Use this guide to plan your time in and around Cuzco and Machu Picchu, with ideas for what to see, what to eat, and how to prepare for the altitude and climate in September and October.

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Historic center

• Plaza de Armas: Colonial arcades, cathedral, and La Compañía de Jesús church; the heart of the city with cafés and viewpoints down nearby streets.
• Cuzco Cathedral: Impressive interiors, religious art (including the famous Andean Last Supper), and sweeping views over the square from the steps.
• Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): Once the most important Inca temple; now combined with the Santo Domingo convent. Excellent place to see fine Inca stonework.
• San Blas neighborhood: Steep, charming streets above the center, artisan workshops, small galleries, and good cafés. Expect some stairs and inclines.
• San Pedro Market: Colorful local market with fruit, flowers, cheeses, breads, and food stalls. Ideal for a casual wander and a look at daily life.

Inca sites close to town

• Sacsayhuamán: Massive stone walls on a hill above Cuzco with panoramic city views; involves walking on uneven ground and some slopes.
• Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay: Smaller nearby ruins often combined as a half-day circuit; light walking at altitude.

Sacred Valley highlights (day-trip options from Cuzco)

• Pisac: Terraced hillsides and a village market; a mix of scenic ruins and shopping.
• Ollantaytambo: Well-preserved Inca town with terraces and narrow lanes; also a common train departure point for Machu Picchu.
• Moray & Maras: Circular agricultural terraces at Moray and photogenic salt pans at Maras; beautiful landscapes, some steps and uneven paths.

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Machu Picchu citadel

• Main ruins: Temples, terraces, and residential areas set on a ridge with steep drop-offs.
• Main viewpoints: Classic postcard view from the terraces near the Guardhouse; requires uphill walking on stone steps.
• Sun Gate (Inti Punku): A longer walk on a mountain trail with gradual but continuous ascent and descent (easier if you are acclimatized).

Optional permitted hikes

• Huayna Picchu: Steep, narrow stone steps and exposed sections; best for travelers with good balance, no serious vertigo, and solid fitness.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: Longer but less exposed than Huayna Picchu; still a demanding uphill hike with many steps.

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

• Small town at the base of Machu Picchu, with restaurants, cafés, hot springs, and the train station.
• Streets are relatively easy to walk compared with Cuzco, but there are still some inclines.

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Andean and Peruvian specialties

• Cuy (guinea pig): Traditional celebratory dish in the Andes; often roasted or fried.
• Alpaca: Tender, lean red meat, often served grilled or in stews.
• Lomo saltado: Stir-fried beef (or alpaca) with onions, tomatoes, and fries, served with rice.
• Quinoa soup and stews: Warming, hearty dishes perfect for cool evenings at altitude.
• Rocoto relleno: Spicy stuffed peppers filled with meat, cheese, and spices.
• Choclo con queso: Large-kernel Andean corn served with fresh cheese, common in the Sacred Valley.

Snacks & street food

• Fresh tropical fruits from lower valleys.
• Empanadas and tamales sold in bakeries and small stalls.

Drinks

• Pisco sour: Classic Peruvian cocktail made with pisco, lime, syrup, egg white, and bitters.
• Coca tea (mate de coca): Traditional herbal infusion often sipped to help you feel more comfortable at altitude (check with your doctor if you have medical conditions).
• Chicha morada: Sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, cinnamon, and fruit.

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The Andes have distinct dry and wet seasons rather than four classic seasons.

Cuzco (approx. 3,400 m / 11,150 ft)

• General pattern: Cool, dry winters and a wetter summer rainy season (roughly November–March).
• September (late dry season):
• Typical daytime highs: around 20°C / 68°F
• Nighttime lows: around 6°C / 43°F
• Mostly sunny to partly cloudy; showers are possible but usually brief.
• October (transition to rainy season):
• Typical daytime highs: around 21°C / 70°F
• Nighttime lows: around 7°C / 45°F
• More clouds and an increasing chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms.

Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes (approx. 2,000–2,430 m / 6,600–8,000 ft)

• Lower elevation than Cuzco, so generally milder and more humid.
• September:
• Typical daytime highs: around 24°C / 75°F
• Nighttime lows: around 11°C / 52°F
• October:
• Typical daytime highs: around 25°C / 77°F
• Nighttime lows: around 12°C / 54°F
• Mist and clouds are common in the early morning; afternoons can feel warm in the sun, especially on steep stone steps.

What to pack for September–October

• Lightweight layers: T-shirts or light base layers plus a warm mid-layer (fleece or light down jacket).
• A waterproof shell or rain jacket for October showers.
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestones, terraces, and wet stone.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. UV is strong at altitude even on cool days.

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Typical elevations

• Cuzco: About 3,400 m / 11,150 ft above sea level.
• Sacred Valley (Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo): Roughly 2,800–2,900 m / 9,200–9,500 ft.
• Machu Picchu citadel: About 2,430 m / 7,970 ft.
• Aguas Calientes: Around 2,000 m / 6,600 ft.

Because Cuzco is significantly higher than Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, many travelers feel the altitude most strongly during their first days in Cuzco.

Common altitude-related sensations

• Shortness of breath on stairs or uphill sections.
• Faster heart rate with moderate exertion.
• Mild headache, lightheadedness, or disturbed sleep.
• Feeling unusually tired or low-energy compared with normal.

These effects can make activities such as climbing long flights of stairs, walking uphill through San Blas, or exploring big ruins like Sacsayhuamán feel more demanding than similar efforts at sea level.

How altitude can impact your energy and capabilities

• You may need more frequent breaks on uphill walks and during tours.
• Daily plans with long hikes or multiple ruins can feel tiring in the first 24–48 hours after arrival in Cuzco.
• Steep optional hikes at Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) are best attempted only if you already feel well acclimatized.
• Even generally fit travelers can feel slower than usual; it is normal to cover less distance in a day than you might expect.

Practical tips for feeling your best

• Take it easy on arrival: Plan a gentler first day in Cuzco with light walking rather than ambitious hikes or long stair climbs.
• Hydrate regularly: Drink water throughout the day and avoid excessive alcohol, especially the first night.
• Eat lightly at first: Heavy, rich meals can feel uncomfortable at altitude; consider lighter dishes on your first day or two.
• Dress in layers: Chilly mornings and evenings with warm midday sun can be tiring if you are often too cold or too hot.
• Listen to your body: If you feel unwell, rest, descend to a lower elevation if possible (for example, to the Sacred Valley), and seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
• Speak with your doctor before travel: Especially if you have heart, lung, or circulation conditions, or if you are considering preventive medications for altitude.

Allowing a bit of extra time, pacing yourself, and planning a gradual build-up from gentler walking in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley to more demanding hikes at Machu Picchu will help you enjoy the region comfortably.