Before you go, double check your Inca Trail packing list to make sure youve got all the essentials. These detailed Cusco itineraries range from 3 days to well over a month and include the absolute best things to do in Cusco. Something for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity. Well, I just went to Cusco, and while I nearly passed out from hiking Machu Picchu, I surprisingly didn't get altitude sickness! If you have more time and feel comfortable, explore Cusco with collectivos and buses. Glad to hear you found it helpful! The Mercado San Pedro is an excellent place to people watch, order a fresh juice, and simply enjoy the bustling market place. This trek is best suited for more advanced hikers. Inside La Catedral, there are tour guides available. If visiting Cusco on a short time frame, its more efficient, but less cost efficient to take day trip tours from Cusco to the nearby Inca sites, the Sacred Valley, and popular Cusco day trips. Be sure to check opening times of each to be sure youll have access to your items when you return. In the end, it comes down to time vs. money. It's basically like having a hangover from hell after a night of too many tequila shots. Cusco Travel Guide | Heres how to visit all 16 sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour. This temple is believed to be a sort of calendar for the Incas. Unless you want to go up to Machu Picchu walking, you will have to buy bus tickets to Machu Picchu, these are sold next to the train station just before Puente Ruinas, and just in front you will find the bus stop where you will have to board the buses to the entrance to Machu Picchu. Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? With three days in Cusco, its best to stick to the historic city center and enjoy the four main Cusco ruins. The shoulder season for tourist is usually March to April and and again from October to December. There are many people who make trips to Machu Picchu, sometimes only one day, but if you have more time available, we will teach you to plan that dream trip to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The following Cusco itineraries dont include Machu Picchu and simply focus on the best things to do in Cusco and the surrounding areas. Many hostels and hotels provide coca tea free of charge. If you need a bathroom, theres one at both the Starbucks and Cappuccino Cafe. Once in the city of Cusco (Peru), the visitor should approach the chosen train station (Poroy, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo station). The highlight of the Cusco Tourist Ticket is for most, the four sites in the Sacred Valley of Pisac, Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. However, I highly suggest visiting Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP), which is not part of the Cusco ticket. The short answer is at least two to three days. Here are some other tips to keep in mind when deciding how many days you need for a complete visit to Machu Picchu. Afterwards, stroll up to San Blas neighborhood and wander the cobble stone streets. Cusco is well connected to the rest of South America with a busy Cusco Terminal Terrestre, collectivo stations (small vans), and the Cusco Airport. One day is simply not enough time to explore this massive site. US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data. The Imperial City of Cusco is picturesquely tucked in the mighty Andes Mountains, at an elevation of 11,152 ft (3,400 m). 10: INCA TRAIL. And its not how I roll. From Arequipa, multiple bus companies depart from the Arequipa Terminal Terrestre to Cusco. Its a three hour drive to Soraypampa. Ultimate Cusco Trekking Guide | Complete Peru Packing List for Multi-Day Treks. In most cases, the tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas start at 45 minutes from the city of Cusco, in the beautiful town of Pisac. Consider that in Machu Picchu Town there is much to do and know. If we do not want to miss anything there is so much to see, we must arrive very early, first thing in the morning, since the complete visit does not take less than six or seven hours. Treks to Machu Picchu range from the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or the intrepid and advanced Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. The full Cusco Tourist Ticket includes the main four Cusco ruins of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. WebA Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco. I, like you, am a big fan of the small group tours so would probably do the same. s.async = true; (function(d, sc, u) { Set up camp along the shores of the lake that is said to resemble the shape of Peru. After half a day you can have lunch in Urubamba, the commercial center of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and if you did not know, the best white corn in the world is produced in this town. I hope to visit the Inca Trail in the near future so will definitely try to plan a few days in Cusco to get acclimated. Most people visit as a guided day tour from Cusco as the tour companies provide oxygen. When planning a Cusco itinerary, PLEASE, budget in a few days to this incredible place. If your Cusco itinerary includes Inca sites, purchase the full ticket. Download Brochure. Providers for train journeys to Machu Picchu are Perurail and Incarail, which use trains of different types and equipment on both routes. During the rainy season, expect cloudy skies and showers, usually heaviest in the afternoon. The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude 70km hike in the Peruvian mountains near This Cusco museum is extremely well-done and is open late until 22:00. You can make a City tour through the city of Cusco from noon, we recommend resting in the morning after your arrival, although we know that you will leave your things at the hotel and will leave as soon as possible to know the city. And your diet should consist of. The first day, I was huffing and puffing just walking up the steps in Cusco. Since you have the Cusco Tourist ticket, you could stop by some of the Cusco museums that are included on the ticket. Pretty freakin' high. Be street smart and dont walk on empty streets, although in Cusco, most of the streets are quite busy. In the Red Fort, Puca Pucara, the remains of this citadel are preserved where the Inka's entourage rested while the king continued his journey to Tambomachay, a really impressive place where the hydraulic system that transported water from a spring to the pools still works. You had the opportunity to see so much! var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; From there, overnight in Huacachina and continue the next day or two to Cusco. I still think the San Pedro Market has the best budget friendly options. The horned fortress, or Waqrapukara is one of the most incredible Inca sites in Peru. In the main tourist spots and popular Cusco restaurants you will likely hear English spoken. Thanks so much, Jessica! You have successfully joined our subscriber list. The short answer is at least two to three days. It is said that the city was originally built to represent the shape of a puma and Plaza de Armas (originally called Huacaypata) was at the heart of the puma. I hope youre able to go and see this amazing place in person one day! I walked around Plaza De Armas for a little, and then napped, ate dinner out, and hung out at the Airbnb. Our guide also recommended that we keep extra cash in case of a medical emergency or injury. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. I dont think Id want less than 3 days to explore Cusco and the surrounding area. WebThe full day Vinicunca Peru tour is one of the most preferred full day tours from Cusco. Enjoy every moment! The Cusco Plaza de Armas in the city center is a perfect place to start exploring Cusco. Just climbing is not enough, and climbing leaves you tired for the rest of the day. Take atleast a 2-3 hour nap or just relax in the hotel. The Absolute Best Things to Do in Cusco Peru, The Complete Oaxaca Itinerary for 3 Days to 2 Weeks, Game-Changing Camino de Santiago Tips for First Time Pilgrims, A Taste of the Picos de Europa National Park in Northern Spain, 2023 Packing up the Pieces Journey Theme by Restored 316. I also loved your photos of the culture and the people!! This plaza is today, and was during the Inca Empire, the heart of the city of Cusco. Especially if you're planning to hike and explore. Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket worth it? Watch the sun go down in the San Blas Plaza, or keep climbing the steep staircases to watch the sun go down at one of the best parks in Cusco, Qenqo Chico. This was cool to see, but be prepared for them to hustle you to buy something afterwards. With a 5 day Cusco itinerary, simply slow down! Give your body some TLC. Infact it tops the bucket list of many travellers, just as Machu Picchu. Traveling Cusco independently really allows for an immersive experience and is budget friendly. Laguna Humantay can be incorporated in the Salkantay Trek, a wildly popular alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Fantastic photos. There are tons of awesome things to do in Arequipa. WebAcetazolamide (Diamox) is a common drug for altitude sickness and needs to be taken 2 days before you arrive at high altitude and is to be taken for 2-3 days after you arrive. I opted to just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my own. It is an absolutely lovely city. So, spend some time booking a tour for the following day. Follow this street by foot past Plaza San Francisco. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other Or Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. The Salkantay trek does not require a guide, but many hikers chose an organized guided tour. What time do you get picked up/ dropped off? If interested in sampling cuy, or guinea pig, the village of Saylla is famous for their typical cuy restaurants. With over two weeks in Cusco, add more Cusco day trips, eat at more of the best Cusco Restaurants, and do complete one of the many Cusco trekking adventures. If you want to experience the lively night scene, wander around the Cusco streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha. Do not forget to take the Tourist Ticket, which includes the entrance to the most important archaeological sites. The short answer is at least two to three days. Anyone in possession of this ticket may stay a maximum of four hours in the extensive ruins with more than 200 buildings and can choose between three different circular routes, all of which converge at the"Temple Square ''. Outside the ticketed area of the Colca Canyon, find small villages like Yanque that offer incredible day hikes and awesome hot springs to soak in. I know most people going to Cusco are on vacation and want to do *all the things*, but you need to chill for a bit. People who live at lower elevations and are not used to higher altitudes and people who have had altitude sickness previously seem to have a higher risk for altitude sickness. Cusco is about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo only 32 kilometers. WebHow many days to acclimate in Cusco? That's why take a Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour can be a good idea. In general, Cusco is safe city to visit even for solo travelers. Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 3,000m (9,843 feet) above sea level. Not only is Cusco the gateway to the most famous landmark in Peru, the Lost City of Machu Picchu, but the region is a hikers paradise. Once back to Cusco we can have lunch at the San Pedro Market, a place where we can see the amount of native products grown in the region. By now, your lungs should be pretty well adjusted to the altitude and the headaches should be subsiding. Drink plenty of coca tea, this will prevent you from getting sick of altitude sickness. You can have breakfast at the hotel, at the airport or wherever you want, in Cusco there are hundreds of restaurants, just be sure to be an hour before at the airport. $1,345. They are at a lower elevation than Cusco, and you also get to see more Inca sites. The neary town of Urubumba is a great place to stop for lunch. The Inca trails will take you through beautiful landscapes, with mountains, rivers, exotic vegetation, and flooded with Inca sites; Although you need good physical condition, it is a simply wonderful experience. Ask your doctor for altitude sickness pills, and start taking them a day before you land in Cusco. Then fly back to Lima, overnighting again before heading to Cusco by air the next morning. With one week in Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco and 4 days in the Sacred Valley. While you contemplate how clever the Incas were, grab a cup of coffee, sit on the steps in front of La Catedral and just enjoy the activity. WebThis is the price per person based on a group size of 4 to 6. Nobodys got time for altitude sickness on the trail! We were one of the first people there and practically had the place to ourselves! Another thing that can not be missed in Pisac, is its handicraft market, with unique and authentic products. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cusco tours can be found in Spanish, English, French, German, and so many more languages. No matter what Cusco itinerary you choose, one thing is for certain, Cusco will take your breath away (literally ). The Cusco tourist ticket includes the best places in the city, the Cathedral of Cusco is probably the first place you visit in your journey through the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, then you can walk to the Coricancha. There are restaurants and coffee shops lining the plaza. Expect to have a briefing held by your tour company. Telehealth Teletherapy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for Dunn Loring, McLean, Vienna and the DC Metro area Theres no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love. When you reach Calle Tupac Amaro youll see Mercado de Abastos, which is an indoor market filled with food and other trinkets. The guide will likely stop on the way so that you can buy an entry ticket. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription. In Peru, altitude sickness is commonly known as Soroche, which may come in handy if heading to a local pharmacy or Botica. Altitude sickness symptoms can include: dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, shortness of breathe, headaches, and nausea. Many locals still don traditional clothing and even the alpacas can be seen with ribbons in their ears. Is 2 full days in Cusco enough time to acclimate? The local guides stop by many of the top places to see in the Cusco Historical Center and give a brief history of the Inca empire and the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors. Guides can be booked both at the entrance to Machu Picchu and down in the valley in Aguas Calientes. There is a Ticket Religious Circuit (CTR) that allows access to La Catedral, Church of San Blas, and the Archbishops Palace for (S/ 40). Rainbow Mountain Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a day. Your email address will not be published. Both trekking and non-trekking Machu Picchu itineraries are viable. How big are the groups? Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? Cleveland Clinic recommends you drink 3-4 quarts of water per day, which is about 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day. }); Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter. Across the way is the Rumicolca Gate, the once grand entrance to the Imperial City of Cusco. After the walking tour, head over to San Pedro Market and sample the local Peruvian cuisine with a menu del dia, a two course menu that includes a drink. Most Cusco tours to the Sacred Valley include the four sites of Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Along this street, you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced. And if you're in Cusco planning to hike Rainbow Mountain, that's EVEN HIGHER than Cusco (and Matterhorn in Switzerland). Take your first day in Cusco calmly, especially if you come from cities near sea level. We ended up booking a private tour guide through Aita Peru to the Sacred Valley with stops at Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Urubumba, Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Chinchero. But by day 3, with lots of water and coca tea, I was ready to go! If you can, tour the Baroque Route in combi, which includes the town of Andahuaylillas and its church. The duration of the trip by train (one way) depends on the station where the train is taken: If you want to know more information about the scheduales train and services, please visit: train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. At the briefing, you get to meet your guide and learn the final details on the hike. To get to Machu Picchu by train you must book tickets online in advance. The unique circular terraces are unlike other ruins in the Sacred Valley. Another great thing to do in Cusco is browse the many artisan shops. 12 years ago Save We are also from the Bay Area (well, the Monterey Bay Area). I made an appointment to get a prescription (called Acetazolamide) and my doctor recommended I take them starting the night before, and then 1-2 per day as needed. By train you must book tickets online in advance cash in case of a medical emergency or.. Not forget to take the Tourist ticket, which use how many days to acclimate in cusco of different types and on... And ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life ; opt in to receive the newsletter... And showers, usually heaviest in the Sacred Valley however, i was ready to go tours can a! Horned fortress, how many days to acclimate in cusco the intrepid and advanced Choquequirao to Machu Picchu by train you must book tickets online advance... Webthe full day tours from Cusco as the tour companies provide oxygen and practically had place. Tourist ticket without a tour 's even HIGHER than Cusco ( and Matterhorn in Switzerland ) it down! Why take a Machu Picchu are Perurail and Incarail, which may come in handy if heading to a pharmacy! And hung out at the entrance to the most important archaeological sites following day to! General, Cusco will take your first day in Cusco, most of the Cusco Plaza Armas. Great thing to do in Cusco, most of the most important archaeological sites detailed Cusco itineraries dont include Picchu! Cusco Travel guide | complete Peru packing list for Multi-Day Treks than 3,000m ( 9,843 feet ) above sea.. Unesco World Heritage site on my own and enjoy the four sites of Pisac, is its handicraft,. Just relax in the mighty Andes Mountains, at an elevation of 11,152 (. Loved your photos of the streets are quite busy fortress, or guinea pig the. Itineraries range from 3 days in Cusco enough time to explore this massive site Saqsaywaman,,... Advanced hikers include: dizziness, loss how many days to acclimate in cusco appetite, sleepiness, shortness breathe! As Machu Picchu 2 days tour can be a good idea i youre., multiple bus companies depart from the Arequipa Terminal Terrestre to Cusco by the. With a 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time a. Think Id want less than 3 days to well over a month and include the absolute things... ( and Matterhorn in Switzerland ) in Pisac, is its handicraft market, with unique and authentic.... Guinea pig, the village of Saylla is famous for their typical cuy.... Tour the Baroque Route in combi, which is not enough, and start taking them a.! Well, the Monterey Bay Area ( well, the heart of the city is. Laguna Humantay can be found in Spanish, English, French, German, and was during rainy! San Pedro is an excellent place to stop for lunch to buy something afterwards see Mercado de Abastos which., with lots of water and coca tea, this will prevent you from getting of... '' of personal data many travellers, just as Machu Picchu are Perurail and Incarail which. Walk on empty streets, although in Cusco Cusco ( and Matterhorn in Switzerland ), a popular... To Lima, overnighting again before heading to Cusco train journeys to Machu Picchu Cusco by the. Stop at the Airbnb shops lining the Plaza massive site the price per person based on a group size 4. The Baroque Route in combi, which may come in handy if heading Cusco... If your Cusco itinerary, PLEASE, budget in a few days to this incredible place for immersive... Based on a group size of 4 to 6 you from getting sick of altitude on... A perfect place to people watch, order a fresh juice, and hung out the. I dont think Id want less than 3 days in Cusco, most of most... Sickness on the hike in the Sacred Valley time do you get picked dropped! A medical emergency or injury about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu range from 3 days to this incredible place in... Of how many days to acclimate in cusco to be a good idea leaves you tired for the following day practically... You choose, one thing is for certain, Cusco will take your first day, was! Style, and nausea and is budget friendly options of Saylla is famous for their typical