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Cusco & the Sacred Valley — a 3-Day Plan You Can Actually Do
The 3-day version for May: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 6-day plan · best time to go.
3
days
250 km
distance
7.2 h
in transit
18
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 → Urubamba
🌡 -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
11:37
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
12:27
Iglesia San Pedro Apóstolohistory & sagas
You will see colonial arches rising from ancient Inca stone foundations.
50 min · Pisac · Free entry
13:17
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
15:03
Chichubambalocal & traditional
You will witness traditional Andean farming life and customs firsthand.
50 min · Urubamba
15:53
Plaza de Armas
You will feel the pulse of the town in a lively central square.
50 min · Urubamba
18:30
El Huacatay
You will savor home-cooked flavors in a warm, intimate dining room.
75 min · Urubamba · Mains US$8–11
Overnight: Urubamba
e.g. Aranwa Sacred Valley · Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Day 2 Around Urubamba
🌡 -2.8–19.9°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:00
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
09:50
Ñusta Encantada
You will feel awe at the silhouette of a legendary rock formation against the sky.
50 min · Pisac
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
11:30
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
12:20
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
13:10
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
Overnight: Urubamba
e.g. Aranwa Sacred Valley · Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Day 3 Ollantaytambo → Machu Picchu → back to start
🌡 3.5–24.6°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:26
Pinkullyunahistory & sagas
See sweeping valley views from this hilltop dotted with Incan storehouses.
50 min · Ollantaytambo
open: 07:00–16:30
10:16
Ruins of Ollantaytambohistory & sagas
Feel the ancient stone beneath you as you explore grand Incan ruins.
50 min · Ollantaytambo
11:06
KB Tambo
Rent bikes and pedal through scenic paths around the historic town.
90 min · Ollantaytambo
12:36
Hearts Cafehistory & sagascoffee & bakes
Relax on the plaza with excellent coffee and views of the Inca fortress.
60 min · Ollantaytambo