Exploring Machu Picchu and Cusco: A Slow Travel Guide for Nomads
Visiting Machu Picchu is on almost every traveler’s bucket list, and for good reason. But for us as full-time slow travelers, it wasn’t just about checking off a famous site. It was about spending enough time in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu itself to understand the history, culture, and daily life of this corner of Peru.
After 11 days of wandering, here’s what we experienced, learned, and recommend: Slow Travel Planning recommendations for your own journey.
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Table of Contents
Cusco: The Heart of the Inca Empire
Most Machu Picchu trips start in Cusco, and we’re so glad we spent several days here before heading to the ruins. The city sits at over 11,000 feet (3,400 meters), so giving yourself time to acclimate is essential, especially if you’re arriving from sea level. Even simple activities like walking around the historic center or climbing the steep streets can leave you winded if you jump in too quickly.
We recommend taking it slow: enjoy a stroll through Plaza de Armas, sip some coca tea (a local remedy for altitude), and allow your body to adjust before tackling longer hikes or catching early trains to Machu Picchu. A few days in Cusco not only helps prevent altitude sickness but also gives you the chance to explore its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and fascinating Inca history, making the transition to the Sacred Valley all the more rewarding.
Highlights from Cusco
San Pedro Market
The market is a total sensory overload, color everywhere, smells that make your stomach growl, and a constant buzz of sounds. There’s always something new to catch your eye: baskets overflowing with exotic fruits and fresh herbs, piles of fragrant spices, and stalls serving freshly made juices alongside Peruvian street favorites like anticuchos and picarones. We loved just wandering without a plan, letting the energy of the market guide us, sampling whatever looked good, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. Every turn brought a little surprise, and it quickly became one of our favorite spots to really feel the heartbeat of the city.
Plaza de Armas
Colonial-era churches frame the city’s main square, their ornate facades glowing in the sunlight while the plaza hums with activity. Street vendors call out, children run past, and musicians play around every corner. It’s the perfect spot to grab a seat, watch the ebb and flow of daily life, and catch one of the many colorful parades that seem to appear at any given moment, turning the square into a lively celebration of the city’s culture.
Saqsaywaman
Just above Cusco, this massive Inca fortress is famous for its enormous stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons and fitted together with astonishing precision. From the top, you also get panoramic views of Cusco spread out below. Saqsaywaman is just one of several Inca ruins you can easily explore around the city; many are included in the Cusco Tourist Pass, and a few smaller sites can even be visited for free.
Local Finds
We picked up alpaca blankets at a local market and visited Paka Store, where we sipped rich cacao drinks at Sebastián’s Coffee.
The Sacred Valley of Peru
From Cusco, many travelers (us included) head into the Sacred Valley, dotted with villages, ruins, and terraced farmland. It’s a slower, gentler introduction to the region compared to Cusco’s busy streets.
Highlights in the Sacred Valley
Pisac
Known for its ruins high above the town and its sprawling artisan market.
Ollantaytambo
A charming town where Inca walls still line the streets. The fortress ruins here are breathtaking, and it’s also the main jumping-off point for the train to Machu Picchu.
Chinchero & Maras
Home to traditional weaving collectives and the famous salt mines, still in use after centuries.
Our Exact Machu Picchu Costs (And Was It Worth It?)
Our 10-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Itinerary
If you want to see how we paced our trip, here’s the day-by-day breakdown of how we explored Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Old Town Cusco + Cristo Blanco Statue
We started our journey in Cusco’s Old Town, wandering the cobblestone streets, admiring the mix of Spanish and Inca architecture, and soaking in the energy around the Plaza de Armas. In the afternoon, we walked uphill to the Cristo Blanco Statue, a towering white Christ figure overlooking the city. The climb was a workout, but the views over Cusco at sunset made it worthwhile.
Day 2: Saqsaywaman Ruins + Tourist Pass
Our second day took us to Saqsaywaman, the massive Inca fortress just above Cusco. The sheer size of the stones (some weighing more than 100 tons) is staggering, and the panoramic view of Cusco from here is one of the best. We used the Cusco Tourist Pass, which also gives access to nearby ruins like Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, all just a short taxi ride or hike from the city.
