5-day itinerary (recommended)
Day 1: Arrive and go to the Sacred Valley
Land in Cusco and transfer directly to Urubamba or Ollantaytambo (1.5–2 hours, about 2,800 m). Visit the Maras salt pans or Moray on the way if you feel fine, then rest.
Day 2: Sacred Valley and train to Aguas Calientes
Explore the Ollantaytambo fortress and town in the morning. Take an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes (about 1.5–2 hours). See train to Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
Take one of the first buses up and enter on an early slot for softer light and fewer people. Add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you booked it. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco (or the reverse via the Poroy/San Pedro station when operating). See Machu Picchu tickets.
Day 4: Cusco city
Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, Qorikancha, San Pedro Market and the 12-angled stone. Sunset from San Blas or San Cristóbal.
Day 5: Sacsayhuamán and departure
Visit Sacsayhuamán and the nearby ruins in the morning, then fly out in the afternoon.
4-day version
Combine days 4 and 5: see Cusco’s highlights on the afternoon you return from Machu Picchu and on your last morning.
7-day version
- Days 1–5: as above.
- Day 6: Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake (very early start, high altitude).
- Day 7: Pisac market and ruins, or a cooking class, then fly out.
Itinerary at a glance
| Trip length | Plan |
|---|---|
| 3 days | Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Cusco (rushed) |
| 4 days | Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco |
| 5 days | As above, plus a full day in Cusco |
| 7 days | Add a high-altitude hike and Pisac |
Inca Trail alternative
The classic 4-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate. Permits are limited and sell out months ahead for May to August; you must book through a licensed operator. The trail closes every February for maintenance. A 1-day short Inca Trail is a good alternative.
Tips
- Sleep low first, then go up to Cusco: it makes acclimatisation easier. See Cusco altitude sickness.
- Book Machu Picchu tickets and trains as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Choose hotels in both places with where to stay in Cusco.
More Cusco guides
- Cusco travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Cusco
- Where to stay in Cusco
- Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley tour
- Cusco altitude sickness
FAQ: Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary
How many days do you need for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Four days minimum; five is comfortable; seven if you want hikes.
Should I stay in Aguas Calientes?
One night there lets you enter Machu Picchu early without a pre-dawn train. It’s a practical base rather than a destination.
Should I go to the Sacred Valley before or after Cusco?
Before. It’s about 600 metres lower, so it helps your body adjust.
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