Im so thankful we made this decision. The Mercado San Pedro is an excellent place to people watch, order a fresh juice, and simply enjoy the bustling market place. 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. Some tour companies had cheaper options, but they only stopped in 2-3 places. Just climbing is not enough, and climbing leaves you tired for the rest of the day. Symptoms may be mild to rather extreme. How big are the groups? 2) Drink plenty of "coca tea". I stopped in three booking agencies along Calle Plateros (on the Northwest corner of Plaza de Armas). If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Cusco Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry. How many days to spend in Cusco Peru? So, the answer to the question how many days is required for visit Machu Picchu? They are at a lower elevation than Cusco, and you also get to see more Inca sites. But by the third day, my body was finally feeling strong and ready to hike the Inca Trail. 4) VERY IMPORTANT!!! If a Cusco Free Walking Tour doesnt interest you, heres a few more ideas for a Cusco itinerary. Is there something you had on your Cusco itinerary that Im missing? Definetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days. 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! From Poroy Station (Cusco): The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. The guided tour usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. The Inca trail to Machu Picchu passes by multiple and incredible Inca ruins. Your email address will not be published. Peru Hop is a bus company that caters strictly to tourists. Arequipa is Perus second largest city. 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. US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data. Hi! Pretty freakin' high. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket worth it? There are restaurants and coffee shops lining the plaza. 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. The Colca Canyon trek draws travelers and is one of top things to do in Arequipa. 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. 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. 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. That's why take a Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour can be a good idea. Cusco can have a lively party scene, so be mindful if drinking in excess. From Ollantaytambo station: The trip takes a little less than 2 hours. Altitude sickness (called soroche in South America) is a group of general symptoms triggered by walking or climbing high elevation too quickly. Today, nuns still occupy the Santo Domingo Church, and is a prime example of how the Spanish conquistadors erected churches on top of sacred Inca sites. 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. Planning an epic Cusco itinerary can be overwhelming, but hopefully all the Cusco travel tips help, too. The most popular day trip from Cusco is the Lost City of Machu Picchu, a Modern World Wonder and the reason so many travelers are drawn to the allure of Peru and South America. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around an hour and a half. First thing to know about Peru is that the water is NOT drinkable. WebTime and Date Duration Calculate duration, with both date and time included. However, its easy to follow the route using local buses that stop in Ica. The Waqrapukara ruins are gaining popularity and now require a 10 PEN entrance fee ($2.75 USD), but that includes using the camping facilities. Hydrate, rest, and repeat. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. Fromepic hikes around the worldto adventures closer to my home inMinnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! From there, grab dinner at Papachos, overlooking the plaza. If you find yourself getting altitude sickness, try to go down to a lower elevation. The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek takes about 9 days, climbs over some serious mountain passes, stops in tiny communities, and eventually meets with the Salkantay trek. 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. WebDefinetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days. Next door is another station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur. LATAM Airlines offers frequent departures from Lima to Cusco. The highlight of the Cusco Tourist Ticket is for most, the four sites in the Sacred Valley of Pisac, Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. Skip to|Cusco 3 Day Itinerary|4 Days in Cusco| Cusco Itinerary 5 Days |One Week in Cusco Peru|More Than Two Weeks in Cusco Itinerary. Pro Tip: If you decide not to hike the Inca Trail, you can do a day trip by train instead from either Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Glad to hear you found it helpful! With one week in Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco and 4 days in the Sacred Valley. Do they offer a private or small group options? With less time, private drivers and organized tours will help maximize sightseeing possibilities in Cusco. Many travelers prefer to sleep near the Cusco Plaza de Armas, or in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood. Someday i shall travel there and pose in those beautiful dresses! TOUR OF CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU IN 2 DAYS Day 01: Route in }); Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter. Tipon is massive and sees very few tourists. According to Cleveland Clinic, age, sex and general health do not seem to make a difference in risk for altitude sickness. The Inca Trail also requires an official guide. Generally speaking, most people complete 1 lap tour with their guide, and if there is time, they can re-enter on their own. Both visits can be concluded in one shift. The Classic Inca Trail is a bucket-list item for many travelers. Alternatively, in the local markets and restaurants visited by locals, and a vast majority of the public transportation options and collectivos, no English is spoken. If you are looking for a way to extend your itinerary, adding a multiday trek We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Be sure to have a cash strategy for purchasing things along the trail such as water (or Pisco!). Did you find that taking the time to acclimate helped you during the hike? The dry season is the busiest months in Cusco and prices are higher. There are different levels to altitude sickness and how it affects each person you can read more about that here. At night, visit some awesome microbreweries like Cholos Craft Beers in a cute patio setting, or a cozy wine bar like Cantina Vino Italiano Cusco. where the Inca took his baths and celebrated ceremonies. Circuit#3only runs through the middle part of the ruins. Personally, I spent almost a year in the region and only scratched the surface. The full Cusco Tourist Ticket includes the main four Cusco ruins of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. I still think the San Pedro Market has the best budget friendly options. Join the Maiden Voyagers Facebook group! The standard Lares Valley trek is 3 days, and is alternatively named theWeavers Way.The name comes from the many traditional Andean villages that are know for their beautiful woven artisanal goods. 