Charles Gadbois (CC BY 3.0)Pablo Seminario Ceramics Studio · Pisac Archaeological Park · Taray Viewpoint · Qorikancha · Plaza de Armas, Cusco · Mercado Central de San Pedro
10-day Peru trip — Sacred Valley to Cusco. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
The Sacred Valley and Cusco offer a concentration of Inca stonework and colonial architecture that Lima lacks. While Lima presents a coastal culinary hub, the highlands provide a direct connection to Andean textile traditions and sacred geography. This route is built for those prioritizing high-altitude history and mountain vistas over oceanfront dining.
Sacred Valley
Day 2 · Inca Archaeological Sites
Day 2 · Traditional Andean Markets
Day 3 · Inca Agricultural Landscapes
Day 4 · An Artisanal Workshop and Textile Center
Day 4 · Guided Off-Road Mountain Biking Trails
Day 4 · Artisan Coffee Tasting and Roastery Tours
Day 2 · A Romantic Viewpoint at Sacred Valley Ruins
Cusco
Day 5 · Colonial Religious Architecture
Day 7 · Local Artisan Textile Workshops
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
No measured weather for Sacred Valley yet.
Cusco experiences sharp temperature drops once the sun sets, especially during the dry winter months. Prepare for near-freezing nights and intense high-altitude sun, while keeping a waterproof layer handy for the frequent afternoon showers that arrive throughout the wetter half of the year.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 °C (65 °F) | 6 °C (42 °F) (cold) | 27 | 5:32 AM – 6:22 PM |
| Feb | 18 °C (65 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) (cold) | 26 | 5:46 AM – 6:17 PM |
| Mar | 19 °C (66 °F) | 6 °C (43 °F) (cold) | 23 | 5:51 AM – 6:01 PM |
| Apr | 19 °C (67 °F) | 4 °C (39 °F) (cold) | 14 | 5:54 AM – 5:41 PM |
| May | 19 °C (67 °F) | 2 °C (35 °F) (cold) | 5 | 5:59 AM – 5:28 PM |
| Jun | 19 °C (67 °F) | 0 °C (32 °F) (cold) | 2 | 6:08 AM – 5:28 PM |
| Jul | 19 °C (66 °F) | −1 °C (30 °F) (cold) | 2 | 6:12 AM – 5:35 PM |
| Aug | 20 °C (68 °F) | 0 °C (33 °F) (cold) | 3 | 6:02 AM – 5:42 PM |
| Sep | 20 °C (69 °F) | 3 °C (38 °F) (cold) | 6 | 5:42 AM – 5:43 PM |
| Oct | 21 °C (70 °F) | 4 °C (40 °F) (cold) | 13 | 5:22 AM – 5:45 PM |
| Nov | 21 °C (70 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) (cold) | 16 | 5:10 AM – 5:54 PM |
| Dec | 20 °C (68 °F) | 6 °C (42 °F) (cold) | 25 | 5:15 AM – 6:10 PM |
Arrive at Cusco Airport. Take an authorized taxi directly to the Sacred Valley area (~90 min, $45). This allows you to stay at a lower altitude to acclimatize comfortably.
Q'orikenti (CC BY-SA 4.0)Enjoy a traditional plate of sliced potatoes covered in a creamy, spicy yellow pepper and cheese sauce at a local eatery in the valley.
Typical USD 4-8 (~PEN 13-27)
Take a gentle, romantic walk along the river banks to enjoy the valley's scenery. The flat terrain is perfect for your first day at altitude.
Hunuequisde (CC0)Savor a hearty bowl of slow-cooked pork stew in the valley. It is a traditional and comforting way to fuel up for the coming days.
Typical USD 7-12 (~PEN 24-40)
Soncco (CC BY-SA 3.0)Enjoy crispy fried pork belly served with Andean mote corn and fresh lime-marinated onion salsa at a local market stall.
A beautiful scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the Urubamba River and the Sacred Valley mountains, providing a perfect late afternoon photo opportunity.
