Short guide to visit Cusco.

A few tips to help you plan your visit to the capital of the Inca Empire.

1. Altitude.

Cusco in located in the Andean Plateau, 3360 metres over sea level, so even if you had an earlier experience in the altitude, I strongly recommend that you don't plan anything for your first day there, just take it easy and see how it goes. If you don't experience any discomfort, the better for you! But remember that every body reacts different to altitude. If your only issue is shortness of breath you can purchase a portable oxygen tank in the local drugstores or outdoor shops. I wish I had known them earlier becuase I only discovered them when I finished with my altitude tours. The other ally you'll have for this are coca leaves, you can drink tea made of it, chew them or have coca candy.

2. Transport.

The most convenient way of getting to Cusco is flying from Lima. You can even spend a couple of days knowing the capital city of Perú on your way to Cusco.

There's also bus services connecting different cities. The most renown company is RedBus Perú, but consider that the trip from Lima to Cusco takes about 24 hours. It can be useful if you are planning to stop at other towns in the way. Otherwise, it's not worthy.

From the airport to your accomodation, many hotels and hostels provide a car service but this is the most expensive option. The best thing is to get a taxi, don't forget that the custom here is to arrange a fare before the trip.

Taxis also come in handy to visit some places of interest just outside the city without hiring a tour. Besides arranging on a fare, you can coordinate schedules.

3. Accommodation.

The variety here is endless. You can choose from fancy hotels to low cost hostels. And, of course, all around town. There are also rentals by airbnb but I wouldn't say it's ideal in this place because many tours departing from Cusco take more than one day, and in this case you can check out temporarily and leave your luggage there until you come back.

My biggest recommendation about this is to stay in the historic area, it can be more expensive as you approach the Main Square, but: you're walking distance from everythin you may need and there are almost none steep streets here. If you stay in areas such as San Blas or further you'll probably end up cursing each time you go back to your place or spending a lot of money in taxis.

My other big recommendation is to search for a place with a kitchen. Even though I'd say Peru is not expensive at all, cooking is a big friend of your budget and your stomach too (that if you don't have 1 sol ramen almost every day).

Take your time to search for the place you need in booking, the filters are useful and the comment section too.

4. Currency.

The local currency is the Peruvian Sol. 1 Sol equals 3,5 US Dollars. The best choice is to exchange Dollars or Euros there. There are plenty of exchange spots at Del Sol Avenue and the Main Square.

Tour agents generally take Soles as well as Dollars. International credit and debit cards work fine too.

5. Climate.

Unlike many places and their four seasons, the Peruvian Andes have two: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March-April), being January and February when the rain hits harder.

It's possible that the fares are lower during the rain season, but consider that it won't be possible to hike the Inca Trail during February because it's closed. You'll have to pick between the train or the combination of van + walk (which I would't recommend during this season, the roads are winding, with high cliffs and part of it isn't even paved. And let's say it, a lot of drivers aren't as careful as one would expect).

Another pro of dry season is that you can visit other places relatively close to Cusco, such as the Amazon Rainforest, which you cannot do during rain season because of the rise of the rivers.

Anyhow, consider that July and August are the most crowded times.

About temperature...well, I was told that the cold was unbearable in Cusco, so there I went with A LOT of wool sweaters and coats...that I didn't use. I must say that I belong to that group of people that are always hot. But, when it was sunny, I even wore short sleeves. It gets cooler at night but nothing extreme, don't get scared. I've been told is colder during rain season, but again, I can tell you that for sure. What I do recommend 100% is to dress up in layers (and carry a backpack to put everything you take off during the day).

6. Hours.

Peru is really close to the Equator, so day and night hours don't change much through the year. There's daylight between 6 am and 6 pm aprox.

7. Places of interest.

I won't extend myself over this point because it's enough material for another thorough post. However, I'm gonna make a short list of some of my favorite places in the area. In town: San Pedro's Market, Main Square, Kusipata Square, Qoricancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán and a variety of museums. In the region: Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, Maras, Moray, Chincheros and of course Machu Picchu.

The most convenient thing to do is purchase a touristic ticket that includes the entrance to more than one place. There are many options including different attractions and duration.

8. Food.

Peruvian cuisine is World-known as among the top ones. If I have to choose from its typical dishes, I guess I'll take quinoa soup and almost anything made of some of the 3000 types of potato they have.

A fun fact is that almost every meal is served with three different garnishes: fries, rice and salad.

Other famous dishes are ceviche (be careful about where you eat it, remember this is raw fish), cuy, alpacas and caceroles.

You should also try the typical drinks: pisco sour and chicha (beer made out of corn).

9. Other recommendations.

Stay hydrated.

Use sunscreen. The Sun hits hard over there.

Bargaining: is the local costume. Some salespeople even get offended is a customer doesn't ask for a discount.

Go and enjoy.

*You can access the guide in Spanish here.