10-Day Sacred Valley, Cusco Couples Itinerary: Machu Picchu & Moray
Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport · Pablo Seminario Ceramics Studio · Riverside walk along the Urubamba River · Pisac Archaeological Park · Taray Viewpoint · Sunset Viewpoint at Pisac ruins
Part one
Is this trip for you?
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.
Your itinerary covers 9 must-have experiences
Inca Archaeological Sites
✓ Day 2: Pisac Archaeological Park
Traditional Andean Markets
✓ Day 2: Pisac Artisan Market
A Romantic Viewpoint at Sacred Valley Ruins
✓ Day 2: Sunset Viewpoint at Pisac ruins
Inca Agricultural Landscapes
✓ Day 3: Moray Agricultural Terraces
An Artisanal Workshop and Textile Center
✓ Day 4: Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (Chinchero)
Guided Off-Road Mountain Biking Trails
✓ Day 4: Sacred Valley MTB
Artisan Coffee Tasting and Roastery Tours
✓ Day 4: Valle Sagrado Coffee
Colonial Religious Architecture
✓ Day 5: Qorikancha
Local Artisan Textile Workshops
✓ Day 7: Traditional Textile Center of Cusco
📅 Best Time to Visit
Visit during the dry season from May to September for clear views of the Andes. Lima is perpetually cloudy from June to November with persistent grey mist. June is peak tourist season in Cusco, so book your Machu Picchu train and entry permits at least 4 months ahead.
Part two
The plan, day by day
10-day trip
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.
- Morning
08:00 AM - Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)· 1 hr 30 min
USD 45 (~PEN 167)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.
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Papas a la Huancaina in Urubamba· 1 hr
USD 8 (~PEN 30)Papas a la HuancainaEnjoy a traditional plate of sliced potatoes covered in a creamy, spicy yellow pepper and cheese sauce at a local eatery in the valley.
Typical $4–8 - Closes 6 PM · 4h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Pablo Seminario Ceramics Studio· 1 hr 30 min
USD 10 (~PEN 37) 04:30 PM - Riverside walk along the Urubamba River· 1 hr
FREETake 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.
- Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Adobo de Chancho in Urubamba· 1 hr
USD 12 (~PEN 44)Adobo de ChanchoSavor 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 $7–12
Urubamba
Located centrally in the Sacred Valley, it provides a lower altitude base than Cusco, making it ideal for the first few days of acclimation.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Pisac Archaeological Park· 4 hrs
USD 25 (~PEN 93) - Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Chicharrón de Cerdo in Pisac· 1 hr
USD 8 (~PEN 30)Chicharron de CerdoEnjoy crispy fried pork belly served with Andean mote corn and fresh lime-marinated onion salsa at a local market stall.
- Closes 5 PM · 3h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Pisac Artisan Market· 2 hrs
USD 10 (~PEN 37) - ⚠️ Doubles back across the city — check the order⚠️ Overlaps the next activity — check the time
04:00 PM - Taray Viewpoint· 1 hr
FREEA beautiful scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the Urubamba River and the Sacred Valley mountains, providing a perfect late afternoon photo opportunity.
- 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:45 PM - Sunset Viewpoint at Pisac ruins· 1 hr
FREE - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Cuy Chactado in Urubamba· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~PEN 56)Cuy ChactadoTry this traditional Andean specialty of guinea pig, pressed flat and fried to perfection, served with roasted potatoes and a spicy rocoto pepper sauce.
Typical $10–25
Urubamba
Urubamba remains the ideal base for the Sacred Valley due to its central location, lower elevation than Cusco, and proximity to major archaeological sites and dining.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site· 3 hrs
USD 25 (~PEN 93) - Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Choclo con Queso in Urubamba· 1 hr
USD 5 (~PEN 19)Choclo con QuesoEnjoy 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 $2–5 - Closes 6 PM · 4h here🕐 Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Maras Salt Mines· 2 hrs
USD 10 (~PEN 37) - Closes 6 PM · 2h here🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:00 PM - Moray Agricultural Terraces· 2 hrs
USD 15 (~PEN 56) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Caldo de Gallina in Urubamba· 1 hr
USD 7 (~PEN 26)Caldo de GallinaWarm up with a hearty golden chicken soup, a local favorite for high-altitude evenings, providing deep flavor and energy.
