How to Spend Six Days in Cusco, Peru

Background:

Peru is truly a place where culture is alive and thriving. The Peruvian population has a set of customs, beliefs, and ways of life inherited from the native Incas. Below is how to spend six days in Cusco.

Fun Facts:

Peru is a country in western South America
The Capital City is called Lima
The Amazon River Starts in Peru
Peru has three official languages (83% speak Spanish)
Peru’s national dish is ceviche

My Experience:

Cusco was a lot of fun because we met new people and learned about a new culture. The best gift I have ever given was a round-trip ticket to Peru for my sister Sarah. Peru exceeded my expectations on the first day we arrived, as once we got to our hotel, the receptionists greeted us with hot tea and 5-star customer service.

I recommend staying at the Wyndham Hotel because the view from the hotel of Cusco is absolutely stunning and unforgettable. The photo above is proof.

Our Itinerary:

We booked excursions covering everything we wanted to see and do in Peru, including the Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu, Red Valley, Pisac Market Place, Ollamtaytambo, Moras and Moray ruins. We list the specific tours to book below.

Day 1: Explore Plaza de Armas

After you unpack and settle in at your hotel, explore the main area or Plaza de Armas of Cusco, Peru. Plaza de Armas is located in the heart of the city and is truly a beautiful, historic place to stroll. There is a reminder of Peru’s past and culture because the architecture is Inca and Spanish Colonial.

Day 2 + Tour 1: Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain

Life is about getting up an hour early to live an hour more! We got up at 3 am to experience the breathtaking hike up to rainbow mountain. Rainbow mountain is considered a holy site in Peru and is a spectacular multi-colored mountain. The colors are caused by sediment in minerals throughout the area.

Post rainbow mountain, Sarah and I were the only people in our tour group to continue the hike and see the red valley. WOW! That was epic and worth the extra miles, for the view was one that I will never forget. This tour was a phenomenal experience, although altitude sickness is real! We came across some adorable fluffy alpacas on the top of Rainbow Mountain and it was one of the most unique experiences of my life.

Book Your Tour: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour

Day 3 + Tour 2: Moras/Moray Ruins

Moras ruins are located in a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and are composed of salt ponds. I almost fell into one of the 5,000 salt ponds and received 12 years of bad luck.

Book Your Tour: Moras and Moray Ruins Tour

The Moray ruins are terraces used by the Incas to experiment and ensure all land, regardless of the altitude and weather, can be used for farming.

Book Your Tour: Moras and moray Ruins Tour

Day 4 + Tour 3: Machu Picchu

We were able to see Machu Picchu through yet another tour. Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located about 7,970 ft above sea level. You can hike to the Sun Gate to see views at 9,000 ft above sea level.

Book Your Tour: Machu Picchu Tour

Day 5 + Tour 4: Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is a town and a Inca Archeological site located at 9,160 ft above sea level.

Book Your Tour: Ollantaytambo and Pisac Market Tour

Visiting the Pisac Market on a Sunday was a more authentic experience, as the local Quechua communities set up shops on the main square dressed in their colorful clothing on this day. The Peruvian women wear hand-woven traditional skirts called polleras or melkkhay made with Bayeta or wool cloth trimmed with a colorful band called puyto!

Book Your Tour: Pisac Market Tour

Day 6 + Tour 5: Horseback Riding in Cusco, Peru

My Experience: Sarah and I are always down for an adventure and not always prepared. As soon as we came across the opportunity to ride horses to visit the moon temple, we did not hesitate to book the tour, even though we wore sandals, white pants, and heels.

The Moon Temple: Visiting the moon temple or Salumpunku in Cusco is usually overlooked by tourists; however, it is a fascinating place to see. The temple has two caves that contain cracks within the walls. The cracks let in sunlight and moonlight. The Incas worship the moon, sun, and Pachamama, or mother nature. The tour is 30 soles or $10.00 per person.

Book Your Tour: I highly recommend booking a tour to see Machu Picchu and the horseback riding tour in person while in Cusco, as they are more expensive online. To visit Machu Picchu online in one day cost $300+. Sarah and I booked the tour in person for $180 per person.

Tip: Always try the local food!

5 Reasons to Give Street Food a Shot When Traveling:

1. It’s delicious.
2. It’s authentic.
3. Street food is cheap.
4. Great value for your money.
5. It supports local small businesses.
FUN FACT: Corn in Peru ALWAYS comes with cheese

Other tours that we researched and did not have time to go on include ‘Lagoon Hamantay Tour’ and a trip to Lima, Peru.

Did you visit Peru? We listed how to spend six days in Cusco. Please comment down below about your experience. I would love to hear more about your trip!

XOXO,

Ashley Bonner