3 Days in Cusco: The Best Itinerary for First Timers

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, spending 3 days in Cusco is the perfect way to experience the magic of this heritage city. Known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is much more than just a stop on the way to the famous ruins. This ancient mountain city, once the heart of the Incan Empire, is full of charm, history, and culture. With its cobblestone streets, colorful artisan markets, and stunning mix of old and new, it’s no surprise that Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also happens to be one of the most visited places in Peru.

And if you’re up for a little more adventure beyond the city, Cusco is the perfect base for exploring some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. From the colorful peaks of Rainbow Mountain to the ancient terraced hills of the Sacred Valley, there’s no shortage of stunning sights. If you have extra time, consider one of the many multi-day treks near Cusco. This will allow you to experience the remote Andean villages and incredible snow-peaked mountains.

In this guide, I’ll help you make the most of your 3 days in Cusco with a relaxed and exciting itinerary that highlights the top Cusco attractions, uncover hidden gems in and around Cusco, and provide all the tips you need for an unforgettable trip.

Overview of 3 Days in Cusco, Peru

First Day in Cusco: Explore the historical center in Cusco (I recommend booking a walking tour), including highlights such as Plaza de Armas, Temple of the Sun and San Blas.

Second Day in Cusco: Start the day with a visit to a local market. If you haven’t booked a tour already, check various tour options, such as the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.

Third Day in Cusco: Use your third day for a one-day excursion, such as the Sacred Valley.

How to Get to Cusco

Flying to Cusco

Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to get to Cusco. If you’re already in Peru, you can easily catch an internal flight from major cities, such as Lima, Arequipa or Puno. On average, flights typically take around 1.5 hours. The airport in Cusco is also just 30 minutes away from the Cusco city center by taxi or Uber.

Travel Tip: once you exit the airport, be prepared for a swarm of persistent taxi drivers eager to offer you a ride into Cusco city. While it’s tempting to jump into the first available car, I recommend using Uber or Cabify for a reliable and fair-priced ride. Alternatively, if you decide to take a regular taxi, be prepared for some bargaining. So, you’ll avoid overpaying for a short drive into Cusco city.

Getting to Cusco by Bus

For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus to Cusco. Buses from Lima take around 20-24 hours, while buses from Arequipa or Puno usually take 6-12 hours. While the bus ride is longer, it offers a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of Peru’s landscapes, from the coastal areas to the Andean mountains. It’s a great way to travel if you’re looking to save money. But, if you want to save some time, I recommend flying into Cusco.

Best Time to Visit Cusco

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and stable, making it ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking. We went in August and had amazing weather the whole time! That said, here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan your trip:

May to September: Dry season with the best weather and the least rain.
June and July: Most popular among tourists, so expect larger crowds (especially around festivals).
April and October: These in-between months can be a bit rainy, but they’re still great times to visit.
November to March: Wet season, with higher chances of rain, especially in January and February. Trekking conditions may be more challenging.

Also, don’t forget: Cusco is way up in the mountains, so even if it’s warm during the day, it gets cold at night. Pack a warm, windproof jacket so you’re not freezing once the sun goes down!

Things to Know Before Traveling to Cusco

Altitude Sickness in Cusco

If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Cusco, one of the most important things to prepare for is the high altitude. Cusco sits at around 3,399 m (11,152 ft) in the Andes, and the sudden change, especially if you’re flying in from Lima or sea level, can definitely catch you off guard.

We flew straight from coastal Lima to the high-altitude city of Cusco, and wow, we felt it right away! Out of breath from walking just a few steps uphill, we quickly realized that rushing into sightseeing was not a good idea. That’s why we gave ourselves 3 days in Cusco to rest and acclimate before heading out on any big treks or day trips.

If you’re wondering how to acclimate in Cusco, here are 6 helpful tips to avoid or reduce altitude sickness:

Take it slow: Try to spend a 2 or 3 days in Cusco just relaxing. Save the hiking and long walks for later.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, and try coca tea, a traditional Andean remedy known for easing altitude symptoms. It’s totally legal and widely available throughout Peru.
Eat light, carb-rich meals: Avoid heavy foods, alcohol, and too much caffeine, especially if you’re planning a multi-day trek like the Salkantay or Inca Trail.
Limit physical activity at first: Cusco is full of hills and stairs, so take it easy on your body. You’ll adjust much better by going slow.
Listen to your body: Headaches, nausea, or dizziness are signs to stop and rest. Don’t push through it.
Consider medication: Talk to your doctor before your trip about options like acetazolamide (Diamox), which some travelers take as a preventive measure.