Typical $3–7
Urubamba
Centrally located in the Sacred Valley, offering easy access to both Ollantaytambo and the sites in Maras while providing a quiet environment for rest.
- Morning⚠️ Closed on Sunday🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (Chinchero)· 2 hrs 30 min
USD 25 (~PEN 93) - Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Adobo de Chancho in Urubamba· 1 hr
USD 15 (~PEN 56)Adobo de ChanchoEnjoy a traditional marinated pork stew slow-cooked with corn chicha in a local family-run eatery.
Typical $7–12 - ⚠️ Doubles back across the city — check the order🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Valle Sagrado Coffee· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~PEN 56) - Closes 6:30 PM · 3h here🕐 Monday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM; Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM; Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
03:30 PM - Sacred Valley MTB· 3 hrs
USD 50 (~PEN 185) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Cuy Chactado in Urubamba· 1 hr
USD 20 (~PEN 74)Cuy ChactadoExperience this hallmark highland dish, crispy fried guinea pig with Andean herbs, at a quiet local restaurant.
Typical $10–25
Urubamba
Central hub for valley activities with quick access to both artisan workshops and mountain trailheads.
- Morning
09:00 AM - Breakfast: Pan Chuta in Urubamba· 45 min
USD 3 (~PEN 11)Pan ChutaEnjoy a traditional anise-flavored bread roll, a local staple for sustaining energy before the journey.
Typical $1–3 10:30 AM - Transfer to Cusco· 1 hr 30 min
USD 30 (~PEN 111)Travel from the Sacred Valley to Cusco by private shuttle service, passing through picturesque mountain landscapes.
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Sopa de Quinua in Cusco· 1 hr
USD 7 (~PEN 26)Sopa de QuinuaSavor a warm, nutrient-dense quinoa vegetable soup at a local eatery in the city center.
Typical $3–7 - 🕐 Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Qorikancha· 2 hrs
USD 6 (~PEN 22) - 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
04:30 PM - Plaza de Armas, Cusco· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Trucha Frita in Cusco· 1 hr
USD 12 (~PEN 44)Trucha FritaDine on fresh, crispy high-altitude trout caught from nearby streams, prepared in a traditional style.
San Blas
This artistic neighborhood offers beautiful historic streets and is walkable to the main attractions while providing a quieter atmosphere for rest.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Mercado Central de San Pedro· 2 hrs
USD 5 (~PEN 19) - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Papa a la Huancaína in San Blas· 1 hr
USD 12 (~PEN 44)Papa a la HuancaínaEnjoy this classic Peruvian starter featuring sliced boiled potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy spicy cheese sauce.
- ⚠️ Overlaps the next activity — check the time
02:00 PM - Museo de Arte Contemporaneo· 2 hrs
USD 10 (~PEN 37)Explore a collection of contemporary art highlighting the evolution of creative expression in Cusco within a beautiful colonial-style setting.
- 🕐 Monday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 8:00 – 9:00 AM; Tuesday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 8:00 – 9:00 AM; Wednesday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 8:00 – 9:00 AMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Cusco Cathedral· 2 hrs
USD 10 (~PEN 37) - Closes 7:30 PM · 3h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:30 PM - ChocoMuseo· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~PEN 93) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Cuy al Horno in San Blas· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~PEN 93)Cuy al HornoExperience a traditional Andean delicacy at a cozy, family-run eatery nestled in the winding alleys of the San Blas neighborhood.