Day 3: Sacred Ruins Hike + Local Parade
We joined a local hike connecting several Inca ruins just outside the city. It was a slower, quieter way to experience the countryside and imagine what life might have been like in Inca times. Later that afternoon, we stumbled upon one of Cusco’s many parades, a colorful, music-filled celebration that took over the streets. (In Cusco, parades feel almost weekly; you never know when you’ll bump into one!)
Day 4: ATV Tour to Moray + Maras Salt Mines
This was one of our most adventurous days. We joined an ATV tour that took us across farmland and dirt trails to the Moray Ruins, where circular terraces drop dramatically into the earth. From there, we continued to the Maras Salt Mines, an incredible patchwork of salt pools still harvested by local families. It was dusty, bumpy, and unforgettable.
Day 5: Slow Strolls + Hidden Stones in Cusco
After several busy days, we slowed down. We wandered backstreets, hunted for the famous 12-angled stone tucked into an Inca wall, and spent time lingering in cafés. Sometimes the best way to know a city is to leave the checklist behind and just enjoy its rhythm.
Day 6: Getting to Machu Picchu + Travel Tips
This was our travel day to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). We took the train from Ollantaytambo, winding through river valleys with mountain views along the way. The logistics can feel overwhelming—train tickets, entry tickets, bus passes—but planning ahead made the process smoother. Pro tip: book your train and Machu Picchu tickets weeks in advance.
Day 7: Visiting Machu Picchu + Hot Springs
The highlight of the trip—finally standing in Machu Picchu. We chose Circuit 2, which gave us the classic viewpoint along with a loop through the citadel. Seeing the terraces, temples, and llamas against the misty Andes was a moment we’ll never forget. After hours of exploring, we soaked our tired muscles in the Aguas Calientes hot springs, a local tradition and a relaxing way to end the day.
Day 8: Museum + Return to Cusco
Before heading back to Cusco, we visited the Machu Picchu Museum in Aguas Calientes, which offers fascinating context about the site’s discovery and preservation. Then we caught the train back to Ollantaytambo and continued on to Cusco for a quiet evening.
Day 9: Markets + Mochachinos
Our last full day was about savoring Cusco one more time. We returned to the San Pedro Market for souvenirs and people-watching, then treated ourselves to mochachinos at a favorite local café. It was the perfect mix of errands, coffee, and reflection.
Day 10: Farewell to Cusco + Travel to Mexico City
After nearly two months in Peru, it was time to say goodbye. We packed up, grabbed one last coca tea, and headed for the airport to catch our next adventure, this time to Mexico City.
Getting to Machu Picchu by Train
Unless you’re hiking the Inca Trail, most travelers take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo). The journey itself is part of the experience, with views of the river and mountains.
Machu Picchu: The Lost City
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for. Machu Picchu lives up to the hype. Nothing prepares you for the sight of the citadel, perched high in the Andes, surrounded by misty green peaks.
We chose Circuit 2, which offers the most comprehensive route through the site, including the classic viewpoint.
Highlights at Machu Picchu
The Guardhouse View – That iconic postcard shot of the citadel
The Main Plaza – A vast open space surrounded by carefully crafted stonework.
The Temple of the Sun – One of the finest examples of Inca engineering.
Alpaca at Machu Picchu looking out over sacred valley
What Our 11-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Adventure Really Cost
So that wraps up our 11-day adventure in Cusco and Machu Picchu, a trip packed with incredible scenery, Incan history, fantastic food, and a few logistical puzzles along the way.
As always, we like to be transparent about what full-time travel really costs, so here’s a detailed breakdown for two people:
Accommodations: $577.80, six nights in Cusco and two nights in Aguas Calientes, including breakfast each morning.
Eating Out: $637.02, Lunch and dinner every day.
Groceries: $32.77, just coffee, water, and a few snacks since most breakfasts were included.
