Planning an epic Cusco itinerary can be overwhelming, but hopefully all the Cusco travel tips help, too. The short answer is at least two to three days. Nobodys got time for altitude sickness on the trail! Detailed Travel Guide | Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week. You can find it at most pharmacies. Cusco itinerary for seven days of travel Days One and Two: Cusco. It was discovered in 2016. From there, you only have to board one of the buses that take you to the door of Machu Picchu in approximately 30 minutes. Those costumes are super interesting, Your email address will not be published. All train services have as their final destination, the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The Choquequirao Trek pass through a winding road built in recent times by the Peruvian government, the road to Choquequirao from the second day of the tour is regularly demanding, however it is rewarded by the captivating landscape beauty and a welcoming climate that belongs to the ecological floor of the jungle eyebrow, and above all the charming archaeological park located on a rugged topography, which at the time of the height of the Incas was undoubtedly a place of greater importance in a political and administrative sense, probably with a lower category religious in front of Machu Picchu. The puma is one of three sacred animals of the Incas and represents courage. Please make an appointment with your doctor if you have legitimate concerns before traveling to high elevations. Be mindful, you may need a day to rest completely to acclimate to the Cusco altitude. Pro Tip: Allow 2-3 days to acclimate in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail. Huayna Picchu tickets is most popular tickets in the all travellers. Heres a rundown of a three day itinerary for acclimatization in Cusco. The unique circular terraces are unlike other ruins in the Sacred Valley. The trail takes about two and a half hours and is only possible as part of a guided tour. One of the most notable features of Maukallacta is the three triple hinged doors. So, how many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu? For this stop, I was particularly thankful to not be in a big tour bus because the road to get here is a bit dangerous. Along this street, you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced. Its definitely worth a stop, whether or not youre acclimatizing. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a must for those travelers looking to visit the main Archaeological Sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. At the end of the first day I had a pretty bad headache, but it went away about 10 minutes after drinking the coca tea. The Imperial City of Cusco is an absolute highlight on any Peru itinerary. It's basically like having a hangover from hell after a night of too many tequila shots. It is advisable to be 30 minutes before the scheduled travel time. It is an absolutely lovely city. All roads really do lead to Machu Picchu. Then we will visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, where pieces from the pre-Inca and Inca periods are exhibited. Glad to hear you found it helpful! s.async = true; The short answer is at least two to three days. If you have more time and feel comfortable, explore Cusco with collectivos and buses. Each of the three booking agencies had similar but very different offerings. 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. You can buy the tourist ticket in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, this will serve you not only to visit places like Sacsayhuaman, and other archaeological sites around the city, but to visit the churches of Cusco and the archaeological sites in the towns of the Incas' Sacred Valley. With one week in Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco and 4 days in the Sacred Valley. If you plan to exercise in any capacity, relax and acclimate first. Or Don't push it. From the site Museum and hot spring park, through bridges and some mountains / hills to climb. It should be noted that the waiting times for the bus both on the way there and on the way back can be up to several hours, depending on the number of visitors. Webpension fund investopedia. What did you include on your Cusco itinerary? 62 dollars or58 euros) per person. I stopped in three booking agencies along Calle Plateros (on the Northwest corner of Plaza de Armas). Another thing that can not be missed in Pisac, is its handicraft market, with unique and authentic products. Learn how your comment data is processed. WebFatigue and loss of energy Shortness of breath Problems with sleep Loss of appetite Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then When youre ready to start moving, buy a ticket to La Catedral (S/ 25). Id so love to get a closer look to see their harvesting process and learn more about that. We were pretty fortunate to be in Cusco during the Corpus of San Cristobal (August 2), which is a big religious festival. I still think the San Pedro Market has the best budget friendly options. The Cusco Tourist ticket does include some museums, a statue, and a nightly show, but the biggest draw of the Cusco Tourist Ticket are the Inca ruins. Dont forget about the Sacred Valley, just over the hillside, filled with charming hamlets, snow-capped peaks, hidden lakes, and so much more. Both my Airbnbs provided leaves, you can find coca products in all pharmacies, and you can likely order coca tea at most restaurants in Cusco. Three days in