Cusco and the Sacred Valley: The Perfect One Week in Cusco

Cusco and the Sacred Valley are home to some of the most incredible sites in all of Peru! From rainbow mountains and a bright red river to Incan ruins and the incredible Machu Picchu, there is so much to do in this incredible area of the country. If you're spending one week in Cusco, then get ready - because you're about to have a fun-filled 7 days!

We have done Cusco two times, and had vastly different experiences to compare from using public transportation on a budget to renting a car and exploring off-the-beaten-path.

In this guide we're going to help you get a feel for the best of Cusco, and offer you a variety of itineraries for different traveler types. Let's dive right in, and plan you an epic week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley!

One Week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: a Brief Intro

Cusco is one of those cities you could truly spend weeks on end. There truly is so much to do and see! But don't worry- after two different visits, we've narrowed down our favorite things to do and see, learned how to navigate, and have picked out some really cool places for you to stay along the way!

 Is One Week in Cusco Enough?

There's never enough time to spend in Cusco! One week in Cusco CAN be enough if you want to hit the highlights and have adventure-packed days.

We just spent one week there and were able to celebrate New Year's Eve in Cusco, visit Machu Picchu, explore the Sacred Valley, and experience a couple of the Rainbow Mountains of Peru.

 How Many Days Do You Need in Cusco?

Cusco is the type of place you could spend a week or spend a month, depending on how much you want to do, and how exactly you want to visit Machu Picchu.

We'd recommend 7-10 days to hit all of the main highlights, although if you only have a few days you can still squeeze in some of the top adventures.

For the city itself, we'd recommend 1-2 days. If you only have one week in Cusco, we'd spend the first full day acclimating yourself to avoid altitude sickness and exploring the city, and then spending your last night there if you fly out in the morning or during the day.

Should I Stay in Cusco or Sacred Valley?

Both! The city of Cusco definitely deserves a night or two, and while some people do the Sacred Valley on a day trip, they're missing out on some truly epic accommodation options there like a cabin surrounded by alpacas or a hanging capsule from the mountainside.

 What are the Top Things to Do in Cusco and the Sacred Valley?

Here are some of the absolute must-sees while in the area!

 Cusco City: stroll the streets and visit the ruins - you can even get a ticket giving you access to all 4! 

 Machu Picchu: this world wonder is the #1 reason visitors choose Cusco - you can trek to Machu Picchu, take the train, or even drive to Machu Picchu if you're short on time!

 Humantay Lake: a stunning lake in the mountains 3 hours from Cusco (typically one of the most popular day trips from Cusco)

 Rainbow Mountains: the most popular is Vinicunca, but we love Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain and Pallay Punchu is a true hidden gem!

 Maras Salt Mines: a natural salt spring forming hundreds of pools

Moray Archaeological Zone: terraced circular depressions - this one is located just minutes from Maras Salt Mines!

 Red River: a beautiful red stream on the way to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain (only visible for a few months out of the year)

 Ollantaytambo: an adorable mountain village with an impressive set of ruins

One Week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Itinerary Ideas

There are so many ways that you can Enjoy Cusco and the Sacred Valley that it can be overwhelming! We're going to give you a couple of sample itineraries, so that you can have an epic adventure in this stunning region of Peru.

 Itinerary 1: Cusco and the Sacred Valley for the Trekkers

If you're planning on visiting Machu Picchu for the first time and love adventure, then 3-4 of your days should be dedicated to hiking to Machu Picchu, and the rest can be for day trips to some of the other highlights. Please keep in mind that this itinerary is for those that are pretty fit.

This itinerary for Cusco and the Sacred Valley can also be adjusted depending on if you want a day to relax a bit more, or if you have a car.

Day 1: Cusco City & Acclimation

The plan, no matter what your itinerary is, is to take it easy the first day. You'll need your first day to completely acclimate yourself to the altitude, and for no reason should you go straight to Machu Picchu or do any intense hikes. We promise it'll ruin your trip. Plus - there are so many great things to do in Cusco!

Get to bed early and hydrate well, because tomorrow is Machu Picchu! 

Days 2-5: Machu Picchu Trekking

One of the absolute best things to do in Peru is to trek to Machu Picchu. Tours are 3-4 days, and begin in Cusco. You'll meet your group and have a fun-filled adventure of mountain biking, rafting, zip lining, and hiking for a couple of days, and then finish off by experiencing the magical Machu Picchu.

After the trek you'll be dropped back off in Cusco in the late afternoon, and should take the rest of the day to simply relax. Trust us, you'll need it!

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain(s)

Okay, we have to make a BIG disclaimer here. Hiking Vinicunca is an AWFUL idea the day after you do Machu Picchu, and we made this mistake on our first trip to Peru. SO why exactly are we recommending it?

