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12-Day Adventure Itinerary in Cusco, Peru - Discover Inca Heritage and Natural Beauty

Viewed by 104 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Leisure

Cusco, Peru

10:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Cusco and settle into your hotel, like the beautiful Hotel Monasterio.
10-minute taxi ride from the airport.
PEN500, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Paddy's

Enjoy a refreshing lunch at Paddy's Irish Pub, known for its delicious burgers and local brews.
Walk 15 minutes from the hotel.
PEN40, 1 hour

2:00 PM

City Walking Tour

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center, visiting the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.
Walking distance from lunch location.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Kuxa Restaurant Dinner

Dine at Kuxa, where you can savor traditional Peruvian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
20-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.
PEN60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cusco

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Cusco, Peru

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, including fresh fruits and traditional breads.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Sacsayhuamán Tour

Explore the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, located just outside of Cusco.
10-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
PEN80, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at the Inka Grill

Indulge in a delicious lunch featuring local specialties at the popular Inka Grill.
20-minute taxi ride back to the city.
PEN70, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Qorikancha Temple Visit

Visit the Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, and learn about its rich history.
10-minute walk from Inka Grill.
PEN30, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Free Time to Explore

Enjoy free time to shop for local handicrafts or relax at a café.
Walking distance around Plaza de Armas.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Chicha

Experience unique flavors of Peruvian cuisine at Gastón Acurio's Chicha.
10-minute walk from city center.
PEN80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cusco

Day 3: Aguas Calientes Journey

Aguas Calientes, Peru

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your train journey to Aguas Calientes.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Aguas Calientes

Travel on the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
15-minute walk to the train station.
USD70, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Tree House

Enjoy a jungle-themed lunch with stunning views of the mountains.
10-minute walk from the train station.
PEN60, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Aguas Calientes

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes.
Walking distance around town.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Indio Feliz

Enjoy a blend of Peruvian and French cuisine in this charming eatery.
15-minute walk from town center.
PEN70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Aguas Calientes

Day 4: Machu Picchu Adventure

Machu Picchu, Peru

5:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before heading to Machu Picchu.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

6:00 AM

Bus to Machu Picchu

Take the bus up to the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu.
20-minute walk to bus stop.
USD12, 30 minutes

7:00 AM

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

Begin your guided tour of the iconic Inca site, highlighting its history and significance.
Entrance ticket required.
USD50, 2 hours

9:00 AM

Solo Exploration of Machu Picchu

Spend time exploring the ruins on your own, taking in breathtaking views.
Free with admission ticket.
Included, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Hike to Sun Gate

Hike the short trail to the Sun Gate for panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
Trail accessible from site.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge

Recharge with lunch at the only restaurant at the site, providing a stellar view.
30-minute hike down.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Return to Aguas Calientes

Take the bus back down and enjoy the picturesque town before dinner.
Return by bus.
USD12, 30 minutes

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Tree House

Delight in dinner with a blend of local flavors before heading back to Cusco.
Return walk to center.
PEN70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Machu Picchu

Day 5: Ollantaytambo Exploration

Ollantaytambo, Peru

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your journey to Ollantaytambo.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Ollantaytambo

Travel to Ollantaytambo by train, enjoying scenic views along the way.
15-minute walk to the station.
USD30, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Archaeological Site

Explore the magnificent terraces and ruins at Ollantaytambo.
10-minute walk from the train station.
PEN70, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hearts Café

Have a delicious organic lunch at this social enterprise café.
Walking distance around town.
PEN60, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Ollantaytambo Town

Take time to wander the scenic streets and local markets of Ollantaytambo.
Walking distance from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Apu Veronica Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner while admiring the view of the mountains.
15-minute walk from town center.
PEN80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Ollantaytambo

Day 6: Sacred Valley Adventure

Sacred Valley, Peru

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast before heading to explore the Sacred Valley.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Pisac Market

Explore the vibrant Pisac Market for local crafts and souvenirs.
1-hour taxi ride from Ollantaytambo.
PEN10, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Tour of Pisac Ruins

Visit the remarkable archaeological site overlooking the Sacred Valley.
15-minute hike from the market.
PEN70, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at El Albergue

Savor an organic meal at the scenic El Albergue restaurant.
15-minute drive from the ruins.
PEN80, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Moray Agricultural Terraces

Explore the unique circular terraces used by the Incas for agriculture.
30-minute drive from El Albergue.
PEN40, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Return to Cusco

Travel back to Cusco for a restful evening.
1-hour taxi ride.
PEN80, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Dinner at Casa de la Cerveza

Wind down with local craft beers and delicious Peruvian pizza.
Walking distance from your hotel.
PEN60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sacred Valley

