Cusco, sometimes called the “Navel of the World” from the Quechua language, used to be the main city and center of the Inca Empire. It’s got a ton to see and do. Since 1983, it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage site, which tells you how culturally and historically important it is.
If you only have about two or maybe three days to check out this cool city in southern Peru (sitting at about 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet above sea level), here’s a plan to help you see a lot. Spending three days in Cusco can be exciting and busy, letting you experience beautiful views, learn about the Inca culture, and try some amazing food.
In this time, you can hit major spots like the main square, Plaza de Armas, the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, and of course, Machu Picchu. You also have a chance to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas (which sits lower than Cusco, roughly between 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet and 3,000 meters / 9,842 feet) and the town of Ollantaytambo. Seeing these places will give you a great feel for the landscapes. You’ll also get a taste of daily life here and experience Peruvian art, music, and food, which are all big parts of what makes Cusco special.
Day 1: City Exploration and Ancient Walls
On your first day in Cusco, you’ll start by checking out a local market, then explore the main square, and finally visit a famous Inca fortress.
Morning: San Pedro Market & Plaza de Armas
Aim to leave your hotel around 8:00 a.m. and head straight to the San Pedro Market. This is a classic spot for a traditional Peruvian breakfast. It’s a pretty iconic place in town. The market is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can spend maybe an hour and a half to two hours here, grabbing some fresh fruit juice, empanadas, or other local eats while looking around the stalls. The market has a really lively vibe with vendors selling all sorts of things. It might even make you want to take a Peruvian cooking class!
From the market, walk over to the Plaza de Armas (also around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet). This main square is in the historic center and is surrounded by impressive colonial buildings. It’s also got a ton of history, being the ceremonial heart of the Inca Empire back in the day. Give yourself at least two hours to walk around the square and the area right around it. You’ll likely finish exploring the main square area around 12:00 p.m.
Midday: Cusco Cathedral Visit
Right after checking out the Plaza de Armas, head into the Cusco Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption. It’s right there on the square (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet) and is a major attraction. You can buy tickets to go inside. Maybe plan to enter around 12:00 p.m. You can even do a guided tour inside, which usually takes less than an hour.
Inside, you’ll see a mix of colonial and Renaissance art, including famous paintings from the “Cusco School,” which blended European styles with local subjects and colors. There’s also a collection of gold work and religious items. Guides can point out cool details about the building itself, its library, and a small internal museum with religious art and old treasures.
Lunch Recommendation: Chicha
Leaving the Cathedral around 1:00 p.m., you’ll be ready for lunch. One place many travelers recommend is Chicha by Gastón Acurio. It’s known for serving modern versions of classic Peruvian dishes. You could try things like ceviche (raw fish cured in citrus) or lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), both Peruvian staples. Pair your meal with a popular local drink like chicha morada.
Afternoon: Sacsayhuamán Fortress
After lunch, continue your exploration by heading to the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuamán. It’s a seriously impressive structure with huge stone walls and offers fantastic views looking down over Cusco (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet). The fortress is about 2 kilometers (just over a mile) north of Cusco. You can get there by taxi or even walk uphill from the city if you’re feeling energetic.
Sacsayhuamán (around 3,700 meters / 12,142 feet) usually closes around 5:00 p.m. If you get there after 2:00 p.m., plan to stay for about two hours to explore the massive stone walls and check out areas like the ceremonial altar and the Temple of Lightning. Enjoy the panoramic views of Cusco from the top. It’s a key part of the Cusco Archaeological Park.
Evening: San Blas and Dinner
Heading back down to Cusco after Sacsayhuamán, you’ll probably be thinking about dinner. One popular spot is Pachapapa restaurant. It’s known for serving Andean food in a nice, comfortable setting. It’s located on Plazoleta Street in the San Blas neighborhood (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet). Maybe take a walk around San Blas before eating – it’s a cool area with artisan shops and narrow streets. At Pachapapa, you can try traditional dishes like meats, stews, or stuffed potatoes, perhaps with a chicha morada. They also have more adventurous options like trout ceviche or guinea pig pâté. Pachapapa is usually open until 9:00 p.m., so maybe plan for dinner around 7:00 p.m. before heading back to your hotel.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Adventure
Your second day is mostly dedicated to the big one: an excursion to Machu Picchu. This is a highlight for pretty much everyone visiting the Cusco area, so it’s worth giving it a full day. It’s an early start!