If you don't have a car, tours go to Vinicunca at 3 AM, which simply isn't enough time for your body to recuperate. We recommend sleeping in, and then depending on how you feel going to one (or two if you're really a pro-adventurer) of the rainbow mountains in the afternoon. You can either rent a car or hire a private guide for this one because that 3 AM wake up call will kill you.

All of them are stunning. Vinicunca is the closest but hardest. Palcoyo isn't too hard and is where you can see the Red River (during the wet season), and Pallay Punchu is the furthest, but most impressive, and requires little hiking if you're careful driving. To decide which one is right for you, we recommend reading our Rainbow Mountains of Peru guide.

Day 7: Lake Humantay - Cusco

Lake Humantay isn't really near anything. It's a complete detour to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, and the Rainbow Mountains are in the opposite direction, which is why Humantay is a real day trip in itself. It's also 3 hours away, so you can either rent a car and drive there and back, or you can take a tour to Humantay for the day.

 Itinerary 2: Cusco and the Sacred Valley for the Bucket Listers (with a car) - the one we did!

This itinerary is for those that want to do it all! It still involves a lot of hiking, but if you're spending one week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, then you really can't miss out on the rainbow mountains and Lake Humantay, which all require a bit of hiking and adventure.

Day 1: Cusco City & Acclimation

This is the same as the other one - if you have a car you can really make it to all of the ruins quickly though!

Day 2: Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Get ready for a day filled with historical sites, viewpoints, and waterfalls, and finish off with an epic place to stay! 

You'll start your day off in Cusco - grab a nice breakfast and stop at Morada de los Dios, or you can even combine the two by exploring the park and getting breakfast there.

Next, head to Chinchero. You can explore the city, check out the viewpoints, and stop at Catarata Poc Poc. Next, head to Maras where you'll see the archaeological zone with terraced circular depressions, and the nearby Maras Salt Mines.

Have lunch in the town of Maras, and then check into your awesome accommodation - we've chosen four different cool spots for you to choose from, all of which are full of adventure and epic photo opportunities:

• Mountain View Experience: an adorable ranch with cabins that have their own jacuzzis, and with alpacas everywhere!
• Skylodge Adventure Suites: a complete experience where you'll climb up with via ferrata up to a a hanging capsule on a mountain. The next morning you'll zip line down!
• Starlodge Adventure Suites: another cool capsule spot that has jacuzzis - we haven't tried this one, but it also looks super cool!
• Stardome Peru: adorable glass domes in the mountains - for those looking for amazing views without the adventure

Day 3: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Wake up early because you'll want to either enjoy your mountain cabin, or you'll be joining your group for breakfast and finishing up your awesome stay at your capsule. 

Head over to Ollantaytambo to see the ruins, and grab lunch either at the market, or one of the restaurants. We also recommend getting sandwiches for the ride, or the walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.

You'll want to leave around midday, as the drive to Hidroelectrica is 3 1/2-4 hours away, and you'll want to get there at least 2 hours before sunset.

Enjoy a scenic drive, and park your car at Terminal Terrestre. Then the walk along the railroad tracks will be 2-2 1/2 hours. Grab dinner in Aguas Calientes, and head to bed for an early start to enjoy Machu Picchu.

Don't forget to book in advance! The ticketing system for Machu Picchu has changed, and you need to have a time slot and circuit booked.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Wake up early to be one of the first to enter Machu Picchu! Grab some coffee and a sandwich to fuel up before getting there though. 

Spend a few hours exploring the ruins, and head back to the city in time for lunch. You can then enjoy the thermal baths after if you have time, or walk right back to Hidroelectrica.

The drive back to Cusco will be around 5 1/2 hours, so put on some tunes, stop for the scenic photo ops, and enjoy a fun ride back to the city. Have a nice meal when you get back to Cusco, head to bed early, and get ready for another adventure-packed day.

Day 5: Lake Humantay

You probably already feel by now that it's been a full week in Cusco, but you still have a couple days left! Today is a day trip to Humantay Lake - if you're not up for the drive, you can easily book a day trip to Humantay on a tour.  (Honestly the tour is super cheap and you'd spend more than that on gas alone).

If you're definitely doing the drive, we'd recommend taking a step back. Rather than driving all the way back to Cusco, you can head ride to Humantay and sleep at one of the refuges around there, and hike first thing in the morning.

The hike is a few hours, so it'll definitely take a chunk of your day. Head back to Cusco after, and have a relaxed evening, or treat yourself to a massage! 

Days 6 & 7: Rainbow Mountains

Get ready for more adventure, because you're finishing off your one week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley with some of our favorite spots! 

