Overview
Machu Picchu alone would justify the trip — but add the world's most dramatic high-altitude trek, a cuisine that just produced multiple #1-ranked restaurants globally, and indigenous culture unchanged for centuries
Airport
CUZ, LIM
From/day
$40
Best months
May, Jun, Jul
Local Tips
Safety
Cusco's tourist center is generally safe. Watch for altitude sickness at 3,400m — take it easy your first day, drink coca tea, and stay hydrated. Beware of petty theft in crowded markets.
Cultural Norms
Quechua culture runs deep. Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially in traditional dress. Coca leaves are legal and culturally significant — chewing them helps with altitude.
Language
Spanish and Quechua are spoken. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and guided tours but limited outside the center.
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN). US dollars accepted at some hotels and tour agencies. ATMs are plentiful in Cusco's center. Carry cash for markets and smaller towns along the Sacred Valley.
Tipping
Tip tour guides 20-30 soles per day, porters on treks 15-20 soles per day. Restaurant tips of 10% are appreciated but not always expected.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Plaza de Armas & Centro Historico
The beating heart of Cusco with Inca stone foundations, colonial churches, and lively restaurants. Most sightseeing radiates from this central plaza.
Best for: Sightseeing, dining, and people-watching
San Blas
A charming artisan quarter on the hillside above the center, with narrow cobblestone streets, galleries, craft workshops, and cafes with panoramic views.
Best for: Art, boutique shopping, and bohemian atmosphere
San Pedro
Home to the bustling Mercado San Pedro, this working-class neighborhood offers authentic Peruvian street food, fresh juices, and affordable local restaurants.
Best for: Food markets, budget eats, and local culture
Aguas Calientes
The small gateway town at the base of Machu Picchu, packed with hotels, restaurants, and hot springs. The only access point by rail.
Best for: Machu Picchu access, hot springs, and trekking staging
Activities & Interests
How Peru & Machu Picchu scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Cusco Acclimatization & Old Town
- •Explore Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Santo Domingo
- •Walk to Sacsayhuaman fortress for panoramic views of Cusco
- •Sip coca tea and wander the artisan shops of San Blas
Sacred Valley
- •Visit the Pisac ruins and colorful artisan market
- •Explore the massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo
- •Take the evening train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
- •Early morning bus up to Machu Picchu for sunrise views
- •Guided tour of the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and agricultural terraces
- •Optional hike up Huayna Picchu for aerial views of the citadel
7-Day Trip
Arrival & Acclimatization
- •Arrive in Cusco and rest at your hotel with coca tea
- •Gentle walk around Plaza de Armas and nearby colonial streets
- •Early dinner at a traditional Cusquenan restaurant
Cusco's Inca & Colonial Layers
- •Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) and Santo Domingo convent built atop it
- •Climb to Sacsayhuaman for the massive Inca stonework and city views
- •Explore the artisan workshops and cafes of San Blas
Sacred Valley — Pisac & Moray
- •Tour the Pisac archaeological site and terraces
- •Browse the Pisac artisan market for textiles and ceramics
- •Visit the circular agricultural terraces at Moray and Maras salt mines
Ollantaytambo & Train to Aguas Calientes
- •Explore the massive Inca fortress and living Inca town of Ollantaytambo
- •Walk through the original Inca grid-plan streets still inhabited today
- •Board the scenic train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
- •First bus up for sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas
- •In-depth guided tour of all major temple complexes and residential areas
- •Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking aerial views
Rainbow Mountain or Cooking Class
- •Early start for the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) trek at 5,200m
- •Alternatively, take a Peruvian cooking class in Cusco learning ceviche and lomo saltado
- •Evening at Mercado San Pedro sampling local street food and fresh juices
Markets, Museums & Departure
- •Visit the Museo Inka and Pre-Columbian Art Museum
- •Last shopping for alpaca textiles and silver jewelry
- •Farewell lunch overlooking the terracotta rooftops of Cusco
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$440
Best priceATL
Round-trip estimate
$520
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$540
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$560
ORD
Round-trip estimate
$580
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$40
per day
Moderate
$100
per day
Luxury
$300
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$720
incl. flights from MIA
Moderate
$1,140
incl. flights from MIA
Luxury
$2,540
incl. flights from MIA
When to Go
Jan
✗
Feb
✗
Mar
✗
Apr
—
May
✓
Jun
✓
Jul
✓
Aug
✓
Sep
✓
Oct
—
Nov
—
Dec
—
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19° | 7° | 18d | Wet season with daily afternoon rains. Lush green landscapes. |
| Feb | 19° | 7° | 16d | Peak rainy season; Inca Trail often closed this month. |
| Mar | 19° | 6° | 14d | Rains begin to ease. Still green and fewer tourists. |
| Apr | 20° | 4° | 6d | Dry season starts. Clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures. |
| May | 20° | 1° | 2d | Dry and clear with cold nights. Excellent trekking weather. |
| Jun | 20° | -1° | 1d | Dry season peak; very cold at night but sunny days. Inti Raymi festival. |
| Jul | 20° | -1° | 2d | Coldest month with frost possible. Crystal-clear skies and peak tourism. |
| Aug | 20° | 1° | 2d | Dry with slightly warmer nights. Still prime trekking season. |
| Sep | 21° | 3° | 5d | Dry season ending. Warming up with occasional light showers. |
| Oct | 21° | 5° | 8d | Wet season returns gradually. Mix of sun and rain. |
| Nov | 21° | 6° | 12d | Increasing rains but still manageable for visiting Machu Picchu. |
| Dec | 20° | 7° | 15d | Wet season established with frequent afternoon downpours. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.
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