Are you trying to decide the best way to spend 4 days in Cusco? I understand planning a trip to Peru can be a daunting task! Don’t worry, this travel guide will share the best bucket list experiences you need to explore in Cusco, Peru!
When you travel to Peru, plan 4 days in Cusco. Nestled among the Andes, Cusco offers a captivating glimpse of Peru’s rich culture and history. Wander the cobblestone streets to explore fascinating Inca sites, colonial architecture, mouth watering cuisine, and the hospitality of the Peruvian people.
I recently returned from a thrilling South America trip to Peru. Our time in Cusco was one of the highlights of my vacation. I will share my experience so you can decide if four days in Cusco is right for you. Keep reading this Peru travel guide for a thrilling 4 day itinerary in Cusco.
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Where Is Cusco, Peru?
Cusco is in southeastern Peru, near the Sacred Valley. It is about 40 miles from Machu Picchu, which is one of the main reasons Cusco is a popular base to visit the ruins.
Arrival in Cusco
Most international tourists arrive in Lima and then fly to Cusco. On your first day, I recommend going directly to Cusco when you arrive in Peru. Unfortunately, the Lima airport is far away from tourist areas and traffic is horrible. Unless you plan to stay in Lima for several days, continue your journey to Cusco to save time.
Cusco flights land at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Contrary to its long name, the Cusco airport is relatively small. Once you arrive, it is easy to grab a taxi out front of the airport to reach hotels in the city center.
Your plan for the day will depend on the time you arrive in Cusco. We arrived in the late afternoon, so we tried to make the most of our time. We hit the ground running by visiting the attractions in the city center upon our arrival.
Is Cusco Worth Visiting?
Cusco is worth visiting to immerse yourself in the former capital of the powerful Inca Empire. Captivating for its historical importance and beauty, Cusco exudes old world charm. Quaint cobblestone streets, museums, architecture and Inca ruins are some of the best things to do in a Cusco itinerary.
Although overshadowed by mighty Machu Picchu, you don’t want to miss Cusco. Tourists often stay in Cusco because of its proximity to the famous ruins. However, I promise Cusco has so much more to offer than a departure point for Machu Picchu.
4 Days in Cusco Itinerary: Day 1 Explore the City Center
Plaza de Armas
There is no better way to start your exploration of Cusco, than its charming historic center, Plaza de Armas. You will immediately note the blend of Inca culture and Spanish Colonial influences in its architecture. The area is breathtakingly beautiful! It’s the best place to shop for local handicrafts, explore delicious restaurants and visit nearby museums.
We were fortunate to visit Cusuco during Inti Raymi, one of the most important festivals of the Peruvian people. The electric energy of Plaza de Armas buzzed with the sounds of music and singing. Locals danced and celebrated in ornate, brightly colored costumes. Rainbow flags, the official flag of Cusco, hung proudly around the city. The spectacle was quite beautiful and moving.
Seeking Stamps Tip: If you plan to visit Cusco during Inti Raymi book your accommodations early. Also, give yourself more time because the increased traffic congests small city roads.
The Basilica Cathedral of Cusco
Next visit one of the famous Cusco attractions, beautiful Cusco Cathedral. The Basilica Cathedral of Cusco was built between 1559 and 1654. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognizable from its gorgeous architecture and ornate wooden doors. Along with the Triunfo Temple, it makes up the Cathedral Complex in the Plaza de Armas. The Cathedral is worth visiting to see its intricate interior, beautiful art, and cedar choir stalls.
Hours of Operation for the Cusco Cathedral:
- Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm
- Sunday 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Admission Price for Cusco Cathedral: (cash only)
- Adult cost 40 soles
- Students cost 20 soles
- Children 9 and under: FREE
- Entrance is included with a Religious Circuit tourist ticket
San Pedro Market
Take a short walk from the Centro Historico to shop at San Pedro Market. This is Cusco’s central market which was designed in 1925 by Gustave Eiffel (who designed the Eiffel Tower). You can find all kinds of items from souvenirs to local cuisine. Shop and eat your way through thousands of stalls.
Hours of Operation of San Pedro Market:
- Open daily from 7:00 am-6:00 pm
Cost for San Pedro Market:
- Entrance is free
San Blas and Archbishop’s Palace
Next, get lost exploring the historic San Blas neighborhood. The narrow cobblestone streets characterize this picturesque artesian area. This is a great place to shop for art and souvenirs, but be prepared to feel breathless walking up the steep streets if you aren’t accustomed to the altitude yet.
