¿Are you planning a trip to Cusco, and is it your first time visiting the city of the Inca Empire? Cusco has a fascinating history, rich culture, and unique customs and traditions. It’s an excellent destination for learning, exploring beautiful landscapes, and experiencing Inca history as you walk through its cobblestone streets. In this blog, we’ll share some tips to perfect your trip.
Cusco is a truly touristic city with unique attractions, including:
The Plaza de Armas is the city’s heart and a great starting point for exploration, surrounded by colonial churches and restaurants with views over the square.
The Qorikancha Temple: A few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, the Temple of the Sun is a must-see. It also has a museum where you can learn more about Inca culture.
Sacsayhuaman: An impressive stone fortress that the Incas used as a ceremonial temple. Be sure to bring a hat, water, and sunscreen, as you’ll need to walk uphill from the main square to get there.
Cusco Agencies offer various tours to different, equally exciting destinations. You can choose between 1-day tours or 5-day excursions. Some of the most emblematic tours include:
Machu Picchu: The crown jewel of Peru and the leading destination for many tourists. The preservation of its ruins and their history make this wonder of the world the perfect place to discover, learn, and have one of the best experiences surrounded by nature.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas: One of the most comprehensive tours, where you will visit five incredible places in just one day.
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): With its unique landscape, this is one of Cusco’s most famous mountains, perfect for enjoying the wonders of nature and taking photos for social media.
Peruvian cuisine is a delight, and Cusco has some traditional dishes you’ll love, such as:
Roasted Cuy: The region’s most iconic dish.
Chiriuchu: A traditional dish often eaten during festivals, featuring a mix of guinea pig, chicken, and other Andean ingredients.
Quinoa and Corn: Staple ingredients in many traditional soups and stews.
What to Bring: Cusco has two distinct seasons—the rainy and dry seasons—but the weather can vary throughout the day. It’s recommended to dress in layers and bring warm clothing, especially for the evenings and mornings. Sunscreen and a hat are also essential.
Wear appropriate hiking shoes if you plan to go on a hiking tour.
Safety: Cusco is a safe city for tourists, but as with any destination, it’s essential to keep an eye on your belongings, especially outside the city center or in crowded areas.
Currency: The local currency is the Peruvian sol. It’s recommended to carry cash when going on tours or visiting establishments outside the city center.
Many main tourist attractions are within walking distance from Cusco’s center. Public transportation is also a good option. If you take a taxi, agree on the price beforehand, as taxis in Cusco do not use meters.
Cusco is a city full of life and culture. If you’re traveling in June, attend the Inti Raymi festival, which includes grand performances at three critical locations. In September, check out the Warachicuy, an event performed by students from the local science school.
There are no vaccination requirements for visiting Cusco, but a yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you plan to visit the jungle, such as Tambopata. Be sure to get a medical check-up before your trip.
Drinking tap water in Cusco is not recommended, as it is not potable. It’s best to buy bottled water. Many hotels and restaurants offer bottled water or water that has been boiled for safety.
Spanish is the predominant language, but because Cusco is a major tourist destination, English is widely spoken in hotels, tour agencies, and restaurants. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience.
One of the best ways to prevent altitude sickness is to use coca, a plant with properties that help ease the effects of high altitude. You can find coca leaves, candies, or tea in Cusco. Make sure to rest and stay hydrated.
It’s advisable to stay at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize before visiting Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain. Take it easy the first couple of days.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave a tip in restaurants (around 10% of the bill) and to tip tour guides and drivers.
Many places in Cusco accept credit cards, but only cash is accepted in more remote areas or local markets. Be cautious when using ATMs, and it’s best to withdraw money from banks.
Cusco’s climate is unpredictable, so dressing in layers is essential. Mornings and evenings can be icy, so pack accordingly. It can get quite warm in the afternoon, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
It depends on the tour. For popular tours like Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, it’s best to book in advance, as tickets can sell out quickly. Other tours can be booked a day or two before in Cusco.
You can visit Machu Picchu alone, but it is recommended that you hire a guide to better understand the site’s history and ensure a safer experience.
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