Be sure to check opening times of each to be sure youll have access to your items when you return. Both my Airbnbs provided leaves, you can find coca products in all pharmacies, and you can likely order coca tea at most restaurants in Cusco. The tour companies pick you up as early as 5am to drive to the trailhead which is one and a half hours away. There is not one in Maukallacta, but three! Before plan how many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu, if you plan to make this trip on your own and not on an organized tour, know that any trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, begins with the purchase of tickets to Machu Picchu, especially if what you want is the Huayna Picchu mountain, since the Huayna Picchu tickets+ circuit 4 must be booked at least 4 months in advance and still, you will have to settle for the tickets available for the remaining days. The duration of the trip by train (one way) depends on the station where the train is taken: If you want to know more information about the scheduales train and services, please visit: train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. And there is SO much to see around Cusco and the Sacred Valley that it works out well!!! The Waqrapukara ruins are gaining popularity and now require a 10 PEN entrance fee ($2.75 USD), but that includes using the camping facilities. From Ollantaytambo station: The trip takes a little less than 2 hours. Hi! And if you're in Cusco planning to hike Rainbow Mountain, that's EVEN HIGHER than Cusco (and Matterhorn in Switzerland). The short answer is at least two to three days. function ml_webform_success_2601308(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-2601308 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-2601308 .row-form").hide()} Wow, there is so much to see and do near Cusco! How many days to spend in Cusco Peru? At nearly double the elevation, Waqrapukara elevation is 13,580 ft. It's actually pretty unpredictable if you'll get it or not, but there are some things you can do to help acclimate! 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. : When you arrive in Cuzco just go straight to your hotel and take a nap: DO NOT TRY TO SIGHTSEE THE FIRST DAY!!!! You can have breakfast at the hotel, at the airport or wherever you want, in Cusco there are hundreds of restaurants, just be sure to be an hour before at the airport. Glad you found it helpful! This incredible trek near Cusco never dips below 4,000 meters and can include an add-on hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. Check out this awesome 1 Day Lares Valley Trek. In Cusco city, its possible to see many of the Cusco highlights in 3 days, but of course, you would need to utilize guided tours and/or drivers. Cusco is about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo only 32 kilometers. A Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco. How big are the groups? The Cusco tour for these sites typically take on average of 6 hours. s.type = 'text/javascript'; 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. To hike the Inca Trail you must obtain a permit, which are limited. If you come in the high season (May - August), all of this will have to be reserved a few months in advance, if you do not do so, you will probably have to spend some more money, since last-minute reservations in the high season are very expensive. Is the entry to each location included in the fee? Take all the photos you can, then you can choose between them. It's basically like having a hangover from hell after a night of too many tequila shots. The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude 70km hike in the Peruvian mountains near If you have more time, its totally doable to visit Machu Picchu on your own. If you only have 3 days in Cusco, spend the final day on an organized tour to the Sacred Valley. Yes, cocaine can be extracted from coca leaves. Along this street, you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced. These are great recommendations for before the hike. When you reach Calle Tupac Amaro youll see Mercado de Abastos, which is an indoor market filled with food and other trinkets. Thanks so much, Jessica! Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. There are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, but those coming from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village. TOUR OF CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU IN 2 DAYS Day 01: Route in 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. With three days in Cusco, its best to stick to the historic city center and enjoy the four main Cusco ruins. At the end of the first day I had a pretty bad headache, but it went away about 10 minutes after drinking the coca tea. We just have to think that the rise of Huayna Picchu is considered one of the most dangerous mountain walks in the world. I hope youre able to visit theres loads of luxury experiences in the area as well. The Cusco Plaza de Armas in the city center is a perfect place to start exploring Cusco. Ollantaytambo is a popular stop on any tour of the Sacred Valley but its also a common starting point for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It has a central location, authentic markets, and some the best Sacred Valley day hikes all within reach. The authentic village is centrally located and close to so many of the Sacred Valley highlights. Next door is another station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur. 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. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. WebThis is the price per person based on a group size of 4 to 6. I am on the team for a luxury publication from there, so now I want to visit!! With so much to see and do in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming. The Cusco tourist ticket includes the best places in the city, the Cathedral of Cusco is probably the first place you visit in your journey through the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, then you can walk to the Coricancha. 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. There are tons of awesome things to do in Arequipa. When you exit La Catedral back onto Plaza de Armas, head Southwest towards Calle Mantas. Laguna Humantay is another popular and full day trip from Cusco. Those who want a little more luxury can look into the Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train that connects Arequipa, Puno (Lake Titicaca), and Cusco. The ceviche was probably my favorite dish (my guide ate 4 platefuls of it! Obviously follow only what your physician says. But by the third day, my body was finally feeling strong and ready to hike the Inca Trail. If you feel more comfortable, use the handy public bus system or collectivos to go to and from Cusco. 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 |. Thats what makes this place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day. Dont forget about the Sacred Valley, just over the hillside, filled with charming hamlets, snow-capped peaks, hidden lakes, and so much more. 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, 2023 Packing up the Pieces Journey Theme by Restored 316. The Cusco day hike to Cerro Picol is a great way to acclimate for those preparing for trekking near Cusco. This circuit involves Huayna Picchuor Huchuy Picchumountain. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around an hour and a half. in your suitcase and leave it at your hotel, hostel or tour company office. There are only two time 7:00am and 8:00am, Circuit #4: This circuit is most popular and we recommend you to book in advance. Im a solo female traveler with a wandering soul thats just making the most of this human experience. Dont have much time? That's why take a Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour can be a good idea. Search, watch, and cook every single Tasty recipe and video ever - all in one place! On Day 2, visit the the four main Cusco Inca Sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. The Mountain of Seven Colors, or Rainbow Mountain is becoming a sought after day trip from Cusco. Glad the questions list was helpful! Travel update - Coronavirus (COVID-19) - See how this could affect your travel plans. Most Cusco tours to the Sacred Valley include the four sites of Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. From there, grab dinner at Papachos, overlooking the plaza. Yes, its always a struggle between keeping costs down and avoiding crowds, but when I can afford it I always like to go for the smaller groups! Another great thing to do in Cusco is browse the many artisan shops. 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