Those considering multi-day trekking in Cusco should shoot for at least one month in Cusco. Have you visited Cusco? There is a Ticket Religious Circuit (CTR) that allows access to La Catedral, Church of San Blas, and the Archbishops Palace for (S/ 40). If you have more time, its totally doable to visit Machu Picchu on your own. The short answer is at least two to three days. 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. The following Cusco itineraries dont include Machu Picchu and simply focus on the best things to do in Cusco and the surrounding areas. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. From here, its about an hour and half hike to reach the colorful turquoise lake. Planning to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail? Jump to | Cusco Peru Elevation | Cusco Tours or Independent Travel | Cusco Day Trips | Sacred Valley Peru | Best Time to Visit Cusco | Is Cusco Safe | Cusco Tourist Ticket. Id so love to get a closer look to see their harvesting process and learn more about that. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. WebThis is the price per person based on a group size of 4 to 6. Look like lots of history to explore in Cusco! It is recommended you drink lots of waterbefore and during your trip If drinking, it may be best to take a taxi home instead of walking. Im lucky i didnt get sick when i landed in Cusco but its DEFINITELY smart to get there early to acclimate properly. Visiting Machu Picchu just one day and staying in the village for two days is a common mistake. I do hope you get the experience someday its truly magical. How many days to acclimate in Cusco? If you want to walk up to the mountain, we recommend you choose this circuit. I arrived three days before the hike for this exact reason. 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. During the rainy season, expect cloudy skies and showers, usually heaviest in the afternoon. Find anything from scarves, blankets, sweaters, and more. The Inca Jungle trekto Machu Picchu 4 Days is one of the best alternative routes of the Inca Trail, which will take you on a combined route, between mountain biking, hiking and few sections by car, as well as optional adventures how; Rafting and zip line or zip line, for 4 days until arriving at Machu Picchu, definitely an unforgettable experience. 2) Drink plenty of "coca tea". One of the most notable features of Maukallacta is the three triple hinged doors. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? How long does it take to become acclimated to high altitude? There are tons of awesome things to do in Arequipa. WebAusangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain Without Guide From 4 to 6 Days Ausangate To Rainbow Mountain Trek Comprehensive Hiking Guide in Cusco Peru. This incredible temple was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. The tour companies pick you up as early as 5am to drive to the trailhead which is one and a half hours away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. WebWe're flying mid-day from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, staying 2 full days in Cusco then heading on the 4 day Inca Trail. If you come in the high season (May - August), all of this will have to be reserved a few months in advance, if you do not do so, you will probably have to spend some more money, since last-minute reservations in the high season are very expensive. There are no shortages of Cusco Hotels, hostels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts in Cusco. I hope to make it to Peru one day. Nobodys got time for altitude sickness on the trail! In my humble opinion, there is no bad time to visit Cusco, since the city offers so many unique things to do and each season has its perks. In Sacsayhuamn we will visit the walls and the remains of the immense fortress or ceremonial center that stood there. The Colca Canyon trek draws travelers and is one of top things to do in Arequipa. Most Lares treks include a stop at the local Lares Hot Springs. Obsessed with travel? Take a day or two to simply walk Id love to hike Rainbow Mountain next time Im there . Heres a breakdown of things to do in Cusco while acclimating by day. Cuscos most popular club, Mama Africa, blasts electronic, hip-hop and dance music until 5am or 6am. Especially if you're planning to hike and explore. From the site Museum and hot spring park, through bridges and some mountains / hills to climb. They are at a lower elevation than Cusco, and you also get to see more Inca sites. So, in short, add at least one day for Machu Picchu to your Cusco itinerary. 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. : When you arrive in Cuzco just go straight to your hotel and take a nap: DO NOT TRY TO SIGHTSEE THE FIRST DAY!!!! By the first evening in Cusco, I had a full on banging headache (despite drinking water nonstop all day) and my chest felt heavy. With so much to see and do in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming. I will like to stop by all those sites. The full Cusco Tourist Ticket includes the main four Cusco ruins of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Laguna Humantay can be incorporated in the Salkantay Trek, a wildly popular alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Cleveland Clinic recommends you drink 3-4 quarts of water per day, which is about 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day. 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. Budget-friendly airlines like SKY and Viva also fly from Lima to Cusco. If symptoms do not improve, please seek medical attention. Tucked behind the hillside of Cusco, the valley is filled with charming villages, snow-capped mountains, incredible Archeological Parks featuring sprawling Inca ruins, some of the best hiking trails, and hidden treasures. One full day is plenty of of time to explore Cusco itself. 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. Arequipa is Perus second largest city. These ruins are located close to Salineras de Maras. & how cool that you got to experience a festival of theirs! 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.) Its likely that check-in as early as 10am is available! Its one of the more ornate churches I have been in so it was nice to just sit and soak it in for a while. Both visits can be concluded in one shift. I chose not to eat anything here because I was worried about getting food poisoning before hiking, but there were tons of delicious choices. Expect to have a briefing held by your tour company. The Rainbow mountain is reachable by a 3 hour car ride and followed by a 2 hour hike. The Classic Inca Trail is a bucket-list item for many travelers. Yes, cocaine can be extracted from coca leaves. You'll have to pee a lot, but that's better than feeling like you've been hit by a train. Welcome to This Big Wild World travel blog! And if you're doing Rainbow Mountain, that's 6,000 ft above Cusco. There are obviously cheaper options if you dont mind larger groups! You can buy a ticket at any of these locations. 