea
- Day 1: A good way to start is by exploring the center of Cusco city. Visit the Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas, and check out some of the museums.
- Day 2: Get an early start to visit archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán and Moray. Heading out early helps avoid some crowds.
- Day 3: Take the whole day to do a comprehensive tour of the Sacred Valley, visiting its towns, markets, and ruins.
- Day 4: On your last day, don’t miss the chance to visit Machu Picchu. It’s the highlight for many travelers coming to the Cusco area.
Experience the Magic of Cusco
Visiting Cusco is an awesome way to experience the rich culture of the Incas, one of the most important in South America. To make sure you see everything you want to, plan your trip ahead of time. Figure out how many days work best for you based on what’s on your must-see list.
Have an adventure exploring the ancient sites, learn about the history by walking the old streets, and definitely make sure you get to visit Machu Picchu.
Now that you’ve got an idea of what’s waiting, getting your tickets to Cusco is the next step to enjoying this incredible experience.