Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and La Compañía church at dusk, framed by a colonial archway

Peru · The Andes

Cusco & the Sacred Valley

The former capital of the Inca Empire and the fertile valley below it: Inca stonework beneath colonial churches, weaving villages, terraced hillsides and some of Peru’s most beautiful hotels.

  • 3,400 m Cusco altitude
  • Inca imperial capital
  • UNESCO World Heritage city

Hassle-Free Dream Travel!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

The heart of the Inca world

Cusco & the Sacred Valley Highlights

Cusco sits at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft). The Sacred Valley lies lower, around 2,800–2,900 m. Together they’re the cultural core of any Peru journey. Filter by where you’ll be.

Cusco’s cathedral and Plaza de Armas surrounded by hillsCusco

Plaza de Armas & the Cathedral

Cusco’s main square is lined with arcades, balconies and two grand churches, built where Inca palaces once stood.

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Inside the Cathedral, look for the Cusco School painting of the Last Supper with a roasted guinea pig on the table, a perfect example of Andean and Spanish traditions blending.

Precisely fitted Inca stone wallsCusco

Qorikancha & Sacsayhuamán

The Incas’ holiest temple, once lined with gold, now lies beneath a Dominican convent. Above town, the zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán use stones weighing many tons.

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We pair these with a walk past the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street. A good guide turns the city’s walls into a story of empire and conquest.

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas at dusk framed by an archwayEvenings

San Blas & Cusco after dark

Climb the steep lanes of San Blas for artisan workshops and views over terracotta rooftops, then dine in one of Cusco’s celebrated restaurants.

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Cusco has become a serious food city, with tasting menus built around Andean ingredients. We’ll book the tables that are hardest to get.

Andean women in traditional dress with a llama on a hillsideSacred Valley

Pisac market & ruins

The hilltop terraces of Pisac are among the most dramatic in Peru, and the market below is a colorful mix of produce, textiles and crafts.

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Visit the ruins early, before the tour buses, then wander the market with your guide to taste fruit you’ve never seen before.

Hands weaving a colorful Andean textile on a backstrap loomSacred Valley

Weaving in Chinchero

In Chinchero, weaving cooperatives show how wool is cleaned, dyed with plants and minerals, and woven into patterns passed down for generations.

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It’s a hands-on, joyful experience, and the pieces you buy directly support the families who make them.

A llama on a terraced hillside above a green valleySacred Valley

Moray, Maras & Ollantaytambo

See the circular terraces of Moray, thousands of shimmering salt pans at Maras, and the fortress-temple of Ollantaytambo, a town still laid out on its Inca grid.

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Ollantaytambo is also where many trains to Machu Picchu depart, so it slots neatly into your route.

A suggested rhythm

Five Unhurried Days in the Andes

Our favorite way to combine the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco: start low, sleep well and save the city for when you’ve adjusted to the altitude.

  1. Day1

    Arrive and head to the valley

    Fly from Lima to Cusco and drive straight down to your Sacred Valley lodge to rest at a gentler altitude.

  2. Day2

    Pisac and the valley floor

    Pisac’s terraces and market in the morning, then a long lunch and an afternoon by the river.

  3. Day3

    Moray, Maras and Chinchero

    The circular terraces, the salt pans and a weaving visit, with an optional cycling descent.

  4. Day4

    Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

    Explore the fortress, then board the train down to Aguas Calientes for your first visit to the citadel.

  5. Day5

    Cusco

    A second Machu Picchu entry at dawn, then the train to Cusco and a candlelit dinner in a former monastery.

Every itinerary we build is tailor-made. This is just a starting point.

Customize This Itinerary

Exceptional places to stay

Where to Stay in Cusco & the Sacred Valley

Cusco

Belmond Hotel Monasterio

A 16th-century monastery with a cloistered courtyard and chapel, a few steps from the Plaza de Armas.

Cusco

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

An intimate all-suite palace with Cusco’s only outdoor heated pool and Inca walls in the gardens.

Cusco

Inkaterra La Casona

A restored colonial manor with just a handful of suites, set on a quiet plaza.

Sacred Valley

Explora Valle Sagrado

An all-inclusive lodge with guided hikes and excursions every day, plus a spa and private thermal pools.

Sacred Valley

Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

Riverside cottages and gardens on the banks of the Urubamba, with a train stop for Machu Picchu nearby.

Sacred Valley

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

A peaceful hacienda overlooking the valley, with an organic farm and Andean-inspired cooking.

Work with One of Our Travel Experts

The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.

Machu Picchu glowing in golden morning light

After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas at dusk, framed by a colonial archway

You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!

Reed boats at the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca

Good to know

Cusco & Sacred Valley FAQs

How do I handle Cusco’s altitude?

Start in the Sacred Valley, which is lower, take your first day slowly, drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol. Coca tea is widely served. If you have health concerns, ask your doctor about altitude medication before you travel.

How many days do I need in Cusco and the Sacred Valley?

We suggest at least four to five nights in the region, including Machu Picchu. A week lets you add a trek, a cooking class or a day at Rainbow Mountain.

Should I visit the Sacred Valley or Cusco first?

Usually the Sacred Valley. It’s lower, quieter and on the way to Machu Picchu, so you finish in Cusco once you’ve acclimatized.

Do I need tickets for the sites around Cusco?

Many sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray, are covered by the Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket). Others, like Qorikancha and the Cathedral, are separate. We include all of this in your plan.

Begin your journey

Your Dream Peru Getaway

Peru is a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Peru specialists will start designing it with you.

  • A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
  • Machu Picchu tickets, trains and permits handled
  • Hand-picked hotels with exclusive perks
  • Support before, during and after your trip

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