Typical $20–30
San Blas
This historic district offers cobblestone streets, charming artisan workshops, and a quieter atmosphere than the main plaza, all while keeping you within walking distance of key colonial sites.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Sacsaywaman· 2 hrs 30 min
USD 25 (~PEN 93) - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Chiri Uchu in San Blas· 1 hr
USD 20 (~PEN 74)Chiri UchuEnjoy the traditional Cusco festival platter featuring a variety of meats and grains at a local spot in San Blas.
Typical $15–25 - ⚠️ Closed on Sunday🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:00 PM - Traditional Textile Center of Cusco· 1 hr
FREE - Closes 4 PM · 1.5h here⚠️ Closed on Sunday🕐 Monday: 9:15 AM – 4:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:15 AM – 4:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:15 AM – 4:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:30 PM - Inka Museum· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~PEN 56) - 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
04:00 PM - Twelve Angled Stone· 30 min
FREE - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Lomo Saltado in San Blas· 1 hr
USD 15 (~PEN 56)Lomo SaltadoTaste a classic Peruvian stir-fry of beef and peppers at a cozy traditional eatery in the San Blas neighborhood.
San Blas
This artistic quarter is quiet, pedestrian-friendly, and offers the best authentic atmosphere for your base in Cusco.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:45 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:45 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:45 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Q'enco Archaeological Complex· 2 hrs
USD 15 (~PEN 56) - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Chicha Morada in San Blas· 1 hr
USD 15 (~PEN 56)Chicha MoradaEnjoy a traditional purple corn drink paired with a hearty, locally sourced Andean meal.
Typical $1–3 - Closes 5 PM · 3.5h here🕐 Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:30 PM - Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios· 1 hr 30 min
USD 10 (~PEN 37) - Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner: Cuy al Horno in San Blas· 1 hr 15 min
USD 25 (~PEN 93)Cuy al HornoSample the traditional oven-roasted delicacy in one of the historic neighbourhood's intimate taverns.
Typical $20–30
San Blas
San Blas is the heart of Cusco's artisan culture, featuring steep cobblestone streets, hidden galleries, and proximity to major historic sites.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Tambomachay· 2 hrs
USD 15 (~PEN 56) - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Sopa de Quinua in San Blas· 1 hr
USD 10 (~PEN 37)Sopa de QuinuaEnjoy a warm, nutritious bowl of local quinoa soup at a neighborhood cafe to fuel your afternoon hike.
Typical $3–7 - Closes 5 PM · 3.5h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:30 PM - Puka Pukara Archaeological Complex· 1 hr 30 min
USD 10 (~PEN 37) 03:30 PM - Tipon Archaeological Park· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~PEN 56)Marvel at the sophisticated irrigation system and stone terraces of this vast Inca site, showcasing incredible hydraulic engineering.
- Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Lomo Saltado in Centro· 1 hr
USD 15 (~PEN 56)Lomo SaltadoSavor the iconic stir-fried beef dish featuring a fusion of Peruvian and Asian flavors.
San Blas
The historic neighborhood provides easy pedestrian access to colonial streets and artisanal workshops while remaining quiet at night.
- MorningCloses 11:45 AM · 2.8h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 – 11:45 AM, 1:00 – 5:45 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 – 11:45 AM, 1:00 – 5:45 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 – 11:45 AM, 1:00 – 5:45 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Church of the Society of Jesus· 1 hr 30 min
USD 4 (~PEN 15) - 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
10:30 AM - Museo de Arte Precolombino Larco· 2 hrs
USD 8 (~PEN 30) - Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Anticuchos in Centro· 1 hr
USD 8 (~PEN 30) - ⚠️ Closed on Sunday🕐 Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:30 PM - Templo del San Blas· 1 hr
USD 5 (~PEN 19) 02:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to your hotel in San Blas to collect your belongings and check out.
- 🕐 Monday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
03:00 PM - Depart from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)· 5 hrs
USD 10 (~PEN 37)
San Blas
Nestled in the artisan district, this area offers authentic charm, quiet streets, and proximity to cultural sites.
