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3 days · Cusco itinerary

Cusco in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary

Three days based in Cusco is enough to acclimatise, explore the Sacred Valley and visit Machu Picchu. Here is how to spend three perfect days in Cusco — with the best-rated tours to book and altitude tips.

At a glance

  1. 1Day 1: Cusco city & acclimatise
  2. 2Day 2: Sacred Valley
  3. 3Day 3: Machu Picchu
  4. 4Evening return to Cusco

Day 1: Cusco and acclimatising

Take it easy on arrival with a city tour of the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán, and let your body adjust to the 3,400 m altitude.

Day 2: the Sacred Valley

Spend day two in the Sacred Valley at Pisac and Ollantaytambo (lower than Cusco), ending near the Machu Picchu train.

Day 3: Machu Picchu

Visit Machu Picchu by train and bus with a guided tour, returning to Cusco in the evening.

Cusco in 3 days — FAQ

Is 3 days enough for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Yes — three days lets you acclimatise with a Cusco city tour, explore the Sacred Valley and visit Machu Picchu, at a sensible pace for the altitude.
Do I need to acclimatise in Cusco?
Yes — Cusco sits at about 3,400 m, so take the first day easy, drink plenty of water and coca tea, and do lower-altitude trips before high hikes.
What order should I do things in Cusco?
Start low and easy: Cusco city, then the Sacred Valley, then Machu Picchu, saving Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake for after you’ve adjusted.