Avoid Food Poisoning During Your 3 Days in Cusco

Cusco’s food scene is amazing, but stomach issues can happen if you’re not careful. We were fine, but we met a few people who got sick from things like tap water or street food that wasn’t freshly made. To avoid getting food poisoning, stick to bottled water, be picky about where you eat, and go for places that are clean and busy. If you do end up feeling off, take it easy, rest, and hydrate. Also, most pharmacies have what you’ll need to recover quickly.

Toilet Paper Isn’t a Given

One thing that surprised me a lot in Cusco (and across Peru) is that toilet paper isn’t always provided in public restrooms. So, it’s a good idea to carry a small pack of tissues or toilet paper with you just in case. Also, remember that in most places, you’re expected to throw used toilet paper in the trash bin (not the toilet) since the plumbing isn’t built to handle it.

How Many Days are Enough? 3 Days in Cusco

For most travelers, 3 to 4 days in Cusco is the sweet spot to experience the best the city has to offer without feeling rushed. With so many amazing things to do in Cusco you’ll want time to soak it all in. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city itself is packed with history and beauty, but the real magic lies in and around Cusco. Be sure to save time for a Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, hike the colorful slopes on a Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco, and explore the terraced hills of the Sacred Valley.

While it’s definitely a touristy city, with the right plan, you can make the most of your time in Cusco. There are so many unforgettable things to see in Cusco; you won’t want to rush it!

How to Spend 3 Days in Cusco: Top Cusco Attractions

With 3 days in Cusco, you have the perfect amount of time to dive into the city’s rich history, Inca culture, and unique landscapes. Once the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco was transformed by the Spanish in the 16th century, merging Incan stonework with colonial architecture. Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, strolling through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time.

One of the best ways to start your trip (and ease into the altitude) is with a walking tour of Cusco’s historic city center. These tours are ideal for your first day to help you acclimatize. Most start at the historic Plaza de Armas, where you’ll be surrounded by colonial buildings, such as the Cusco Cathedral and a charming fountain.

3 Days in Cusco - Plaza de Armas — Plaza de Armas in Cusco

Just a short walk away is Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, which reflects both Incan and colonial architecture.

Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets to visit vibrant markets like San Pedro Market, filled with handmade goods and fresh produce. We were amazed by the large quantity and diversity of fruits. In most of the cases, we had no idea what we were looking at. But we still bought one of each item to try later on.

3 Days in Cusco - San Pedro Market — Spice Bags at San Pedro Market

Explore the artistic San Blas neighborhood, home to quaint shops and the lovely San Blas Church. Along the way, notice the Incan stone walls that highlight the city’s fascinating history.

San Blas neighborhood in Cusco — San Blas neighborhood

If you still have the energy, head to Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco around sunset time. You’ll have one of the best views from the top of the city. Enjoy the sights of Cusco and its surrounding mountains!

3 Days in Cusco: View from Above — Cusco from above at Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco

Must-See Excursions and Tours for your 3 Days in Cusco

Choosing the right tour in Cusco can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you want to make sure you don’t miss out on any must-see spots. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Below, I’ve put together a list of the best day trips and multi-day treks from Cusco. So you can make the most of your time and experience all the highlights of the areas in and around Cusco.

Multi-Day Treks

Machu Picchu: Multi-day treks can either be done by choosing the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. Also, you can tailor the length to your needs and choose the tour that best suits you.
Ausangate Trek: A challenging multi-day trek through the Andes. It is known for its stunning scenery, cultural encounters, and proximity to the Rainbow Mountain.
Choquequirao: Multi-day treks to the lesser-known Incan site, often referred to as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, we could only choose one multi-day trek due to lack of time. But if that’s not your case, I would suggest looking into this.

Cusco Day Trips

Machu Picchu: Day trips from Cusco or Ollantaytambo (in the Sacred Valley) by train. You can also decide to stay in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo for some extra days.
Sacred Valley: Day tour to Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero, Maras and Moray. It does not involve a lot of walking, so this is perfect after a day (or more) of hiking. This tour is a great complement for an itinerary of 3 days in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Day hike to see the stunning multicolored mountains. Keep in mind that you’ll be hiking at higher elevations. If you’re not fully acclimatized, I don’t recommend doing this hike right away.
Humantay Lake: Day hike to a picturesque turquoise glacial lake. If you’re doing the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll do the hike to the lake on your first day. Keep this in mind in case you want to kill two birds with one stone.
Sacsayhuamán: Guided day tours of this impressive Incan fortress near Cusco. We decided to skip this as we didn’t have enough time. Generally, it’s a good idea for those that want to avoid multi-day hikes.
Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay: Day tours to nearby archaeological sites. Same as above, we haven’t done this ourselves but I recommend it for anyone having some extra time.
Culinary Tours: Cooking classes and food tasting to experience Peruvian cuisine.
Horseback Riding Tours: Explore the countryside and ancient ruins on horseback.

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3 Days in Cusco: The Best Itinerary for First Timers

Overview of 3 Days in Cusco, Peru