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. Welcome to This Big Wild World travel blog! Maukallacta may actually be the birthplace of the Incas. I would love to visit the plaza. Let me know in the comments below! On Day 2, visit the the four main Cusco Inca Sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. But youll definitely want to plan a few extra days for day trips from However, I highly suggest visiting Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP), which is not part of the Cusco ticket. Thats good because tomorrow youll be at higher altitude! How many days to acclimate in Cusco? 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. Again, its easy to hire a private driver, book an organized tour, walk to Saqsaywaman, or hop on a bus. Next, we will advise you How many days do you need to hike Machu Picchu? Travel Stories: How Tragedies Impact a Culture. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and lightheadedness. Guides can be booked both at the entrance to Machu Picchu and down in the valley in Aguas Calientes. 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. From Aguas Calientes buses go up to Machu Picchu every few minutes. When planning a Cusco itinerary, PLEASE, budget in a few days to this incredible place. However, its easy to follow the route using local buses that stop in Ica. Ultimate Cusco Trekking Guide | Complete Peru Packing List for Multi-Day Treks. Probably the most important things to do while acclimating in Cusco is to do your final preparation for the Inca Trail hike (read all about my lessons learned on the Inca Trail). With a 5 day Cusco itinerary, simply slow down! Circuit#1 - 2 is the longest and most popular and passes all the important buildings such as a.o. The possibility of climbing the other mountain and not die trying to do both in one day. Hi! For me, a night bus from Arequipa to Cusco was perfect. Many travelers prefer to sleep near the Cusco Plaza de Armas, or in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood. The short answer is at least two to three days. Walk for 4 days to enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Involvesall tourist attraction of the lost city of the Incas, Circuit #3:This ticket involves the Machu Picchu mountain ticket. First thing to know about Peru is that the water is NOT drinkable. Im a solo female traveler with a wandering soul thats just making the most of this human experience. For more info, visit this page. WebIve arrived in Cusco three separate times; in other words, I visited here for 10 days, went to Buenos Aires for 10 days, came back to Cusco, went to the U.S. for two weeks, then And, most importantly, time to sit down and contemplate what one has around. If you need a bathroom, theres one at both the Starbucks and Cappuccino Cafe. Keep in mind that each tour is similar, but different. There are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, but those coming from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village. A tour to the Sacred Valley is one of the most popular things to do in Cusco and perfect while acclimating. but your photos are really making me want to go! The trail twists through the Santa Maria Forest and climbs up to almost 14,500 ft! WebHow many days to acclimate in Cusco, Machu Picchu ? Your email address will not be published. Glad to hear you found it helpful! I had to make some last minute purchases such as bottled water for the first day of the hike, coca leaves, coca candy, and a poncho. You can find it at most pharmacies. I did almost this same itinerary for the Sacred Valley. At least 2 days of acclimatization are necessary before starting any activity in Arriving at the airport, take a taxi to your accommodation. 62 dollars or58 euros) per person. When you reach the lost city, theres plenty to see and do. Most legends say the Incas rose from the depths of Lake Titicaca. 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. Ok here's the thing: Machu Picchu is actually at a LOWER altitude than Cusco. 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. Here are the questions I recommend asking: I prefer to go at my own pace in small groups. According to Cleveland Clinic, age, sex and general health do not seem to make a difference in risk for altitude sickness. While youre there, take a stroll through the interior of the temple, which was originally built in 1571. 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. Carb it up, people! Then we will visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, where pieces from the pre-Inca and Inca periods are exhibited. There is not one in Maukallacta, but three! 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. Personally, I spent almost a year in the region and only scratched the surface. The company Peru Hop is the most popular option to get from Lima to Cusco. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 daysat that altitude. 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. Be sure to drink coca tea at your hostel/ hotel before bed! 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. Our guide also recommended that we keep extra cash in case of a medical emergency or injury. That's why take a Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour can be a good idea. Thanks so much for the kind words on my photos! p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); A Sacred Valley tour jams the best highlights into a full twelve hour day. s.async = true; Catch a late afternoon menu del dia after touring the Inca ruins in Cusco. So nice that you were there for the parade! The Choquequirao trek can be hiked without a guide, or there is an option to utilize a local guide and donkey at the trailhead. Altitude sickness is no joke and the best thing to do is rest and drink tons of water. I didnt know there was so much to do right before setting off on the Inca Trail. Planning to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before. Across the way is the Rumicolca Gate, the once grand entrance to the Imperial City of Cusco. You can utilize the above Cusco travel guide for 3 or 4 days and space out time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Telehealth Teletherapy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for Dunn Loring, McLean, Vienna and the DC Metro area I walked around Plaza De Armas for a little, and then napped, ate dinner out, and hung out at the Airbnb. Another thing that can not be missed in Pisac, is its handicraft market, with unique and authentic products. 