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

Cusco is a place that blends living history, majestic landscapes, and an unforgettable energy. Traveling to this magical destination can become the greatest adventure of your life, which is why, to make the most of the experience, it is essential to plan your itinerary well and choose the best places to visit. With this itinerary, you will explore Cusco in a comfortable and organized way, making the most of each day with the reassurance of having private transportation.

Sacred Valley
Cusco Main Square

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 total comfort and confidence.

  • City exploration

    In the afternoon you can begin exploring the incredible city; places such as the Plaza de Armas, the San Blas neighborhood, or the Qoricancha Museum are ideal options for a first glimpse. Remember to take it easy during your first days to avoid altitude sickness and enjoy your trip without issues.


Private transportation throughout your entire trip in Cusco

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


Day 2: Cusco City Tour

  • Archaeological route

    On the second day, continuing with a light itinerary, you can enjoy the Cusco city tour with private transportation. On this experience, you will visit archaeological sites near the historic center. Among them are: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It is a half-day tour that you can schedule in the morning or afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city.

    If you wish to add stops, do some shopping along the way, or spend more time at the places you visit, with private transportation you can customize everything according to your preferences. That is the exclusivity and flexibility of this service.


Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas

  • Cultural and historical route

    Once better acclimatized, on the third day you will embark on a full-day adventure, as the usual tour starts around 8:00 a.m., with private transportation pickup from your hotel door. 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 at approximately 6:00 p.m. with a transfer back to your hotel or preferred location 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 one of the wonders of the world. With the private transportation service, you can travel to the train station of your choice, booking both the outbound and return transfers and ensuring a punctual, comfortable, and safe trip.

  • Machu Picchu experience

    The best way to optimize your time is to visit Machu Picchu on a full-day experience, starting early in the morning and returning at night. After your visit to the historic sanctuary and your train ride back to your chosen station, the private service will be waiting to provide all the comfort you need.

  • Return to the city

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

Customize the itinerary according to your preference

The itinerary shown is only optional. When booking private transportation for your trip in Cusco, you can organize it according to your preferences, allowing you to extend or shorten the number of days. At all times, you will receive the necessary guidance by contacting our sales team. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this incredible destination with the exclusivity and safety that only private transportation can offer.


Day 5: Rainbow Mountain

  • Transfer to Phulawasipata

    The last day can be dedicated to a more demanding adventure such as Rainbow Mountain. The private service tour will start around 4:00 a.m., since it is a long journey. Along the way there will be a stop for breakfast (optional and not included) in Cusipata. Afterwards, the trip continues to the Phulawasipata camp, where the hiking trail to Rainbow Mountain begins.

  • Rainbow Mountain adventure

    The trail is well marked and there are always many visitors doing it, so you will have plenty of time to complete it. On the way back, our driver will be waiting for you in the private vehicle at the same spot where you were dropped off.

  • Return to the city

    On the private return journey there will be another stop for lunch (optional and not included) in Cusipata. The return to Cusco is scheduled around 6:00 p.m., directly to your hotel or any 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 will ensure a more comfortable and safe experience with private transportation service.
  • You can schedule each transfer at your preferred time, although you will also receive recommendations from our team to help you design the most convenient itinerary.
  • If your travel plan includes more days, you can add destinations such as Humantay Lake, the South Valley, or Maras and Moray.
  • During your first days in the city, you should take it easy due to Cusco’s altitude (3,399 meters above sea level); it is important to take care to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Hiring private transportation allows you to enjoy a service exclusively for you and your group. You can make stops as needed and enjoy a personalized itinerary to make your experience even more memorable.
  • With CuscoTransfer you can book each of your tours around the city. From your arrival onwards, you will enjoy an exclusive experience across all tourist destinations. Consult 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 comfortable and safest option is to book a private transportation service. That way, upon arrival in the city, a driver will be waiting for you with an exclusive vehicle to take you directly to your accommodation, avoiding delays or inconveniences.
2. What is the best plan for my first day in Cusco?
We recommend doing light activities such as visiting the Plaza de Armas, exploring the San Blas neighborhood, or visiting the Qoricancha Temple. Remember that it is important to acclimatize to the altitude before doing any strenuous activities.
3. How is the Cusco City Tour?
The City Tour includes archaeological sites near the city center: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It is a half-day tour that can be done in the morning or afternoon, ideal for continuing to explore the city at a relaxed pace.
4. Which places are visited on the Sacred Valley tour?
The usual itinerary includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and a stop in Urubamba for lunch. Each of these destinations combines history, living culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
5. How do I get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
First, you need to travel to your preferred train station, usually in Ollantaytambo. With a private service, you can coordinate the departure time according to your train schedule, ensuring punctuality and safety during the trip.
6. Can I book round-trip transfers to Machu Picchu?
Yes, you can book both transfers in advance. The private vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation, take you to the train station, and upon return, it will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
7. What time does the Rainbow Mountain adventure start?
The departure is usually around 4:00 a.m., as it is a long route. The private transportation service picks you up from your hotel and makes scheduled stops for breakfast and lunch along the way. The return is scheduled for around 6:00 p.m.
8. Can I customize my itinerary or add additional destinations?
Yes, you can adapt your route according to your interests. Places such as Humantay Lake, Maras and Moray, or the South Valley can be included in your plan. Private transportation gives you full flexibility to personalize your trip.
9. How far in advance should I book private transfers?
We recommend booking at least three days in advance. This ensures availability and allows our team to help you structure the itinerary that best fits your schedule.
10. Why choose a private transportation service to explore Cusco?
Because it offers exclusivity, comfort, and flexibility. You are not tied to groups or fixed schedules, you can stop whenever you want, and enjoy your trip with the peace of mind of having a professional driver at your disposal. With CuscoTransfer, every transfer becomes part of the experience.