Cusco in 1 day
With just one day, we recommend starting out by visiting the Inca ruins nearest to Cusco, Sacsayhuamán, visiting additional archaeological sights just beyond it: Tambomachay, Q’enko and Puca Pucara. A bike down the way starting at Tambomachay is the best way, if possible climbing up using a taxi. Then visit the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and finish up with Koricancha. In the afternoon, take a walk through Cusco’s atmospheric streets, beginning in the Plaza of San Blas, visiting its shops, galleries and artists’ studios, and then descending along Calle Hatun Rumiyoc (known for its Inca foundations) to the Plaza de Armas. In the evening, visit the splendid MAP museum, followed by a late dinner at MAP Café or one of the restaurants recommended in the section Where to Eat.

Cusco in 2 days
With two days in Cusco, follow the guidelines above for the first day, though after seeing Sacsayhuamán. In the afternoon consider taking the “Religious Safari” tour that Casa Andina offers, tracing the most emblematic sites in Cusco known for their religious art.

On the second day, go horseback riding in the morning (with visits to the Temple of the Moon, Zone X and the rural community of Salcantay, and the “Devil’s Balcony”). In the afternoon, take another, relaxed walk through the streets of Cusco, especially the neighborhoods with their own individual character, such as Santa Ana and San Cristóbal. At night, catch the fine show at Teatro Kusikay.

For fit trekking aficionados, a full-day, demanding hike to Huchuy Qosqo (an archaeological site) is a possibility for the second day concentrating on the outdoors. The trek can also be done on horseback.

Cusco in 3 days
Follow the guide for the first 2 days (above) and on the third day, venture out to the southern valley and the outstanding but little-known sights Andahualillas and Tipón (see more information on the section Off the Beaten Track). In the afternoon, return to Cusco and check out a few more shops, plazas, small alleyways and a market or two, relaxing in a San Blas café or bar and taking in the atmosphere.