Urubamba 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Urubamba: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Plaza de Armas

The main square with a neat park, manicured gardens, and a central fountain. Benches offer good people-watching spots.

🕐 Open 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Bring a picnic and sit on the east side for afternoon shade. Free Wi-Fi available near the municipality building.

Hotels near Plaza de Armas →
Afternoon
Mercado de Urubamba

A lively local market where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, and handmade goods. Watch vendors prepare juices and snacks.

🕐 Daily 6am-5pm

Free entry

💡 Go early (before 9am) for the best produce and to avoid crowds. Try a fresh jugo de papaya for 3 soles.

Hotels near Mercado de Urubamba →
Evening
Where to eat

Bar la Esquinita · ££

Restaurante Yucay Wasi · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Urubamba

Morning
Mirador de San Blas

A viewpoint atop a hill with panoramic views of the Urubamba valley and surrounding peaks. Benches and a small grassy area.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Best light is at sunset (around 5:30-6pm). Bring water and a light jacket—wind picks up suddenly.

Midday
Yucay Community Museum

A small, volunteer-run museum in a converted colonial house displaying local pottery, textiles, and Inca-era tools.

🕐 Mon-Sat 9am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; closed Sundays

💡 Donations welcome (5-10 soles suggested). Ask the caretaker to show you the hidden pre-Columbian mummy in the back room.

Evening
Dining tonight

El Chincho

La Casa de la Abuela

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Cusco Sacred Valley Ruins (Sector Q'enqo)

Less-visited ruins near Urubamba featuring carved rock channels, niches, and a cave-like chamber. Free and uncrowded.

💡 Take a colectivo (1 sol) from the market area to the turn-off. The path is unmarked—look for a small gate 200m past the main road. No facilities.

Final meal

El Huacatay

Cantuta

Getting Around Urubamba

PeruRail Sacred Valley Explorer From $30 (£24) 100 min

Best for scenery, not speed. Book in advance through PeruRail or IncaRail. Urubamba station drops you a 5-minute walk from Ñustra — ask the conductor to point you.

Private Airport Transfer From 120 soles (~£25) 90 min

Book through the hotel for around 100–130 soles. Drivers usually meet you past the arrivals gate with a sign; if arriving early, bring small bills for the toll road (typically 3 soles extra).

Local minibus (combi) from Urubamba centre From 3–5 soles (£0.60–£1) 30 min

Use for day visits to ruins or the market. Combis leave from the terminal by the market — flag one down. Carry small change; you'll be squeezed in with locals and their goods.

Collectivo from Cusco to Urubamba From 8 soles (~£1.60) 100 min

Look for white vans with 'Urubamba' signs. They fill up fast — grab one with a spare seat. From the plaza it's a 15-minute walk to Ñustra; a mototaxi will cost 5 soles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Urubamba?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Plaza de Armas and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Urubamba?

See our full best time to visit Urubamba guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hospedaja Ñustra, El Albergue, Hotel San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.