In San Blas, head over to the Archbishop’s Palace on Hatunrumiyoc Street. While there, check out the famous 12 Angle Stone. This archaeological relic is special because it demonstrates the ner perfection of Inca carvers without advanced tools. The palace also houses the Cusco Museum of Religious Art.
Hours of Operation of Archbishop’s Palace: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Cost of the Archbishop’s Palace Admission:
- 5 soles for adults
- 7.50 for children ages 9+
- Admission is included with the Cusco Religious Circuit ticket
Cusco Itinerary Day 2: Explore Inca Sites in Cusco
Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)
Start the next day of your Cusco itinerary exploring Sacsayhuaman Inca site. The ruins at Sacsayhuaman were the largest structure built by the Incas under the reign of Pachacuti (between 1438-1471 CE). Not only are the history and architecture impressive, but the scenery is breathtaking.
I recommend a tour guide so you understand the significance of Sacsayhuaman. You will marvel at the Inca’s master craftsmanship. We learned they hauled massive stones from quarries without the use of the wheel. Also, the expansive fortress was precisely constructed without sophisticated tools or mortar. My favorite part of our visit was the panoramic views over the city of Cusco!
As you get used to the altitude, Sacsayhuaman is nice to visit because it is not strenuous to explore. The ruins are close to the city center, and can be reached by taxi or walking. Plan to spend about an hour touring the site.
Hours of Operation for Sacsayhuaman:
- Daily 7:00 am-6:00 pm
Cost of Sacsayhuaman:
- Admission is included with the boleto turistico ticket.
What to Bring to Sacsayhuaman:
- Comfortable walking shoes (the terrain isn’t very steep)
- Dress in layers- morning in Cusco can be chilly and warm up later
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Bottled water
- Money- there are vendors selling trinkets and jewelry where you exit.
Seeking Stamps Tip: You can easily walk to Sacsayhuaman from the Cusco city center, but the walk uphill may be strenuous if you are not used to the altitude.
For Detailed Information About visiting Sacsayhuaman, Read This Blog Post!
Cristo Blanco Statue
If time permits, walk from Sacsayhuaman to the Cristo Blanco statue, just minutes away. This is a mini replica of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue which stands 26 feet tall. The best part is it’s free and offers more gorgeous views of Cusco.
Cusco City Food Tour
Chances are, you will work up an appetite after sightseeing all day. Without a doubt, eating is one of the best things to do in Cusco. To explore Cusco’s cuisine, we booked an “eat the streets” tour through Curious Monkey Food tours.
The Cusco food tour let us sample street foods, delicious restaurants, desserts, coffee and more! I don’t want to give away all the secrets of the tour, but this is so fun for kids and adults alike. Lizbeth, Corinne and Flor kept us well informed, laughing, and STUFFED! I highly recommend the experience for your Cusco itinerary.
Day 3 Cusco Itinerary: ATV Sacred Valley Adventure
No visit to Cusco is complete without a Sacred Valley tour. From Cusco, it takes about an hour and a half to reach Moray, Peru.
To keep our teenagers engaged while we explored the Sacred Valley, we booked an ATV day tour to Moray and Maras Salt Mines. Our tour included hotel pickup, driving instructions, and guide. Instead of riding in a van, it was way more fun to feel the wind in our face while we off-roaded to the sites.
What to Wear to the Sacred Valley ATV Tour:
- Dress in layers- we were freezing in the morning and hot in the afternoon sun.
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses. I also brought a hat for when we removed our helmets.
- Bring water, snacks, your tourist ticket for Moray, and soles to pay for souvenirs and your entrance to Maras.
- Wear sturdy athletic shoes and clothes that can get dusty and dirty.
Learn How To Get To The Sacred Valley In Peru In This Blog!
Moray, Peru
First, visit the Moray Ruins which are an impressive archeological site. Explore the unique terraced circles built by the Incas between the 12th and 14th centuries. Surrounded by the Andes, the scenery here is breathtaking. Experts believe this marvel of engineering was built for agricultural experimentation. It’s possible that the microclimates at Moray helped the Incas cultivate crop diversity. Moray, Peru is a must-see attraction during your 4 day Cusco itinerary!
Hours of Operation for Moray Peru:
- Open daily 7:00 am-6:00 pm
Cost of Moray, Peru:
- entrance included in the price of a Cusco Integral Tourist Ticket
Read More Insider Tips for Visiting Moray Peru!
Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)
After Moray, visit the Maras Salt Mines. The drive from Moray to Maras is about 30 minutes. The road leading down to the mines is a bit treacherous, so we had to leave our ATV’s for the quick journey.
The Maras salt mines consist of thousands of ancient salt pools that predate the Incas. Villagers have harvested precious Peruvian salt in these man-made pools for over 500 years. Soak up the views of the colorful mosaic of tan, orange and beige pools in the valley below.
Hours of Operation for Maras Salt Pools:
- Daily 7:00 am-5:00 pm
Cost of Maras Salt Pools:
- It costs 10 Peruvian soles to view the salt pools. (entrance is NOT) included in the tourist ticket. Bring soles (cash) for entry.
Read This Blog About My Experience at the Maras Salt Mines.
Cusco Itinerary Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour
If you are traveling to Peru, you are most likely visiting Machu Picchu. It is one of the seven wonders of the modern world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the pièce de résistance of your 4 day Cusco itinerary!
We decided to take the Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Although pricey, it includes round trip transportation from Cusco to the Aguas Calientes train station. In addition, the bus up Machu Picchu mountain, Machu Picchu entrance tickets and a tour at Machu Picchu are included with the Hiram Bingham train. It’s really a one-stop-shop to get to Machu Picchu in style.
Hours of Operation for Machu PIcchu:
- Open Daily 6:00 am-5:30 pm
Entrance Fees for Machu Picchu:
- Machu Picchu tickets are approximately $45 USD for adults and $21 for kids (depending on the circuit)
- Buy your advanced reservations tickets for Machu Picchu here. Purchase is required a minimum of 40 days before your visit. Tickets sell out, so buy them asap! Tickets are not sold at the entrance.
- I highly recommend you book a tour for Machu Picchu if you do not ride the luxury train.
For adventure lovers, hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or book 4 Day Machu Picchu tours via the Inca Trail.
For More Information about the Cusco Machu Picchu Trip, Read My Blog Post About Taking the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train.
Additional Things to Do in Your Cusco 4 Day Itinerary
If you have additional time in your Cusco itinerary, consider one of many interesting day trips. We didn’t have a chance to visit these attractions during our 4 day Cusco Itinerary, but I would add them in if you have time.
- Visit colorful Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca on a day trip from Cusco.
- Trek up Palccoyo Mountain– this is the closer and smaller version of the Rainbow Mountains day hike.
- Book a Humantay Lake tour to see one of Peru’s top natural tourist attractions.
- Cross the 118 foot handwoven Inca Bridge of Q’eswachaka.
- Explore Chincero, Pisac or Ollantaytambo.
- Hike Huchuy Qosqo.
Continue Your Adventures in the Peruvian Amazon. Read My Other Blog Posts About Puerto Maldonado, Peru and What to Pack for the Amazon Rainforest.
Best Time to Visit Cusco
The best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are during the dry season which falls from June to September. We visited in early June and enjoyed the sites without many crowds. The later you go in June, July and August, the more crowded it gets with tourists on their summer vacations. Remember the seasons in Peru are opposite of the seasons in the United States.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Upon arrival in Cusco, buy a “boleto turistico” tourist ticket. If you are planning to see multiple attractions in Cusco choose a “Cusco integral tourist ticket”. It includes 16 attractions including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray ruins. It is important to note that Maras Salt Mines are not included in the tourist ticket.
- The cost of a Cusco Integral Tourist Ticket for foreigners is 130 soles and 70 soles for foreign students.
To visit the ornate Cusco churches, buy a Cusco Religious Circuit ticket. It includes the Cusco Museum of Religious Art, Church of San Blas, the Church of San Cristobal, and Cathedral of Cusco.
- the cost of a Cusco Religious Circuit ticket is 30 soles for adults
Altitude Sickness in Cusco
At an elevation of over 11,000 feet, altitude sickness in Cusco is no joke. There’s a reason why everyone talks about it. Symptoms include dizziness, feeling tired, mild shortness of breath, and stomach upset. Even if you are young and fit, take time to acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.
Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness:
- Travel to high altitudes gradually
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
- Eat small, simple meals. Eat more carbs than fatty foods
- Drink Coca tea
- Don’t rush your itinerary
Where to Stay in Cusco
Cusco has many great hotel options to choose from. Since we were traveling with a large group and needed to accommodate a range of budgets, we decided to stay at the J.W. Marriott. The J.W. Marriott Hotel El Convento is built in a former 16th century monastery. We loved its historic old world charm and that it felt “Peruvian”.
