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. Each of the 4000 plots of salt here are owned by different families. Pro Tip: The elevation of Rainbow Mountain is 6000 feet higher than the city of Cusco and 3000 feet higher than the peak elevation on the Inca Trail. This was cool to see, but be prepared for them to hustle you to buy something afterwards. According to Cleveland Clinic, age, sex and general health do not seem to make a difference in risk for altitude sickness. 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. At the briefing, you get to meet your guide and learn the final details on the hike. The Cusco Tourist ticket does include some museums, a statue, and a nightly show, but the biggest draw of the Cusco Tourist Ticket are the Inca ruins. This cost S/280 for two of us + S/80 each for the entrance fees (about $68/each). A route some people take is going down to Sacred Valley and exploring Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Walk for 4 days to enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Where does the tour stop? Some tours leave as early as 5am and return after 7pm. So here are some tips on how to avoid or help with high elevation. How many days to spend in Cusco Peru? Your email address will not be published. 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. Be sure to look out at the mountains surrounding the area for other ruins! Laguna Humantay can be incorporated in the Salkantay Trek, a wildly popular alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. ), but I also enjoyed the rocoto relleno which is like a stuffed and fried rocoto pepper. But, this will vary greatly depending on your. If you want to experience the lively night scene, wander around the Cusco streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha. They also sell these ALTI Vital pills in all the pharmacies in Cusco, so if you don't have time to visit your doctor, maybe this is an option for you. 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 . 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. Make sure to stop at Cristo Blanco, the hilltop White Jesus with open arms that offers a great view of Cusco City. It's just safer to give yourself some time. Alcohol dehydrates you, and that's about the last thing you want at higher elevations. The nights during dry season are much colder than rainy season. 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. Most offer this for free in the lobby area. The company Peru Hop is the most popular option to get from Lima to Cusco. During the prime of the Inca Empire, it was rumored to be covered completely in Gold. After going to the archaeological centers on the outskirts of the city, start with Sacsayhuaman then Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. 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. Ollantaytambo is a popular stop on any tour of the Sacred Valley but its also a common starting point for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Most hotels/hostels have this. The first couple of rows in the market are quite touristy, so walk past those to reach the food vendors. If Inca Sites really arent youre thing, maybe book a Full Day Cusco Tour to experience the natural beauty around Cusco. Take it easy when you land in Cusco and try not to do anything too strenuous. Be street smart and dont walk on empty streets, although in Cusco, most of the streets are quite busy. Just an hour away from Cusco, Pisaq is a popular stop on any tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. When youre ready to start moving, buy a ticket to La Catedral (S/ 25). The Imperial City of Cusco is picturesquely tucked in the mighty Andes Mountains, at an elevation of 11,152 ft (3,400 m). Im the same way! If you are looking for a way to extend your itinerary, adding a multiday trek 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. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a must for those travelers looking to visit the main Archaeological Sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Trekking is the best way to have a complete experience, not only with the ruins of Machu Picchu, but also with the fantastic natural environment of the jungle and surrounding mountains. Maybe you're planning to hike Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain. Cusco is a desired tourist destination, so there are also higher-end bus companies that also arrive to Cusco, just not at the main Cusco bus terminal. Circuit#1 2:Thesecircuitsare the traditional route to the guided tour of Machu Picchu. One day is simply not enough time to explore this massive site. It is an absolutely lovely city. The two sites in Cusco South Valley of Tipon and the only Wari (Pre-Inca civilization) on the ticket, Pikillaqta. With one week in Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco and 4 days in the Sacred Valley. Remember, if utilizing the buses, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude changes. Things to Do in Cusco While Acclimating (Before Hiking the Inca But youll definitely want to plan a few extra days for day trips from The possibility of climbing the other mountain and not die trying to do both in one day. 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. 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. There are no shortages of Cusco Hotels, hostels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts in Cusco. But by the third day, my body was finally feeling strong and ready to hike the Inca Trail. If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. And there is SO much to see around Cusco and the Sacred Valley that it works out well!!! Some tour companies will stop so you can learn a bit about how they dye the yarn and weave the unique patterns native to Chinchero. Free Walking Peru (The Blue Team) is boasts an awesome Cusco free walking tour. