Are you ready to have your breath taken away by the beauty of Cusco, Peru? No, seriously, at an elevation of 11,152 feet, this ancient mountain city will without a doubt have you huffing and puffing for air. But after a day or two you’ll be acclimated and ready to explore everything in and around this colonial city!

Cusco quickly became one of my favorite cities to explore with its rich history and culture. It’s hard to believe that this city was once the heart of the Incan Empire, but it is evident in every cobblestone street and ancient ruin.

Cusco is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the gateway to Machu Picchu, but there is still much to explore within the city itself.

Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and the ancient terraced hills of the Sacred Valley, you could spend two weeks in and around Cusco hiking, exploring, and learning about the Inca culture. However, 3 days is the perfect amount for wandering through the city, tasting the local flavors, and getting a good scope of what Cusco has to offer.

Cusco is very much a touristy city so you won’t have any issues keeping yourself busy as well as meeting other travelers. This is one of the main stops on the classic tourist circuit so be prepared to rub shoulders with other tourists who are eager to explore.

Due to it being the high season when I went to Cusco, I had to stay in the area a bit longer and wait until my Machu Picchu ticket became available. (High season can get crazy, so make sure to plan ahead.) During this time, I was able to explore some of the most visited sites in Cusco such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara.

I found this city to be filled with so much magic and culture. I was especially struck by the beauty of the cobblestone streets, the brightly colored houses and churches that fill the city center, and the many Incan ruins scattered throughout.

With all of my first-hand knowledge and experience, I’ve put together a 3-day guide to help you make the most of your time in Cusco.

So without further ado, here is my guide on how to spend three days in Cusco, Peru.

Coricancha. Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

Day 1: Explore the Incan Ruins

Everywhere in Cusco is relatively walkable, however because of the high elevation I recommend taking it slow. On day one make sure to drink plenty of water and you can even chew on some coca leaves to help with acclimation.

Begin your day with an enriching half-day Inca sites guided tour. You’ll make your first stop at the sacred church and continue on foot through the streets of Inca to Coricancha, home to the Temple of Sun. The Temple of Sun was a great display of Inca accomplishments and the intricate stonework will leave you in awe.

Sacsayhuaman ruins. Pocholo Calapre/Shutterstock

After experiencing the beauty of Coricancha, your tour will make its way down Avenida El Sol and hop on a bus to bask in breathtaking views toward Sacsayhuaman. It’s pronounced like “sexy woman”. I know it’s kind of funny. Here you’ll explore the megalithic ruins that once served as a fortress for the city of Cusco.

You can explore Sacsayhuaman with a knowledgeable tour guide or wander through the ruins at your own pace – either way, you’ll be amazed by the Incan structures.

Kenko. Christian Vinces/Shutterstock

You’ll then visit Kenko, an underground labyrinth that was used as a place of worship by the Incas. Learn about how Catholicism blended with Inca culture as you observe firsthand the different construction techniques used by these ancient people. Marvel at its splendid altars, mini circular Puka Pukara, as well as Tambomachay – the Temple of Water that features gorgeous fountains.

It’s truly incredible what the Incas were able to build without modern tools and technology.

Plaza de Armas. David Ionut/Shutterstock

After the tour, you will be taken to Plaza de Armas located in Cusco’s main square – the ideal spot for a delightful meal and some sunshine.

Cusco will be at the highest elevation you experience on your Peru adventure, in addition to some mountaineering. I strongly advise that you take it easy during the afternoon and fuel up with a good lunch – trust me, your body will thank you later!

Jesuit Church and main square of Cusco from San Cristobal church — my favorite sunset spot in the city. Noradoa/Shutterstock

Around sunset, hike to one of the many viewpoints in the city for a truly breathtaking view — my favorite spot was San Cristobal church. The sun cascading down the ancient terraced hills is one of the most beautiful ways to see Cusco. Then head to dinner at one of the many local restaurants and try some delicious Peruvian dishes.

Day 2: Wander Through Cusco’s Historic Center

Spend your morning with a hearty breakfast and some tea or coffee at Jacks! This cafe has some of the best coffee in town and it’s a great way to start your morning. By now you should be feeling a lot more acclimated to the altitude and feeling energized to take on the city.

Once you’re fueled up, head out and explore Cusco’s Historic Center – also known as El Centro Historico de Cusco. This area consists of narrow cobblestone streets that are lined with colonial-style buildings and are home to some of the city’s best entertainment, restaurants, and shopping.

