Cusco

Cusco is one of the most secure cities in Peru. There are general safety precautions to take when traveling, and you should try to avoid being a target for small-time theft.

Some crucial safety measures include:
• Avoid carrying a lot of cash around with you during the day. Carry only what you’ll need for the day, and store your cash and personal papers in the safety deposit box in your hotel room.
• Avoid putting on pricey or showy jewelry.
• Keep electrical gadgets hidden in your hand, bag, or backpack.
• Don’t hang bags on chair backs, and when you use the restroom, take your wallet with you.

1-2 days so your body has a chance to get used to the altitude. For your Machu Picchu tour, we recommend either spending this time in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley. If you plan on doing a hiking tour from Cusco we recommend 2 days of rest before starting the hike.

During your entire stay, it’s important to stay hydrated. On your first day, take it easy, don’t drink any alcohol and eat light. Also, you can test out regional cures like coca tea, Sorojche pills and more. More info in our blog post about how to avoid altitude sickness.

The best time of the year to visit is during the dry season from May-October, when there is less rainfall and more sunny days. However, temperatures can drop significantly at night, so it’s important to pack warm clothing. Our favorite months are May and October, as they are right before and after the busiest months, respectively.

Money exchange offices can be found in Cusco at the Plaza de Armas and on Avenida El Sol. The service is also provided by several hotels. You’ll need fresh bills without any flaws to convert US Dollars or Euros to Soles in Peru. Little rips, scratches, and other flaws in the money will probably be disregarded.

A minimum of 3 to 4 days is advised to fully see Cusco and its surroundings, though this will vary depending on your interests and travel preferences. This gives you enough time to spend at least one day getting used to the altitude while exploring the city’s historic district, and two to three days exploring adjacent sights like the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.

There are lots of amazing sites to see near Cusco. The following are some of the top sights:

Machu Picchu: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, should not be missed.

Sacred Valley: The Sacred Valley is a stunning valley that is home to Inca monuments, local marketplaces, and charming Andean communities.

Cusco Historic Center: The Cusco Historic Center, which features stunning colonial architecture and significant Inca ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the outskirts of Cusco, there are magnificent Inca ruins called Sacsayhuaman, which boasts enormous stone walls and breathtaking city views.

Pisac Market: This bustling marketplace sells traditional Andean goods like ceramics, textiles, and other handicrafts.

Moray: This site is a magnificent Inca agricultural site with a series of peripatetic circular terraces.

Maras Salt Mines: Over 4000 salt ponds that are still in use today.

Rainbow Mountains: Rainbow-colored mountains in the Andean mountains. You can choose between Palccoyo or Vinicunca.

Humantay Lake: A crystal clear turquoise glacial lake with snow-capped mountains in the back.