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Customize this tripFreePart three
Food, shopping & festivals
Top 10 dishes to try
Adobo de Chancho
Sacred Valley
Cuy Chactado
Sacred Valley
Chiri Uchu
Cusco
Cuy al Horno
Cusco
Chicha Morada
Papas a la Huancaina
Pan Chuta
Cusco
Choclo con Queso
Sacred Valley
Caldo de Gallina
Sacred Valley
Sopa de Quinua
Cusco
Markets & neighborhoods
Famous for its vibrant Sunday market where you find fresh giant corn and local empanada ovens.
Cheap local soups, fresh fruit juices, and traditional breads.
Artisanal cafes and hidden spots serving regional trout and alpaca dishes.
A stretch of road known almost exclusively for its specialized pork restaurants serving fresh chicharron.
The culinary hub of the valley, featuring many traditional picanterias serving fresh valley produce.
Good to Know
Top 10 souvenirs
Peruvian Pink Salt
Maras
📍 Salineras de Maras site entrance kiosks.
Ceramic Bull
Urubamba
📍 Local ceramic workshops near the Plaza de Armas.
Cocha Woven Belt
Cusco
📍 Awamaki collective points; Chinchero weaving cooperative outside city limits.
Natural Dyed Weaving
Chinchero
These pieces use traditional backstrap loom techniques and plant-based dyes.
📍 Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez weaving workshops.
Baby Alpaca Wool Sweater
Cusco
📍 Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco; Sol Alpaca boutique.
Baby Alpaca Wool Poncho
Chinchero
📍 Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC) in Chinchero.
Cusco School Painting
Cusco
📍 San Blas district artisan workshops; Galeria Origin on Plaza de Armas.
Cacao Chocolate
Urubamba
Peru produces some of the finest high-altitude cacao beans on the planet.
📍 ChocoMuseo Urubamba.
Huayruro Seed Jewelry
Pisac
📍 Pisac Sunday Artisan Market.
Peruvian Ground Coffee
Cusco
📍 La Choza de la abuela; specialized cafes in the San Blas neighborhood.
Markets & districts
Local dried corn, medicinal herbs, and inexpensive alpaca blend scarves.
Intense sensory overload packed with locals that requires focus to avoid the standardized souvenir stalls.
Textiles, jewelry, and ceramics.
Crowded and buzzing on Sundays, but calmer and easier to browse on weekdays.
Hand-painted ceramics, artisan leather, and original fine art.
Steep cobblestone lanes filled with artist studios and quiet cafes that vanish from tourist view.
Good to Know
Cusco Semana Santa (Señor de los Temblores)
Inti Raymi
Jun 24
Ancient Inca Festival of the Sun at Sacsayhuaman fortress with elaborate Inca reenactments, traditional costumes, and thousands of performers above Cusco.
Peruvian Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias)
Fiestas Patrias
Jul 28
July 28-29 national holidays. Lima's Plaza de Armas hosts the Presidential address and a huge military parade. Most Peruvians travel to their home regions, causing packed flights and closed businesses.
Qoyllur Rit'i
Quyllur Rit'i
Jun 12
UNESCO-listed pre-Columbian pilgrimage held before Corpus Christi. 80,000 pilgrims trek to the Sinakara glacier at 4,700m. Ukukus (bear dancers) ascend to cut ice blocks for the return procession.
Santa Rosa de Lima Day
Aug 30
August 30 honors Saint Rose of Lima, patron saint of the Americas. Main celebrations at the Santuario de Santa Rosa (Lima) with candlelit processions and the traditional 'letters to Santa Rosa' well.
Part four
Costs & booking
- Total for a couple — 10 days mid-range trip, excludes international flights
- Accommodation assumes 1 shared room
- Rough estimates — actual prices vary by season and availability
Local Transport
Accommodation
AI estimated based on typical hotel costs
Food
Activities
Curious how this stacks up? See how trip costs compare across countries in our Trip Cost Index.
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.