The amenities at the Marriott El Convento, pleasantly exceeded our expectations. The food and service at the hotel was amazing. It is in a prime location close to restaurants, shopping and the Plaza de Armas.
Our family booked a King Luxury suite and the kids had an adjoining room. It was very specious for a family of four and I highly recommend that option if you are traveling to Cusco with kids.
Best Cusco Restaurants
While menu items such as Cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca might not sound appetizing, I promise Cusco is a foodie paradise. I was shocked at the quality and variety of superior restaurants in the city.
Here are some of our favorite Cusco restaurants:
- Yaku Peruvian Steakhouse– the cozy open air space served delicious Peruvian food!
- El Jardin– we loved the decor of this vegetarian and vegan restaurant.
- Limbus– offers panoramic views and great cocktails.
- Viewhouse Restobar– impeccable place for drinks and city views.
- Uchu Steakhouse– delicious Peruvian steakhouse with large portions. The potato skins appetizer was so yummy we fought over the last one!
- Mistura Grill Cusco– the views are to die for! Try the picarones (peruvian Donuts for dessert)
- Rucula restaurant -has artistically presented food and located near Plaza de Armas.
How Many Days in Cusco Are Enough?
When I was planning our Peru itinerary, I wondered how many days in Cusco are enough to see the best parts of the city. Four days in Cusco gave us enough time to see the highlights of Cusco and take day trips to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
If I return, I would stay in Cusco for several days and stay overnight at Machu Picchu. Although we loved the Hiram Bingham train, the one day journey was arduous. Instead, I would take the luxury train and stay overnight at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge to break up the trip.
If you are visiting Cusco and heading to Machu Picchu for a day trip, I recommend two or three days in Cusco as the absolute minimum. Visiting Cusco for 4 days gives you time to explore the city and adjust to the altitude. As I have mentioned, I found Cusco SO incredibly charming and if we had more time, I would have stayed for a week. Hopefully we will have the chance to return one day!
Can You Eat Piranhas in the Peruvian Amazon? Read This Blog to Find Out More!
4 Days In Cusco: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is Cusco Famous?
Cusco is famous because it is the former capital of the powerful Inca Empire. The city offers fascinating Inca sites, colonial architecture, gorgeous churches, and mouth watering cuisine. In addition, it’s the gateway to sites in the Sacred Valley including Maras, Moray, Pisac and Machu Picchu.
2. Is It Worth Staying in Cusco?
If you enjoy history, architecture, cultural events and delicious restaurants, it is worth staying in Cusco, Peru. In addition to the numerous attractions, there are interesting places to visit near Cusco such as Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and more.
3. What Are the Best Months in Cusco?
The best months to visit Cusco are during the dry season from June to September. To avoid crowds, visit Cusco in April, May, September or October. To experience the lively Festival of the Sun, visit Cusco in June.
4. Is 4 Days in Cusco Enough?
Four days in Cusco is enough time to see many of the attractions in the city. If you have additional time, there is plenty to keep you busy for a week or longer.
5. How Many Days in Cusco and Machu Picchu Do You Recommend?
The minimum time you can spend in Cusco and see Machu Picchu is two nights. You need one night when you land in the city, and another after you return from your day trip to Machu Picchu. Although possible, 2 days in Cusco may be rushed and detract from your experience.
6. What Is the Best Thing to Do in Cusco for One Day?
If you only have one day in Cusco, focus your attention on the sites and attractions in the city center. Explore Plaza de Armas, shop in San Pedro Market, visit Sacsayhuaman, and dine at some of the fantastic Cusco restaurants.
7. Is Cusco a Walkable City?
Although Cusco is over 148 square miles, the historic city center is walkable for tourists. Sites such as Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral, San Blas, and Sacsayhuaman can be reached on foot. With a walk score of 87/100, shops and restaurants are within walking distance from the city center.
8. What Are the Best Things to Do in Cusco for Two Days?
If you only have two days in Cusco, spend day 1 at attractions in the city center. Explore Plaza de Armas, shop in San Pedro Market, visit Sacsayhuaman, and dine at mouthwatering Cusco restaurants. On day two, take a trip to the Sacred Valley to explore Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins.
4 Days in Cusco: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a well-planned itinerary is key to fully experience the wonders of four days in Cusco. Travelers can truly immerse themselves in the rich heritage and natural beauty that this region has to offer by exploring Cusco’s outdoor adventures, historical sites, and fascinating ancient ruins. From the pinnacle of Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley of Peru there are endless things to do in Cusco. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through this enchanting corner of South America with this perfect Cusco itinerary.
