Cusco Unplugged: Inca Stones, Sacred Valley Rails & Rainbow Peaks
See it in NavoyFive days in the Inca capital, paced to help you acclimatise first. You start with Cusco's cobbled lanes and Inca stonework, then move to Machu Picchu by train from Ollantaytambo and the high-altitude Rainbow Mountain trek. The days are full of local markets, time with your Cusco friends and artisan workshops. Machu Picchu entry and train times are fixed, so book those well ahead for September.
1Cobblestones and Coca Tea
$25A gentle first afternoon at 3,400 m. You'll walk slowly through the historic centre, step into Inca Cusco at Qorikancha and wander up into the artisan quarter. The day ends with a relaxed dinner with your friends.
Cobblestones and Coca Tea
Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Exterior
Settle in with a slow stroll around the main square, its arcades and the Cathedral and La Compañía façades. Sip coca tea to help with the altitude and take it easy.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
See the finest Inca stonemasonry in Cusco, with the Spanish convent of Santo Domingo built on top of it. The site shows how the Incas used astronomy and precise masonry. Entry is paid separately from the Boleto Turístico.
San Blas Artisan Quarter Stroll
Climb slowly through the steep lanes of San Blas past ceramic and textile studios, small galleries and viewpoints over the red-tiled roofs. Take breaks as you go.
Home-Style Dinner with Friends
Have an early night over a local meal with your Cusco friends. Try lomo saltado, quinoa soup or a mild trout dish. Drink water and keep alcohol light on your first night at altitude.
2Giants of Stone: Sacsayhuamán and the Market
$90With one night at altitude behind you, spend the morning at the market and the day at the ruins above the city. You'll then link several Inca sites by trail and end at the Cristo Blanco viewpoint for sunset.
Giants of Stone: Sacsayhuamán and the Market
San Pedro Market Breakfast and Browse
Eat like a local at Cusco's main market. Try fresh fruit juices, tamales, cheeses and breads, and look around the stalls selling herbs, potatoes and Andean produce. Your spend covers juices and snacks.
Sacsayhuamán Fortress
Walk up through San Cristóbal, or take a short taxi, to the huge zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán. Explore the ramparts and the Rodadero rocks, then take in the panoramic views over Cusco. The budget covers the Boleto Turístico for two, which also gives you entry to the other sites today.
Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay Circuit
After a simple lunch, continue along the ridge. You'll see the carved limestone altars of Qenqo, the red fortress of Puka Pukara and the ceremonial water channels of Tambomachay. Taxi or walk between sites. The budget covers taxi fares.
Sunset at Cristo Blanco
Head back toward town for golden hour at the White Christ statue above San Cristóbal. The views over the whole valley are a good way to end an active day.
3The Lost City by Rail
$478A long and rewarding day. You'll go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, take the train through the Urubamba canyon and spend the middle of the day at Machu Picchu. Then you'll come back by train and road. Book your Machu Picchu entry and train tickets in advance, because September is peak season.
The Lost City by Rail
Early Transfer Cusco to Ollantaytambo
Take a pre-booked shared or private taxi or colectivo over the Sacred Valley road. The ride is about 2 hours, so you reach the station in time for your morning train.
Train to Aguas Calientes
Ride the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, with large windows looking out over the Urubamba river and the cloud forest. The budget covers round-trip tickets for two on the standard Expedition service, so the return train is already included.
Bus Up and Machu Picchu Guided Visit
Take the 25-minute bus up the switchbacks, then explore the citadel on your timed-entry circuit. Highlights are the Sun Gate viewpoint, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone and the classic terrace views. Hire a local guide at the gate if you want the history. The budget covers entry and bus tickets for two.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Take the bus back down and have a relaxed lunch near the river and station. Try grilled trout or a hearty soup while you wait for the train.
Return Train and Drive to Cusco
Take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, then the 2-hour road transfer to Cusco. You'll reach the city at about 22:30. The transfer cost is the return of the one you booked in the morning.
4Chasing Colour at Rainbow Mountain
$110After three days of acclimatising, you're ready for the highest point of the trip, Vinicunca at about 5,036 m. It's an early start and a demanding trek, with striped mineral hillsides and alpacas along the way. In the evening you'll rest and have a hearty dinner.
Chasing Colour at Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Day Trek
Join a small-group tour that leaves from Cusco before dawn. It includes breakfast, the drive through Andean villages, a hike of about 2 hours up to the viewpoint and a buffet lunch. The budget covers the tour for two plus the local entrance fee. Bring layers, sun protection, water and cash for small purchases. Go slowly and use coca leaves or tea if you need them. Horses are available for part of the climb.
Recovery Time and Picantería Dinner
After a rest and shower, go for a classic Cusco dinner at a local picantería in the San Blas or Santiago area. Try chicharrón, cuy chactado or rocoto relleno, with chicha morada to drink. Invite your friends along.
5Chocolate, Craft and Farewell Views
$52A relaxed final day with local flavours, handmade crafts and a last viewpoint with your friends. You've done the big adventures, so today is for taking in the city at an easy pace.
Chocolate, Craft and Farewell Views
San Blas Artisan Studios Visit
Visit working studios in San Blas, such as ceramic, woodcarving and textile workshops. Meet the artists and buy souvenirs directly from them.
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop
Make your own chocolate in a hands-on workshop. You'll roast, grind and mould cacao grown in Peruvian valleys, and take your creations with you.
Casual Lunch at San Blas Market
Eat a set lunch (menú del día) at the small neighbourhood market. It's a cheap, local-style meal with soup and a main course.
Farewell Sunset with Friends
Finish with golden hour from the Plazoleta Santa Ana viewpoint or Plaza de Armas. Walk the old streets one last time with your friends and toast the trip with a pisco sour.