The Ultimate Cusco Itinerary for 5 Days

The Ultimate Cusco Itinerary for 5 Days

Are you visiting Peru for the first time and looking for the perfect Cusco Itinerary?

We’ve put together the best 5-Day Cusco Itinerary, including the popular attractions, the best tours, and some hidden gems.

Cusco is the perfect base for day trips to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake.

Our Cusco Travel Guide includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Cusco, Peru.

You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your Cusco Trip Itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Where is Cusco

Cusco is one of the most visited places in South America, located in the Peruvian Andes and easily accessible from Lima or Arequipa.

Best Time to Visit Cusco, Peru

Cusco has a subtropical highland climate. The weather is generally dry, with high humidity and lots of unexpected rain.

Cusco has two seasons the dry season runs from April to October, and the rainy season from November to March.

Cusco can be visited all year round, but the rainiest month is February. The busiest months are from June to August.

The best months to visit Cusco are between April and May or from September to October when the weather is pleasant for exploring, and there is little rain.

In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

TIP
We did this Cusco Itinerary in May, and the weather was very cool during our visit. Therefore bring a light raincoat and walking shoes, and pack some warmer clothing for your trip to Peru.

Keep reading → Best Places to Visit in Peru

How to Get to Cusco, Peru

You can easily get to Cusco by plane or night bus from Arequipa, Lima, and La Paz and start your epic Cusco Itinerary.

Cusco has an International Airport, the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (airport code CUZ).

But most travelers to Peru arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (airport code LIM), as you can get cheap flights to Lima.

We don’t recommend skipping Lima, but if your time is limited in Peru, you can fly directly to Cusco after arriving.

TIP
Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Peru.

Unfortunately, there are no trains from Lima to Cusco!

Cusco is just a 1.5-hour flight from Lima and a 1-hour from Arequipa.

The Cusco Airport is about a 15-20 minute drive from the center, and taxi fare is 10-15 Soles (3-4 USD).

From Arequipa, we took an overnight bus to Cusco. The journey takes 10-11 hours, depending on traffic.

Bus tickets between Arequipa and Cusco start from 20 USD, and we recommend buy your tickets online.

Good to know
The best way to get around Peru is to take the Peru Hop (hop-on, hop-off bus system) or the Cruz del Sur company (public buses).

Recommended post → Ultimate Peru Itinerary

Is Cusco a Walkable City?

Yes! Getting around in Cusco is easy, and most attractions are within walking distance.

However, there are many stairs and steep streets, and you may be slow going due to symptoms of altitude sickness.

You can also travel by Uber, but we recommend using the Beat app.

Another alternative is to take a taxi or join a sightseeing bus tour with Cusco Open Tour.

Good to know
The bus tours last 2,5 hours and cost 14 USD per person.

See also → Best Day Trips from Cusco

Is Cusco Safe?

Yes, Cusco is generally safe. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

We don’t recommend walking alone at night!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for your Peru Itinerary! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

The Ultimate Cusco Itinerary for 5 Days

Wondering how to spend 5 days in Cusco? We took the route below during our visit to Peru.

But you can easily modify our Cusco Itinerary to extend or reduce the days.

For the perfect experience, book the best of Cusco in 3 days or choose an epic 4-day tour.

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco, Peru

Welcome to Peru! We hope you had a great flight or bus ride and are ready to explore charming Cusco.

Cusco is the perfect place to start or end your Peru Itinerary.

Depending on when you arrive in Cusco, you can choose to start city sightseeing or just relax.

But we reccomend planning your Cusco Itinerary to go slow on the first day, with a comfortable pace to discover the city.

Some people may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or heavy breathing.

Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level.

Avoid altitude sickness in Peru! So drink plenty of water and coca tea, and avoid alcohol.

Good to know
Arequipa is the perfect place to get used to the altitude of 2,335 meters before heading to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

One of the best things to do in Cusco is to walk around the city and explore the cobbled streets and beautiful buildings.

The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was formerly the capital of the Inca Empire, so Cusco is well worth a visit.

