This itinerary will take you to the best archeological sites around Cusco, without rushing or cramming in too much. This is the ideal itinerary for people who are coming from sea level and should take it easy their firest few days at 3,500m/11,000ft.

Day 1

Start the morning at the Qorikancha, go see the Plaza de Armas then shopping at San Pedro Market. This day has very little planned because the altitude makes most people tired their first day in Cusco. Walk slow your first day at altitude!

Day 2

Go to Pisac (half an hour from Cusco) and take 3 hours to see everything at the ruins. Have lunch in Pisac then go to the Inca Ruins at Ollantaytambo. Stay the night at El Albergue or Tunupa Lodge.

Day 4

Take the train to Aguas Calientes, have lunch in town then take the bus up to Machu Picchu. Going late in the afternoon there will be fewer people there. Spend the night at Inkaterra Machu Picchu or Waman Machu Picchu.

Day 5

Go back to Machu Picchu so you can do an extra hike. Huayna Picchu is very popular but I like Huchuy Picchu better. Take the train back to Cusco that afternoon and you’re done!

Note: Buy train tickets and Machu Picchu tickets months in advance to get the exact time and date you want. I recommend buying them as soon as you have your flights to Cusco.