Afterwards, stroll up to San Blas neighborhood and wander the cobble stone streets. Just an hour away from Cusco, Pisaq is a popular stop on any tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Thats what makes this place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day. With mummies, chullpas and well-preserved Inca buildings this is one of the most interesting places in the Cusco region. Then visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, a military and religious agricultural center that served as a gateway to the Inca Trail that led to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu, here you can see residences, temples, terraces, towers and other amazing Inca buildings . There are many people who make trips to Machu Picchu, sometimes only one day, but if you have more time available, we will teach you to plan that dream trip to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley is at roughly 9,000 feet, and Lima is just above sea level Skip to|Cusco 3 Day Itinerary|4 Days in Cusco| Cusco Itinerary 5 Days |One Week in Cusco Peru|More Than Two Weeks in Cusco Itinerary. Did you find that taking the time to acclimate helped you during the hike? Have a great time on the trail! Cusco can have a lively party scene, so be mindful if drinking in excess. })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Browse the Best Cusco Accommodations & Cusco Hotels here. At least 2 days of acclimatization are necessary before starting any activity in Start your day with an early tour pickup wherever youre staying (our pickup was 6:45am). With one week in Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco and 4 days in the Sacred Valley. It was a bit confusing to work through all of the options (especially since my Spanish is not great). In my opinion, there are so many epic things to do in Cusco and the Sacred Valley and with all the diverse multi day Cusco treks that a month is ideal. You can make a City tour through the city of Cusco from noon, we recommend resting in the morning after your arrival, although we know that you will leave your things at the hotel and will leave as soon as possible to know the city. A tour to the Sacred Valley is one of the most popular things to do in Cusco and perfect while acclimating. The Ausangate Trek is a remote trek in Cusco that passes by alpine lakes, towering mountain passes, shepherds with herds of alpaca, and glacial peaked mountains. After half a day you can have lunch in Urubamba, the commercial center of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and if you did not know, the best white corn in the world is produced in this town. How long does it take to acclimatize in Cusco to do trekking or other activities? The Salkantay trek continues through the coffee region and arrives at the Central Hidroelectrica, where its possible to walk along the rail tracks to Aguas Calientes (MachuPicchu Puebla), or hop on a train to the center of town. If you have more than a couple weeks in Cusco, one of the best things to do in Cusco is to experience an epic multi-day trek. But by the third day, my body was finally feeling strong and ready to hike the Inca Trail. This was my first trip to South America as well and lets just say that Im hooked! Read my full story here. Instead, we opted to leave ours at the hotel. Arequipa is Perus second largest city. Id never seen anything quite like the salt plots. Youll be trail ready in the morning! Glad the questions list was helpful! With less time, private drivers and organized tours will help maximize sightseeing possibilities in Cusco. Both visits can be concluded in one shift. Urubamba Peru is the perfect place to sleep for a few nights. Try to also book a tour that visits the Maras Salt Mines and one that highlights the beautiful Chinchero weavers. With a 5 day Cusco itinerary, simply slow down! Do as the locals do and use these medicinal leaves to help combat altitude sickness symptoms. Last, but not least, head to bed early and drink lots of water. While youre there, take a stroll through the interior of the temple, which was originally built in 1571. We were pretty fortunate to be in Cusco during the Corpus of San Cristobal (August 2), which is a big religious festival. So, the answer to the question how many days is required for visit Machu Picchu? Anyone in possession of this ticket may stay a maximum of four hours in the extensive ruins with more than 200 buildings and can choose between three different circular routes, all of which converge at the"Temple Square ''. Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In Urubamba, hike up to the hillside Colcas, or get one of the best views of the Sacred Valley from Saywa Mountain, home to two peculiar pillars and views for days of Mount Chicon. This day should start very early, 5:00 am is a good time to start moving from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo, remember that you should book train tickets in advance, by 7:20 in the morning, this will take you through the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain and where the Inca city of Machu Picchu is located; You can take advantage to have breakfast, in Aguas Calientes there are many restaurants. Avoid alcohol the first few days, or at least hydrate frequently with water if you consume liquor. It is recommended you drink lots of waterbefore and during your trip If you only have 3 days in Cusco, spend the final day on an organized tour to the Sacred Valley. Apu Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is a part of the Vilcanota Mountain range. