It is not the most recommended option, but if you only have 24 hours to explore the “navel of the world,” plan an itinerary that allows you to make the most of your time and every step you take. However, if you find it difficult to decide where to start, we will guide you so you know what to do in Cusco in 1 day. If you follow our advice, the clock will not work against you. It will be your ally in the “Imperial City.”
Before planning your 1-day Cusco itinerary on foot, keep in mind that your destination is located at 3,400 m above sea level. This is very important because if you are not acclimatized or accustomed to the altitude, it is recommended that after landing at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, you take some time to relax and rest before taking your first steps through the Historic Center, which will impress you with its stone architecture.
That break is not a waste of time during your race against the clock. Quite the opposite: it will help you achieve your goal of exploring and seeing as much of Cusco as possible during your first or only day in the city. If you begin your route without taking a break first, you risk becoming a victim of the dreaded acute mountain sickness, or soroche, a temporary condition caused by reduced oxygen availability and low atmospheric pressure.
Headaches, nausea, and general discomfort are some of the symptoms of altitude sickness. And since it is difficult to enjoy a trip while experiencing these symptoms, the best approach is to be cautious and try to prevent them. So, do not rush. Taking things slowly is a good approach when exploring Cusco in a single day. Now that you know this, we will plan your itinerary for the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Cusco in the Morning (08:00 to 12:30)
When you arrive at Cusco Airport, you may begin to feel the effects of the altitude after getting off the plane. Do not be alarmed. This is normal. So, walk slowly, breathe deeply, and if you feel warm, do not suddenly remove your layers. After collecting your luggage, head to your hotel. Once in your room, rest for a reasonable amount of time (30 minutes to 1 hour) and avoid taking a shower. Exposure to cold or hot water can trigger or worsen the symptoms and discomfort associated with soroche.
After resting, have a light breakfast at your hotel. The reason is that digestion is slower at 3,400 m above sea level. Consider trying coca or muña tea, local herbal infusions traditionally used to help with altitude sickness. If you would like to start with a local experience, visit San Blas Market (if you are staying in this artisan neighborhood) or San Pedro Market, the city’s main market and an authentic tourist attraction.
At both markets, you will find a variety of affordable breakfast options. The walk will be your first introduction to Cusco’s streets and architecture. San Blas is one of the city’s most picturesque and inspiring areas, while San Pedro is close to points of interest such as San Francisco Square. Take advantage of your visit to observe the agricultural and handicraft products sold by the vendors.
One final tip: the Andean weather can be deceptive. Always carry a warm layer, even when the sun is shining brightly, because there is usually a cool breeze in the shade. If the day is cloudy, a wool hat and a pair of gloves are good options, especially for first-time visitors. It is also a good idea to walk at a slow pace and rest if you feel short of breath.
Cusco at Midday (12:30 to 14:30)
Your itinerary for what to do in Cusco in 1 day should include sampling the exquisite local cuisine. Andean products such as potatoes, quinoa, corn, and guinea pig are transformed into flavorful dishes rooted in tradition and culinary knowledge passed down through generations in the kitchens of picanterías, the name given to restaurants that prepare traditional, time-honored recipes.
During your walking tour of Cusco, lunch should be something special. So treat yourself at one of the city’s culinary “temples,” where you can try —without overdoing it because of digestion concerns— classic dishes such as oven-roasted guinea pig, Cusco-style adobo, chairo, puchero, chicharrones, trout prepared in various ways, and the iconic chiriuchu. These specialties are accompanied by chicha, frutillada, or a Cusqueña beer.
In the Historic Center and the areas near the city’s main attractions, you will find more than one highly recommended picantería. So get ready to treat your palate at La Cusqueñita Picantería, La Chomba, La Sambeñita, La Cusqueñísima, Las Manuelitas, and La Nueva Chomba, to name just a few of the favorites among local diners and tourists willing to try new flavors.
Cusco’s gastronomic “menu” is not limited to traditional cuisine. The selection is rich and varied, with New Andean and international offerings. Wherever you go, you will find more than one restaurant that will impress you with its flavorful cuisine. On the main streets downtown, around the Main Square, near the Qoricancha, in San Blas, and at the food stalls in San Pedro Market, you are sure to find something delicious to enjoy.
