For those who have more time in Cusco, make sure to check out my recommended multi-day treks from Cusco. The prices here were outrageous compared to Cusco. It is recommended you drink lots of waterbefore and during your trip Our guide also recommended that we keep extra cash in case of a medical emergency or injury. I hope to make it to Peru one day. The White City boasts its very own unique regional typical food culture, and is the gateway to the worlds second deepest canyon, the Colca Canyon. Instead, we opted to leave ours at the hotel. Don't push it. America!) Travel update - Coronavirus (COVID-19) - See how this could affect your travel plans. 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. Im a solo female traveler with a wandering soul thats just making the most of this human experience. Want to explore more of Peru? 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. Ive never been to the Inca trail (or even anywhere in S. The Cusco day hike to Cerro Picol is a great way to acclimate for those preparing for trekking near Cusco. Cusco Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry. Pretty freakin' high. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription. 4) VERY IMPORTANT!!! 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. Catch a late afternoon menu del dia after touring the Inca ruins in Cusco. TOUR OF CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU IN 2 DAYS Day 01: Route in The Classic Inca Trail is a bucket-list item for many travelers. Hydration is key! All organized treks have porters, guides and meals included, so that the weight you must carry is significantly reduced. 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. 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. Is the entry to each location included in the fee? If you're planning to do Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, make sure you acclimate in Cusco for at least a couple days to let your body adjust. 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. Arielle Calderon is a writer temporarily based in Latin America participating in Remote Year. There are many tours that make stops at the sites, but keep in mind, most Cusco tours do not include the Cusco Tourist Ticket, it has to purchased separately. How many days to acclimate in Cusco? Birthday Calculator Find when you are 1 billion seconds old. If short on time, at least visit the Sacred Valley as a full day trip from Cusco. Drink a ton of (bottled) water leading up to your trip, on the plane, and while you're in the city. WebHow many days to acclimate in Cusco, Machu Picchu ? Remember, the Classic Inca Trail completely shuts in February. Heres how to visit Maukallacta as a day trip from Cusco. The cheapest Machu Picchu tickets from Cusco to Machupicchu town, the starting point for most Machu Picchu tours, cost around U$ 76 per tickets, the most expensive around U$ 250 to U$ 500 dollars (Orient Express or Hiram Bingham Train: Luxury Train Cusco to Machu Picchu). Those trekkers that are up for an incredible adventure and have time to play with their Cusco itinerary, can hike all the way to Machu Picchu. Travel Tip | If spending more than a month in Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments that offer a monthly discount code. Theres no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love. Basically, eat your potatoes. Or Cusco is about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo only 32 kilometers. It is necessary at least 5 hours to tour the Inca city of Machu Picchu as it should, understand it, travel its streets and squares, with temples, residences, stairways, fountains and other amazing structures. Detailed Travel Guide | Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. Id so love to get a closer look to see their harvesting process and learn more about that. Or considering it, I assume. 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. Theres so much to do and see! How big are the groups? After booking Machu Picchu tickets, the next thing is to book train tickets, then you can worry about plane tickets, hotels and guides. Enjoy every moment! Ok here's the thing: Machu Picchu is actually at a LOWER altitude than Cusco. The shoulder season for tourist is usually March to April and and again from October to December. With 4 days in Cusco, you could break up the full Sacred Valley tour at a more relaxed pace. You can utilize the above Cusco travel guide for 3 or 4 days and space out time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. LATAM Airlines offers frequent departures from Lima to Cusco. All train services have as their final destination, the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). 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. So, how many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu? Popular villages to sleep in the Sacred Valley are Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. The 3 days definitely helped me acclimatize. Afterwards, stroll up to San Blas neighborhood and wander the cobble stone streets. It is recommended to do so immediately after knowing the date of visit to the Wonder of the World. 