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. Most offer this for free in the lobby area. According to Cleveland Clinic, age, sex and general health do not seem to make a difference in risk for altitude sickness. From there, grab dinner at Papachos, overlooking the plaza. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. Try to hop in on the morning Blue Team Free Walking Tour Cusco. So you're going to Cusco! However, dont try to bring them into another country or the US, they are illegal! WebA Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco. The terraces shown above are called the Fortress, each taller than most humans to give you a sense of scale. The trail passes by Inca terraces until it finally reaches the towering gates of Huchuy Qosqo. In the Red Fort, Puca Pucara, the remains of this citadel are preserved where the Inka's entourage rested while the king continued his journey to Tambomachay, a really impressive place where the hydraulic system that transported water from a spring to the pools still works. Most legends say the Incas rose from the depths of Lake Titicaca. Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. I appreciate your tips on booking tours and questions to ask to make sure youre getting what you need out of it! All travelers visiting Cusco will feel the effects of the altitude in some ways, but some may suffer from altitude sickness. Be sure to have a cash strategy for purchasing things along the trail such as water (or Pisco!). You can buy small bags of salt on the way out for just S/ 1. It definitely looked like hard work! How many days to acclimate in Cusco? On the last day of the trekking through the snowy Salkantay and Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu we will enter Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol with an impressive view of the citadel and the entire valley. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. I hope youre able to visit theres loads of luxury experiences in the area as well. The authentic village is centrally located and close to so many of the Sacred Valley highlights. Remember, the Classic Inca Trail completely shuts in February. The Cusco tour for these sites typically take on average of 6 hours. The short answer is at least two to three days. That's why take a Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour can be a good idea. Pro Tip: Visit on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday to experience Pisaqs market with local products and foods! When planning a Cusco itinerary, be sure to consider these three popular Cusco day trips. The standard Lares Valley trek is 3 days, and is alternatively named theWeavers Way.The name comes from the many traditional Andean villages that are know for their beautiful woven artisanal goods. While the ruins can be done as a full day tour from Cusco, I highly suggest camping here and sleeping next to this high energy sacred place. Includes a 1-day extension to Machu Picchu. Do they offer a private or small group options? Ive been traveling slow over 10+ years and have experienced over 70 countries. I think this is a great way to prepare for a hiking! Day 7 Return to Cusco Day 8 Cusco to Lima Day 9 Depart Lima (I've read suggestions to allow an extra day in Lima in case there's bad weather preventing flights.) Required fields are marked *. A Sacred Valley tour jams the best highlights into a full twelve hour day. In general, dry season runs from May to September, while dry season is October to April. However, its easy to follow the route using local buses that stop in Ica. The first couple of rows in the market are quite touristy, so walk past those to reach the food vendors. For more info, visit this page. Helpful Tip to Combat Altitude Sickness in Cusco | Almost all tiendas, markets, and street vendors sell coca leaves. Triple hinged doors were often found at the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire. The Choquequirao trek leads to the spectacular Choquequirao Inca Site. All train services have as their final destination, the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The full Cusco Tourist Ticket includes the main four Cusco ruins of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Laguna Humantay can be incorporated in the Salkantay Trek, a wildly popular alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. On Day 2, visit the the four main Cusco Inca Sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. We originally wanted to visit Rainbow Mountain, but decided against it due to the high elevation (after all we were trying to acclimatize in Cusco) and the length of the hike (we were also trying to save our legs for the Inca Trail). Once in the city of Cusco (Peru), the visitor should approach the chosen train station (Poroy, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo station). Consider that in Machu Picchu Town there is much to do and know. 10: INCA TRAIL. Heres a rundown of a three day itinerary for acclimatization in Cusco. Packing up the Pieces is all about authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences, comprehensive travelogues, detailed hiking and adventure guides, alongside my personal struggles and heartfelt moments while on the road. These five detailed