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 site is nestled in the scenic Apurmac River Valley, making Waqrapukara unforgettable. Consider that in Machu Picchu Town there is much to do and know. This area is known for its handwoven goods. Along this trekking route find not one, but two Peru hot springs. The Sacred Valley is so beautiful. The trail twists through the barren Andes until reaching Laguna Qoricocha. Those with limited time of a Cusco 3 day itinerary will get the mostbang for their buckwith full day Cusco tours. 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. The Salkantay trek does not require a guide, but many hikers chose an organized guided tour. Afterwards, stroll up to San Blas neighborhood and wander the cobble stone streets. The fastest and most convenient way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco city or Ollantaytambo in the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". However, hiking from Maras to Moray feels a little more authentic. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. I dont think Id want less than 3 days to explore Cusco and the surrounding area. This gives you entry to Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Chinchero and is good for 2 consecutive days. Im so thankful we made this decision. Cusco tours can be found in Spanish, English, French, German, and so many more languages. Theres just so much to see and do! TheInca Quarry Trail or Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchuis one of the new hiking trails offered in the Cusco region. Serious hikers may wish to avoid the rainy season as some of the trails will be impassible due to high rivers and the weather can be severe. 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 . The day will be long, but gives a small taste of the magic of this special place. How should I prepare for Cusco? Wow, there is so much to see and do near Cusco! I love pleasant surprises like that. Cusco Travel Guide | Heres how to visit all 16 sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour. Yess! The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude 70km hike in the Peruvian mountains near Most offer this for free in the lobby area. Cusco Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry. Before you go, double check your Inca Trail packing list to make sure youve got all the essentials. 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. Detailed Travel Guide | Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week. This was my first trip to South America as well and lets just say that Im hooked! Join my Adventure: There's Room in My Backpack. Basically, you do NOT want to get altitude sickness. If you are looking for a way to extend your itinerary, adding a multiday trek Pro Tip: Verify the check-in time where youre staying. Theres no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love. Yes!! Ive read so much about hiking Inca but not much about what to do in Cusco, it looks awesome! In Cusco, find many tour groups offering a variety of Machu Picchu itineraries. These leaves are a staple plant to help fight altitude sickness and can either be chewed or steeped in tea. I highly recommend it. The eight-kilometre, winding journey takes just under half an hour. So, spend some time booking a tour for the following day. The guide will likely stop on the way so that you can buy an entry ticket. Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Take it easy when you land in Cusco and try not to do anything too strenuous. It's a can of oxygen you can take when you arrive in Cusco. Rainbow Mountain Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a day. One of the places we stayed, Don Bosco Hotel, happened to be right along the path of the parade. If you want to experience the lively night scene, wander around the Cusco streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha. Packing up the Pieces is all about authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences, comprehensive travelogues, detailed hiking and adventure guides, alongside my personal struggles and heartfelt moments while on the road. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around an hour and a half. All travelers visiting Cusco will feel the effects of the altitude in some ways, but some may suffer from altitude sickness. The trail takes about two and a half hours and is only possible as part of a guided tour. In general, Cusco is safe city to visit even for solo travelers. The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. If you have more time and feel comfortable, explore Cusco with collectivos and buses. Since you have the Cusco Tourist ticket, you could stop by some of the Cusco museums that are included on the ticket. We were so fortunate to experience the festival! 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. function ml_webform_success_2607320(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-2607320 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-2607320 .row-form").hide()} Be sure to have a cash strategy for purchasing things along the trail such as water (or Pisco!). The dry season is the busiest months in Cusco and prices are higher. Check the official website to verify which tour peaks your interest. The puma is one of three sacred animals of the Incas and represents courage. Youll be trail ready in the morning! 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. This temple is believed to be a sort of calendar for the Incas. A free walking tour of Cusco is a great way to get acquainted with the city. Report inappropriate content 8. WebDefinetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days. Along this street, you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced. The Salkantay trek is one of most popular alternative treks to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Cusco South Valley also has the only Wari ruins on the Cusco Tourist Ticket at Pikillacta. Thing to know about Peru is that the water is not drinkable, )! Join my Adventure: there 's Room in my Backpack rest and drink of... Streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha ticket at Pikillacta for their buckwith full day Cusco itinerary,,... 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