Cusco is one of the most magical cities in the world. It does not just have a lot of history, but the people from it are the kindest. In May of 2019 we decided to visit Cusco one more time, but in this occasion we wanted to do a different tour. Instead of visiting Machu Picchu, we went to new sites and we loved every one of it. If you want to try it, here is our itinerary.

Airline

Because we booked kinda last minute, we flew with Peruvian Airlines. The service was ok, not amazing. We reached Cusco safely, however on our way back to Lima, the air hostess in the counter charged us for our carry on ($35). At first you think, it is fine, but when we went to Cusco, they did not charge us. I guess they saw Rahul’s passport and decided to charge right away. That is why, if anyone flies to Cusco or anywhere else inside Peru, always choose Latam Airlines.

Hotel

For accommodation, this time we chose Hotel Garcilaso II. Even though you may think that a 3 star hotel is not good, in Cusco they are worth it. Besides this hotel had an amazing architecture that has been preserved in perfect conditions. The breakfast was substantial and the best part was that the hotel has mate de coca always available for everyone.

Day 1

San Blas

The first day we knew was going to be a free day, as we had to get acclimatized for the elevation, so as soon as we landed in Cusco we explored San Blas. San Blas is the artistic and bohemian area of Cusco. This area of Cusco is very different and you can sense it as soon as you reach. San Blas is famous because of the “barrio of artesanos” (artisans’ quarters) and its traditional blue doors which can be found everywhere.

After walking around San Blas, we decided to go up for lunch. And yes, we meant to say up because we went to “ViewHouse Restobar“, which is passing the view point of San Blas. This restobar has one of the best views of Cusco and amazing food.

After this, we walked a little bit more around the main plaza and went back to the hotel to rest, because the next day we had a half day tour planned.

Day 2

Moray Ruins

On the second day, we had booked a half day tour. And the first stop was the Moray Inca ruins, which is located 50 km northwest from Cusco in the Sacred Valley. This site contains several terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is approximately 30 m (98 ft) deep and it also has an irrigation system.

Here the Incas used these terraces to create micro-climates and grow various products, that is why Moray ruins can be considered a crop lab.

Maras Salt Mines

The second and final stop was the Maras Salt Mines. The stunning landscape features salt pans that are still used exactly as they were at the time of the Incas. Sadly walking inside the salt mines is not possible, as almost everyday the local communities go to harvest the salt. However, you can walk around it a get amazing pictures from it.

After this, we  headed back to Cusco, and had an amazing dinner at Pollería Grimaldos, the best place to eat pollo a la brasa in Cusco. This restaurant is very simple, but the food is outstanding, to the point that every local will recommend you to eat there. And to end the night, we went to the Museum of Pisco where we had a sample of chilcanos and a few appetizer. A perfect way to end the first day.

Day 3

Lake Humantay

On the third day we had a private tour to Lake Humantay. Our tour guide, Freddy, picked us up very early in the morning, around 5.30 am and drove us all the way to the first stop, Mollepata, for an early breakfast.

After a half an hour break, we headed out to the base of the lake. Once we reached we used the restrooms, because once you start the hike, expect no services. The hike in theory can be done in 2 hours, but the altitude makes it harder to reach. That is why, in our case, we decided to ride a horse half way toward the lake. Once we reached the lake, the view was totally breathtaking, definitely one of the best views we have ever had in our whole lives.

On the way back, we stopped at the same town, Mollepata, for a very well deserved lunch. The lunch was a buffet, which had everything, from salads to a good amount of proteins. After that we headed back to rest at the hotel.

Day 4

Rainbow Mountain

Our final tour was the Rainbow Mountain. This tour is recommended to do it in the last day of your stay in Cusco, as this mountain is in the highest point of elevation: 5, 200 m. or 17, 060 feet. For this tour, we opted for a private one again, so we could go in our own speed. Our tour guide picked us up around 5.30 am and 2 hours and a half later we reached the beginning of the hike of Vinicunca, aka. the Rainbow Mountain.

In this case, because the hike was going to take use between 2 and 3 hours, we rode horses which costed us 80 soles to go, and 50 soles the way back. With horse it took us 40 minutes to reach the base, from there we hiked up for around 20 minutes. However, as soon as we started to go up, we felt the elevation hitting us. It was a first time for both of us, but our guide was totally prepared because he had an oxygen tank that saved our lives. After all the hike, we managed to reach to view Vinicunca.

We totally enjoyed this hike, but the elevation really hit us once again. But it was ok, because we managed to reach and we loved it!

To go back, we rode the horse and then headed for lunch in a town close by, Anchi Pacha, which was also buffet style. Later on, we dove back to our hotel and rest.

Day 5

San Pedro Market

On our last day in Cusco, we decided to explore the local market: San Pedro. From our hotel, the market was just a 10 minute walk. Here we managed to buy everything we could for souvenirs, cereals, bread (chuta), and cheese. One of the best things from this market, is that you can bargain and get everything in a really good price.

After doing all the shopping, we went back to San Blas to enjoy the last remaining hours in this colorful city.

Cusco is one of the most amazing and welcoming cities in the world, it has so many things to do, see, eat, etc that you need at least 2 weeks to explore it. Hopefully, we will go back there, and for sure we will revisit some of these beautiful locations.