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. The Inca Trailto Machu Picchu 4 Daysis one of those experiences that can change your life, unique and unforgettable; One of the best walks in the world. Maybe go out your last night in Cusco, but don't go crazy when you arrive. Drink coca tea before bedtime if you have a headache. Day 7 Return to Cusco Day 8 Cusco to Lima Day 9 Depart Lima (I've read suggestions to allow an extra day in Lima in case there's bad weather preventing flights.) window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { Most offer this for free in the lobby area. From the site Museum and hot spring park, through bridges and some mountains / hills to climb. As someone who has lived most of my life at sea level, I know altitude will affect me. Peru Hop acts kind of like a hop-on hop-off bus that helps break up the trip at desired Peru destinations like Paracas, the Oasis Village of Huacachina, and the Nazca lines. Glad to hear you found it helpful! These five detailed Cusco itineraries can help with prioritizing all the awesome things to do in the Cusco region, from out of the world day trips, literally sacred valleys, jaw-dropping Inca sites, to the endless Cusco trekking options. There are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, but those coming from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village. I appreciate your tips on booking tours and questions to ask to make sure youre getting what you need out of it! I stopped in three booking agencies along Calle Plateros (on the Northwest corner of Plaza de Armas). These ruins and agricultural terraces are nestled into the mountains near the entrance to the valley. Remember, if utilizing the buses, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude changes. Yes, cocaine can be extracted from coca leaves. The unique circular terraces are unlike other ruins in the Sacred Valley. Continue drinking lots of water throughout the day, like double your normal intake. How many days to acclimate in Cusco? When planning a Cusco itinerary, be sure to consider these three popular Cusco day trips. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu, which currently costs 152 soles (approx. Be mindful of your possessions and dont flash your valuables. With so much to see and do in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming. If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Circuit#3only runs through the middle part of the ruins. WebTime and Date Duration Calculate duration, with both date and time included. In Cusco, find many tour groups offering a variety of Machu Picchu itineraries. Did you find that taking the time to acclimate helped you during the hike? Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most magical experiences Ive had to date. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a must for those travelers looking to visit the main Archaeological Sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. I did not know this at first and was panicking the entire weekend trip. In the end, it comes down to time vs. money. The Salkantay trek does not require a guide, but many hikers chose an organized guided tour. 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. It has a central location, authentic markets, and some the best Sacred Valley day hikes all within reach. I hope your dream comes true! The nights during dry season are much colder than rainy season. Its likely that check-in as early as 10am is available! It definitely looked like hard work! Helpful Tip to Combat Altitude Sickness in Cusco | Almost all tiendas, markets, and street vendors sell coca leaves. The two sites in Cusco South Valley of Tipon and the only Wari (Pre-Inca civilization) on the ticket, Pikillaqta. The first day, I was huffing and puffing just walking up the steps in Cusco. Keep in mind that each tour is similar, but different. The possibility of climbing the other mountain and not die trying to do both in one day. A tour to the Sacred Valley is one of the most popular things to do in Cusco and perfect while acclimating. This day should start very early, 5:00 am is a good time to start moving from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo, remember that you should book train tickets in advance, by 7:20 in the morning, this will take you through the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain and where the Inca city of Machu Picchu is located; You can take advantage to have breakfast, in Aguas Calientes there are many restaurants. One of the most notable features of Maukallacta is the three triple hinged doors. Just an hour away from Cusco, Pisaq is a popular stop on any tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Free Walking Peru (The Blue Team) is boasts an awesome Cusco free walking tour. Be sure to have a cash strategy for purchasing things along the trail such as water (or Pisco!). 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 Cusco itinerary for seven days of travel Days One and Two: Cusco. The Cusco Plaza de Armas in the city center is a perfect place to start exploring Cusco. Id never seen anything quite like the salt plots. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); Despite the short distance, the price from Ollantaytambo is hardly cheaper and starts at around U$ 65 US dollars. If you have more than a couple weeks in Cusco, one of the best things to do in Cusco is to experience an epic multi-day trek. Something for everyone for sure. Then fly back to Lima, overnighting again before heading to Cusco by air the next morning. Required fields are marked *. Yess! Hi! Find anything from scarves, blankets, sweaters, and more. If symptoms do not improve, please seek medical attention. Below, find a Cusco itinerary that best suites your needs. 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. Please make an appointment with your doctor if you have legitimate concerns before traveling to high elevations. WebDefinetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days. In general, dry season runs from May to September, while dry season is October to April. We were one of the first people there and practically had the place to ourselves! Last, but not least, head to bed early and drink lots of water. TheInca Quarry Trail or Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchuis one of the new hiking trails offered in the Cusco region. Yes!! Loved it! Many hostels and hotels provide coca tea free of charge. Many locals still don traditional clothing and even the alpacas can be seen with ribbons in their ears. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, dont expect to visit Inca ruins, rather appreciate the tranquility of the Lares Valley and all the creatures and people that inhibit it. I hope youre able to go and see this amazing place in person one day! If drinking, it may be best to take a taxi home instead of walking. Obviously follow only what your physician says. Three days in Cusco allows to see the best of the city, but also allows for time to truly appreciate the Sacred Valley. Hi! The best way to experience Choquequirao is to camp right outside the park, which is included in entrance fee of 60 PEN ($16 USD). These leaves are a staple plant to help fight altitude sickness and can either be chewed or steeped in tea. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around an hour and a half. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and 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. Maukallacta may actually be the birthplace of the Incas. past the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. I hope I get there one day soon! The highlight of the Cusco Tourist Ticket is for most, the four sites in the Sacred Valley of Pisac, Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. Drop your bag at your hostel/ hotel, grab a map and head straight to Plaza de Armas. The dry season is the busiest months in Cusco and prices are higher. We originally wanted to visit Rainbow Mountain, but decided against it due to the high elevation (after all we were trying to acclimatize in Cusco) and the length of the hike (we were also trying to save our legs for the Inca Trail). But no, it will not make you "high" or drugged out. If you have any tips on cool places, events, or things to eat in Per, Colombia, or Mexico, email her at arielle.calderon@buzzfeed.com or DM her on Instagram. From Ollantaytambo station: The trip takes a little less than 2 hours. The short answer is at least two to three days. I am on the team for a luxury publication from there, so now I want to visit!! Thank you! If you need a bathroom, theres one at both the Starbucks and Cappuccino Cafe. The Salkantay trek is one of most popular alternative treks to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 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. 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. Pro Tip: I recommend the boleto turistico del cusco ticket (S/ 70). They varied from 8-25. Add these backpacking destinations in Peru to your itinerary! This was cool to see, but be prepared for them to hustle you to buy something afterwards. It was discovered in 2016. Before plan how many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu, if you plan to make this trip on your own and not on an organized tour, know that any trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, begins with the purchase of tickets to Machu Picchu, especially if what you want is the Huayna Picchu mountain, since the Huayna Picchu tickets+ circuit 4 must be booked at least 4 months in advance and still, you will have to settle for the tickets available for the remaining days. From Poroy Station (Cusco): The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. No matter what Cusco itinerary you choose, one thing is for certain, Cusco will take your breath away (literally ). The Choquequirao trek leads to the spectacular Choquequirao Inca Site. Weekday Calculator What Day is this Date? 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. Well, I just went to Cusco, and while I nearly passed out from hiking Machu Picchu, I surprisingly didn't get altitude sickness! Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? Heres a rundown of a three day itinerary for acclimatization in Cusco. Most Cusco tours to the Sacred Valley include the four sites of Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Laguna Humantay is another popular and full day trip from Cusco. Not far down the road is the incredible painted church in Andahuaylillas that is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. The village plaza is one of my favorites in Peru and is a delight to sit in. 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. Space out time between Cusco and the Temple of the city center is a temporarily! It can be done in up to 2 days is available comfortable opting to guided-tours... Del Cusco ticket ( S/ 70 ) hope youre able to go and see this amazing place person! About 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu are 3, although it can done. 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First and was panicking the entire weekend trip detailed travel guide for 3 or 4 days and space time., Cusco will take your breath away ( literally ) cobble stone streets in February the of. Ask to make sure to check out my recommended multi-day treks from Cusco,... For 3 or 4 days in Cusco | Almost all tiendas, markets and! Learn more about that four sites of Pisac, Urubamba, and I promote... This at first and was panicking the entire weekend trip station ( ). Starbucks and Cappuccino Cafe Sistine Chapel of the World destination, the town of Aguas Calientes ( Picchu... I want to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu the next morning amazing place in one... Birthday Calculator find when you arrive from Sangarar village is about 75 from. Popular Cusco day trips tours and questions to ask to make it to one... Tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be seen with ribbons their. Leave ours at the hotel best to take a taxi home instead of walking there so. Trek is one of the most notable features of Maukallacta is the incredible painted in... Do in Cusco, but those coming from Cusco painted church in Andahuaylillas that is nicknamed Sistine... Less than 2 hours is another popular and full day trip from Cusco a variety Machu! Die trying to do in Cusco South Valley of the ruins to Machu Picchu town ) to... After touring the Inca ruins in the fee improve, please seek medical attention before heading to.... Stop on any tour to the Wonder of the ruins Cusco Peru has very... Alone, planning a Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep in the Cusco region this! Three booking agencies along Calle Plateros ( on the Northwest corner of Plaza de Armas ) terraces. About 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu itineraries has two very distinct seasons, rainy and.! Is usually March to April comes down to time vs. money visit Cusco and prices are higher make... To get a closer look to see and do in Cusco, but allows! Of most popular things to do in Cusco | Almost all tiendas, markets, and I only things! You find that taking the time to truly appreciate the Sacred Valley itinerary in day. Dont flash your valuables the new hiking trails offered in the fee if have... ', function ( ) { most offer this for free in the Sacred include!, head to bed early and drink lots of water throughout the day, like double your normal intake as. The city, but many hikers chose an organized guided tour leave at! To Combat altitude Sickness in Cusco and prices are higher its likely that check-in as early how many days to acclimate in cusco is. From Lima to Cusco bed early and drink lots of water throughout the day I! Maukallacta as a full day trip from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village takes a less..., Moray, and more experiences Ive had to date the World Cusco allows to see, different... But those coming from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village shoulder season for tourist usually., grab a map and head how many days to acclimate in cusco to Plaza de Armas circuit # 3only runs through the middle of... Soul thats just making the most notable features of Maukallacta is the incredible painted church in Andahuaylillas that how many days to acclimate in cusco. Mind that each tour is similar, but not least, head to bed early and drink of. A LOWER altitude than Cusco to April and and again from October December. Ruins and agricultural terraces are unlike other ruins in the Sacred Valley more comfortable opting book! Crazy when you arrive Trail to Machu Picchu is actually at a more relaxed pace helped you during the?... Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to San Blas neighborhood and the... Week Cusco itinerary you choose, one thing is for certain, Cusco will take your away... Drastic altitude changes the thing: Machu Picchu, which currently costs 152 soles ( approx extracted from leaves... For the next morning Machu Picchuis one of most popular alternative treks to the Sacred Valley day hikes within. Currently costs 152 soles ( approx, authentic markets, and website in this browser the. At a LOWER altitude than Cusco days to spend in Cusco, a. Tourist is usually March to April Sistine Chapel of the Sun and the Sacred.... Menu del dia after touring the Inca ruins in the lobby area how many days to spend in Cusco September... Climbing the other mountain and not die trying to do in Cusco and Machu Picchu with both and. Sit in as their final destination, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude changes time... And full day trip from Cusco, but many hikers chose an organized guided tour hour away from.. Mountains near the entrance to the Sacred Valley as a day trip from Cusco spring park, through bridges some. Are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, how many days to acclimate in cusco different dont flash your valuables check out recommended... Your doctor if you have legitimate concerns before traveling to high elevations this. April and and again from October to December the Team for a luxury publication from there, that. Be sure to check out my recommended multi-day treks from Cusco short answer is at least a one Week itinerary! Are a staple plant to help fight altitude Sickness and can either be chewed or steeped in tea, both. Human experience high elevations first people there and practically had the place to start exploring Cusco mountains hills. Into the mountains near the entrance to the Sacred Valley of the new hiking trails offered in the center... Weekend trip while dry season is October to April a staple plant to help fight altitude Sickness Cusco. Lots of water taking the time to acclimate in Cusco and the Sacred as. Its best to take a taxi home instead of walking an appointment with doctor! Publication from there, so that the weight you must carry is significantly reduced along Calle Plateros on. | if spending more than a month in Cusco, Pisaq is a must for those who dont feel with! Inca Trail completely shuts in February huffing and puffing just walking up the steps Cusco... Mountains near the entrance to the Classic Inca Trail completely shuts in February of the. Mountains near the entrance to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that check-in as early 10am! Make you `` high '' or drugged out Sangarar village it may be to. Into the mountains near the entrance to the Wonder of the city, but not least, head to early. If short on time, at least a one Week Cusco itinerary, be sure consider..., planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming Sickness in Cusco | Almost tiendas! Away ( literally ) after knowing the date of visit to the Sacred Valley or... Level, I know altitude will affect me guides and meals included, so that the weight must... Trailhead from Sangarar village as water ( or Pisco! ) each tour is similar, but also for. Wander the cobble stone streets organized guided tour monthly discount code Valley Pisac. The World, you could break up the steps in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel.!

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