1 Day in Cusco: Best Things to Do + My Tips
Cusco is a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, it’s one of the most fascinating cities to visit in Peru.
Sure, it’s the starting point for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but Cusco is much more than just a stopover. With its Inca ruins, colonial buildings, colorful markets, and vibrant local life, it deserves to be explored in its own right.
If you have more time, don’t miss my full guides: Top 30 Things to Do in Cusco and 2 or 3 Days in Cusco: Itinerary & Tips. But if you only have a short stay, this article is all about what to do in Cusco in just 1 day.
I’ll share the best itinerary to explore the city in one day, with my personal hotel suggestions and practical tips to make the most of your time.
So, what are the best things to do if you have only one day in Cusco?
Let’s find out!
Sommaire
Beware of the Altitude
When you only have one day, it’s tempting to try and see everything at once.
But don’t forget—Cusco sits at 11,150 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level, and altitude sickness is real. It can hit anyone, no matter your age or fitness level.
Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, or loss of appetite. To prevent it, make sure you drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and take it easy—especially if you’re flying in directly from Lima.
If you’ve already been to high-altitude destinations like Arequipa or Lake Titicaca, your body may already be partially acclimated. But if Cusco is your first stop, go slow—and definitely skip those steep stairs in San Blas on day one.
There’s no way to know how your body will react—it’s a bit like a game of chance. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your pace if needed.
Of course, my suggested itinerary for 1 day in Cusco doesn’t assume you’ll have altitude issues, so take breaks and rest when necessary.
If you’re not feeling well, head back to your hotel and rest. And if symptoms don’t improve, go to a lower altitude—you don’t have to return to Lima. The Sacred Valley, like Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet), is a great alternative.
Itinerary 1 day Cusco: What to see and do
In the morning, start with a visit to Coricancha, the ancient sun temple of the Incas, considered one of the most sacred places of the Inca empire.
When the Spaniards arrived, it was destroyed and the Church of Santo Domingo was built on its foundations. Today, both structures can be seen in the same place.
Next, head to the Plaza de Armas, a must-see in 1 day in Cuzco!
This beautiful square surrounded by stone arches is the historical and cultural heart of the city. There are many cafes, restaurants, as well as the cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, built over the ancient residences of the Inca emperors Wiracocha and Huayna Capac.
After walking through the Portal Belen, take Trinfo Street to Hatunrumiyoc Street, known for its Inca walls where the stones fit together perfectly, including the famous 12 Angled Stone, which weighs 6 tons.
It is really impressive to see this high precision work, because not only have they been kept together for centuries, but you can’t even pass a needle through the edges.
In the afternoon, discover San Blas, Cusco’s most picturesque and bohemian neighborhood, characterized by its white houses with blue doors. Here you will find artisan workshops, art galleries and beautiful stores.
You can continue straight ahead along the Cuesta San Blas (be careful, it’s uphill!) until you reach Carmen Alto street.
On the right is the charming Plaza San Blas with the pretty Xapiri Ground café-boutique.
If you continue to the end of Carmen Alto, you will find the boutique café L’Atelier, which in my opinion offers one of the best places to take photos of San Blas, including Cusco!
Back to the Plaza de Armas, take Calle Siete Culebras, a narrow pedestrian street, which takes you to the beautiful Plazoleta de las Nazarenas, lined with luxury hotels, restaurants and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Personally, I think it’s already a full agenda to visit Cusco in one day, but if you have extra time or prefer to swap out one activity, you could also:
- Take a detour to the San Pedro Market, a lively spot for local flavors and souvenirs
- Visit the Traditional Textile Center of Cusco to learn about Andean weaving techniques
- Spend a few hours exploring the impressive Inca sites on the outskirts: Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Qenqo, and Sacsayhuaman
There’s so much to see and do in the Inca capital—and of course, you’ll need to prioritize when you’re short on time.
To discover even more great ideas for your trip, I recommend reading:
Cusco in One Day: Your Tourist Map
To help you get around easily, here’s a map showing all the must-see places in Cusco if you only have one day—along with the walking route I recommend following.
How to Visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
After spending one day in Cusco, you still have plenty to explore in the surrounding region!
The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley is easy to visit in one or two days. Here are its top highlights:
How to get there from Cusco:
- By colectivo from Puputi Street.
- Book a full-day tour including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, with hotel pick-up and lunch included.
Machu Picchu
A visit to Machu Picchu is unforgettable—but it’s also the most visited site in Peru. Be sure to book your entrance ticket in advance!
You can choose from three ticket options:
- Standard Machu Picchu ticket
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (limited availability – book months ahead!)
- Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain
How to get to Machu Picchu:
- By train from Poroy (3h) or Ollantaytambo (1h30). Book your train tickets here.
- By trek: Choose from the Inca Trail (4 days), short Inca Trail (2 days), Salkantay (5 days), Lares (4 days) or Inca Jungle Trek (4 days).
- By bus + hike: Cusco to Santa Maria (5h), Santa Teresa (2h), then walk 2.5–3h from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes.
- By direct van: Cusco to Hydroelectric (7h), then 2.5–3h hike. Be sure to book round-trip transport with the same provider (departure at 7am, return around 2–3pm).
Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll need to take the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu unless you arrived via the Inca Trail. You can buy your bus ticket here:
Book Your Flight at the Best Price
Planning a trip to Peru? To get the best deal on your flights, I recommend using this flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner.
It’s the easiest way to find the lowest prices for both international flights and domestic flights within Peru—ensuring you pay the best rate with no hassle!
Rent a Car in Peru
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Peru at your own pace and make the most of your trip!
Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars for a few key reasons:
- Easily compare prices from all major rental agencies in one place—finding the best deal has never been easier!
- Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can reserve with peace of mind.
- Better insurance coverage at a lower price than rental companies—saving you money with no extra effort.
Click the button below to find the best car rental deals in Peru:
Rent a car
Book entrance tickets and guided visits
Take a travel insurance
Book a tour
✈️ Book your flight
Traveling to Peru? These articles will help you!
Discover all my articles about Peru: All my tips and itineraries to plan your trip in one place!
40 EPIC Things to Do in Peru (+ My Best Tips)
- Itinerary: 5-6 days in Peru – Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- Itinerary: 7-8 days in Peru – See the maximum in one week
- Itinerary: 10 days in Peru – The ideal itinerary for a short stay in Peru
- Itinerary: 2 weeks in Peru – The classic route
- Itinerary: 15 days in Peru – An itinerary that includes northern Peru
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Peru
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Peru + Bolivia – The best itinerary for visiting both countries
- Itinerary: 1 month in Peru – What to see and do in 30-31 days
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