How to Spend Six Days in Cusco, Peru
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, Peru.
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 so much 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 the Wyndham 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 stunning and unforgettable. The photo above is proof. We booked excursions covering everything we wanted to see and do in Peru, including the Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu, Red Valley, Pisac Market Place, Ollantaytambo, 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 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: 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.
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 few miles, for the view was one that I will never forget. The tour was a phenomenal experience!! Be careful of altitude sickness! We came across some adorable fluffy alpacas on the top of Rainbow Mountain. Hiking was one of the most unique experiences of my life.
Book Your Tour: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour
Day 3: Moras and 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, is okay for farming.
Book Your Tour: Moras and Moray Ruins Tour
Day 4: Machu Picchu
We were able to see Machu Picchu through yet another tour. Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel 7,970 ft above sea level. You can hike to the Sun Gate to see views from 9,000 ft above sea level.
Book Your Tour: Machu Picchu Tour
Day 5: Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo
Book the Viator tour to see Ollantaytambo and the Pisac market on a day trip! Ollantaytambo is a town and Inca site 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. The Peruvian women wear hand-woven traditional skirts called polleras made with wool cloth. The skirt has a colorful band called Puyto!
Book Your Tour: Pisac Market Tour
Day 6: Horseback Riding
Horseback riding to the moon temple will be an unforgettable experience.
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. We were wearing sandals, white pants, and heels. Visiting the moon temple 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 mother nature.
Book Your Tour: Horseback Riding to the Moon Temple
Day 7: Fly Home
Unpack and fly home! Do not forget to try street food on your vacation.
5 Reasons to Try Street Food 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.
Other tours we researched and did not have time to do include the Hamantay Lake tour and a trip to Lima, Peru.
Have you ever been to Peru? We listed how to spend six days in Cusco. Please comment below about your experience. I would love to hear more about your trip!
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