Cusco 1-day itinerary

Begin at Plaza de Armas, the stunning central square flanked by colonial arcades, the Cathedral, and the Jesuit Church of La Compañía. The morning light catches the stone facades beautifully and the square is relatively quiet before the tour groups arrive. The Cathedral houses an impressive collection of Cusqueña School paintings and a silver-covered altar. Walk the surrounding streets to see the famous Inca stone walls — the 12-angled stone on Hatunrumiyoc street is the most celebrated example of precision Inca masonry.

Head to Mercado San Pedro, a bustling covered market where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to medicinal herbs. Try a fresh juice for 3 soles and a bowl of caldo de gallina (chicken soup) for 8 soles. After lunch, climb the steep cobblestone streets to San Blas, Cusco's artisan quarter with galleries, ceramic workshops, and boutique cafes. The Plazoleta de San Blas offers views down over the terracotta rooftops and the church contains an extraordinary carved wooden pulpit.

Walk or taxi uphill to Sacsayhuamán, the massive Inca fortress overlooking the city. The zigzag walls are built from limestone blocks weighing up to 200 tonnes, fitted without mortar with razor-thin precision. The site is spectacular at sunset when the golden light hits the stone and the city of Cusco spreads out below. The grassy terraces are perfect for sitting and watching the light change. After dark, walk back down to the plaza for dinner and a pisco sour at one of the balcony restaurants.