Sacred Valley MTB adventure tourDay 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.
Boleto Turistico del Cusco (BTG)Day 2
Book 1 week 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.
ChocoMuseo WorkshopDay 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.
Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP) dinner reservationDay 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.
Private guided tour for archaeological sitesDay 7
Book 1 month ahead -- for detailed insights into Sacsaywaman and the Inka Museum, booking a licensed local guide in advance ensures a quality educational experience.
Part five
Before you go
Buses for intercity; Cruz del Sur is premium
Book PeruRail or IncaRail for Machu Picchu. Cruz del Sur is the best bus company.
- Download the 'Uber' or 'Cabify' app for Lima — never hail street taxis because they lack safety tracking and fixed rates.
- Walk the Malecon in Miraflores at 8am to see the ocean views before the heavy marine layer settles in.
- Book the Perurail Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo at least 60 days early — the glass-ceiling cars sell out for peak morning departures.
- Visit the San Pedro Market in Cusco at 7am to see local vendors setting up fresh juice stalls for 5 Soles.
- Drink 'mate de coca' at your hotel lobby upon arriving in Cusco to help mitigate the 3,400m altitude.
- Use the 'Cruz del Sur' bus line for intercity travel — it is the safest, most reliable operator for long hauls.
- Carry a physical map for Ollantaytambo's narrow, winding Inca streets; Google Maps often misses the pedestrian-only alleyway paths.
- Buy your 'Boleto Turistico' (130 Soles) at the first site entrance to cover 16 major ruins in the Cusco region.
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Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
Stay connected abroad
Get a local eSIM — no swapping physical SIMs
Visa & Entry Requirements
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.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Official retail stores at Jorge Chavez Airport or any city center storefront
Hotels and cafes offer reliable fiber-optic speeds in Lima and Cusco. Public hotspots are scarce in Ollantaytambo; expect to rely on your mobile data plan there.
Local SIM cards are much cheaper than roaming. Carry your passport to the store to register the line.
Electric Socket Guide(220V · 60Hz)
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins (North America, Japan)
Two flat pins + round ground (North America)
Two round pins (most of Europe, South America)
Tipping Etiquette
10% at upscale restaurants
Not expected; agree on price before
S/5–10 per bag
Safety & Travel Advisories
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
105
117
116
(01) 460-1060
Tourist police helpful in Lima and Cusco
Payments
Cash essential, especially in rural areas and markets
Accepted at hotels and restaurants in cities
Very limited
Carry soles in small denominations. USD accepted at some tourist businesses.
Most Western tourists receive 90 days visa-free entry. Check your specific country's status on the Peruvian consulate website before departure.
Do not drink tap water anywhere in Peru. Use bottled or filtered water even for brushing your teeth to avoid gastrointestinal illness.
Spend your first 24 hours resting and avoiding alcohol. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and consider asking your doctor for acetazolamide.
Carry Peruvian Soles for daily expenses. Large hotels accept US Dollars, but local markets and transport require local currency.
A 10% tip is standard in restaurants. Tipping is not required for taxi drivers, though rounding up the fare is common.
Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Cabify in Lima. For intercity travel, use reputable bus lines like Cruz del Sur.
Large hotels and restaurants in Lima and Cusco accept cards. Keep cash for smaller shops, markets, and remote towns like Ollantaytambo.
The dry season between May and September offers the best weather for trekking. Avoid the rainy months of January and February.
These 2 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
Andean Thermal Springs
e.g., Cocalmayo Thermal Baths, Aguas Calientes Thermal Baths
High-Altitude Contemporary Andean Gastronomy
e.g., Chicha por Gaston Acurio, Cicciolina
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Download this Sacred Valley, Peru; Cusco, Peru itinerary — day-by-day plan, maps, budget, and more.
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- Girls trip itinerary template
- Road trip itinerary template
- Business travel itinerary template
- Birthday trip itinerary template
- Family vacation itinerary template
- Honeymoon itinerary template