We drove to Palcoyo in the late morning and slept in this great mountain home next to Pallay Punchu. Then we did sunrise at Pallay Punchu (you could also do it for sunset the night before since you can drive all the way up) and headed back to Cusco after. 

The following day you can do Vinicunca, or just head back to Cusco for your final moments of your trip.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Itinerary 3: Cusco and the Sacred Valley for the History Lovers (low-intensity)

If one of the first two itineraries freaked you out, don't worry! This one week in Cusco itinerary allows you to see some really cool sites without the big hikes. It's still full of cool places, and of course can be adjusted in so many ways (we also do travel planning with full customization!)

Days 1 & 2: Cusco City & Acclimation

If you're a history lover, then you're definitely going to want a second day in Cusco to explore all of the ruins, wander the streets, and check out the different plazas and churches. 

We'd recommend getting the archaeological pass, as well as taking a free walking tour to really dive deep into the culture here!

Day 3: The Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo

Explore Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. We recommend taking a tour for this one, so that you can really hit all of the hot spots, and learn about the interesting info behind it all.

Another alternative is to take buses from one place to another, finishing in Ollantaytambo and sleeping there, OR you can actually take this tour which has a full day tour exploring the Sacred Valley and then drops you off in Ollantaytambo!

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Whether you're sleeping in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, today you'll be taking a bucket-list train ride to the incredible Machu Picchu! 

Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as well as the circuit you desire and the time slot. If you aren't able to walk much, you can also skip the 1 hour hike up to Machu Picchu by taking the bus.

Day 5: Pisac

If you took a tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, you may have already seen Pisac, but if you haven't then today will be the perfect opportunity to visit. It's just a short bus ride away, making it really accessible.

If this happens to be a Sunday, you're in luck - because they have a farmers market each week! (You can of course move this itinerary around to fit that, but it's not a massive deal if you miss it).

Pisac is a vibrant town full of art and history. Wander the streets, explore the ruins, visit the botanical gardens, and browse the shops - it's the perfect place for a relaxed day of cultural immersion.

Day 6: Waqrapukara

Today you'll be exploring a hidden gem which offers dramatic landscapes and fewer tourists than many of the other archaeological sites around Cusco.

Waqrapukara is one of the most impressive sites, with beautiful rock formations and an ancient fortress perched on top of a hill, making it one of the most unique day trips from Cusco.

Day 7: Cusco

Take your last day to really enjoy all that Cusco has to offer. You can explore the museums, drink mate de coca on a rooftop, and soak up the beauty of the city. Shop for souvenirs, have a massage, and just enjoy the end of a wonderful week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley!

One Week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Final Thoughts

Now you have an idea of what to expect, as well as some different itinerary ideas for one week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. But before you go, here are a few things to keep in mind:

 Getting Around Cusco: Renting a car was a game-changer for us, allowing us to explore so much more, especially great for one week in Cusco.

 Going to Machu Picchu: If it's your first time, trekking is truly iconic. Driving is the most budget-friendly, and the train is the most efficient and accessible option.

 Where to Stay: We'd recommend staying a few nights in Cusco's city center, but also to save nights for some of the really cool accommodation options near the Sacred Valley. Make sure to book those ones in advance!

 Signal: A lot of places in the mountains will not have signal at all - make sure to download your offline maps if you're driving!

 Cash vs Credit Cards: More and more places are accepting credit cards, but many charge you extra - make sure to ask! It's also wise to have cash on you, especially in more remote areas of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

What's Next?

Okay so you're ready to explore all over Cusco and the Sacred Valley! We've linked a ton of articles that are related so that you can have a really epic trip. But just in case you missed them, here are some articles that will also help you during your one week in Cusco:

 Rainbow Mountains of Peru - Comparing the Different Rainbow Mountains

 Rainbow Mountain in Peru (Vinicunca Travel Guide)

 Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Travel Guide

 Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain Travel Guide

 Different Ways to Get to Machu Picchu

 How to Drive to Machu Picchu

Walking Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes

 Trekking to Machu Picchu Travel Guide

 Machu Picchu New Ticketing System 2025

 How to Deal with Altitude Sickness in Peru

Things to Do in Cusco City

 Cusco Travel Guide

 18 Iconic Day Trips from Cusco

 Skylodge Adventure Suite: The Million Star Hotel

So are you ready to experience an amazing week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley? This is definitely one of the most incredible regions of Peru, and we know you are absolutely going to fall in love with it!

Want to learn more traveling in Peru? We have plenty of other Peru travel guides, as well as a lot of other Cusco guides coming up- make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, as well as exclusive content and discounts we offer each week.

Ready to start planning the most epic trip to Peru? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, finding you the best flights and hotels, and creating you the most customized trip yet. Want to learn more? Shoot us an email for your free consultation!

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