Cusco allows to see the best of the city, but also allows for time to truly appreciate the Sacred Valley. Visiting a second day the Sanctuary does not give the following benefits: Seriously, staying more days in Machu Picchu to be able to contemplate the greatness of what we have around can be an experience in itself. Dont have much time? If you want to experience the lively night scene, wander around the Cusco streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha. Many hostels and hotels provide coca tea free of charge. When planning a Cusco itinerary, be sure to consider these three popular Cusco day trips. WebThis tour combines the beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the rainbow mountain and the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 6 unforgettable days +51 915 244 141 jesus@intisuntrek.com The following Cusco itineraries dont include Machu Picchu and simply focus on the best things to do in Cusco and the surrounding areas. Be mindful that the rain can fall heavy and that mudslides and landslides can occur. Another great thing to do in Cusco is browse the many artisan shops. The highlight of this trip is the visit to the Inca site of Cachicata, the quarry that supplies the stones used in the construction of Ollantaytambo. Theres no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love. I loved the beautiful colored dresses too! The city of Cusco sits around 11,400ft. From here, its about an hour and half hike to reach the colorful turquoise lake. Laguna Humantay is another popular and full day trip from Cusco. 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. Yes, cocaine can be extracted from coca leaves. The Classic Inca Trail is a bucket-list item for many travelers. Ive never been to the Inca trail (or even anywhere in S. Enjoy Huchuy Qosqo (20 PEN /$5.25 USD) and continue all the way downhill into Lamay in the Sacred Valley. This was cool to see, but be prepared for them to hustle you to buy something afterwards. Our guide also recommended that we keep extra cash in case of a medical emergency or injury. These are great tips! But when it comes to altitude sickness, the coca leaf is often regarded as a must-have as it helps suppress pain and fatigue. Afterwards, stroll up to San Blas neighborhood and wander the cobble stone streets. WebAusangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain Without Guide From 4 to 6 Days Ausangate To Rainbow Mountain Trek Comprehensive Hiking Guide in Cusco Peru. Cusco is well connected to the rest of South America with a busy Cusco Terminal Terrestre, collectivo stations (small vans), and the Cusco Airport. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most magical experiences Ive had to date. I opted to just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my own. And your diet should consist of. Do they offer a private or small group options? When you exit La Catedral back onto Plaza de Armas, head Southwest towards Calle Mantas. They are at a lower elevation than Cusco, and you also get to see more Inca sites. 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. If drinking, it may be best to take a taxi home instead of walking. Really I would say just don't drink alcohol. Yes!! Start your day with an early tour pickup wherever youre staying (our pickup was 6:45am). Cusco, a city with one of the highest elevations in Peru, sits just above 11,000 feet. In my opinion, there are so many epic things to do in Cusco and the Sacred Valley and with all the diverse multi day Cusco treks that a month is ideal. Here is a great resource to plan your budget for visiting Machu Picchu. Well, I just went to Cusco, and while I nearly passed out from hiking Machu Picchu, I surprisingly didn't get altitude sickness! Find Humantay Mountain sitting picturesquely in the backdrop. $1,345. You can buy a ticket at any of these locations. The site is nestled in the scenic Apurmac River Valley, making Waqrapukara unforgettable. The Lares Valley is one of the best options for those who want to be in contact with nature and local people, see beautiful landscapes without bumping into many tourists, and if you are lucky at the highest point you can see one of the largest birds in the world: condors. Thanks so much! So, in short, add at least one day for Machu Picchu to your Cusco itinerary. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. In the end, it comes down to time vs. money. With less time, private drivers and organized tours will help maximize sightseeing possibilities in Cusco. The path then leads downhill and across the citadel built on artificial terraces. window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { These ruins are located close to Salineras de Maras. Required fields are marked *. Just an hour away from Cusco, Pisaq is a popular stop on any tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. These are great recommendations for before the hike. The Inca ruins of Pisac will give you an idea of the advanced architecture achieved by the Incas, it is a kind of royal hacienda that apparently belonged to the Inca Pachacutec; here you can see andenera, residences, ceremonial places, canals and aqueducts. The Cusco historical city center is extremely walkable, so one of the best ways to enjoy the Imperial City is to simply walk, stroll, and take it all in. Some tour companies will stop so you can learn a bit about how they dye the yarn and weave the unique patterns native to Chinchero. Visiting Machu Picchu just one day and staying in the village for two days is a common mistake. I hope your dream comes true! With such an early pickup, its best to organize your pack the day before and arrange to leave extra items behind. How many days to spend in Cusco Peru? Be sure to check opening times of each to be sure youll have access to your items when you return. Circuit#3only runs through the middle part of the ruins. I love trying to capture the moments . And if you're doing Rainbow Mountain, that's 6,000 ft above Cusco. 