Health & Wellness: $0, We managed fine with coca tea, though altitude medication is a good backup if you’re prone to issues.
Connectivity: $13.40 Using Airalo and GigSky’s eSIM recharges, we stayed connected throughout the Sacred Valley.
Entertainment: $337.04
- ATV tour to Moray
- Machu Picchu entry tickets
- Two Cusco Tourist Passes
- Private guide at Machu Picchu
Transportation: $326.93, mainly for the Inca Rail train and bus transfers to and from Aguas Calientes.
Shopping: $150.52 For souvenirs, alpaca blankets, and a few items from local artisan markets, like hats and scarves.
Total: $2,045.48
Works out to $185.95 per day or $92.98 per person per day
Note: This total does not include the cost to get to or from Cusco. Our Peru Hop tour to Cusco is covered in another video, and the flight leaving Cusco will be included in our upcoming Mexico City budget video.
Slow Travel Reflections
Machu Picchu was unforgettable, but what made this trip truly meaningful for us was the combination of experiences: lazy afternoons in Cusco, the calm beauty of the Sacred Valley, and the thrill of finally standing in one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
For slow travelers like us, the lesson was clear: don’t treat Machu Picchu as a quick checkmark. Give yourself time. Explore Cusco’s markets. Linger in Ollantaytambo. And then, when you do arrive at Machu Picchu, you’ll feel connected not just to the ruins but to the whole journey.
Practical Travel Planning Tips
Altitude: Spend 2–3 days acclimating in Cusco before heading higher. Drink coca tea, walk slowly, and stay hydrated.
Tickets: Book Machu Picchu entry and train tickets well in advance. Circuits sell out quickly.
Packing: Layers are key. Cusco can be chilly in the mornings and warm midday, while Machu Picchu is often humid. (We just shared a What We Pack Video, including our Paka Original Crew sweater, and other gear which has been with us since the beginning)
Budget: Expect higher costs around Machu Picchu, but Peru overall is still affordable compared to many destinations.
What We Thought
For us, Machu Picchu wasn’t just about checking off a “wonder of the world” on the list; it was about weaving together the markets, villages, landscapes, and people of this part of Peru into one slow, meaningful journey. Every moment outside the ruins, the bustling streets of Cusco, the colorful Sacred Valley, and the laughter of local vendors made the experience at the citadel feel richer and more alive.
If you’re planning your own adventure and want to know what this all costs, watch this video and read this blog post, and remember: slow down. Take it all in. Machu Picchu will be there, waiting patiently, while you savor the journey that leads you there.
Machu Picchu & Cusco FAQ
How many days do you need for Machu Picchu?
Plan at least 7–10 days total: 3–4 in Cusco, 2 in the Sacred Valley, and 1–2 at Machu Picchu. Slow travelers may want 2 weeks to explore fully.
What is the best month to visit Machu Picchu?
The dry season (May–September) offers clear skies, but it’s also the busiest. April and October are excellent shoulder months with fewer crowds.
How do you get tickets for Machu Picchu?
Tickets generally must be booked in advance on the official government website or through authorized resellers. Choose your circuit carefully. Circuit 2 covers the classic view. If tickets are sold out for your dates. Just arrive in Aguas Calientes at least one day early, and go to Ministerio de Cultura (Machu Picchu Park Passes) at Aguas Calientes. They usually have between 500 and 1,000 tickets for sale. You’ll need 152 Sols in cash; they will give you a waiting number and tell you when to return to purchase a ticket.
Should seniors visit Machu Picchu?
Yes! Seniors regularly visit Machu Picchu. The site requires walking on uneven ground, but you can go at your own pace. Stick to Circuit 1 or 2 for less climbing.
Is it better to stay in Aguas Calientes or Cusco?
For an early entry to Machu Picchu, stay in Aguas Calientes. For more culture, restaurants, and comfort, base yourself in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu?
Expect around $250–$400 per person, including train tickets, bus, entry fee, and guides. Costs vary based on season and travel style.