Jorge Gobbi (CC BY 2.0)Try this traditional Andean specialty of guinea pig, pressed flat and fried to perfection, served with roasted potatoes and a spicy rocoto pepper sauce.
Typical USD 10-25 (~PEN 34-84)
Staying at Urubamba since Day 1
Horacio Cambeiro (CC BY-SA 4.0)Enjoy freshly boiled giant-kernel Andean corn topped with local salty white cheese, a simple staple perfectly suited for refueling after a morning of climbing terraces.
Typical USD 2-5 (~PEN 7-17)
Gonza Rizzo (CC BY-SA 2.0)Warm up with a hearty golden chicken soup, a local favorite for high-altitude evenings, providing deep flavor and energy.
Typical USD 3-7 (~PEN 10-24)
Staying at Urubamba since Day 1
Hunuequisde (CC0)Enjoy a traditional marinated pork stew slow-cooked with corn chicha in a local family-run eatery.
Typical USD 7-12 (~PEN 24-40)
Jorge Gobbi (CC BY 2.0)Experience this hallmark highland dish, crispy fried guinea pig with Andean herbs, at a quiet local restaurant.
Typical USD 10-25 (~PEN 34-84)
Staying at Urubamba since Day 1
Enjoy a traditional anise-flavored bread roll, a local staple for sustaining energy before the journey.
Typical USD 1-3 (~PEN 3-10)
arrives about 12:30 PM
about 1 hr 30 min door to door
F Delventhal (CC BY 2.0)Savor a warm, nutrient-dense quinoa vegetable soup at a local eatery in the city center.
Typical USD 3-7 (~PEN 10-24)
Akizia (CC BY-SA 4.0)Dine on fresh, crispy high-altitude trout caught from nearby streams, prepared in a traditional style.
The original uploader was Letincelle at English Wikipedia. (CC BY-SA 2.0)Enjoy this classic Peruvian starter featuring sliced boiled potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy spicy cheese sauce.
Kariguera (CC0)Explore a collection of contemporary art highlighting the evolution of creative expression in Cusco within a beautiful colonial-style setting.
Dtarazona (CC BY-SA 4.0)Experience a traditional Andean delicacy at a cozy, family-run eatery nestled in the winding alleys of the San Blas neighborhood.
Typical USD 20-30 (~PEN 67-101)
Staying at San Blas since Day 5
Wikimedia CommonsEnjoy the traditional Cusco festival platter featuring a variety of meats and grains at a local spot in San Blas.
Typical USD 15-25 (~PEN 51-84)
WikiHes (CC BY-SA 4.0)Taste a classic Peruvian stir-fry of beef and peppers at a cozy traditional eatery in the San Blas neighborhood.
Staying at San Blas since Day 5
young shanahan from Bogotá, Colombia (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy a traditional purple corn drink paired with a hearty, locally sourced Andean meal.
Typical USD 1-3 (~PEN 3-10)
Dtarazona (CC BY-SA 4.0)Sample the traditional oven-roasted delicacy in one of the historic neighbourhood's intimate taverns.
Typical USD 20-30 (~PEN 67-101)
Staying at San Blas since Day 5
F Delventhal (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy a warm, nutritious bowl of local quinoa soup at a neighborhood cafe to fuel your afternoon hike.
Typical USD 3-7 (~PEN 10-24)
Tencho (CC BY-SA 3.0)Marvel at the sophisticated irrigation system and stone terraces of this vast Inca site, showcasing incredible hydraulic engineering.
WikiHes (CC BY-SA 4.0)Savor the iconic stir-fried beef dish featuring a fusion of Peruvian and Asian flavors.
Staying at San Blas since Day 5
Heather Sperling (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy savory grilled beef heart skewers at a popular local spot.
Return to your hotel in San Blas to collect your belongings and check out.
Primx28 (CC BY-SA 4.0)Final transit to the airport with your bags. Please allow ample time for international check-in procedures.
Google MapsStaying at San Blas since Day 5
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Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
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Sacred Valley
Days 1 and 4
Days 2 and 4
Day 3 · lunch
Day 3 · dinner
Cusco
Day 7 · lunch
Days 6 and 8
Days 5 and 9
Day 5 · breakfast
A dense, sweet, and anise-flavored bread roll traditionally baked in massive ovens in Oropesa. It is essential for a hearty morning meal.
Day 8 · lunch
Day 1 · lunch
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Maras
Urubamba
Cusco
Chinchero
This fiber is incredibly soft, light, and warmer than standard sheep wool.
Pisac
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Mar 29 – Apr 5
Jun 12 – 14
Jun 24 – 26
Jul 28 – 29
Dec 24
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 10 days
USD 1,506Flights from your city not included.
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacred Valley | USD 15 | USD 30 | USD 45 |
| Cusco | USD 15 | USD 30 | USD 45 |
Not estimated, so not in the total:
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Moderate -- budget $30-50 per night for decent private rooms in guesthouses and $5-10 for a local lunch at San Pedro market. Drink bottled water only and avoid ice to prevent stomach issues common at high altitudes.
Buy the Boleto Turistico del Cusco for 130 soles instead of paying site fees individually. This ticket grants entry to 16 major archaeological sites across Cusco and the Sacred Valley over 10 days.
Skip expensive tourist shuttles between towns; take the local 'colectivos' departing from Puputi street in Cusco. A seat to Pisac or Urubamba costs about 5-7 soles, a fraction of private taxi rates.
Budget $150-200 for a reputable multi-day trek or tour to Machu Picchu instead of DIY planning. Having a licensed guide ensures transport logistics are handled and adds vital historical context to the ruins.
Keep 10-20 soles in small change at all times. Many public restrooms in smaller villages charge 1 sol for entry and shopkeepers in the Sacred Valley often lack change for large 100-sole bills.
Before you go
Hotel in Sacred Valley
Nights 1–4 · Urubamba · about USD 120 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Cusco
Nights 5–9 · San Blas · about USD 150 · Comfortable hotel range
Private guided tour for archaeological sites
Day 7 · Book 4 weeks ahead · For detailed insights into Sacsaywaman and the Inka Museum, booking a licensed local guide in advance ensures a quality educational experience.
Sacred Valley MTB adventure tour
Day 4 · Book 3 weeks ahead · Specialized mountain bike tours in the Sacred Valley require advance reservation with professional guides and equipment rental to ensure safety and availability.
Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP) dinner reservation
Day 10 · Book 3 weeks ahead · The museum cafe is highly rated and popular for evening dining within the historic courtyard; reservations are recommended to secure a table.
ChocoMuseo Workshop
Day 6 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Popular bean-to-bar chocolate workshops fill up daily, especially in peak tourist season; booking online secures your time slot for the group sessions.
Boleto Turistico del Cusco (BTG)
Day 2 · Book 7 days ahead · This combined ticket is essential for entry to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and the various archaeological sites in Cusco; purchase online or at the official Gercetur office to avoid lines.
When using Uber or Cabify in Cusco, select your pickup point carefully on the map as many colonial streets in the city center are too narrow or one-way for vehicles.
The Mercado Central de San Pedro on day 6 is best visited in the early morning before the tourist crowds arrive and while fresh produce is still being restocked.
At the Pisac ruins on day 2, avoid the vendors near the entrance if you are looking for authentic artisan goods; the best quality textiles are found deeper within the town market.
When visiting the Cusco Cathedral on day 6, keep your voice low and avoid using flash photography, as it is an active religious space.
On day 8, take the steep walk up to the San Blas viewpoint in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the terracotta rooftops of Cusco.
Many shops near the Twelve Angled Stone will try to offer free photos with llamas; decline politely as they will expect a tip immediately after the photo is taken.
Always keep a copy of your passport in your daypack, as you may be asked to show it when entering major sites like the Cathedral or the Inka Museum.