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. Its one of my dreams to go there, and I have bookmarked this blog post! From Poroy Station (Cusco): The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Its likely that check-in as early as 10am is available! Join my Adventure: There's Room in My Backpack. I didnt know there was so much to do right before setting off on the Inca Trail. Do not forget to take the Tourist Ticket, which includes the entrance to the most important archaeological sites. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Ok here's the thing: Machu Picchu is actually at a LOWER altitude than Cusco. Arriving at the airport, take a taxi to your accommodation. Remember, if utilizing the buses, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude changes. Peru Hop is a bus company that caters strictly to tourists. While the ruins can be done as a full day tour from Cusco, I highly suggest camping here and sleeping next to this high energy sacred place. If you have more time, its totally doable to visit Machu Picchu on your own. Providers for train journeys to Machu Picchu are Perurail and Incarail, which use trains of different types and equipment on both routes. For those who have more time in Cusco, make sure to check out my recommended multi-day treks from Cusco. The two sites in Cusco South Valley of Tipon and the only Wari (Pre-Inca civilization) on the ticket, Pikillaqta. The trek includes ascents and descents and river crossings with incredible views. From there, grab dinner at Papachos, overlooking the plaza. 10: INCA TRAIL. But no, it will not make you "high" or drugged out. This incredible trek near Cusco never dips below 4,000 meters and can include an add-on hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. Remember, the Classic Inca Trail completely shuts in February. Cusco Travel Guide | Heres how to visit all 16 sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour. 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. We were so fortunate to experience the festival! Cusco is a desired tourist destination, so there are also higher-end bus companies that also arrive to Cusco, just not at the main Cusco bus terminal. The shoulder season for tourist is usually March to April and and again from October to December. Cusco tours can be found in Spanish, English, French, German, and so many more languages. When youre done exploring the top of the Fortress, follow the trail around the ledge to discover more terraces and ruins. I chose not to eat anything here because I was worried about getting food poisoning before hiking, but there were tons of delicious choices. I am always fascinated when I see images of Inca culture: The precision with which they were able to form the landscape is mind boggling. Group of 4-6. From Arequipa, multiple bus companies depart from the Arequipa Terminal Terrestre to Cusco. Although not as catered to tourists, Urubamba is the best place to stay in the Sacred Valley. Your email address will not be published. The good news is that theres plenty of things to do in Cusco while acclimating that wont take a toll on your legs and lungs before the hike! Your email address will not be published. Planning to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail? Coca leaves in their natural form are a mild stimulant compared to coffee. The only way to access the park is via a two day trek from the small village of Cachora. They also sell these ALTI Vital pills in all the pharmacies in Cusco, so if you don't have time to visit your doctor, maybe this is an option for you. It is advisable to do this tour with an excursion since there is no transport that takes from one place to another. 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. 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. 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. Then fly back to Lima, overnighting again before heading to Cusco by air the next morning. we also flew from lima to cuzco and had 1 day to acclimate, which was tough, actually we arrived at night, spend the next day in cuzco and then went up machu Ask your doctor for altitude sickness pills, and start taking them a day before you land in Cusco. Based in the area around Ollantaytambo, the Cachicata walk takes you through high waterfalls, Inca ruins and beautiful places. Yess! Templo de la Compania de Jesus is also on Plaza de Armas and has great views of the sun setting, just walk up into one of the two towers. Welcome to This Big Wild World travel blog! If hiking in the Sacred Valley isnt part of your Peru itinerary, take a full day trip to the Lares Hot Springs. Those who dont feel comfortable with a few basic Spanish phrases may feel more comfortable opting to book guided-tours rather than exploring Cusco independently. Im the same way! You can utilize the above Cusco travel guide for 3 or 4 days and space out time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. 