Cusco Peru 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Cusco

This itinerary focuses on exploring the historical and cultural highlights of Cusco while staying within the city. If you’d like to see more of the surrounding area (including Machu Picchu!), let me know, and I can adjust accordingly.

Day 1: Ancient History and City Exploration

  • Morning: Start your day with a traditional Peruvian breakfast at La Valeriana, known for its delicious and affordable “desayuno” options. Afterwards, explore the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square, and visit the surrounding landmarks like the Cathedral of Cusco (Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption), the Coricancha Temple, a fascinating Inca site incorporated into a Spanish church, and the Plaza de San Blas.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the charming streets of San Blas, the artisan district, and admire the unique crafts.

Activities:

  • Visit the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Site: This impressive fortress overlooks Cusco and offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Explore its massive stone walls and intricate terraces.
  • Explore the San Pedro Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere of this bustling market, a great place to sample traditional Peruvian cuisine, purchase souvenirs, or simply wander around and soak up the sights and smells.

Evening: Enjoy a flavorful dinner at Pachapapa, renowned for its authentic Peruvian dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Day 2: Art, History, and Local Flavors

  • Morning: Explore the Museo Inca, a fascinating museum showcasing artifacts from the Inca civilization. Afterward, indulge in a hearty lunch of “cuy” (roasted guinea pig) at Pisco y Nazca, a restaurant specializing in this local delicacy.
  • Afternoon: Discover the history of the city with a guided tour of the historic center of Cusco. Learn about the fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish cultures while visiting museums, churches, and historical sites.

Activities:

  • Visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Art Museum): Explore the rich history of Peruvian art and culture before the arrival of the Spanish.
  • Experience the traditional music and dance of Cusco at a local show: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region by attending a performance showcasing Inca and Andean traditions.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner with a modern twist on Peruvian cuisine at Chicha, a popular restaurant among locals and tourists alike.

Day 3: Hiking, Culture, and Cuisine

  • Hike to Cristo Blanco (Christ the Redeemer) statue: This offers panoramic views of the city and is a great way to experience the beauty of the Andes mountains.
  • Explore the Qorikancha Archaeological Complex: Learn about the Inca’s architectural prowess and religious beliefs at this incredible site.

Visit the Sacred Valley: Enjoy the stunning scenery and explore ancient Inca ruins like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, indulging in a traditional “picarones” dessert (sweet potato donuts with molasses) at La Cuchara de Plata, a restaurant renowned for its authentic Peruvian street food.

Activities:

  • Take a cooking class at a local culinary school: Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Cusco and learn to cook delicious dishes like “lomo saltado” (stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce) or “causa rellena” (layered potato dish).
  • Visit the surrounding mountains and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Food:

  • Try “cuy al horno” (roasted guinea pig) at a restaurant specializing in Peruvian cuisine.

Accommodation:

  • Consider staying in San Blas: This charming neighborhood offers a variety of boutique hotels and hostels, often with traditional architecture and stunning views.
  • Explore other neighborhoods:

San Blas: Immerse yourself in the historic heart of the city, with cobblestone streets and Inca walls.

  • Traditional Cuisine:

Restaurants:

  • Pachapapa: Known for its traditional Peruvian dishes, charming atmosphere, and delicious food.
  • La Cicciolina: A popular restaurant for modern Italian cuisine in a charming colonial setting.

Things to do:

  • Explore the historic center of Cusco: Visit the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, and wander through the cobblestone streets, discovering its ancient history and vibrant culture.
  • Wander through the markets of San Pedro: Immerse yourself in the bustling local life by browsing the colorful stalls and tasting “cuy al horno” (roasted guinea pig)
  • Discover the beauty of the Sacred Valley:

Try “Pisco Sour” at a traditional restaurant: This is the national cocktail of Peru, and you can enjoy this delicious beverage in its birthplace at the charming and historic Hacienda Mama Clorinda, while learning about the ancient history of the Inca empire.

  • Enjoy the stunning scenery and learn about the local culture: The Andes Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for exploring the ruins.
  • Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the Sacred Valley:

Traditional Markets:

  • San Pedro Market: A great place to sample fresh fruit juices and “chicha morada” (a traditional Peruvian drink)
  • Pisac Market: Explore the ancient artisan traditions with a visit to this bustling market.
  • San Blas Market: This is a smaller, more local market, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

Things to know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Cusco is located at 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. Take precautions and allow time to acclimate to the altitude.
  • Currency: The Peruvian Sol is the local currency.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language of Peru, but many locals also speak Quechua.

Food Recommendations for a Traditional Taste:

  • Try “cuy al horno” (roasted guinea pig) at the San Blas Market: It’s a unique and delicious dish.

  • Local Cuisine: Consider trying traditional dishes like “cuy al horno” (roasted guinea pi guinea), “alpaca a la parrilla” (grilled alpaca), and “Picarones” (a Peruvian dessert made from sweet potato) at local restaurants.

Tips:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, coca tea, or mate de coca (a traditional drink in the Andes region) to combat altitude sickness.
  • Drink “Chicha Morada”: This is a delicious and refreshing drink made from purple corn, perfect for acclimating to the high altitude.

Enjoy the experience!

For a more adventurous culinary journey:

  • Consider taking a cooking class focusing on traditional Andean cuisine: You’ll learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques while creating your own “Ceviche” (marinated seafood dish) or “Aji de Gallina” (chicken stew in a spicy sauce).
  • Sample the diverse dishes offered at various restaurants:

Stay Safe:

  • Be cautious of altitude sickness: Listen to your body and take it easy during your first day or two in Cusco. Avoid alcohol and smoking for the initial period of acclimatization.**
  • Acclimate before you explore: Drink plenty of coca tea, eat light meals, and avoid strenuous activities at high altitudes.

Accommodation:

  • Look for hotels with oxygen tanks: Many hotels in Cusco offer oxygen tanks or access to oxygenated rooms for those who need it for acclimatization.**
  • Consider staying in a traditional “Andean” style hotel: This will add an extra layer of authenticity to your trip.

For a truly unique experience, try the following:

  • Eat and drink like the locals: Indulge in traditional Peruvian dishes at a local restaurant like “Pachapapa” (a restaurant serving “Cuy al horno”, a delicacy in the region) and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the city.
  • Explore the Sacred Valley: