Cusco was the Inca capital, and the city layout still shows it. Short list of what to prioritise:
- Cusco centre: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Qorikancha, San Blas neighbourhood with artisan workshops.
- Sacred Valley loop: Pisac market and ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress, Moray’s circular terraces, Maras salt pans.
- Machu Picchu: Train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy, Consettur shuttle up, guided tour of the citadel. Peruways bundles the chain.
- Food: Lomo saltado, cuy chactado, ceviche de trucha. Try at least one pisco sour and one coca tea for the altitude.
- Outdoor: Rainbow Mountain day trip, Salkantay or Inca Trail trek, Humantay Lake, Ausangate.
- Pace: Spend the first day or two taking it slow. Cusco at 3,400m hits most people harder than Machu Picchu does.
Book your Cusco trip at Peruways.
