Cusco is more than the starting point for a journey to Machu Picchu. For travelers preparing for The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu or The Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure, it is the perfect place to slow down, acclimatize, and begin connecting with the history, flavors, and rhythm of the Andes.

Arriving in Cusco a few days before your adventure gives your body time to adjust to the altitude while allowing you to experience one of Peru’s most captivating cities. From colonial streets and Inca stonework to local markets, hidden archaeological sites, and vibrant neighborhoods, Cusco offers meaningful ways to begin your journey before heading deeper into the mountains.

With Mountain Lodges of Peru, travelers can extend their experience with a stay at Andenes, two boutique properties in Cusco’s historic San Blas neighborhood. Ideal for resting, exploring, and preparing for the adventure ahead.

Why Arrive Early in Cusco?

Cusco sits at high altitude, and spending extra time in the city before beginning your  lodge-to-lodge journey can help travelers adjust more comfortably. But arriving early is not only practical, it also makes the entire experience richer.

Before setting out toward Salkantay, or the Sacred Valley and Lares, Cusco introduces travelers to the world of the Andes. Its streets, markets, churches, plazas, and nearby archaeological sites offer the perfect first chapter to a Peru adventure.

A few days in Cusco allow you to explore at a slower pace, enjoy local cuisine, and begin your journey feeling more grounded, prepared, and connected to the destination.

Explore Cusco Beyond the Main Tourist Sites

Many travelers begin with Cusco’s historic center, traditional restaurants, artisan shops, and the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the city. These classic experiences are worth enjoying, especially on a first visit.

But Cusco also rewards those who look a little deeper. For travelers with extra time before their journey, the city offers lesser-known experiences that reveal a quieter, more local side of the region.

Hike to Inkilltambo

For an active but accessible introduction to the Andean landscape, a half-day hike to Inkilltambo is a beautiful option. This lesser-visited archaeological area can be combined with nearby sites such as Kusilluchayoq and the Temple of the Moon, creating a route filled with stone formations, ceremonial spaces, carvings, aqueducts, and tunnels.

It is a rewarding way to stretch your legs before a longer trek while avoiding the crowds of Cusco’s more visited sites. For travelers preparing for Salkantay or Lares, it also offers a first taste of walking through the landscapes that make the Andes so unforgettable.

Visit San Pedro Market

For a more sensory experience, San Pedro Market offers one of the best introductions to daily life in Cusco. The market is a vibrant mix of color, flavor, texture, and sound, with stalls selling fresh produce, local grains, medicinal herbs, artisan goods, and traditional ingredients from across the region.

A guided visit can help travelers better understand the foods and products that shape Andean culture, from quinoa and kiwicha to local fruits, cheeses, breads, and fresh juices. It is a simple but memorable way to connect with Cusco before heading into the mountains.

Inca Trail Express

For travelers with additional time or those looking for a shorter hiking experience to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail Express offers a one-day alternative to the full classic Inca Trail. Beginning near KM 104, the route passes through Wiñay Wayna before reaching Intipunku, the Sun Gate, with views toward Machu Picchu.

Because this experience may not be necessary for guests already joining a full Mountain Lodges of Peru journey to Machu Picchu, it is best considered as an optional extension depending on the traveler’s itinerary, timing, and interests.

Begin Your Peru Adventure in Cusco

Cusco is not just a place to pass through before a trek. It is a destination that can help you acclimatize, prepare, and begin experiencing the cultural depth of the Andes before your journey truly begins.

Whether you spend your first days exploring hidden archaeological sites, walking through San Pedro Market, San Blas, or enjoying a boutique stay at Andenes, arriving early allows you to make the most of your time in Peru.

Planning The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu or The Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure? Contact us to help you arrange your Cusco stay and prepare for your journey.