Cusco in 2 days: the best itinerary, with Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu
Two days in Cusco force a choice, and it is a good one to have. Day 1 belongs to the city itself; day 2 can go to the Sacred Valley, a full day of Inca towns and terraces, or to Machu Picchu, the reason most people come to Peru. This guide lays out both plans so you can pick the one that fits.
The two days at a glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | City tour, 9:00–13:00 (from US $18) | Lunch, Plaza de Armas, Hatun Rumiyoc and San Blas |
| Day 2, option A | Sacred Valley full day, 6:00–19:00 (from US $35) | |
| Day 2, option B | Machu Picchu full day, 4:30–21:30 (from US $375) | |
Day 1: Cusco, its Inca temples and San Blas
Spend the first day in the city, which also helps you adjust to 3,400 m. In the morning, the guided city tour covers Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. After lunch at the San Pedro market or in San Blas, walk through the Plaza de Armas, past the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street and up to the artisans’ quarter of San Blas. Our Cusco in 1 day guide has the hour-by-hour detail.
Plan your second day
Sacred Valley full day from US $35, or Machu Picchu in a day from US $375 — guide and transport included.
Day 2, option A: the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley tour (6:00 am to about 7:00 pm, from US $35) starts with the terraces and ruins of Pisac, continues to the Inca temple-fortress of Ollantaytambo and, after a buffet lunch, visits the Maras salt pans, the circular terraces of Moray and the weaving village of Chinchero. The valley is lower than Cusco, so it is also a comfortable day for the altitude. The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) and the Maras entrance are paid separately. Choose this option if you have already seen Machu Picchu, if tickets are sold out, or if you prefer variety to a single icon.
Day 2, option B: Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu full-day tour (from US $375) leaves Cusco at about 4:30 am, takes the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and the bus up to the citadel for a guided visit, and returns around 9:30 pm. It is a long day, but at 2,430 m Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, so the altitude is not a problem. Book well ahead in the dry season and check ticket availability first.
Which option should you choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Have never been to Machu Picchu | Option B, Machu Picchu |
| Want to see more places in one day | Option A, Sacred Valley |
| Are travelling on a tight budget | Option A (US $35) |
| Prefer a shorter, easier second day | The half-day Maras and Moray tour (US $30) |
One option we do not recommend for day 2 is Rainbow Mountain: at 5,030 m it is best left for when you have spent a few nights in Cusco.
Tips for two days in Cusco
- Take it easy on arrival. Walk slowly, drink water and avoid alcohol the first night; read our altitude guide.
- Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for the city sites and the Sacred Valley; our BTC guide explains which version you need.
- Sleep central. A base near the Plaza de Armas or San Blas saves time on early pickups; see where to stay in Cusco.
- Got one more day? Then do both: read our 3-day Cusco itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Two days are enough for the city plus either the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu. To do both, plan at least three days.
Yes: spend day 1 in the city and day 2 on the Machu Picchu full-day tour, which leaves at 4:30 am and returns around 9:30 pm.
Machu Picchu if you have never seen it; the Sacred Valley if you want more variety, a lower budget or a less tiring day.
City tour from US $18, Sacred Valley from US $35 and Machu Picchu full day from US $375 per person.
We do not recommend it so early: at 5,030 m it is much easier after a few nights of acclimatisation in Cusco.