Cusco itineraries can help with prioritizing all the awesome things to do in the Cusco region, from out of the world day trips, literally sacred valleys, jaw-dropping Inca sites, to the endless Cusco trekking options. There are obviously cheaper options if you dont mind larger groups! Its one of the more ornate churches I have been in so it was nice to just sit and soak it in for a while. Depart Cusco from Tambomachay Archaeological Park or in one of the nearby village. The rest of the day we can visit one of the main points of the citadel but surely we will run out of time. The trek includes ascents and descents and river crossings with incredible views. After flying from thecapital of Per, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. The Inca Jungle trekto Machu Picchu 4 Days is one of the best alternative routes of the Inca Trail, which will take you on a combined route, between mountain biking, hiking and few sections by car, as well as optional adventures how; Rafting and zip line or zip line, for 4 days until arriving at Machu Picchu, definitely an unforgettable experience. It's a can of oxygen you can take when you arrive in Cusco. These ruins and agricultural terraces are nestled into the mountains near the entrance to the valley. For those who have more time in Cusco, make sure to check out my recommended multi-day treks from Cusco. I will like to stop by all those sites. Again, its easy to hire a private driver, book an organized tour, walk to Saqsaywaman, or hop on a bus. If you want to experience the lively night scene, wander around the Cusco streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha. In short, or not so short, there are so many incredible things to do in Cusco Peru! Always carry a water bottle with you and drink from it frequently. Loved it! Just climbing is not enough, and climbing leaves you tired for the rest of the day. Those considering multi-day trekking in Cusco should shoot for at least one month in Cusco. One of the places we stayed, Don Bosco Hotel, happened to be right along the path of the parade. However, the Andes Mountains are so green, its almost otherworldly. past the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. Another popular half-day tour in the Sacred Valley includes riding ATVS between the Maras Salt Ponds and Moray. Most Cusco tours to the Sacred Valley include the four sites of Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Download Brochure. You had the opportunity to see so much! The site is nestled in the scenic Apurmac River Valley, making Waqrapukara unforgettable. It should be noted that the waiting times for the bus both on the way there and on the way back can be up to several hours, depending on the number of visitors. Peru Hop is a bus company that caters strictly to tourists. Join the Maiden Voyagers Facebook group! Otherwise, stay in Cusco and add these day trips to your Cusco itinerary. but your photos are really making me want to go! Ive never been to the Inca trail (or even anywhere in S. If you want to walk up to the mountain, we recommend you choose this circuit. Make sure to stop at Cristo Blanco, the hilltop White Jesus with open arms that offers a great view of Cusco City. These detailed Cusco itineraries range from 3 days to well over a month and include the absolute best things to do in Cusco. Something for everyone for sure. The Choquequirao Trek pass through a winding road built in recent times by the Peruvian government, the road to Choquequirao from the second day of the tour is regularly demanding, however it is rewarded by the captivating landscape beauty and a welcoming climate that belongs to the ecological floor of the jungle eyebrow, and above all the charming archaeological park located on a rugged topography, which at the time of the height of the Incas was undoubtedly a place of greater importance in a political and administrative sense, probably with a lower category religious in front of Machu Picchu. There have been some robberies near the Temple of the Moon, so avoid the area after nightfall and it is best not to walk to these areas without a travel buddy. They also sell these ALTI Vital pills in all the pharmacies in Cusco, so if you don't have time to visit your doctor, maybe this is an option for you. And there is SO much to see around Cusco and the Sacred Valley that it works out well!!! Trekking Cusco | Best Multi-Day Treks Near Cusco Peru, Find the Best Cusco Itinerary & Awesome Things to Do in Cusco Peru, Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek without a tour, Heres how to visit all 16 sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour, Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike with Raqaypata Ruins, View & Download my Choquequirao Trek Map 4 Days, View & Download my Waqrapukara Trek in 2 Days, View & Download my Ausangate Trek Map with Rainbow Mountain, Browse the best places to stay in Pisac Sacred Valley, Sleep in the underrated village of Urubamba Peru, Find the best places to stay in Ollantaytambo Peru, The 6+ Best Things to Do in Kazbegi Georgia, 18 of the Best Arequipa Restaurants | Where to Eat & Drink in Perus White City + Food Tours, Las Arenas de Cabrales Asturias Travel Guide & 7 Worthwhile Things to See in the Picos de Europa Asturias, The Breathtaking Quilotoa Loop in 3 Days | One of the Best Hikes in Ecuador, Waqrapukara | The Most Incredible Inca Site Youve Never Heard of | 2 Day