Cusco First Visit Highlights

Old-town churches and the Qorikancha, a Sacred Valley day trip, and a downhill walk past four northern ruins. Three days to see the best of Cusco.

The first day is a leisurely stroll on the flat streets of the historic center to acclimatize to the altitude. The second day is the most popular Sacred Valley day trip (Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero). The valley is lower, which helps ease altitude sickness. On the third day, take a taxi to Tambomachay, then walk downhill past Puka Pukara and Qenqo to Sacsayhuamán, continue down to San Blas, and fly out in the afternoon. Machu Picchu is not included. Suited to first-time visitors with limited time who plan to return someday.

November to March is the rainy season, with afternoon thunderstorms common. Mountain ruin paths are slippery.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival and Slow Stroll in the Old Town

Cusco（Plaza de Armas, Cusco、Cusco Cathedral、Church of the Society of Jesus, Cusco、Qorikancha）

A taxi from the airport to Plaza de Armas takes about 20 minutes. After that, walk everywhere on flat terrain.

Altitude here is about 3,400 m. Take it easy on the first day, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol.

Stay: Plaza de Armas Area

Day 2 · Sacred Valley Day Trip

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Pisac Archaeological Park、Pisac Market、Ollantaytambo、Chinchero）

Join a shared or private day tour leaving in the morning. Go via Pisac to Ollantaytambo, and return from Chinchero in the evening. The full trip takes about 10 hours.

Use the Boleto Turístico for Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. Bring cash.

Stay: Plaza de Armas Area

Day 3 · Northern Ruins Downhill Walk and San Blas

Cusco（Tambomachay、Puka Pukara、Q'enqo、Sacsayhuamán、San Blas）

Take a taxi to Tambomachay, then walk downhill past Puka Pukara and Qenqo to Sacsayhuamán, about 3 hours. Walk down to San Blas, then take a taxi to the airport.

The four ruins are covered by the first-sector ticket of the Boleto Turístico. Book your flight for later in the afternoon.

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