For the Maras Salt Mines on day 3, stay strictly on the designated paths as the salt pools are private, active mining sites and walking on them is prohibited.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get PEN cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for Peru
Reserve Machu Picchu timed-entry ticket
Machu Picchu entry ticket
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Pen for arrival forms
Spending four nights in the Sacred Valley first allows for natural acclimatization before tackling the steeper streets of Cusco. The six nights in Cusco follow to balance the intensity of high-altitude exploration with easier access to urban cultural sites. By front-loading the quieter rural landscapes, you gain physical readiness for the final days focused on the dense history within the city limits.
This trip prioritizes direct access to foundational Inca sites and colonial heritage in the mountains. It omits the trek to Machu Picchu or the lower cloud forest regions, which require extra time for train transit and distinct entry permits. The schedule is right for those seeking deep immersion in regional history; the wrong cut if your primary goal is hiking high-altitude trails like the Salkantay.
Add two days to explore the salt pans of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray. These sites offer a sharper look at pre-Columbian engineering than the city ruins alone.
| Visa & entry | US, UK, EU, and Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free entry. Indian nationals need a visa unless holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the arrival date. |
|---|---|
| US risk level | Exercise increased cautionUpdated Sep 3, 2026 |
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116 · Tourist police (01) 460-1060Emergency numbers differ by service |
Lima traffic is intense; use radio-dispatched or app-based taxis rather than hailing cars on the street. In Cusco and Arequipa, altitude sickness is a genuine risk, so plan for a slow first day to acclimate. If you need urgent help, dial 105 for police or 911 for general emergency services.
| Tipping: restaurants | 10% at upscale restaurants |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | Not expected; agree on price before |
| Tipping: hotels | S/5–10 per bag |
| Cards | Accepted at hotels and restaurants in cities |
| Contactless | Very limited |
| Cash | Cash essential, especially in rural areas and markets |
| Payment tip | Carry soles in small denominations. USD accepted at some tourist businesses. |
| Plugs | Type A, B, C220V · 60Hz |
|---|
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Movistar, Claro, or Entel | $10 to $15 for 30 days including data | Official brand stores or authorized resellers in major malls |
Avoid using public payphones in shops; they are often unreliable and prone to coin jams. Use local data or hotel internet for all calls.
Avoid the word indio, which carries historical baggage; use indigena instead. When taking trains, book first class or buffet class to ensure your seat remains free of luggage, as local train cars can get cramped. In social settings, Peruvians express strong national pride, so avoid critiquing government or local political affairs.
About USD 1,506 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 10 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union generally do not require a visa for tourist visits under 90 days. Always confirm current entry requirements with your local consulate before booking, as laws change. Citizens from other countries should check specific visa agreements well ahead of travel.
Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet, so spend your first two days resting to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals or alcohol until you adjust. Many travelers descend to the Sacred Valley, which sits at a lower elevation, to help manage symptoms.
The dry season, running from May to October, offers clear skies and ideal hiking conditions. Expect cool nights and bright, sunny days. The rainy season, from November to April, brings thick clouds and frequent afternoon downpours, making muddy trails common.
Cusco is generally safe for solo travelers if you stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit areas at night and use licensed taxis rather than hailing cars on the street. Keep your passport and extra cash in a secure belt or hotel safe.
Carry the local currency, the Sol, for markets and small shops. While high-end restaurants might accept credit cards, cash is king in the Sacred Valley. Tip about 10 percent in sit-down restaurants for good service; informal vendors and street stalls do not expect tips.
Bring layers. Temperatures swing wildly between the midday sun and the biting cold after dark. You need a sturdy pair of broken-in walking shoes, a waterproof jacket for sudden showers, and high-SPF sunscreen, as the mountain sun is intense even on cloudy days.
Hire a private driver for a flexible day trip, or use a collective shuttle van for a cheaper, local experience. Collective vans depart regularly from designated city streets and hold multiple passengers. Negotiate the price before you board if you are taking a private taxi.
Peruvians are proud of their heritage, and respect goes a long way. Never use the word indio, which carries a deep historical sting; use indigena instead. When you speak to locals in rural communities, offer a polite greeting first to build rapport before starting a transaction.
Download this Sacred Valley, Peru; Cusco, Peru itinerary — day-by-day plan, maps, budget, and more.
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