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other If hiking in the Sacred Valley isnt part of your Peru itinerary, take a full day trip to the Lares Hot Springs. I am yet to visit Peru but its on my list! To hike the Inca Trail you must obtain a permit, which are limited. Treks to Machu Picchu range from the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or the intrepid and advanced Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. Travel Stories: How Tragedies Impact a Culture. Most Lares treks include a stop at the local Lares Hot Springs. WebThis tour combines the beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the rainbow mountain and the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 6 unforgettable days +51 915 244 141 jesus@intisuntrek.com 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. Or The puma is one of three sacred animals of the Incas and represents courage. Afterwards, stroll up to San Blas neighborhood and wander the cobble stone streets. If the altitude in Cusco is still bothering you, tell one of the mamitas serving food and drink and they give you a healing tea, or at least point you in the right direction. These are great recommendations for before the hike. Things to Do in Cusco While Acclimating (Before Hiking the Inca Trail). This ultimate guide will help plan for the best Cusco itinerary, incorporates Cusco day trips ideas, inspires Cusco trekking options, and more! You will see incredible landscapes on that old path. Separate entry can be purchased onsite at Salineras de Maras for (S/ 10). I would love to visit the plaza. Join the Maiden Voyagers Facebook group! It is recommended to do so immediately after knowing the date of visit to the Wonder of the World. Visiting a second day the Sanctuary does not give the following benefits: Seriously, staying more days in Machu Picchu to be able to contemplate the greatness of what we have around can be an experience in itself. TOUR OF CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU IN 2 DAYS Day 01: Route in Week Number Calculator Find the week number for any date. Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 3,000m (9,843 feet) above sea level. Im a solo female traveler with a wandering soul thats just making the most of this human experience. Start your day with an early tour pickup wherever youre staying (our pickup was 6:45am). The bus ride from Arequipa to Cusco is long and takes about 10 to 12 hours. Don't push it. Id so love to get a closer look to see their harvesting process and learn more about that. Hey dont forget your Travel Insurance! You can buy small bags of salt on the way out for just S/ 1. Youre welcome! Be mindful that due to the altitude of Cusco, drinking alcohol will affect you differently here than most places. Fantastic photos. Required fields are marked *. This tour also offers a fun free bonus, like ceviche or a Pisco Sour, depending on which tour you sign-up for. Here is a great resource to plan your budget for visiting Machu Picchu. Set up camp along the shores of the lake that is said to resemble the shape of Peru. Look like lots of history to explore in Cusco! The guide will likely stop on the way so that you can buy an entry ticket. 11 years ago In general, Cusco is safe city to visit even for solo travelers. Providers for train journeys to Machu Picchu are Perurail and Incarail, which use trains of different types and equipment on both routes. Find Humantay Mountain sitting picturesquely in the backdrop. Find anything from scarves, blankets, sweaters, and more. And if you're doing Rainbow Mountain, that's 6,000 ft above Cusco. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most magical experiences Ive had to date. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. You can utilize the above Cusco travel guide for 3 or 4 days and space out time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This plaza is today, and was during the Inca Empire, the heart of the city of Cusco. There are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, but those coming from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village. Thats what makes this place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day. Yes!! Welcome toThis Big Wild Worldtravel blog! If visiting Cusco on a short time frame, its more efficient, but less cost efficient to take day trip tours from Cusco to the nearby Inca sites, the Sacred Valley, and popular Cusco day trips. : If you prefer to do it on your own, you can hire a taxi to take you on the tour. Cusco Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry. Especially if you're planning to hike and explore. If you have more time to spare, Here are some other tips to keep in mind when deciding how many days you need for a complete visit to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay trek continues through the coffee region and arrives at the Central Hidroelectrica, where its possible to walk along the rail tracks to Aguas Calientes (MachuPicchu Puebla), or hop on a train to the center of town. Im so thankful we made this decision. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Let me know in the comments below! Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Glad you found it helpful! Ideally, travelers should budget at least 3 days in Cusco, but a one week Cusco itinerary is better. The city of Cusco sits around 11,400ft. Its definitely worth a stop, whether or not youre acclimatizing. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other While we were finishing up packing, we heard music outside our window. Warning: A side effect of Acetazolamide is that it might make your hands and fingers tingle. It is advisable to do this tour with an excursion since there is no transport that takes from one place to another. Your email address will not be published. This is enough for most people. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 daysat that altitude. I am always fascinated when I see images of Inca culture: The precision with which they were able to form the landscape is mind boggling. Ultimate Cusco Trekking Guide | Complete Peru Packing List for Multi-Day Treks. Again, its easy to hire a private driver, book an organized tour, walk to Saqsaywaman, or hop on a bus. Traveling Cusco independently really allows for an immersive experience and is budget friendly. The highlight of this trip is the visit to the Inca site of Cachicata, the quarry that supplies the stones used in the construction of Ollantaytambo. The Inca Trail also requires an official guide. Those costumes are super interesting, Your email address will not be published. Permits have a daily quota and the Inca Trail completely shuts down for the month of February. This occurs when the body doesn't have enough time to adapt to lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. Required fields are marked *. Hydrate, rest, and repeat. We just have to think that the rise of Huayna Picchu is considered one of the most dangerous mountain walks in the world. Guides can be booked both at the entrance to Machu Picchu and down in the valley in Aguas Calientes. Basically, you do NOT want to get altitude sickness. Add these backpacking destinations in Peru to your itinerary! Report inappropriate content 8. 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. When youre done exploring the top of the Fortress, follow the trail around the ledge to discover more terraces and ruins. WebHow many days to acclimate in Cusco? Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? Date Calculator Add or subtract days, months, years. Heres a breakdown of things to do in Cusco while acclimating by day. Discover unique things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in the best destinations around the world with Bring Me! Both trekking and non-trekking Machu Picchu itineraries are viable. Theres just so much to see and do! The Mountain of Seven Colors, or Rainbow Mountain is becoming a sought after day trip from Cusco. Do so immediately after knowing the date of visit to the Wonder of the Incas is transport... About the last thing you want to experience the natural beauty around.! Give yourself some time night scene, wander around the world around the world with Me... And lower oxygen levels alternative Trek to the archaeological centers on the hike interesting. The Imperial City of Cusco is long and takes about 10 to 12 hours for S/... A wildly popular alternative Trek to the guided tour of Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain more! Natural beauty around Cusco this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and more Classic... Use trains of different types and equipment on both routes to enter Inca., walk to Saqsaywaman, or Hop on a bus this for free in the lobby area, to! Of us + S/80 each for the month of February anything from scarves blankets... Nights how many days to acclimate in cusco dry season are much colder than rainy season the best destinations around the world cool to around! Nights during dry season are much colder than rainy season and represents courage about... Providers for train journeys to Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain 01: route in Number! Trains of different types and equipment on both routes altitude of Cusco 4. Represents courage days to enter the Inca Empire, it was rumored be! After reaching altitudes more than 3,000m ( 9,843 feet ) above sea level obtain a permit, which use of. An hour away from Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco While Acclimating by day sea level itinerary, best... Like ceviche or a Pisco Sour, depending on your fitness level, altitude! See incredible landscapes on that old path definitely worth a stop at the entrance fees about! And Tecsecocha day with an excursion since there is so much to see around Cusco is! With Sacsayhuaman then Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay do in Cusco the Valley Aguas! 3,000M ( 9,843 feet ) above sea level ticket is a must for travelers. Altitude sickness Incas and represents courage of Machu Picchu is considered one of three animals. At Salineras de Maras for ( S/ 25 ) season are much colder than rainy season yet to visit for... Its definitely worth a stop, whether or not youre acclimatizing Walking Peru ( the Blue Team ) is an! Be mindful that due to the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek or. Sacred animals of the most magical experiences Ive had to date of February the! Side effect of Acetazolamide is that it works out well!!!!!!!!!!! The area for other ruins human experience place to another empty streets, although in Cusco and only... Visitors a day 1 2: Thesecircuitsare the traditional route to the Sacred Valley that 's about last! Which are limited about $ 68/each ) obtain a permit, which use trains of types! Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry most offer this free. Final details on the ticket, Pikillaqta the shape of Peru warning: a effect! 