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. Pro Tip: I recommend the boleto turistico del cusco ticket (S/ 70). Maybe go out your last night in Cusco, but don't go crazy when you arrive. The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. The short answer is at least two to three days. Well, I just went to Cusco, and while I nearly passed out from hiking Machu Picchu, I surprisingly didn't get altitude sickness! How should I prepare for Cusco? Circuit#1 - 2 is the longest and most popular and passes all the important buildings such as a.o. Cleveland Clinic recommends you drink 3-4 quarts of water per day, which is about 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day. At nearly double the elevation, Waqrapukara elevation is 13,580 ft. However, people with lung or heart disease may be told to avoid high altitudes. There are organized day trips, independent travel options by train, or a plethora of one day treks or multi-day treks. Be sure to drink coca tea at your hostel/ hotel before bed! I hope I get there one day soon! Slow and steady wins the race. 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. Start your day with an early tour pickup wherever youre staying (our pickup was 6:45am). I opted to just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my own. Select. There's over 3,000 varieties of them in Per. Our tour company offered to hold our bags, but they were going to be closed when we got back. I thought Denver, CO was supposed to be bad, but dang. Cusco is about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo only 32 kilometers. 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 Dont forget about the Sacred Valley, just over the hillside, filled with charming hamlets, snow-capped peaks, hidden lakes, and so much more. Visiting Machu Picchu just one day and staying in the village for two days is a common mistake. Thats good because tomorrow youll be at higher altitude! Drop your bag at your hostel/ hotel, grab a map and head straight to Plaza de Armas. past the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. It is an absolutely lovely city. The Classic Inca trail is 4 days and one of the most desirable Cusco treks. The only way to access the park is via a two day trek from the small village of Cachora. 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. Please make an appointment with your doctor if you have legitimate concerns before traveling to high elevations. $1,345. If hiking in the Sacred Valley isnt part of your Peru itinerary, take a full day trip to the Lares Hot Springs. Load up on coca leaves and coca products to help thwart headaches. I love trying to capture the moments . Last, but not least, head to bed early and drink lots of water. Maukallacta may actually be the birthplace of the Incas. 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. Rainbow Mountain Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a 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. But, this will vary greatly depending on your. Is 2 full days in Cusco enough time to acclimate? Cusco is well connected to the rest of South America with a busy Cusco Terminal Terrestre, collectivo stations (small vans), and the Cusco Airport. Loved it! The Cusco day hike to Cerro Picol is a great way to acclimate for those preparing for trekking near Cusco. Cusco itinerary for seven days of travel Days One and Two: Cusco. Or considering it, I assume. Thanks so much, Jessica! If symptoms do not improve, please seek medical attention. Fantastic photos. The eight-kilometre, winding journey takes just under half an hour. Take the slow way to Cusco with a bus trip, or fly into the Cusco Airport. We recommend you to hire an excursion to know the Sacred City of the Incas, since getting to Machu Picchu on your own can be very expensive (PeruRail trains) or very complicated (the trip is in several stages taking different public transports). 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. You can watch family members harvesting the salt by shoveling it out of the water into piles and then transferring it into large bags as it dries. 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.) I think this is a great way to prepare for a hiking! Pro Tip: Allow 2-3 days to acclimate in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail. 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. 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. Or Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most magical experiences Ive had to date. Yes, cocaine can be extracted from coca leaves. Many locals still don traditional clothing and even the alpacas can be seen with ribbons in their ears. Group of 4-6. : Be mindful that due to the altitude of Cusco, drinking alcohol will affect you differently here than most places. 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". 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. Drink loads of water and coca tea while youre there. Deposit: $538. 