Cusco for the first time

Foto Helen Valero

Have you heard a lot about Machu Picchu and think it's time to explore the magical city of Cusco, but you feel overwhelmed without knowing where to start? Let me guide you with this quick guide for your first trip to Cusco. For more details about this city and others in Peru, I invite you to follow me on my social networks as @aquisitonomaspe.

First you should know that to get to Cusco there are now direct international flights, but if there are not any from your city, you will surely have a stopover in Lima. Most flights leave to Cusco very early and have a large number of daily flights. Another detail that you should keep in mind is that it is located at a higher altitude, so its climate is usually cold and due to its height it is better to acclimatize one day if you have never visited a city with the same characteristics. Having explained this, we are going to visit Cusco in a week, which is the minimum time I recommend if you are traveling for the first time.

Day 1: Acclimatization and Nearby Ruins

Land in Cusco and spend the first day acclimatizing to the altitude. Consider taking a tour of nearby ruins, usually available in combo packages. Purchase the tourist ticket, which includes several ruins and will save you on individual tickets. At night, enjoy the captivating dance show at the Qostco Center on Av. El Sol.

Day 2: Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes

Once acclimatized, this day we will visit Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and take our train to Aguas Calientes, the city where the citadel of Machu Picchu is located. Here you could hire an agency to go by private vehicle or go on your own, there are buses that go to both Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, the latter is where most trains usually leave to Aguas Calientes.

If you bought the Cusco tourist ticket, as I suggested on day 1, you can use it at the Ollantaytambo and Chinchero ruins as well. After your train ride for about two hours, you can tour Aguas Calientes at night and rest so that on the third day you can visit the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Day 3: Machu Picchu

Today we will dedicate ourselves to Machu Picchu. If you bought the ticket that includes Huayna Picchu, you should know that its tours start very early. Since the pandemic, Cusco has been selling tickets with specific times to visit the citadel and to climb some of its ruins or mountains, so check them very carefully before buying (https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/).

It will probably take you all morning to visit the citadel, so have lunch and before taking your train, if you have time, visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Otherwise, go straight to your train to get to Cusco city again.

Day 4: Maras, Moray and ATVs

There's no way we're halfway through your week already, but yeah. Cusco is so magical that you will miss days, that is a reason to return as many times as possible (I am going for the fourteenth time). Today we are going to visit Maras, Moray and do some ATV riding. With your tourist ticket you can enter the ruins without paying anything additional since it includes access to its ruins. In Maras you can also take a tour on ATVs, but for an additional cost. Here you have two options, you can get to Maras and Moray on your own, using local taxis or hiring tours. It is not necessary to buy before arriving in Cusco, since there are many tourist agencies in Cusco that all offer similar packages at very similar prices. Being a restful day, I suggest you go to Limbus restobar or Qenqo bar to have a panoramic view of the city.

Day 5: Mountain of 7 Colors

Today we are going to visit a magical place, and also one that has one of the most demanding hikes. The mountain of 7 colors, you should know that it is necessary to check the weather before going, because if it snows, you will not be able to enjoy the colors of the earth. This tour usually leaves at 3 or 4 in the morning and returns at 7 or 8 at night, so it will take you a whole day. The average walk is 3 hours up and 3 back, keep this in mind as it is not suitable for everyone, but there are horses that take you closer to the mountain. When you return, I recommend you rest and enjoy a mulled wine with a pizza.

Day 6: Trekking or Ruins South of Cusco

Your week is almost over! Well, for my friends who love trekking I leave you three options: Humantay Lagoon, Waqrapukara or the route to the 7 lagoons; Any of the three takes a full day and they usually leave very early so you will have to rest early the night before.

If you are not one of those who like trekking, let's go on a tour of the ruins south of Cusco. There are tours that take you to see several of them and with your tourist ticket you can access without problem.

Day 7: Saqsayhuaman and farewell

And we come to the end of your week. And although you have probably realized that there are still many places to see, it is an opportunity to return to Cusco, you will need it.

Today we will start the day walking towards Saqsayhuaman. Make a stop at Calle Borreguitos and then continue your climb towards the citadel. Once again the tourist ticket includes your access to this place.

If you still have energy, you can walk up to the Christ, to have a panoramic view of the city, but you can also have a great view from the descent towards the center of Cusco.

To close this day and almost saying goodbye to Cusco, go do some shopping at the artisan fairs on Av. El Sol or at the San Pedro Market.

Cusco has given you an amazing experience this week, but the city has much more to explore. Extreme sports adventures, exquisite culinary tours and trekking routes await you. Until the next adventure in Cusco!