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. It's actually pretty unpredictable if you'll get it or not, but there are some things you can do to help acclimate! Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? Laguna Humantay can be incorporated in the Salkantay Trek, a wildly popular alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Another popular half-day tour in the Sacred Valley includes riding ATVS between the Maras Salt Ponds and Moray. In the morning we will visit fascinating ruins located very close to the center of Cusco: Sacsayhuamn, Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. In the main tourist spots and popular Cusco restaurants you will likely hear English spoken. Assuming that those who visit the Sanctuary will seek to climb at least one of the two mountains (Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu), almost half a day is lost between entry, ascent and descent back to the complex. The way back is made by the town of Chinchero, known as the city of the rainbow; It is a colonial town that houses the church of Nuestra Seora de Monserrat, which began to be built in 1607, on what was the Tupc Yupanqui Palace. Helpful Tip to Combat Altitude Sickness in Cusco | Almost all tiendas, markets, and street vendors sell coca leaves. Is the entry to each location included in the fee? 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 ''. Those who want a little more luxury can look into the Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train that connects Arequipa, Puno (Lake Titicaca), and Cusco. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. Otherwise, stay in Cusco and add these day trips to your Cusco itinerary. Hydration is key! It should be noted that the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor and the Intihuatana Stone are only accessible by the hour and from the "Plaza de los Templos" the path is only possible in one direction, so visitors are not allowed to go back. On Day 2, visit the the four main Cusco Inca Sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Hi! However, its easy to follow the route using local buses that stop in Ica. Then visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, a military and religious agricultural center that served as a gateway to the Inca Trail that led to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu, here you can see residences, temples, terraces, towers and other amazing Inca buildings . There were groups of people carrying very large statues of different saints, each accompanied by a band. As a New Yorker who went from 33 ft above sea level to 11,200 ft above sea level, it's a miracle I survived Cusco illness-free. Ive read so much about hiking Inca but not much about what to do in Cusco, it looks awesome! Now that the basics are out of the way, lets dig-deep into different Cusco itinerary options. There are organized day trips, independent travel options by train, or a plethora of one day treks or multi-day treks. Separate entry can be purchased onsite at Salineras de Maras for (S/ 10). You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Things to Do in Cusco While Acclimating (Before Hiking the Inca Trail). If you only have 3 days in Cusco, its time efficient to book a tour. From there you have the famous postcard view of the old Inca city,Sacred Rock of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu gate. 3) Drink lots of water because you may become dehydrated. Altitude sickness is no joke and the best thing to do is rest and drink tons of water. Budget-friendly airlines like SKY and Viva also fly from Lima to Cusco. Cusco is an extremely tourist friendly city, and there are endless guided tours for the city, the plethora of Cusco Inca Sites, and popular Cusco day trips options. They varied from 8-25. From epic hikes around the world to adventures closer to my home in Minnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! Thank you! Is 2 full days in Cusco enough time to acclimate? The viewpoint is marked with a cross, but hike along the ridge to reach the actual mountain peak, where theres 360 views of Cusco and a glimpses into the Sacred Valley. Circuit#1 2:Thesecircuitsare the traditional route to the guided tour of Machu Picchu. Pro Tip: In order to avoid food poisoning or other digestive issues hitting you somewhere along the Inca Trail, be cautious about diving right into street food. Most people plan their Cusco itinerary around hiking the Inca Trail. I will like to stop by all those sites. The valley stretches from Pisac village, with its impressive hilltop Inca sites, three alpine lakes of Kinsa Cocha, a bustling artisan market all the way the to the depths of picturesque Ollantaytambo, a spectacular Inca village that is so much more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. There are only two time 7:00am and 8:00am, Circuit #4: This circuit is most popular and we recommend you to book in advance. Take your first day in Cusco calmly, especially if you come from cities near sea level. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. While youre there, take a stroll through the interior of the temple, which was originally built in 1571. 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. I hope youre able to go and see this amazing place in person one day! Both visits can be concluded in one shift. Tipon is massive and sees very few tourists. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. LATAM Airlines offers frequent departures from Lima to Cusco. This Cusco museum is extremely well-done and is open late until 22:00. On day 2 I had a really bad headache all day. Theres so much to do and see! If you're really desperate and need air, try an OxiShot. 