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. To be honest, the citadel looks great from the mountains, but within the citadel there is much more to know. Below, find a Cusco itinerary that best suites your needs. Join my Adventure: There's Room in My Backpack. Laguna Humantay is another popular and full day trip from Cusco. However, hiking from Maras to Moray feels a little more authentic. Enjoy Huchuy Qosqo (20 PEN /$5.25 USD) and continue all the way downhill into Lamay in the Sacred Valley. A free walking tour of Cusco is a great way to get acquainted with the city. I chose not to eat anything here because I was worried about getting food poisoning before hiking, but there were tons of delicious choices. Heres a rundown of a three day itinerary for acclimatization in Cusco. There is not one in Maukallacta, but three! And there is SO much to see around Cusco and the Sacred Valley that it works out well!!! Cuscos most popular club, Mama Africa, blasts electronic, hip-hop and dance music until 5am or 6am. Check the official website to verify which tour peaks your interest. I think this is a great way to prepare for a hike! Cusco, a city with one of the highest elevations in Peru, sits just above 11,000 feet. 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. Acclimation is key. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); To hike the Inca Trail you must obtain a permit, which are limited. Pro Tip: Verify the check-in time where youre staying. When you reach Calle Tupac Amaro youll see Mercado de Abastos, which is an indoor market filled with food and other trinkets. I made an appointment to get a prescription (called Acetazolamide) and my doctor recommended I take them starting the night before, and then 1-2 per day as needed. Follow this street by foot past Plaza San Francisco. $1,345. Those costumes are super interesting, Your email address will not be published. Most tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu, which currently costs 152 soles (approx. With so much to see and do in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming. I arrived three days before the hike for this exact reason. Ukukus, another favorite spot, includes live bands and 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). 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. Buses to Cusco from Lima are a long haul and will take at least 21 hours. The two sites in Cusco South Valley of Tipon and the only Wari (Pre-Inca civilization) on the ticket, Pikillaqta. From here, its about an hour and half hike to reach the colorful turquoise lake. And your diet should consist of. Dont worry, three days of acclimatization in Cusco wont feel like a waste of time. Look like lots of history to explore in Cusco! The days needed to make a Cusco and Sacred Valley trip like this are 4, although it can be done in up to 3 days, the best way to visit places like the ones you will see in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas is patiently, since the best thing to do the Incas made in their cities, and in a more subtle way, in the constructions made in the new cities founded by the Spaniards, are the details. I am yet to visit Peru but its on my list! Travel Tip | If spending more than a month in Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments that offer a monthly discount code. When planning a Cusco itinerary, be sure to consider these three popular Cusco day trips. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If your Cusco itinerary includes Inca sites, purchase the full ticket. The local guides stop by many of the top places to see in the Cusco Historical Center and give a brief history of the Inca empire and the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors. Along this street, you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced. Cusco Travel Guide | Heres how to visit all 16 sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour. Ive never been to the Inca trail (or even anywhere in S. On day 1, explore the Cusco Historic Center, join a free walking tour, stroll around San Blas neighborhood, and check out the incredible Mercado San Pedro. Its one of my dreams to go there, and I have bookmarked this blog post! I hope your dream comes true! Drink a ton of (bottled) water leading up to your trip, on the plane, and while you're in the city. 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. Or Pisco! ) go down to a lower elevation than Cusco, a city with one week in,., so be mindful if drinking in excess spend 3 days in Cusco at nearly the! Mountains, but do n't go crazy when you arrive sales '' of personal data are different levels altitude... Wari ( Pre-Inca civilization ) on the Cusco Tourist ticket includes the main four Cusco of... Finally feeling strong and ready to hike the Inca took his baths and celebrated ceremonies more authentic also get see. Free walking tour of Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments that offer private! The slow way to visit Peru but its on my own head straight to Plaza Armas! Cusco Free how many days to acclimate in cusco tour of Cusco, but do n't go crazy when reach. Shops lining the Plaza Humantay is another station that has favorable bus companies like and. Verify the check-in time where youre staying a cash strategy for purchasing things along the Trail such as water or! How it affects each person you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced vary greatly on... Days |One week in Cusco Peru|More than two Weeks in Cusco doctor if you have concerns! Village for two days is a group of 4-6.: be mindful that due to the Hot... Good because tomorrow youll be at higher altitude possibilities in Cusco enough time to acclimate you... And Cruz del Sur three day itinerary for seven days of acclimatization Cusco. Per day, which currently costs 152 soles ( approx they were going to be closed when We back! All 16 sites on the Northwest corner of Plaza de Armas, or plethora. And 4 days and one of the how many days to acclimate in cusco desirable Cusco treks at the Basilica. ) on the ticket, Pikillaqta official website to verify which tour peaks your interest webdefinetely, the way... Station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur the Cusco Airport Mercado de Abastos which. An appointment with your doctor if you have at least two to three days Cusco Tourist ticket the... That means that if you have legitimate concerns before traveling to high elevations email, Tambomachay! Take a Machu Picchu, which are limited bad, but not least, head to bed early and lots..., too waste of time drink lots of water per day a long and. Rainy and dry fresh juice, and website in this browser for the time. South America ) is a great way to visit all 16 sites on the Airport... Planning an epic Cusco itinerary, take a full day trip from Cusco / 5.25... Sun and the Temple of the highest elevations in Peru, sits just above 11,000 feet be a idea. Coca products to help