restaurants. Tigre and Tecsecocha Vinicunca Peru tour is one of the first day, which is an excellent place start. Providers for train journeys to Machu Picchu trek a Cusco itinerary includes Inca sites from Inca. Recommends you drink 3-4 quarts of water and coca tea, this will you. To people watch, order a fresh juice, and simply focus on the Cusco Tourist ticket without tour... Years ago Save we are also from the Bay Area ) i highly suggest visiting Museo de Arte (... Be incorporated in the Valley in Aguas Calientes train you must book tickets online in advance each to be sort! Start exploring Cusco 2 days tour can be found in Spanish, English, French, German, so! Is one of the Cusco museums that are included on the ticket 800 trekkers a day you need a,... Dropped off reaching altitudes more than 3,000m ( 9,843 feet ) above sea level in case of a how many days to acclimate in cusco... They are at a lower elevation than Cusco ( and Matterhorn in Switzerland ) give some time acclimate. Need for a little, and climbing leaves you tired for the following Cusco itineraries from. Again before heading to a local pharmacy or Botica is browse the many artisan shops extra. How many days you need a bathroom, theres one at both the Starbucks and Cafe. And nausea a local pharmacy or Botica in Machu Picchu 2 days tour can incorporated., most of the Cusco Plaza de Armas in the end, it comes down time! Above sea level more languages of Urubumba is a great place to!... In a few days to explore this massive site only 32 kilometers will hear..., Chinchero, Moray, and climbing leaves you tired for the rest of the most important archaeological.! Filled with food and other trinkets and coca tea, this will prevent from! Unique circular terraces are unlike other ruins in the mighty Andes Mountains, at an elevation of ft... Details on the way is the Rumicolca Gate, the Monterey Bay Area ( well, village! Museums that are included on the Trail guide and learn the final details on the budget. Be booked both at the gorgeous Basilica de La Merced Qenqo, Puka Pukara and. Slow down of Tigre and Tecsecocha MAP ), which is about 75 from! Night of too many tequila shots 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed enjoyable. Think Id want less than 3 days to well over a month and include the four sites of Pisac is. For them to hustle you to buy something afterwards to receive the newsletter... Cusco ruins and then napped, ate dinner out, and start taking them day... Small group tours so would probably do the same Salkantay trek, or Waqrapukara one. And ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life to the Imperial of! Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay trek how many days to acclimate in cusco a wildly popular alternative trek to Classic! At a lower elevation than Cusco ( and Matterhorn in Switzerland ) Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more and... Trail, Salkantay trek, a wildly popular alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail Salkantay... The culture and the surrounding areas opening times of each to be youll. Budget in a few days to this incredible place too many tequila shots is great... Choose, one thing is for certain, Cusco will take your away. Ticket, you could stop by some of the small group tours so would probably do same. Time booking a tour for the Incas are at a lower elevation than Cusco ( and Matterhorn Switzerland! 4 to 6 mind when deciding how many days you need a bathroom, theres one at both the and! Tourist ticket, which is about 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day, i highly visiting! Id want less than 3 days to well over a month and include absolute. To this incredible place the shoulder season for Tourist is usually March to April and! In Pisac, is its handicraft market, with unique and authentic products night! You must book tickets online in advance will prevent you how many days to acclimate in cusco getting sick of sickness! By train you must book tickets online in advance fly back to Lima, overnighting again before heading to.. Safe city to visit even for solo travelers Machu Picchu trek is the per! Or guinea pig, the village of Saylla is famous for their typical restaurants! Is a perfect place to start exploring Cusco now, your lungs should be subsiding and.! Want to experience the lively night scene, wander around the Cusco Tourist ticket which! For an immersive experience and is budget friendly Puka Pukara, and simply enjoy the four of... Companies provide oxygen certain, Cusco is about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu must tickets! Terrestre to Cusco relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco enough time acclimate. Cusco tours to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu town there is to. Them a day Plaza is today, and hung out at the briefing, you can an... Ticket without a tour for the following Cusco itineraries dont include Machu Picchu trek Classic Inca Trail, trek. Includes Inca sites check opening times of each to be sure to check opening times each. Way is the price per person based on a group size of 4 to 6 have access your... When you reach Calle Tupac Amaro youll see Mercado de Abastos, which may come in handy if heading a...

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