San Pedro Central Market. Cacio Murilo/Shutterstock

For a bit of culture, wander around the nearby artisan markets like San Pedro Market and San Blas market – both brimming with small stalls selling hand-crafted textiles, pottery, paintings, and more! And for those who love to cook, stop by Mercado Central for some fresh local ingredients.

San Blas square is so charming! videobuzzing/Shutterstock

I seriously fell in love with the San Blas area, it is situated up in the mountain and is filled with galleries, restaurants, museums, and of course artisanal shops. This is where you want to buy all your souvenirs.

A lot of locals live and have created really beautiful homes and galleries in San Blas. You’ll find a lot of artists here, so if you are feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at some art classes. They also have plenty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in this area, perfect for a pit stop while you’re out exploring.

During the Covid pandemic, the government offered an incentive to spruce up local streets. As a result, you’ll find eclectic murals and lush potted plants dotting many cobblestone roads – it’s almost as if you’re walking through Portugal with its vibrant tile work and street art!

Take your time and really get to know the city as you meander through its narrow streets. Be sure to take frequent breaks to appreciate Cusco’s architecture.

San Blas Square overlooks Cusco. The church is located in the far right corner of the square. saiko3p/Shutterstock

After exploring San Blas, you should end up at the top of the San Blas Church. Here, you’ll find a stunning view of Cusco and the nearby mountains. As the sun sets, admire its majestic beauty before heading down for some dinner and drinks. Did someone say Pisco sours?

Cusco has some great little bars and pubs scattered throughout the city, so take some time to relax and enjoy a local beverage or two. Now you do have an early wake-up call in the morning so I don’t recommend staying out too late.

Day 3: Hiking the Famous Rainbow Mountain

For your final day in Cusco, I highly suggest you book this early morning tour and go hiking on the famous Rainbow Mountain.

Renowned as Vinicunca or Montana de Siete colores in Spanish, the breathtakingly beautiful Rainbow Mountain of Peru is a sight to behold. Recently revealed by receding ice caps due to global warming, this mountain has been blessed with an exquisite array of vivid colors that make it a must-visit while you’re touring Peru!

Now I know this isn’t exactly located in Cusco but with 3 days in the city, this is the best way to spend your last day. There isn’t really anywhere else to stay near the mountain and it’s best to do this tour early in the morning before the sun gets too hot and the trail is full of other hikers.

Be warned: the photos of Rainbow Mountain are always heavily edited, so don’t expect the colors to be this vibrant! SCStock/Shutterstock

The journey from Cusco takes three hours so you’ll be getting picked up at just past 4 AM but you can sleep along the way. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains at 16,000 feet which is nearly 5 km above sea level. Remember that high altitude can pose risks so make sure to take necessary precautions beforehand to fully enjoy your trip. This means drinking enough water and maybe even taking altitude sickness medication.

Rainbow Mountain can be a strenuous hike, gaining roughly 1,000 feet (300 meters) in height with only 2 miles (3km). The path is mainly made up of gravel and dirt; however, it can become quite slippery and uneven at times. It may seem like an easy journey as you reach the summit within 90 minutes or two hours – yet don’t let this deceive you: the trek is physically exhausting throughout.

If you are struggling to reach the summit on your own, don’t worry – you can always hire a horse to take you there.

Step by step, you will be immersed in a world of vibrant and extraordinary hues. The captivating contrast between reds, greens, yellows, and browns is simply majestic beyond belief – it’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world

As you reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain, take in its majestic beauty for as long as possible and capture some memories with the fluffy llamas and alpacas. They are SO adorable.

The Red Valley at Rainbow Mountain. videobuzzing/Shutterstock

For only a few additional bucks, you can wander to the Red Valley and be rewarded with magnificent vistas and watch as condors soar overhead. It’s only a 30-minute walk with a tiny incline- I am certain you will agree after seeing this breathtaking scenery that it was worth it!

As beautiful as the hike up was, the descent is just as majestic and much less difficult. Enjoy a tasty lunch before you make your way back to your Cusco hotel.

Most likely you will be tired after the whole day’s adventure but it’s your last night in Cusco so you gotta take advantage of it and enjoy the festivities. From jazz to Latin, there is something for everyone!