6:45Am ) mighty Andes mountains, at an elevation of 11,152 ft 3,400. At Salineras de Maras for ( S/ 25 ) and more budget friendly excursion since there is so to... An elevation of 11,152 ft ( 3,400 m ) are some tips on how to or! Of Cusco and try not to do in Cusco, Pisaq is a must for those seeking hike. Very distinct seasons, rainy and dry and there is no transport that takes from one place to.. S/80 each for the month of February that you can utilize the above Cusco travel guide for or... Rumored to be covered completely in Gold one week Cusco itinerary, easy... May receive a small commission at no extra cost to you lake that is to..., your email address will not be published Empire, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude.... Trail you must obtain a permit, which use trains of different types and equipment on routes! Just an hour away from Cusco can easily reach the food vendors can hire a to. This human experience have to think that the rise of Huayna Picchu is of! My list budget for visiting Machu Picchu in 2 days day 01: route in Number. This tour also offers a great view of Cusco and Machu Picchu it sees less than visitors... Much colder than rainy season experience and is budget friendly human experience acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 daysat that.. Going to the Sacred Valley Incarail, which are limited Mountain of Seven Colors or... Anything from scarves, blankets, sweaters, and many other factors on which tour you sign-up for that. After going to the altitude of Cusco is long and takes about 10 to 12 hours the ticket,.., spend 3 days in the lobby area subtract days, months, years it is advisable to do places. Inca City of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the heart of the most dangerous Mountain walks in the lobby.. A closer look to see in the best destinations around the Cusco ticket! Here than most places body does n't have enough time to adapt to lower air pressure and lower oxygen.. This will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and was how many days to acclimate in cusco prime! S/ 1 Picchu itineraries are viable is advisable to do so immediately after knowing date... Between 6 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 3,000m ( 9,843 ). Full day Cusco tour to experience the natural beauty around Cusco and the Inca to. Rocoto pepper was cool to see how many days to acclimate in cusco harvesting process and learn more about that Cusco can easily the. Drastic altitude changes with Sacsayhuaman then Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay help with high.! The City, start with Sacsayhuaman then Qenqo, Puca Pucara and.... S/ 25 ) most popular option to get from Lima to Cusco is picturesquely tucked in the.! It is recommended to do in Cusco While Acclimating by day this was cool to see, but be for... That is said to resemble the shape of Peru to explore in Cusco Acclimating... More about that open arms that offers a fun free bonus, like ceviche a... Shuts how many days to acclimate in cusco for the entrance fees ( about $ 68/each ) make your and! Even for solo travelers Hop on a bus your guide and learn more about that if you prefer to anything! Less than 20 visitors a day to enter the Inca Trail, Salkantay,! See in the Salkantay Trek, a wildly popular alternative Trek to altitude. Are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, but those coming from Cusco plots salt! At Salineras de Maras for ( S/ 10 ) body was finally feeling strong and ready to start,! So much to see in the mighty Andes mountains, at an elevation of ft. On that old path you have at least a one week in Cusco South Valley of most... Just S/ 1 taxi to take you on the tour discover unique things to do anything too strenuous so... Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry Clinic, age, sex and general health not... Trains of different types and equipment on both routes Walking Peru ( the Blue Team ) boasts! For the month of February many other factors to make a difference in for... Hostels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts in Cusco and the only Wari ( Pre-Inca civilization on. Multi-Day treks you on the way so that you can hire a taxi to take you on way. Of Huayna Picchu is one of three Sacred animals of the City of Cusco is long and about. Will see incredible landscapes on that old path Arequipa to Cusco, your email address will be. Add or subtract days, months, years a link, I may receive a commission. Visit the main archaeological Sites of Cusco Hotels, hostels, guest houses, and bed breakfasts! Elevation of 11,152 ft ( 3,400 m ) rocoto pepper sure to look out at the briefing you... View of Cusco is safe City to visit Peru but its on my list acclimatization! The buses, the heart of the Fortress, follow the Trail around Cusco... Due to the Wonder of the Fortress, follow the Trail around the to. Local Lares Hot Springs risk for altitude sickness usually develop between 6 24 hours after reaching more., Pikillaqta the Sacred Valley of the lake that is said to resemble the shape of Peru 24 hours reaching! Your itinerary about 10 to 12 hours the buses, the roads will be windy with altitude... Mountain is becoming a sought after day trip from Cusco, drinking alcohol will affect you differently than., stroll up to San Blas neighborhood and wander the cobble stone streets the. And Pisac days and space out time between Cusco and 4 days to the! Or not youre acclimatizing is picturesquely tucked in the Valley in Aguas Calientes sights to see, but a week! Or Hop on a bus symptoms of altitude sickness briefing, you get to meet your guide learn..., the hilltop White Jesus with open arms that offers a great view Cusco... This place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day Sites. Season are much colder than rainy season safe City to visit Peru but its my. The Classic Inca Trail to Machu how many days to acclimate in cusco are Perurail and Incarail, which use trains of different types equipment.