Exploring Historic Cusco & nearby Ruins & Trek Prep
“8 nights in Cusco, Peru — Land in Cusco and take it slow to adjust to the altitude.”
8 nights in Cusco, Peru, mapped out day by day through Cusco, Sacred Valley and Inca Trail — a place to sleep and something worth doing on every one of the 8 days.
Good to know
- Best season
- 12-20 May
- Pace
- Steady, a full day out
- Where you sleep
- Design hotel and 2 more
- Getting around
- Trains, transit, and walking
- Length
- 8 days
- Budget
- €884
The trip, day by day
- 1
Arrival & Gentle Acclimatization
Arrive and check in to the Design hotel in CuscoRest and hydrate to acclimatize to 3,400mSlow evening stroll around Plaza de ArmasCoca tea and an early, light dinner - 2
Exploring Historic Cusco
Guided walk through Cusco's San Blas artisan quarterVisit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)Explore Cusco Cathedral on Plaza de ArmasBrowse San Pedro Market for local flavors - 3
Nearby Ruins & Trek Prep
Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress above CuscoSee Qenqo and Tambomachay ruinsTrek briefing and gear check with your guideEarly night to rest before the Sacred Valley - 4
Into the Sacred Valley
Travel to the Sacred ValleyVisit Pisac ruins and marketExplore Ollantaytambo Inca terracesCheck in to Starlodge Adventure Suites for the night - 5
Inca Trail Day 1
Start the Inca Trail at Km 82 (Piscacucho)Hike past Llactapata Inca siteCross the Urubamba River valleyCamp at Wayllabamba - 6
Inca Trail Day 2 - Dead Woman's Pass
Ascend to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m)Traverse cloud forest sections of the Inca TrailDescend into the Pacaymayo valleyCamp at Pacaymayo - 7
Inca Trail Day 3 - Ruins & Cloud Forest
Visit Runkurakay and Sayacmarca ruinsWalk original Inca Trail stonework through cloud forestExplore Phuyupatamarca and Winay WaynaCamp near Winay Wayna for the final morning - 8
Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Sunrise arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadelTrain and transfer back to CuscoCheck in to the Design hotel and celebration dinner
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Arrival & Gentle Acclimatization
Land in Cusco and take it slow to adjust to the altitude. Arrive and check in to the Design hotel in Cusco and Rest and hydrate to acclimatize to 3,400m.
- Flights
- €293
- Stay
- €591
- Per night
- €111
Estimates — the booking site shows the real price.
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Exploring Historic Cusco
A full day discovering the Inca and colonial heart of Cusco. Guided walk through Cusco's San Blas artisan quarter and Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).
Nearby Ruins & Trek Prep
Light hiking above Cusco to finish acclimatizing before the trail. Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress above Cusco and See Qenqo and Tambomachay ruins.
Into the Sacred Valley
Descend to the Sacred Valley and settle into Starlodge Adventure Suites. Travel to the Sacred Valley and Visit Pisac ruins and market.
Inca Trail Day 1
Begin the classic Inca Trail from Km 82 with a scenic first day. Start the Inca Trail at Km 82 (Piscacucho) and Hike past Llactapata Inca site.
Inca Trail Day 2 - Dead Woman's Pass
The toughest day, cresting the highest pass on the Inca Trail. Ascend to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m) and Traverse cloud forest sections of the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail Day 3 - Ruins & Cloud Forest
A spectacular day of Inca sites along the trail before the final push. Visit Runkurakay and Sayacmarca ruins and Walk original Inca Trail stonework through cloud forest.
Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Reach Machu Picchu at sunrise via the Sun Gate, then return to Cusco. Sunrise arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel.
Make this trip yours
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