Full Day: Excursion to Machu Picchu
Your trip starts early in the morning from Cusco when you head out towards Machu Picchu (located at about 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet). There are a couple of main ways to get there. One is by train, which is a really scenic ride. You get amazing views of the Andean landscapes as you travel towards this wonder of the world. Some train trips even include breakfast on board.
Another option is to travel by private car or bus part of the way before connecting to the train or other transport. Once you arrive near Machu Picchu, you can explore the ancient city on your own or hire a guide. A local expert can tell you all about the history, culture, and the different parts of the citadel like the Sun Gate, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Three Windows. Taking a guided tour is often recommended because guides can share fascinating details and stories you might miss otherwise. Plus, some tours can get you access to areas like the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes (which require separate, limited tickets), offering incredible elevated views of the citadel and the surrounding Andes. The time spent exploring Machu Picchu itself usually lasts over five hours.
Evening: Back in Cusco
After your big day at Machu Picchu and getting back to Cusco, you might still have energy to explore more of the city. You could join a walking tour to see more interesting places in the late afternoon, maybe even catching the sunset views. If you’re tired from the hike, Cusco also has spas and wellness centers if you want to relax.
Dinner Recommendation: Cicciolina
For dinner, Cicciolina is a popular choice in Cusco. It’s known for its delicious Peruvian food and a nice atmosphere. It’s a place where you can go with family or friends, offering both dishes meant for sharing and individual plates. You can usually go for dinner between 6:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The text mentions the price for a main dish and a drink here might be around $20 USD per person.
Day 3: Sacred Valley Exploration
On your third and final full day in Cusco, you’ll head out to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This involves visiting some impressive sites and towns outside the immediate city. To fit it all in, plan to leave your hotel by 8:00 a.m.
Morning: Maras and Moray
Start your day in the Sacred Valley by visiting Maras and Moray. These are important Inca sites with unique features. Maras (around 3,200 meters / 10,500 feet) is famous for its incredible salt pans terraced down a hillside – people have been harvesting salt here for ages. Moray (about 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet) has those cool circular Inca terraces that look like amphitheaters, believed to be an agricultural research site.
Getting between Cusco and Maras and Moray is easiest with an organized tour or a private taxi. This way, you can visit these spots along with others in the Sacred Valley. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at Maras and Moray. If you have a guide explaining things, it might take a bit longer, but you can still see a lot in around two hours.
Midday/Afternoon: Sacred Valley Highlights
Continue your guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas (ranging from about 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet to 3,000 meters / 9,842 feet). You’ll explore ruins and archaeological areas in the region. A must-see is Pisac (around 2,972 meters / 9,751 feet), which has impressive Inca ruins high up on a hill and a lively market in the town below.
Spend maybe two hours visiting the Pisac ruins and checking out its market. It’s a good place to look for local crafts and souvenirs. During a Sacred Valley tour, you might also stop in Urubamba (around 2,870 meters / 9,416 feet), a good town for trying local food, or Chinchero (about 3,762 meters / 12,342 feet), known for its traditional Andean textiles and weaving demonstrations. Since this area is popular, you could even look into fun activities like a quad bike tour around the Sacred Valley surroundings. It’s definitely an experience many travelers enjoy.
Late Afternoon: Ollantaytambo
As part of the same tour, or if you’re traveling independently, continue to Ollantaytambo (around 2,792 meters / 9,160 feet). It’s a picturesque town about 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) from Pisac. Ollantaytambo has an amazing Inca fortress and temple complex that is really well-preserved and full of history.
Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the main archaeological sites in Ollantaytambo and enjoying the views and the town’s vibe. You might arrive there around 3:00 p.m. and stay until after 5:00 p.m.
Evening: Back to Cusco & Farewell Dinner
After Ollantaytambo, it will be time to head back to Cusco, likely arriving back in the city sometime after 6:00 p.m. You’ll have the rest of the evening to relax, have dinner, and get ready for your departure.
For your farewell dinner, consider Kion restaurant in Cusco (around 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet). It’s known for blending Asian flavors with Peruvian ingredients in a nice atmosphere. It’s usually open until 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m.
After dinner, whether you choose Kion or another spot, you can head back to your hotel to rest before traveling home. Or, if you’re up for it, you could check out some of Cusco’s nightlife.
With these three days packed with activities, you’ll have seen a lot of the most interesting places around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. You’ll head home with great memories, and probably already wanting to come back!