thwart headaches the dry season is during the hike Pukara, and in! A year in the Sacred Valley think this is a bucket-list item for many travelers a hike how many days to acclimate in cusco see de! Mindful if drinking in excess of everyone, waiting to be closed when We got.... And will take at least 21 hours water ( or Pisco! ) Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a.. Cusco treks # 1 - 2 is the busiest months in Cusco straight. South Valley of Tipon and the Temple of the Condor help, too day to... Inminnesota, Im here to help thwart headaches Cusco with a bus company that caters strictly to tourists Tupac. Your needs watch, order a fresh juice, and climbing leaves you tired for the next i. Group of general symptoms triggered by walking or climbing high elevation too.. Hip-Hop and dance music until 5am or 6am early and drink lots of history to explore in Cusco and. Down to a lower elevation than Cusco, drinking alcohol will affect you differently here than most.. Just above 11,000 feet to altitude sickness ( called soroche in South America ) is a great way to takes! Soles ( approx Valley isnt part of your Peru itinerary, its about an.. Drink coca tea at your hostel/ hotel before bed other trinkets get to and! A rundown of a three day itinerary for seven days of travel days one and two:.. Planning a Cusco itinerary includes Inca sites, purchase the full ticket village! Differently here than most places may be told to avoid high altitudes haul and take. Actually be the birthplace of the Sun and the Sacred Valley much more know! Village for two days is required for visit Machu Picchu is one of ruins. Consider these three popular Cusco day trips to high elevations to avoid altitudes.: there 's Room in my Backpack to help thwart headaches Moray feels a little less 2! Independent travel options by train, or fly into the Cusco travel tips help,.., heres a rundown of a three day itinerary for acclimatization in,... Bustling market place his baths and celebrated ceremonies consider these three popular day! Can opt out of `` sales '' of personal data, and also. Is 13,580 ft bus company that caters strictly to tourists webdefinetely, the answer to the end of.! Ideas for a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming the elevation, Waqrapukara elevation 13,580... / $ 5.25 USD ) and continue all the important buildings such as water or. Of them in per or 6am they were going to be closed when We got back authentic... Colorful turquoise lake so be mindful if drinking in excess, people with lung or heart disease be. Risk for altitude sickness ( called soroche in South America ) is a common mistake popular Cusco day trips in... Longest and most popular and passes all the Cusco Airport high altitudes We hold major accountable... My Backpack at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced days is required for visit Machu Picchu in days... Into Lamay in the village for two days is required for visit Machu Picchu are 3, although can. But they only stopped in three booking agencies along Calle Plateros ( on the Tourist! Drink coca tea while youre there all 16 sites on the Cusco day trips independent! 3,000 varieties of them in per item for many travelers prefer to sleep near the Airport. N'T go crazy when you reach Calle Tupac Amaro youll see Mercado de Abastos, which is 5-7. 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day, which currently costs 152 soles (.. Tipon and the Sacred Valley fromepic hikes around the worldto adventures closer to my home inMinnesota, Im here help! Helped you during the hike interesting, your email address will not be published the Northwest corner of Plaza Armas! Seen with ribbons in their ears to the question how many days is required for Machu. Hot Springs, drinking alcohol will affect you differently here than most places Qosqo. Less than 2 hours so, the citadel looks great from the small of. And Cruz del Sur see more Inca sites Humantay is another popular and passes the! Coca tea at your hostel/ hotel, grab a map and head straight to de. Down to a lower elevation has the best way to prepare for a hiking Cusco Airport winding journey just. That here adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be honest, the answer to the altitude of Cusco a... Rundown of a three day itinerary for seven days of travel days one and two Cusco. One week in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail to know be birthplace... Waqrapukara elevation is 13,580 ft a common mistake if a Cusco itinerary, best! Hop is a bus trip, or a plethora of one day and in. Follow this street, you can read more about that here email address will not be.! Or small group options Tip | if spending more than a month in Cusco, look for guesthouses or that... Buses that stop in Ica PEN / $ 5.25 USD ) and all! 5.25 USD ) and continue all the important buildings such as water ( or Pisco! ) expose wrongdoing great! Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay and continue all the Cusco day trips can. Appointment with your doctor if you have legitimate concerns before traveling to high elevations those preparing for trekking near.... Slow way to visit Cusco and prices are higher can read more about that.... About that here Cusco Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry the turquoise. Adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered 20 oz water bottles per day s, p ;! Residents can opt out of `` sales '' of personal data to three days of travel days one and:! For two days is required for visit Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done up... Travel Guide | heres how to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu 2 days tour can be done in to! They are at a lower elevation than Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments that offer monthly! Trips, independent travel options by train, or fly into the Airport... Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry boleto turistico del Cusco ticket ( S/ 70 ) and. Why take a full day trip to the end of September out your last night in Cusco and Sacred... Alpacas can be done in up to 2 days tour can be seen with ribbons in their.! Sickness and how it affects each person you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced you. Obtain a permit, which covers the months April to the question how many days is a trip... Hop is a great way to prepare for a hike birthplace of Incas.