There are many cozy cafés, great restaurants, and trendy boutiques here. So wear comfortable shoes and spend the afternoon wandering the area. Join a Cusco city tour.

TIP
Are you looking for the best view in Cusco? Then visit Cappuccino Cusco Cafe for the delicious coffee and beautiful views.

Day 2: Cusco Sightseeing

Good morning! It’s time to continue your Cusco Itinerary and explore the best attractions.

Have a delicious breakfast at The Bagel Cafe and then join a sightseeing tour or discover the sights at your own pace!

Buy a Boleto Turistico Cusco ticket (scroll down for more information about where to buy it, how much it costs, and what attractions it includes)!

Wondering what to do in Cusco, Peru?

Stroll around the historic center, visit the best temples and museums, enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, buy Peruvian clothes, and explore Sacsayhuaman.

We’ve put together a detailed post on the best things to do in Cusco, with tips to help you plan your Cusco Itinerary.

Honestly, Cusco was our favorite place on our visit to Peru, so if you don’t have time to see all the sights, just enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of the city and wander around the cobbled streets.

TIP
Book the best Sacred Valley tours through GetYourGuide, where you can get great prices.

Boleto Turistico Cusco

The full Cusco tourist ticket costs 130 Soles (35,5 USD), is valid for 10 days, and gives access to 16 attractions (except Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Maras Salt Mines, and Huayna Picchu, all require separate ticket purchases!)

The ticket includes these 16 places:

• Museo de Arte Popular
• Museo de Sitio Qorikancha
• Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
• Monumento de Pachacutec
• Museo Histórico Regional
• Sacsayhuaman
• Q’enqo
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
• Puka Pukara
• Tambomachay
• Pisac
• Ollantaytambo
• Moray
• Chinchero
• Tipon
• Pikillacta

You can buy Boleto Turistico tickets at all attractions (except the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Pachacutec Monument) or Counter Central (Av. El Sol 103) in Cusco.

Good to know
The tourist tickets are for personal use, and you must write your name on the ticket!

Keep reading → Things to Do in Lima

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour

Good morning! Start the day early, have breakfast, and join an organized tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley.

A must-do in Cusco Itinerary is a visit to the Sacred Valley. It is famous for its unique attractions, historic towns, and important archaeological sites.

Take a day trip from Cusco and discover the most beautiful sights of the Sacred Valley.

The altitude sickness in Peru can be a challenge for many people. Although the Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, we recommend you drink plenty of water and wander slowly!

Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea is good for altitude sickness.

Good to know
There are coca leaves in every hotel in Cusco, so have a cup of coca tea before you start the Sacred Valley tour.

Read our → Ultimate Guide to Sacred Valley

Wondering what to do in Sacred Valley, Peru? Walk around the Chinchero Ruins, see the best view at Ollantaytambo, visit the Maras Salt Mines, buy Peruvian souvenirs, and explore the Moray Terraces.

The best way to explore the attractions is to join a private or group tour.

Book a multi-day tour, including Machu Picchu.

You cannot buy individual tickets for most of the attractions in the Sacred Valley! You must therefore buy the full or one of the partial Boleto Turistico Ticket.

More about Peru → Arequipa

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Tour

Are you ready for one of the highlights of your 5-day Cusco Itinerary?

Good morning! Get up early and take a day trip from Cusco to the colorful Rainbow Mountain!

Depending on traffic, the journey time from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain takes 3-3.5 hours.

The Rainbow Mountain, like Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and the Huacachina Desert Oasis, is a must-see attraction on your Peru trip.

There are two beautiful rainbow mountains in Peru, so if you’re in a limited time in Cusco, you’ll have to decide which one to visit. Both rainbow mountains can be reached on a day trip from Cusco.

No public transport to Rainbow Mountain. You can join a group tour or a private tour. Book your Rainbow Mountain tour in Cusco or online.

The pick-up time usually starts between 3-4 AM, but it’s worth it!

Read our → Guide to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

The most popular is Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, which is always crowded. The Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain hike is steep and difficult, and it takes about 3-3.5 hours. Book your Cusco Rainbow Mountain Tour.

