Cuzco 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Cuzco Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on exploring the historical and cultural highlights of Cuzco within a short timeframe.

Day 1: Inca History & Heritage

  • Morning:

    • Travel: Arrive in Cuzco (Cusco) by plane or bus. Allow time to acclimate to the altitude (3,400m/11,152ft). Altitude sickness is common in Cuzco due to its location in the Andes Mountains. Drink plenty of coca tea, hydrate with water, and take it easy for the first day.

  • Afternoon:

    • Plaza de Armas & Cathedral: Start your exploration at the heart of the city, the Plaza de Armas. This central square is a perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.
      • Activity: Visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, built on top of an Inca temple, and marvel at the fusion of Spanish and Inca architecture.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal at Pachapapa. They are known for their delicious food and vibrant atmosphere.
      • Things to Know:
        • Pachapapa is a popular spot, so reservations are recommended.
        • The restaurant serves a variety of dishes from the Cusco region.

  • Things to know: Cuzco is at a high altitude, so it’s important to take it slow and acclimate for the first day or two after arriving. Avoid strenuous activity and drink plenty of fluids.

    • Suggested Itinerary:
      • Acclimatization: Arrive in Cuzco and take it easy for the rest of the day. Rest and acclimate!

Day 2: Exploring Cusco’s Past & Present

  • Morning:

    • Explore Sacsayhuamán: This impressive Inca fortress is a must-see.
      • Things to know: Located just outside the city, it’s accessible by taxi or tour bus. Allow plenty of time to explore this massive site and soak in the breathtaking views.
    • Visit the Plaza de Armas & surrounding areas: Explore the vibrant Plaza de Armas, the historical heart of Cusco, and take a stroll through the charming streets of San Blas and the surrounding historic neighborhoods.
      • Activity: Walk around the Plaza de Armas, admire the architecture of the colonial churches, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Sacred Valley: Take a day trip to explore the stunning scenery and traditional villages in the Sacred Valley. This fertile region is dotted with Inca ruins, charming markets, and beautiful nature.
      • Activity: Visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress and learn about its fascinating history.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Museo de la Gastronomía for a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine.
    • Things to know:
      • The Sacred Valley is located in the surrounding valleys and offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience traditional Inca culture.

Food Recommendations:

  • Traditional Cuisine:
    • Pachamama: Enjoy a modern take on traditional Andean dishes.
    • Restaurante La Valeriana: Try their excellent ceviche and other seafood options.
    • La Cuchara de Plata: Savor delicious, hearty Peruvian meals in a beautiful setting.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: For short distances within Cusco, taxis are readily available and affordable.
  • Tour Bus: Taking a tour bus to the nearby sites is recommended for safety and convenience (and often they’ll have oxygen tanks on board).
  • Walking: Walking is a great way to experience the charm of Cusco and explore the historic districts.

Things to Know about Day 2:

  • Altitude: Be extra mindful of altitude sickness symptoms, as the sites in the Sacred Valley are also at high elevations.
  • Tour Guides: Hiring a local guide for the Inca ruins is highly advisable. They can provide invaluable insights into the history and significance of the sites.

Other things to consider:

  • Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the official currency.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park, including exploring the nearby Qoricancha temple.
  • Enjoy a traditional Peruvian cooking class and learn about the flavors of the region.
  • Take a guided tour of the Inca ruins and experience them through the eyes of the past.

Tips:

  • Book in advance: The Inca Trail and other major attractions require permits and often book up months in advance, especially for the 2nd day.

  • Pack light: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so pack only what you need for two days.

  • Wear comfortable shoes: This is essential for hiking around the ruins!

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun is strong at this altitude, even on cloudy days.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or coca tea to avoid altitude sickness.

Things to know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Consult your doctor about medication to help with altitude sickness.

  • Weather: The weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all conditions.

  • Acclimatization: Spend the first day or two acclimating to the altitude in Cusco before hiking on the 2nd day.

Important Notes:

  • Altitude Sickness: Acclimate gradually. Drink plenty of fluids (especially coca tea), eat light meals, and avoid alcohol for your first 24-48 hours in Cusco.
  • Weather: The weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers and be prepared for both sunny and chilly conditions.

Things to see and do in the Sacred Valley:

  • Pisac: Explore the ancient ruins overlooking the town, visit the vibrant market for local crafts and textiles, and enjoy the stunning views of the Sacred Valley from above.
  • Ollantaytambo: Marvel at the intricate stonework of this impressive Inca site, which served as a fortress and a royal estate.

Enjoy the diverse landscapes and experiences the Sacred Valley has to offer:

  • History: Explore the ancient history of the region by visiting the many Inca ruins scattered throughout the valley.
  • Nature:
    • Ollantaytaytambo: Hike through the Andes mountains with breathtaking views.

Things to do in Ollantaytambo:

  • ** Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site:** Take a guided tour of this ancient Inca fortress and learn about its role as a strategic point on the Inca Trail.

  • Ollantaytambo Market: Immerse yourself in Peruvian culture by exploring the bustling market, known for its traditional crafts and food stalls.

  • Sacred Valley Tours: Many tours are available to explore these incredible sites.

Food:

  • Enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views of the mountains at one of the restaurants in Ollantaytambo.

  • Ollantaytambo: This village is known for its traditional Inca architecture and vibrant marketplace.

  • Dining in the Sacred Valley:

    • Pisac Market: A great place to sample local delicacies.

Things to do near Cusco:

  • The Sacred Valley:
    • Explore the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, Moray (agricultural terraces), and Pisac.
  • The Marketplace:
    • Discover the unique treasures of the Andes.

Enjoy traditional activities:

  • Market tours:
    • Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the vibrant markets in Ollantaytambo or other towns in the Sacred Valley, like Chinchero or Ollantaytambo’s market.

Things to Know:

  • Altitude: The altitude of the Sacred Valley is significantly lower than that of the Inca ruins, so it’s important to acclimatize properly and be aware of potential altitude sickness symptoms.
  • Cultural Significance: Learning about the history and purpose of the different sites.
  • Things to do in the evenings:
    • Stay hydrated: *

For a more enjoyable trip:

  • Choose a reputable tour operator: This is crucial for a safe and informative experience, especially when it comes to ethical tourism practices.
  • Consider spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before attempting a trek to the Sacred Valley: