What to Do In Cusco For 3 Days
Are you planning to visit Cusco but have no idea how to plan your visit? If you are short of time but want to make the most of it, you’re in the right place. This guide will be your trusted companion. We will ensure that every moment is spent savoring the magic that Cusco has to offer.
Cusco, located at an altitude of 3,350 meters (11,154ft), quickly captivates the hearts of many travelers, becoming one of the favorite destinations to start their adventures. However, visiting this city can be quite a challenge, especially when you only have 3 days in Cusco. So the question arises: What can you do in Cusco in such a short time, besides visiting Machu Picchu?
Not to worry, as there are numerous ways to make the most of your time. Are you curious to discover the secrets to making the most of your 3-day stay in Cusco? Read on to find out more.
Is 3 Days in Cusco Enough?
The suitability of spending 3 days in Cusco depends greatly on your travel preferences, your interests and the specific experiences you are looking for. Although three days offers a glimpse of the highlights of the city, it can be considered a relatively short duration, especially if you intend to delve into the rich cultural, historical and natural attractions of Cusco.
In three days, you can explore key attractions such as Machu Picchu, the historic center of Cusco and maybe explore the Sacred Valley. However, if you love adventure or hikes such as the Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake or the 2-day Inca Trail, you may want more time.
How to Spend Three Days in Cusco
Before we get to the fun stuff, it is crucial to keep in mind that Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,154 feet). Therefore, it is essential to take into account certain recommendations to reduce the risk of altitude sickness during your stay in Cusco. The lack of air at this altitude can sometimes cause altitude sickness, a condition that can affect travelers who are not acclimatized to higher altitudes. To mitigate this, it is recommended to stay hydrated and allow the body to gradually adjust to the reduced oxygen levels.
Alternatively, you can also drink mate de coca, a traditional medicine that locals often recommend to visitors. This drink, derived from the coca plant, is believed to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. Adopting these precautionary measures ensures that you are well prepared to fully enjoy the wonders of Cusco without unwarranted interruptions. So, with altitude considerations in mind, let’s jump into the exciting details of your exploration of Cusco.
Day 01 – Cusco Walking Tour
Embarking on a walking tour in Cusco is an excellent way to spend the first day in Cusco. We recommend that you take it easy upon arrival in Cusco, so that your body can acclimatize to the altitude. To explore the city at no cost, head to Cusco’s main square and join the free guided walking tour. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more personalized experience, then consider a Private walking tour.
The length of the tour varies, approximately 3 hours, depending on the service you choose. If you prefer to explore on your own and wish to dispense with travel agencies or tour guides, exploring Cusco on foot is entirely feasible. Given its compact size, getting lost in this small city is unlikely.
Day 02 – Sacred Valley Tour From Cusco to Ollantaytambo
For your second day, we highly suggest that you embark on the Sacred Valley tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. This tour not only offers a fascinating experience in the Sacred Valley, but also sets the stage for a convenient train ride at the conclusion of your tour.
The Sacred Valley tour is not only one of Cusco’s most popular excursions, but it is also the perfect gateway to connect with the breathtaking wonder of Machu Picchu. After completing the Sacred Valley tour, take the opportunity to board the train to Machu Picchu, where a night in Aguas Calientes awaits.
The Sacred Valley tour is a captivating journey that will take you through a series of extraordinary places, each of them brimming with history, culture and natural beauty. Beginning in Cusco and ending in Ollantaytambo, these are some of the key points you can explore on this enchanting tour:
Chinchero: The Sacred Valley Tour begins in Chinchero, where the Alpaca and Llama will welcome you. Here, also visitors can experience first-hand traditional Andean weaving techniques, by witnessing the creation of fascinating and vibrant textiles created by skilled artisans.
Salt Mines of Maras: Located near the town of Maras, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru.
The Maras salt mines are a fascinating network of terraced salt flats that have been in use since Inca times. The unique landscape is created by natural saltwater springs that emerge from the mountainside. The local community has been collecting salt here for centuries.
Moray Ruins: Location: In the Sacred Valley, to the northwest of Cusco, Peru.
Moray is an archaeological site that displays a series of concentric agricultural terraces that descend into the earth. It is believed that the Incas used this site for agricultural experiments because of the different microclimates of each terrace. The site shows the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Inca civilization.
Ollantaytambo: Ollantaytambo is a town and archaeological site in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo is known for its well-preserved Inca archaeological site, which include a number of temples such as the Temple of the Sun and the Water Temple. It was a religious and administrative center during the Inca Empire. It also played an important role during the Spanish conquest of Peru.
Pisac Ruins: Pisac is also located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Pisac is an Inca archaeological site with terraces, temples, residential areas and an Inca cemetery. The site overlooks the modern city of Pisac and the Urubamba River. The ruins are famous for their agricultural terraces, ceremonial structures and panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Pisac can be visited independently if you do not wish to take the Sacred Valley tour.
Alpaca Farm: The Sacred Valley Tour also includes a visit to an alpaca farm on the way back to cusco. The alpaca farm offers visitors the opportunity to meet and interact with these fascinating camelids native to South America. Visitors can observe alpacas, llamas and vicuñas, learn about the traditional alpaca wool weaving process and even buy handmade alpaca products from locals.
Day 03 – Machu Picchu Tour Over Night
Enhance your experience in the Sacred Valley by connecting it with Machu Picchu through a fascinating train ride along the Urubamba River to the town of Aguas Calientes. Get an accommodation right there, which will allow you to explore Machu Picchu the next day. This strategic choice gives you the opportunity to witness the sunrise and explore the iconic site before the crowds arrive.
If you have already visited Machu Picchu, consider an alternative adventure on a full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain or the Humantay Lake from Cusco. This alternative could be your best option, a unique and scenic exploration that showcases the natural beauty of the region beyond the famous archaeological site.
Conclusion:
We have carefully put together the best things to see in Cusco in a 3-day itinerary to help you plan your visit. Drawing on our experience as Machu Picchu travel specialists, this suggested itinerary is tailored to your individual preferences and interests. If you need further assistance or would like a more extensive itinerary for your stay in Cusco, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you make your experience memorable and tailored to your preferences.