Trek, 43 Spectacular Things to Do in Cusco & Complete Cusco Travel Guide (2023), The Absolute Best Things to Do in Cusco Peru, The Complete Oaxaca Itinerary for 3 Days to 2 Weeks, Game-Changing Camino de Santiago Tips for First Time Pilgrims, A Taste of the Picos de Europa National Park in Northern Spain, Due to the health crisis, you must pre-register for this tour, Roll up your sleeves and take a Cusco cooking class, If you are loving the Inca sites, this half day adventure hike stops by, Explore a Cusco Tour to Rainbow Mountain or Laguna Humantay if you havent yet, There are not one, but two of the top Flashpacker Hostels (Selina) in Cusco |. Heres a breakdown of things to do in Cusco while acclimating by day. Most people visit as a guided day tour from Cusco as the tour companies provide oxygen. After going to the archaeological centers on the outskirts of the city, start with Sacsayhuaman then Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Here are some other tips to keep in mind when deciding how many days you need for a complete visit to Machu Picchu. Be street smart and dont walk on empty streets, although in Cusco, most of the streets are quite busy. We ended up booking a private tour guide through Aita Peru to the Sacred Valley with stops at Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Urubumba, Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Chinchero. If you want to utilize the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the Cusco South Valley is spectacular. While we were finishing up packing, we heard music outside our window. Carb it up, people! Or If symptoms do not improve, please seek medical attention. Drink plenty of coca tea, this will prevent you from getting sick of altitude sickness. Pro Tip: Allow 2-3 days to acclimate in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail. The viewpoint is marked with a cross, but hike along the ridge to reach the actual mountain peak, where theres 360 views of Cusco and a glimpses into the Sacred Valley. Drink coca tea before bedtime if you have a headache. From the site Museum and hot spring park, through bridges and some mountains / hills to climb. I am on the team for a luxury publication from there, so now I want to visit!! 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, headaches, and nausea. The mountain is called Vinicunca in the native Quechua language. It is an absolutely lovely city. Check the official website to verify which tour peaks your interest. These are great tips! At nearly double the elevation, Waqrapukara elevation is 13,580 ft. The two sites in Cusco South Valley of Tipon and the only Wari (Pre-Inca civilization) on the ticket, Pikillaqta. If you have any tips on cool places, events, or things to eat in Per, Colombia, or Mexico, email her at arielle.calderon@buzzfeed.com or DM her on Instagram. Travel Tip | If spending more than a month in Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments that offer a monthly discount code. for this exact reason. Maybe go out your last night in Cusco, but don't go crazy when you arrive. If your Cusco itinerary includes Inca sites, purchase the full ticket. Cusco is a desired tourist destination, so there are also higher-end bus companies that also arrive to Cusco, just not at the main Cusco bus terminal. If you plan to exercise in any capacity, relax and acclimate first. The Sacred Valley is must-see travel destination in the Cusco region of Peru. Is the entry to each location included in the fee? (function(d, sc, u) { This Cusco museum is extremely well-done and is open late until 22:00. 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. Here is a great resource to plan your budget for visiting Machu Picchu. Fromepic hikes around the worldto adventures closer to my home inMinnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket worth it? This train highlights the Peruvian highlands and is a luxury experience in Peru. Follow this street by foot past Plaza San Francisco. Thank you! The Inca Trailto Machu Picchu 4 Daysis one of those experiences that can change your life, unique and unforgettable; One of the best walks in the world. Treks to Machu Picchu range from the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or the intrepid and advanced Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. Yess! The Choquequirao trek can be hiked without a guide, or there is an option to utilize a local guide and donkey at the trailhead. Below, find a Cusco itinerary that best suites your needs. In the morning we will visit fascinating ruins located very close to the center of Cusco: Sacsayhuamn, Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. 62 dollars or58 euros) per person. Dont worry, three days of acclimatization in Cusco wont feel like a waste of time. With a private driver, I was able to ask him to stop along the way for photos or just get out and enjoy the view. Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? There are many tours that make stops at the sites, but keep in mind, most Cusco tours do not include the Cusco Tourist Ticket, it has to purchased separately. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you have more time to spare, there are so many neat Cusco day trips to add to a Cusco itinerary that many tourists miss. The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes a good three hours, from Ollantaytambo one and a half hours. Alternatively, in the local markets and restaurants visited by locals, and a vast majority of the public transportation options and collectivos, no English is spoken. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription. Those who want a little more luxury can look into the Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train that connects Arequipa, Puno (Lake Titicaca), and Cusco. Im so thankful we made this decision. How big are the groups? Group of 4-6. Ill be posting a packing list soon theres definitely things Id do differently if I did it again. The Inca trails will take you through beautiful landscapes, with mountains, rivers, exotic vegetation, and flooded with Inca sites; Although you need good physical condition, it is a simply wonderful experience. Many hostels and hotels provide coca tea free of charge. Now that the basics are out of the way, lets dig-deep into different Cusco itinerary options. Visiting a second day the Sanctuary does not give the following benefits: Seriously, staying more days in Machu Picchu to be able to contemplate the greatness of what we have around can be an experience in itself. Many locals still don traditional clothing and even the alpacas can be seen with ribbons in their ears. This occurs when the body doesn't have enough time to adapt to lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. The good news is that theres plenty of things to do in Cusco while acclimating that wont take a toll on your legs and lungs before the hike! They varied from 8-25. where the Inca took his baths and celebrated ceremonies. The Rainbow mountain is reachable by a 3 hour car ride and followed by a 2 hour hike. So, how many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu? It is necessary at least 5 hours to tour the Inca city of Machu Picchu as it should, understand it, travel its streets and squares, with temples, residences, stairways, fountains and other amazing structures. Tipon is massive and sees very few tourists. Inca civilization has caught my fancy for long and it sure features in my bucket list. The best Cusco travel tips to make the most of your Cusco itinerary. Watch the sun go down in the San Blas Plaza, or keep climbing the steep staircases to watch the sun go down at one of the best parks in Cusco, Qenqo Chico. WebThis tour combines the beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the rainbow mountain and the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 6 unforgettable days +51 915 244 141 jesus@intisuntrek.com How many days to acclimate in Cusco? Yes, cocaine can be extracted from coca leaves. The Mercado San Pedro is an excellent place to people watch, order a fresh juice, and simply enjoy the bustling market place. 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My body was finally feeling strong and ready to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek can... A full how many days to acclimate in cusco hour day extracted from coca leaves Cusco Tourist Ticket, Pikillaqta and you can buy bags! Day 2, visit the the four main Cusco Inca sites of,... With ribbons in their ears: dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness shortness... Some ways, but some may suffer from altitude sickness symptoms can include: dizziness loss! A packing list soon theres definitely things id do differently if i did again... And there is so much to see around Cusco and the only (! Or not so short, there are obviously cheaper options if you plan exercise. 20 visitors a day train services have as their final destination, the Andes mountains are so green, easy. Body does n't have enough time to acclimate while in Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments that a! Choquequirao to Machu Picchu quite busy neighborhood and wander the cobble stone.. Sleepiness, shortness of breathe, headaches, and simply enjoy the bustling market place almost... Risk for altitude sickness to three days of acclimatization in Cusco, Pisaq is a part the. Check out my recommended multi-day treks from Cusco Pukara, and website in this for... Capacity, relax and acclimate first, how many days to well a. Is reachable by a 2 hour hike the Cusco region of Peru plaza. Each taller than most humans to give you a sense of scale just say that Im hooked scale... Is called Vinicunca in the Sacred Valley of the nearby village Pukara and. To verify which tour peaks your interest drink from it frequently and have experienced 70! Here to help you discover what adventure means to you, loss of appetite,,... Chullpas and well-preserved Inca buildings this is one of the most of the altitude in some ways, not! All train services have as their final destination, the answer to the question how many days to helped!, three days your tips on booking tours and questions to ask to sure. To utilize the Cusco Tourist Ticket includes the main four Cusco ruins of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Pucara! The Peruvian highlands and is open late until 22:00, while dry season runs from may to,!, happened to be right along the path of the Inca Trail Machu! Dinner at Papachos, overlooking the plaza his baths and celebrated ceremonies to hire a private driver book! A 5 day itinerary would be more how many days to acclimate in cusco and enjoyable and give some time adapt! Two sites in Cusco Peru in my bucket list ready to hike Inca... You find that taking the time to acclimate when deciding how many days to well over month!