Day 7: Relax and Prep

Cusco, Peru

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast as you prepare for your upcoming trek.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Free Morning for Shopping

Take the morning to shop at local markets for last-minute essentials for the Inca Trail.
Walking distance around the city.
Varies, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at La Bodega 138

Dine at this popular spot known for its wood-fired pizzas.
10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.
PEN70, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit San Blas District

Explore the artistic San Blas neighborhood, famous for its crafts and artsy vibe.
15-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Manka

Enjoy farm-to-table ingredients in a cozy and chic restaurant.
20-minute walk from San Blas.
PEN80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cusco

Day 8: Inca Trail Begins

Inca Trail, Peru

5:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before your expedition begins.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

6:00 AM

Transport to the Inca Trail

Drive from Cusco to the Inca Trail, where your adventure begins.
As arranged with the tour company.
Included in tour cost., 2 hours

8:00 AM

Trekking Begins

Start your hike along the picturesque Inca Trail with stunning views and encounters with nature.
Guided by professional tour guides.
Included in tour cost., 8 hours

4:00 PM

Set Camp

Arrive at your campsite, set up tent and relax after a day of trekking.
Guided by professional tour guides.
Included in tour cost., 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Camp

Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by your trek's chef, fueling you for the day ahead.
Included in tour cost.
Included in tour cost., 1 hour
Find Hotels in Inca Trail

Day 9: Inca Trail Continuation

Inca Trail, Peru

6:00 AM

Breakfast at Camp

Start your day with breakfast before moving on the trail.
Prepared by your trek's chef.
Included in tour cost., 1 hour

7:00 AM

Continue Trekking

Trek further along the trail, experiencing breathtaking landscapes and stunning ruins.
Guided by professional tour guides.
Included in tour cost., 8 hours

3:00 PM

Arrive at Machu Picchu

Witness the site of Machu Picchu as you arrive, feeling the excitement build.
Guided by professional tour guides.
Included in tour cost., 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Machu Picchu

Spend time exploring the ruins and taking in the magnificent views of this ancient city.
Included in your tour.
Included in tour cost., 2 hours

6:00 PM

Train to Aguas Calientes

Return back down to Aguas Calientes for a restful night.
As arranged by tour company.
Included in tour cost., 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at Indio Feliz

Finish the trek with dinner at a beloved local restaurant known for delicious food.
Walking distance in Aguas Calientes.
PEN70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Inca Trail

Day 10: Rest and Relaxation

Cusco, Peru

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Celebrate your trek with breakfast at your hotel.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Museo Inka

Learn more about the Inca civilization and its heritage at the Inka Museum.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
PEN30, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Kion Peruvian Asian Cuisine

Enjoy unique Peruvian-Asian fusion cuisine for lunch.
5-minute taxi ride from museum.
PEN80, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Free Afternoon

Take the afternoon to relax or pamper yourself at a local spa.
Various options around the city.
Varies, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Cicciolina

Conclude the day with dinner at this renowned restaurant celebrated for its creative dishes.
15-minute walk from your hotel.
PEN90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cusco

Day 11: Rainbow Mountain Excursion

Rainbow Mountain, Peru

4:30 AM

Early Breakfast

Have a quick breakfast before departing early for Rainbow Mountain.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 30 minutes

5:00 AM

Transport to Rainbow Mountain

Travel for approximately 3 hours to reach the beautiful Rainbow Mountain.
As arranged with tour company.
Included in tour cost., 3 hours

8:30 AM

Hike Rainbow Mountain

Hike to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, experiencing breathtaking views.
Guided by professional tour guides.
Included in tour cost., 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Base Camp

Have a packed lunch at base camp while taking in the surroundings.
Included in tour package.
Included in tour package., 1 hour

1:00 PM

Descend Rainbow Mountain

Make your way back down, admiring the scenery along the trail.
Guided by professional tour guides.
Included in tour cost., 2 hours

3:00 PM

Return to Cusco

Travel back to Cusco for a relaxing evening.
As arranged with tour company.
Included in tour package., 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at La Bodega 138

Have a comforting dinner reflecting on your journey.
Walking distance to the restaurant.
PEN70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rainbow Mountain

Day 12: Departure Day

Cusco, Peru

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel on your last day.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Last Minute Shopping or Exploration

Spend your final moments in Cusco shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a last walk around the city.
Walking distance around Plaza de Armas.
Varies, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Check out from Hotel

Check-out from your hotel and prepare for your journey home.
10-minute walk to the airport taxi rendezvous.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Departure to Airport

Travel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your flight.
Arrange taxi from hotel.
PEN20, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Cusco
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