From Cusco to Machu Picchu: A Magical 4-Day Journey

Whew. I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Peru that mixed work and pleasure—both equally hectic! This blog, however, focuses on the pleasure part: a journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu through the Sacred Valley. My heart is still full, and my eyes can’t believe what they witnessed.

If you're planning a similar trip—one that, believe me, everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime—here’s the itinerary my friends and I followed. There are a few must-know tips at the end, so make sure to read all the way through!

Cusco:

Day 1

We arrived at our gorgeous Airbnb on Calle Arcoiris (Rainbow Street—how cute is that?) and were surprised by its chic yet minimalist decor. Upon leaving our bags, we strolled a few blocks to the Plaza de Armas, the town square, beautifully framed by arched portals, the Cusco Cathedral, and the Church of Triumph. We marveled at the beautiful Greco-style fountain that sat in at the heart of the plaza.

On the way, we stopped at Florencia y Fortunata, a charming café where I ordered a coca tea. Next to a hat store (which, as you can imagine, I swooned over).

Florencia y Fortunata Café Fountain in Plaza de Armas

We had dinner at Morena, located right on the square. We loved the decor—Peruvian craftsmanship meets elegant design. As recommended, we all ordered the sopa de altura, which was surprisingly delicious, along with some muña tea. However, its menu featured all the Peruvian classics, such as lomo saltado and causa limeña.

We were advised to take it easy on our first hours in Cusco. So, after dinner, we explored the many surrounding shops for souvenirs and alpaca-made clothing.

Day 2

We started the day with breakfast at Casa Ichu, an eclectic oasis that reminded me of Tepoztlán, Mexico. Everything we tried was delicious, and the coffee was a highlight - the almond milk latte was probably the best I had in Peru.

We then visited Saqsaywaman, a vast and peaceful archaeological site—complete with alpacas in their natural habitat!

Later, we joined a free walking tour to learn about the city's history and the Incan civilization, which continued to impress me more each day. The tour included the town square, Qorikancha, and the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, where we admired colonial architecture and artisanal details. We had lunch at Oculto, where I enjoyed a delicious faux paella.

Saqsaywaman San Blas Panoramic Views

We capped the day with a cultural show and returned to Morena for dinner—yes, again!

Oculto

Sacred Valley:

Day 3

We left Cusco early for our journey toward Machu Picchu, traveling through the Sacred Valley—my favorite part of the trip and, honestly, one of my favorite days ever.

Our first stop was a small artisan property where we learned how the cholitas (indigenous women recognizable by their stunning traditional clothing) create the threads used in traditional Peruvian crafts. Witnessing their ancestral techniques, which harness elements found in nature, as well as the amount of time it takes to make a piece, was enlightening. Naturally, we bought a few treasures—my pick: vibrant scarves!

Next up was the Moray archaeological site, known for its fascinating circular terraces. Like all the Incan ruins I visited, I was blown away by their scale and precision. We walked around for a few minutes, taking in the vastness of what I dare say is one of the Sacred Valley’s most underrated stops.

Then came a peak life moment: a picnic at the Río Sagrado Resort, a Belmond hotel in Urubamba. Surrounded by lush gardens, mountains, and a flowing river, we enjoyed an all-organic, locally sourced meal. And the best part? Baby alpacas roaming the property, happy to pose for photos—and even a cuddle! Holding one was unforgettable.

Our final stop was Ollantaytambo, where we stayed at El Albergue, a magical oasis nestled beside train tracks. It had breathtaking views, a coffee shop, distillery, garden, and even private access to the town’s archaeological site. Seeing its grandeur made me wonder—if this was before Machu Picchu, how much more awe-inspiring could it get?

We had dinner at Chuncho, an Andean restaurant and distillery focusing on highlighting ancient recipes from the Sacred Valley, where I had one of my favorite cocktails of the trip: a Saqra sour.

Machu Picchu:

Day 4

We woke up early again, this time to take the Perurail train to Aguas Calientes, the town where buses leave for Machu Picchu. Over the course of 1:40 hours, we were mesmerized by the views of mountains, the rivers, and the flora and fauna of the region.

Once in Aguas Calientes, we boarded the bus. We also agreed to hire a tour guide, who also instructed us to take the Circuit 2 instead of our originally planned route, and which proved to be the best possible decision, as on this circuit, you will have access to the emblematic picture, as well as a lighter walk.

Once there, I couldn't believe my eyes. Remember my question the day before? It all clicked then. I understood why Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, was one of the seven wonders of the world. It is so vast from the main viewpoint, and once we walked through the actual citadel, it was the more impressive. Also, the energy that fills the place is unexplainable - so positive and magical, almost mystic, I truly felt closer to heaven. I still can't wrap my mind around how ancient civilizations had all this knowledge that feels so foreign nowadays. The way they perceived the world and built their cities with a more limited arrray of tools than those available today, yet somehow made more beautiful things that stand the test of centuries. It changed me, I think.

We then returned to Aguas Calientes, then to Ollantaytambo, and finally, to Cusco to take our plane to Lima.

I swear a lifetime transpired through the course of four days, and I repeat: don't miss out on the chance to miss this trip. If it's not on your bucket list, add it now!

General Tips:

Cusco is high up (over 3,300 meters!), so altitude sickness is real. Prepare with:
- Coca or muña tea
- Coca leaves
- Pills like Simsoroch (available at pharmacies or the airport)
Go slow the first day: avoid alcohol, walk slowly, eat light.
- Sopa de altura or sopa de dieta is ideal—nourishing but gentle on the stomach.
You’ll need tickets to enter archaeological sites in both Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Luckily, you can purchase the Boleto Turístico del Cusco, which grants access to sites like Saqsaywaman, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and several museums and cultural attractions. It’s not only cost-effective, but it also saves you time and hassle.
Buy your tickets to Machu Picchu in advance, well, well before your trip—they are coveted and sell out quickly. If you miss them but still end up in the area, try checking for availability in Aguas Calientes. Go to the Ministry of Culture the day prior, as they distribute tickets at 3 PM for the day after.
Choose your Machu Picchu circuit wisely:
- Circuit 2 was perfect for us—iconic views with a manageable walk. I’d take my family on this one.
Stay in Ollantaytambo the night before your visit to Machu Picchu. It’s convenient and beautiful. Ollantaytambo also has more activity and dining options than Aguas Calientes.
Book train and bus tickets in advance as well - we used Peru Rail and it was very convenient.
Bring water and a light snack to Machu Picchu—there’s nowhere to buy food inside.
Check the weather and dress in layers—mountain weather changes fast.