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Cusco & the Sacred Valley: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Cusco and the Sacred Valley put Inca history at four thousand metres. Stone terraces climb impossible slopes, markets spread beneath snow peaks, and the train along the Urubamba delivers you to Machu Picchu as the morning cloud lifts. Ceviche and pisco sours handle the recovery.
Cusco & the Sacred Valley is a 250 km loop (bus & ferry). It works best as 3–6 days; the plan below is the 4-day version for May, built from 159 verified places, with timetable-estimated transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 6-day plan · best time to go
4
days
250 km
distance
7.2 h
in transit
23
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Dry season: crisp blue days, freezing nights, and peak Inca Trail demand — permits and Machu Picchu slots sell out months out.
Day 1 Cusco → Pisac
🌡 -2.8–19.9°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:00
Museo Histórico Regionalhistory & sagaslocal & traditionalmuseums & heritage
Discover intricate paintings and Inca history in a scholar's home.
50 min · Cusco · Included in boleto turistico
open: Daily 08:00–17:00
09:50
ChocoMuseohistory & sagaslocal & traditionalmuseums & heritage
Savor rich chocolate and learn cacao's fascinating history.
50 min · Cusco · Free
open: 9:00-19:30
10:40
Museo del Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cuscolocal & traditionalmuseums & heritage
Admire traditional Quechuan textiles and their cultural stories.
50 min · Cusco · Free
open: M-Su 8:00-19:00
12:27
Museo Comunitario de Pisachistory & sagaslocal & traditionalmuseums & heritage
You will see vibrant textiles and ancient ceramic techniques on display.
50 min · Pisac
open: Su-F 08:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00
13:17
Iglesia San Pedro Apóstolohistory & sagas
You will see colonial arches rising from ancient Inca stone foundations.
50 min · Pisac · Free entry
14:07
Jardín Botanico
You will smell lush blooms and hear rustling leaves in a serene garden.
50 min · Pisac · S/8
open: 08:00-16:30
14:57
Ulrike's Cafelocal & traditionalcoffee & bakes
You will taste delightful desserts on a peaceful rooftop or in a lush courtyard.
60 min · Pisac · Salads S/8 to 15. Pizzas from S/16 to 36
open: Daily 08:00 to 21:00
18:30
Sapos Loungecraft beer & pubs
You will hear upbeat Peruvian salsa rhythms in a lively bar with toad decor.
75 min · Pisac · Large pizzas from S/24 and salads from S
open: Tu-Su 17:00 to 22:00, closed M
Overnight: Pisac
e.g. Hospedaje Inti · Melissa Wasi
Day 2 Around Pisac
🌡 -2.8–19.9°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:00
Ñusta Encantada
You will feel awe at the silhouette of a legendary rock formation against the sky.
50 min · Pisac
09:50
Museo del Sitio del Qoricanchahistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
See ancient ceramics, textiles, and modified skulls from Inca times.
50 min · Cusco · Included in boleto turistico
open: M-Su 9:00-18:00
10:40
Museo Inkahistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Walk through extensive pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial artifact collections.
50 min · Cusco · S/20
open: M–F 09:00–16:00, Sa 08:45–13:45
11:30
Palacio Inka del Kusikanchahistory & sagashiking
Roam the ruins of an Inca palace of a legendary emperor.
50 min · Cusco · No admission fee, but the attendant who
open: M–F 07:15–13:00, 14:00–16:00
12:20
Plaza de San Francisco,local & traditionalcoffee & bakes
Enjoy coffee and explore a lively traditional market nearby.
90 min · Cusco
13:50
Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneomuseums & heritage
Explore vibrant contemporary art exhibitions in a historic setting.
50 min · Cusco · Included in boleto turistico
open: M-Sa 09:00–18:00
14:40
Café Mullucoffee & bakes
You will relish creative Andean fusion dishes in a stylish, rustic atmosphere.
60 min · Pisac
Overnight: Pisac
e.g. Hospedaje Inti · Melissa Wasi
Day 3 Urubamba → Ollantaytambo
🌡 -2.2–19.9°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:46
Chichubambalocal & traditional
You will witness traditional Andean farming life and customs firsthand.
50 min · Urubamba
10:36
Plaza de Armas
You will feel the pulse of the town in a lively central square.
50 min · Urubamba
11:52
Pinkullyunahistory & sagas
See sweeping valley views from this hilltop dotted with Incan storehouses.
50 min · Ollantaytambo
open: 07:00–16:30
12:42
Ruins of Ollantaytambohistory & sagas
Feel the ancient stone beneath you as you explore grand Incan ruins.
50 min · Ollantaytambo
13:32
KB Tambo
Rent bikes and pedal through scenic paths around the historic town.
90 min · Ollantaytambo
15:02
Hearts Cafehistory & sagascoffee & bakes
Relax on the plaza with excellent coffee and views of the Inca fortress.
60 min · Ollantaytambo
18:30
Mayupata Restaurantlocal & traditionalcraft beer & pubs
Feast on wood-fired pizzas and Peruvian dishes in a warm, conversational setting.
75 min · Ollantaytambo
Overnight: Ollantaytambo
e.g. Casa Blanca Lodge · Intitambo Hotel
See the remaining 1 days of the 4-day plan →
Route map
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