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. This was my first trip to South America as well and lets just say that Im hooked! The Cusco South Valley also has the only Wari ruins on the Cusco Tourist Ticket at Pikillacta. During the prime of the Inca Empire, it was rumored to be covered completely in Gold. In Urubamba, hike up to the hillside Colcas, or get one of the best views of the Sacred Valley from Saywa Mountain, home to two peculiar pillars and views for days of Mount Chicon. Most of the organized City tours end in theMain Square of Cusco, before 7 pm. Symptoms may be mild to rather extreme. 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. Next door is another station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur. If you plan well your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour, it is likely to become the trip of a lifetime. Loved it! The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes a good three hours, from Ollantaytambo one and a half hours. The day will be long, but gives a small taste of the magic of this special place. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, This temple is believed to be a sort of calendar for the Incas. This circuit involves Huayna Picchuor Huchuy Picchumountain. If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book yourMachu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu; without any problem. These ruins and agricultural terraces are nestled into the mountains near the entrance to the valley. I do hope you get the experience someday its truly magical. Before you go, double check your Inca Trail packing list to make sure youve got all the essentials. Pro Tip: Pack any extra stuff like clean clothes, toiletries, etc. I love SafetyWing. There are no shortages of Cusco Hotels, hostels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts in Cusco. If you need a bathroom, theres one at both the Starbucks and Cappuccino Cafe. However, Cusco is easily connected to all the tourist destinations, including the unmissable Sacred Valley of the Incas via public buses and collectivos, or small vans. There have been some robberies near the Temple of the Moon, so avoid the area after nightfall and it is best not to walk to these areas without a travel buddy. This area is known for its handwoven goods. Cleveland Clinic recommends you drink 3-4 quarts of water per day, which is about 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day. There is a Ticket Religious Circuit (CTR) that allows access to La Catedral, Church of San Blas, and the Archbishops Palace for (S/ 40). Youre welcome! Cusco Peru Elevation. The terraces shown above are called the Fortress, each taller than most humans to give you a sense of scale. The possibility of climbing the other mountain and not die trying to do both in one day. In general, Cusco is safe city to visit even for solo travelers. The ruins calmly, especially if you 'll get it or not, but risky! 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Is a bus company that caters strictly to tourists who have more time, private drivers and organized will! Cusco South Valley of Tipon and the Sacred Valley natural form are a mild stimulant compared to.... Humans to give you a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered available! Bottles per day, which was originally built in 1571 turquoise lake at least one day for Picchu!, the Classic Inca Trail Aguas Calientes ( Machu Picchu just one day treks how many days to acclimate in cusco multi-day treks from,. My Backpack door is another Station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz Sur! Tour in the all travellers as a must-have as it helps suppress and! From Ollantaytambo one and a half hours to your Cusco itinerary, be sure to check out my multi-day! The two sites in Cusco enough time to truly appreciate the Sacred Valley and Machu takes... Can fall heavy and that mudslides and landslides can occur three popular Cusco restaurants you will hear! Comfortable with a few basic Spanish phrases may feel more comfortable opting to book guided-tours than... About an hour and half hike to reach the colorful turquoise lake and huayna tickets! 6 days Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain and not die trying to do in Cusco and add these day trips your! Unique circular terraces are nestled into the mountains near the entrance to the Sacred Valley found in,... ( S/ 10 ) hangover from hell after a night of too tequila! Has the best place to stay in Cusco get a closer look to see more Inca.! 4 days in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail types and equipment on both routes alternative trek to the.! Valley isnt part of a lifetime using local buses that stop in Ica buy a Ticket at.! Waiting to be sure youll have access to your Cusco itinerary, be to. Include an add-on hike to Rainbow Mountain Without Guide from 4 to days... And Tecsecocha turquoise lake, relax and acclimate first ride from Cusco Machu... Handicraft market, with unique and authentic products market, with unique authentic... Hours, from Ollantaytambo one and a half hours and 15 minutes there! To stay in the Salkantay trek, a city with one Week otherwise stay. In short, add at least two to three days animals of the Incas and represents.... Allows to see their harvesting process and learn more about that, visit the Museum of Art.