peru

Traveling to Cusco, Peru is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the heart of the Inca Empire, rich in history and culture. The city is home to numerous archaeological sites, including the iconic Machu Picchu, and offers stunning natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Whether you're interested in history, adventure, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Cusco has something for everyone.

Chinchero

Andean village

Cristo Blanco

Christ statue on a hill, a popular destination for city and night views

Day 1 hiking the Inka Trail

What to expect

Day 1

Highlights

Day 2 hiking the Inca Trail

What to expect

Day 2

Highlights

Day 3 hiking the Inca trail

What to expect

Day 3

Highlights

Day 4 hiking the Inca Trail

What to expect

Day 4

Highlights

Kokopelli Hostel

Where to stay in Cusco

Limbus Resto Bar

Rooftop bar with amazing views of Cusco

Maras Salt Mines

Visiting the terrace salt ponds

Moray

Inca agricultural terraces

Ollantaytambo

Inca fortress town

Pisac Ruins

Inca mountain citadel

Rainbow Mountain

Highlights

Rainbow Mountain

What to expect

San Pedro Market

Vibrant local market

San Cristobol

View of Cusco from bell tower

Saqsaywaman

Citadel on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco

Three monkey cafe

Cafe

What to see in Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley highlights

tour

We recommend booking through Alpaca Expeditions. It is ethical, and well-organized but more importantly, this company gives back to its community!

what we packed

Since this was a 4-day 3-night hike it was important for us to be able to charge our electronics but also stay warm with light layers since you have to carry your belongings! Everything we use in our hike is on our amazon storefront under hiking and electronics.

Day 1 hiking the Inka Trail

What to expect

Day 1

Highlights

Day 2 hiking the Inca Trail

What to expect

Day 2

Highlights

Day 3 hiking the Inca trail

What to expect

Day 3

Highlights

Day 4 hiking the Inca Trail

What to expect

Day 4

Highlights

Where to stay

Kokopelli Hostel is an excellent choice for travelers seeking comfortable and affordable accommodation in a vibrant and social atmosphere. The hostel offers a range of amenities, including a bar, restaurant, and common areas for socializing, as well as a variety of tours and activities to help you explore the city and surrounding area. We used Hostelworld to book this spot.

how to get around

In Cusco, you can easily get around on foot, as many of the main attractions are located within walking distance of each other in the historic city center. Additionally, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach destinations further afield, such as the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu. Make sure to negotiate the price with the driver before getting in to ensure a fair rate.

Cristo Blanco

Christ statue on a hill, a popular destination for city and night views

Kokopelli Hostel

Where to stay in Cusco

Limbus Resto Bar

Rooftop bar with amazing views of Cusco

San Pedro Market

Vibrant local market

San Cristobol

View of Cusco from bell tower

Saqsaywaman

Citadel on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco

Three monkey cafe

Cafe

tour

We booked a tour through Get Your Guide . This is an all day tour that takes you from the main city of Cusco. Visit Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac to see Incan ruins, salt mines, local textile productions, and a village craft market.

how we got around

The Sacred Valley in Peru can be easily explored by taking a guided tour, which typically includes transportation by bus or van to the main attractions. Additionally, you can rent a car or hire a private driver for more flexibility and independence. Alternatively, local buses or shared taxis (known as colectivos) are available for budget-conscious travelers, but may not be as reliable or comfortable as other options.

Chinchero

Andean village

Maras Salt Mines

Visiting the terrace salt ponds

Moray

Inca agricultural terraces

Ollantaytambo

Inca fortress town

Pisac Ruins

Inca mountain citadel

What to see in Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley highlights

tour

We booked a tour through Viator. Peru's Rainbow Mountain is often explored on a challenging trek that reaches high altitudes. Skip the trek and hit the mountain with ease aboard a quad bike during this small-group tour. Spend more time enjoying the beautiful scenery and the area's fauna and flora, and less time getting tired from the hike. This is an all day tour that takes you from the main city of Cusco.

what we packed

It's important to bring layers of warm clothing, including a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and a warm fleece or sweater, as temperatures can drop rapidly at high altitudes. You'll also want to bring sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle, as well as any personal medications you may need. Additionally, consider bringing some snacks or a packed lunch, as food options may be limited on the mountain. Feel free to check our amazon storefront

Rainbow Mountain

Highlights

Rainbow Mountain

What to expect

Tours

Feel free to check out the tours we used on our trip! Simply click on the image, and you'll be directed to a website that offers additional details about the tour, so you can decide if it is right for you!