What to Know Before Visiting Cusco in Peru

Cusco is the starting point for many travelers on the classic Peru itinerary. Located in the Peruvian Andes, the city of Cusco is the foundation of both Peru’s ancient and modern history. A mix of ancient culture and growing modernization, Cusco offers a unique travel experience. It’s a combination of towering mountains, incredible views, delicious and diverse culinary options, and a seemingly endless number of historical attractions and sites.

Before embarking on your trip to Cusco, there are few important things to consider to help you make the most of your stay. In this article, we will go over what you need to know before visiting Cusco in Peru. We’ll cover items such as planning tips, how to save money, safety and security, what to do in the area, great tours and activities, and some general advice on having the best experience in Cusco.

Planning Tips for Cusco

The first step for planning a trip to Cusco is understanding your trip duration. Cusco is usually done as part of a larger Peru itinerary, so will likely be a few days or weeks depending on your preferences. That said, some choose to spend longer periods in Cusco, particularly those interested in cultural pursuits. It can often be the most affordable destination to stay in the entire country due to its high volume of visitors.

The next step for planning your trip is investigate transport options. The most common route to get to Cusco is to fly in directly from Lima. Most domestic flights are very reasonably priced and arrival times are very convenient as well. If you are looking to save a bit more money and avoid flying, buses also depart directly from Lima and take anywhere from 9-11 hours. This option tends to be a bit more popular with budget travelers as it can often cost around half the price of a flight.

Safety & Security in Cusco

Cusco tends to be one of the safer cities in Peru, although standard precautions for personal safety should still be taken. Petty crime does happen, so be aware of your belongings at all times. Keeping money out of sight and having no expensive items like jewelry on your person will help minimize risk significantly. Additionally, be aware of anyone trying to scam you on the streets. Don’t be too trusting of people offering services like tours or nightlife activities as they will likely be trying to take advantage of you in some way.

Women traveling alone should also take extra precautions when visiting. Many locals will approach tourists on the street with propositions and services like tours without having fully intended motives. Traveling with another group is recommended for greater safety in these scenarios, but if this is not possible then consider dressing more conservatively and exercise caution when walking around at night.

What To Do In Cusco

When visiting Cusco, there are no shortage of activities and attractions. Below is our list of the top activities to do when visiting Cusco:

• Peru Enduro Tours: The perfect ones for adventurous travelers. Peru Enduro Tours offers mountain bike trips specifically designed for bikers. They provide incredible views of old Inca trails and jungle paths.
• Machu Picchu Tour: A must-do activity when in Cusco; Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive archeological sites in Peru.
• Coricancha: Also known as Qorikancha or The Temple of the Sun, Coricancha is renowned as one of Cusco’s most famous ruins.
• Sacred Valley: The Sacred Valley offers adventures ranging from trekking, rafting and biking routes through the Andes.
• Rainbow Mountain: One of the popular hiking activities in Cusco; Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca is known for its array of vibrant colors streaked across its highest peak.
• Pisco Making Experience: Try your hand at making Peru’s iconic pisco cocktail yourself on one of GetYourGuide’s Cusco Private Pisco Sour Tasting and Making Experience, ideal for couples, small groups, and easily accessible just north of Cuzco.

Finally, because of its great historical importance and its beautiful natural environment, Cusco also offers plenty of great museums and cultural sites as well. Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum Santo Domingo de Guzman de Cuzco, Qenko & Upper Monumental Group Complex, Tipón Archaeological Park, Chinchero Historical Park, are just a few of many attractions that celebrate Peru’s vibrant history and culture.

General Advice For Visiting Cusco

Altitude sickness is a real health concern in this part of Peru since the city is located 11,200 ft above sea level. On arrival be sure to not overexert yourself as many different symptoms may appear such as dizziness and headaches in the first couple days until your body fully adjusts to the altitude. Hydration is key so make sure to monitor your consumption at all times; drinking coca tea is an excellent way to combat the effects of altitude sickness too!

Keep in mind that you will need special permits if you are looking to visit certain areas within Cuzco such as Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain so make sure to apply for permits well in advance as they tend to run out quickly during high season. Eating local food is cheaper than Euro-American food so if saving some money is part of your goal then stick with eating local restaurant that focus on traditional dishes like lomo saltado or ceviche!

Overall, visiting Cuzco is a rewarding experience and allows travelers to immerse themselves within the lively culture of a modern city that has kept its ancient roots alive throughout centuries. Whether you are having a romantic getaway or an action-packed trip, understanding what you need to know before visiting Cusco and planning ahead can make all the difference!