Did you know that Rainbow Mountain is the highest hike in Peru?

Because it is higher than Machu Picchu (2,430 meters) or the Sacred Valley (2,800 meters).

Palccoyo is 4,900m above sea level, while Vinicunca is 5,200m above sea level.

The hike to Palccoyo Mountain is much easier, with only a short steep part, and takes about 1.5-2 hours.

TIP
If you want to take a day trip to Humantay Lake from Cusco, add an extra day to your Peru Itinerary.

Day 5: Visit Machu Picchu

The highlight of our trip was the picturesque train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

The best part of every Cusco Itinerary is a trip to the famous Inca Ruins, Machu Picchu. From Cusco (Poroy station), you can easily get to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) by train. Alternatively, hike the Classic Inca Trail.

We recommend booking your train ride at least a few weeks in advance!

The most popular of PeruRail’s trains are the Vistadome with its panoramic windows and the luxury trains of the Belmond Hiram Bingham.

We recommend you take the PeruRail Vistadome train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. After that, save money and travel back to Cusco on the PeruRail Expedition.

Make the most of your visit and book day trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Viator. This tour is one of the most reviewed, so you will not be disappointed.

Recommended post → How to Visit Machu Picchu

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, buy your bus ticket to Machu Picchu, which costs 24 USD round trip.

You can visit Machu Picchu at your own pace or join a group or private tour. To get to know more about Machu Picchu, hire a local guide.

Good to know
Don’t forget to buy your Machu Picchu ticket at least 1 month in advance!

Spend a few magical hours exploring the Inca Ruins and then travel back to Cusco.

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Cusco and made the most of your trip to Peru. But it’s time to finish your Cusco Itinerary, catch a flight to Lima, and fly home, or continue your journey by visiting Bolivia.

The easiest way to get from Cusco to Lima is to take a short domestic flight.

Where to Stay in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is the closest town to the Inca Citadel.

Best hotels in Aguas Calientes

• Luxury: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
• Mid-Range: Hatun Inti Boutique
• Budget: Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu

TIP
If you are only planning a day trip to Machu Picchu, you should choose accommodation in Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

Where to Eat in Cusco

In Peru, you can find many local restaurants, vegan options, national foods, or trendy restaurants with all budgets.

These are our recommendations in Cusco.

Best restaurants in Cusco, Peru

• Cappuccino Cusco Cafe (Delicious coffee at Plaza de Armas square)
• The Bagel Cafe (Perfect breakfast spot)
• Morena Peruvian Kitchen (Trendy restaurant with excellent food)
• L’atelier Café Concept (Best balcony view in Plaza San Blas)
• Green Point (One of the best vegan restaurants)
• Pizzeria Trattoria Casa Grande (Heavenly Italian dishes)
• Qura (Healthy smoothie bowls)
• Avocado, toast & more (Fantastic breakfast place with delicious food)
• Organika Restaurant (Perfect lunch or dinner spot)
• Ceviche Seafood Kitchen (You have to try Peru’s national dish, Ceviche)

Join a Peruvian cooking class.

Where to Stay in Cusco

If you don’t want to walk a lot or use a taxi, we recommend you stay near the historic center (Plaza de Armas). But the San Blas area also offers fantastic accommodations, about 15-20 minutes walk away.

The accommodation options are available for all budgets.

Best hotels in Cusco, Peru

• Luxury: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
• Mid-Range: Taypikala Hotel Cusco
• Budget: Wild Rover Cusco

How many Days do you Need in Cusco and Machu Picchu?

Depending on how many days you will be in Peru, plan your trip to spend at least 3-5 days in Cusco. This allows enough time to enjoy the best things to do in Cusco and visit Machu Picchu.

Make the most of your Cusco, Machu Picchu Itinerary, and spend one night in Aguas Calientes.

Are you spending limited time in Peru but want to make the most of your visit? Book the best 6-day Peru Tour, including a visit to Machu Picchu.

We hope our 5-day Cusco Itinerary will help you plan your next trip to Peru. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

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