Cusco at Sunset (14:30 to 18:00)
After lunch, continue your 1-day walking tour of Cusco. Where will you go, what will you do, and what will you see next? The answer is simple: walk toward the Main Square, as well as Regocijo and San Francisco squares. Visit the Qoricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun, and make your way toward the San Blas neighborhood in search of the work of its master artisans, its colonial church, and the spectacular 12-Angle Stone.
Located on Hatun Rumiyoq Street, this finely carved stone block fits perfectly into the wall of what was once the residence of Inca Roca, the sixth ruler of the Tawantinsuyo. Today, it forms part of the Archbishop’s Palace, and because of its exceptional craftsmanship, it is one of the most visited sites in Cusco. Stop to admire it at your own pace and take one of the classic photographs of the “Imperial City.”
Sunset should find you at the San Blas or San Cristóbal viewpoint. Both are ideal vantage points for seeing the city from above. Admission is free, but the views of the mountains and urban landscape are priceless. They are spectacular. Although you will have to walk up an incline to reach your destination, the effort is minimal compared with the experience of being high above the Cusco cityscape.
Another option is to join our Cusco Free Tour in the Historic Center. From Monday through Saturday, we have a departure at 15:30. If you would like to participate, you only need to book online and arrive at the meeting point at the scheduled time. A local guide and a group of fellow travelers will be waiting for you there. Together, you will visit the city’s main points of interest. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. We look forward to seeing you!
Cusco at Night (from 18:00 onward)
A walk around the plazas and artisan shops. A traditional dance performance at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo (located on Avenida El Sol). The show starts at 19:00, but arrive one hour early to purchase your tickets (bring cash). Another interesting plan is to have dinner at restaurants on Plateros or Saphy streets. Several of them offer live music and performances by folkloric groups.
What do you think of these options for wrapping up your 24 hours in Cusco? Do you like them, or would you prefer other alternatives? Perhaps toasting with a coca sour at a cozy little bar, perfect for chatting and planning your next adventures, or maybe enjoying an artisanal pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Another possibility is extending the night at a pub or nightclub, where you can have drinks, dance, and make new friends.
Cusco comes alive, lights up, and becomes festive when the sun goes down. The city has a lively nightlife that is worth exploring because it is also part of its charm and mystique. If fatigue does not send you back to your accommodation early, let yourself enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that continues until dawn every day in the “navel of the world.”
Indeed, the nights are also memorable in the city you will experience in 24 hours. As you have probably realized, there is plenty to see and do in the “Historic Capital of Peru.”
Cusco: Other 1-Day Itineraries
Do you want to know what else you can do in Cusco in one day? Well, you have many options in Peru’s main tourist destination. For example, if you prefer organized tours operated by a tour company and have only 24 hours to explore the city founded by the “Children of the Sun,” you will have several alternatives for enjoying your time in the Historic Center, the surrounding urban areas, and the spectacular natural attractions nearby.
The excursions preferred by our travelers include the free walking tour, a free tour through the historic district led by a local guide. These tours take place in the mornings and afternoons. The Cusco City Tour with 4 Ruins: Sacsayhuamán is another appealing option. With a duration of five hours, you can choose between two departure times (09:00 and 13:00). This paid tour accommodates a maximum of 20 people.
If you have 24 hours to go beyond the historic center and the famous Machu Picchu, venture toward Maras, Moray, and Chinchero (the tour lasts 6 hours) or the South Valley (the tour lasts 6 hours), a collection of pre-Hispanic and colonial attractions that includes the archaeological sites of Tipón and Piquillacta, as well as the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
But there are more full-day routes. If you love trekking, book the tour to Vinicunca, the 7 Colors Mountain (12 hours) or escape to Humantay Lake (13 hours), a striking body of water surrounded by a mountainous landscape. In both cases, you will have to wake up early and walk several kilometers. A great high-altitude challenge in Cusco, a destination where every day is unforgettable.
