Perfect itinerary for Cusco: what to visit and how to explore the city

Cusco is a place that combines living history, majestic landscapes, and unforgettable energy. Traveling to this magical territory could be the best adventure of your life, which is why, to enjoy the experience to the fullest, it’s essential to plan your itinerary well and choose the best destinations to visit. Along with this itinerary, you will tour Cusco in a comfortable and organized manner, making the most of each day with the certainty of having private transportation.

Plaza de armas del Cusco
Plaza de Armas of Cusco

Contents



Day 1: The City of Cusco

  • Arrival in Cusco

    Your ideal trip to Cusco will begin as soon as you arrive in the city, whether at the airport or the bus terminal. Hiring a private transportation service will ensure that a vehicle is waiting for you as soon as you arrive. This way, you can travel to your hotel or accommodation with complete comfort and confidence.

  • City Tour

    In the afternoon, you can start discovering the incredible city. Places like the Plaza de Armas, the San Blas neighborhood, or the Qoricancha Museum will be ideal spots for your first glimpse. Remember to take it easy during the first few days to avoid altitude sickness and enjoy your tour without issues.


Private Transportation throughout your trip in Cusco

Plan your entire trip in Cusco with the private transportation service that CuscoTransfer offers you. From the day you arrive in the city until the final day when you need to head to the airport or bus terminal. At all times, modern and comfortable vehicles will accompany you on each of your experiences in this magical territory. Book now and discover all the options you have to plan the best travel itinerary.


Day 2: City Tour Cusco

  • Archaeological Route

    On the second day, continuing with a light itinerary, you can dedicate your time to experiencing the City Tour of Cusco with private transportation. During this experience, you will visit archaeological sites near the historic center. Among them, you’ll explore: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It’s a half-day tour that you can schedule either in the morning or the afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the day for further exploration of the city.

    If you wish to add extra stops, do some shopping along the way, or spend more time at the places you visit, the private transportation service allows you to customize the itinerary to your desires. It’s the exclusivity and flexibility that comes with hiring this service.


Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas

  • Cultural and Historical Route

    By the third day, better acclimatized, you’ll embark on a full-day adventure, as the usual itinerary begins around 08:00 in the morning, with private transportation picking you up at the door of your hotel. During the tour, you will visit Pisac (archaeological site and textile market), Ollantaytambo (archaeological site), and Chinchero (archaeological site and textile workshop). The adventure also includes a stop in Urubamba for lunch (optional and not included).

    The cultural and historical route through the Sacred Valley ends around 18:00 in the afternoon, with a transfer back to your hotel or preferred destination in the city.


Sacred Valley of the Incas

Day 4: Machu Picchu

  • Transfer to the Train Station

    The most anticipated day of the itinerary is visiting the wonder of the world. With the private transportation service, you can travel to your preferred train station, booking both the outbound and return transfer, ensuring a punctual, comfortable, and safe journey.

  • Machu Picchu Experience

    The best way to optimize your time is by visiting Machu Picchu on a full-day experience, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening. After your visit to the historic sanctuary, and once you board the return train to your preferred train station, the private service will be waiting to provide all the comfort you need.

  • Return to the City

    At any time of the day, the transportation service will be available for you to travel without any inconvenience, ensuring an unforgettable experience. The private vehicle will pick you up from the station and transfer you to your hotel door or any destination of your preference in Cusco.

Organize the itinerary according to your preference

The itinerary shown is optional. When booking private transportation for your trip to Cusco, you can organize it according to your desires and preferences. This way, you can extend or shorten the days. At all times, you will receive the necessary advice by contacting our sales team. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this incredible place with the exclusivity and safety that only private transportation provides.


Day 5: Rainbow Mountain

  • Transfer to Phulawasipata

    On the last day, you can dedicate your time to a more demanding adventure like Rainbow Mountain. The journey with private service will begin around 04:00 in the morning, as it is a long trip. Along the way, there will be a stop for breakfast (optional and not included) in Cusipata. Afterward, the trip will continue to the Phulawasipata campsite, where the hike to Rainbow Mountain begins.

  • Adventure at Rainbow Mountain

    The hike is well-marked, and there are always many visitors doing it. You will have all the time needed to complete the hike. Upon your return, our driver will be waiting for you in the private transportation at the same place where they dropped you off.

  • Return to the City

    On the return private journey, there will be another stop for lunch (optional and not included) in Cusipata. The return to Cusco is scheduled around 18:00 in the afternoon at the door of your hotel or your preferred destination in the city.


Rainbow Mountain

Tips for Your Private Trip in Cusco

  • Book each of your transfers in Cusco at least 3 days in advance, this way you’ll ensure a more comfortable and secure experience provided by private service.
  • You can schedule each of your transfers at your preferred time, although you’ll receive recommendations from our team to create the itinerary that suits you best.
  • If your travel plan spans more days, you can include destinations such as Humantay Lake, the South Valley, or Maras and Moray.
  • During the first days of your trip, you should engage in light activities around the city, due to Cusco’s altitude (3,399 meters above sea level). It is advisable to take care to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Hiring private service allows you to enjoy a dedicated service for your group and yourself. You can make any necessary stops and enjoy a personalized itinerary to make your experience even more unforgettable.
  • With CuscoTransfer, you can book each of your tours around the city. From the moment you arrive in the city to visiting all the tourist destinations, you will experience an exclusive service. Consult with our sales advisors about all the options we have for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I book transportation from the airport or bus terminal to my hotel?
Yes, the most convenient and safest way is to book a private shuttle service. This way, when you arrive in the city, a driver will be waiting for you with a dedicated vehicle to take you directly to your accommodation, avoiding any delays or inconveniences.
2. What is the best plan for my first day in Cusco?
We recommend light activities, such as exploring the Plaza de Armas, visiting the San Blas neighborhood, or the Qoricancha Temple. We remind you that it's important to acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in intense physical activity.
3. What is the Cusco City Tour like?
The City Tour includes the archaeological sites near the city center: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It's a half-day tour that you can take in the morning or afternoon, ideal for exploring the city at a leisurely pace.
4. What places are visited on the tour of the Sacred Valley?
The typical itinerary includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and a stop in Urubamba for lunch. Each of these destinations combines history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
5. How do I get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
First, you must travel to the train station of your choice, usually in Ollantaytambo. With a private service, you can coordinate the departure time based on the train you've booked, ensuring punctuality and safety throughout your journey.
6. Can I book round-trip transportation to Machu Picchu?
Yes, you can pre-book both transfers. The private vehicle will pick you up at your accommodation, take you to the train station, and then wait for you on the way back to take you back to your hotel.
7. What time does the Rainbow Mountain adventure start?
Departure is generally at 4:00 a.m., as this is a long-distance route. The private transport picks you up at your hotel and makes scheduled stops for breakfast and lunch along the way. The return trip is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
8. Can I customize my itinerary or add additional destinations?
Yes, you can tailor your route to your interests. Places like Humantay Lagoon, Maras and Moray, or the South Valley can be included in your plan. Private transportation gives you complete freedom to customize your trip.
9. How far in advance should I book private transfers?
We recommend booking at least three days in advance. This way, you can ensure availability and allow our team to help you structure the itinerary that best suits your schedule.
10. Why choose a private transportation service to travel around Cusco?
Because it offers exclusivity, comfort, and flexibility. You're not tied to groups or fixed schedules; you can make stops whenever you want and enjoy the trip with the peace of mind of having a professional driver at your disposal. With CuscoTransfer, every transfer becomes part of the experience.