The trail passes by Inca terraces until it finally reaches the towering gates of Huchuy Qosqo. Cusco can have a lively party scene, so be mindful if drinking in excess. Each of the three booking agencies had similar but very different offerings. Templo de la Compania de Jesus is also on Plaza de Armas and has great views of the sun setting, just walk up into one of the two towers. 5) Also very important, on the 1st day DO NOT eat anything heavy (meat). The eight-kilometre, winding journey takes just under half an hour. Set up camp along the shores of the lake that is said to resemble the shape of Peru. From Urubamba station: The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Each of the 4000 plots of salt here are owned by different families. There is not one in Maukallacta, but three! 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. The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes a good three hours, from Ollantaytambo one and a half hours. I thought Denver, CO was supposed to be bad, but dang. Your body needs time to acclimate due to the oxygen deprivation. Hey dont forget your Travel Insurance! Load up on coca leaves and coca products to help thwart headaches. I am on the team for a luxury publication from there, so now I want to visit!! 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. Is 2 full days in Cusco enough time to acclimate? Its likely that check-in as early as 10am is available! The short answer is at least two to three days. Please do not drink the tap water. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. 12 years ago Save We are also from the Bay Area (well, the Monterey Bay Area). Be mindful, you may need a day to rest completely to acclimate to the Cusco altitude. 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. So, spend some time booking a tour for the following day. I do hope you get the experience someday its truly magical. 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. I hope your dream comes true! Youll be trail ready in the morning! It definitely looked like hard work! Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most magical experiences Ive had to date. Enjoy Huchuy Qosqo (20 PEN /$5.25 USD) and continue all the way downhill into Lamay in the Sacred Valley. They also recommend the best restaurants in Cusco Peru, share local gems, take you through the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, and walk you past the famed Cusco 12 angle stone. I hope I get there one day soon! Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. There are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, but those coming from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village. 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. Circuit#1 - 2 is the longest and most popular and passes all the important buildings such as a.o. All organized treks have porters, guides and meals included, so that the weight you must carry is significantly reduced. Im lucky i didnt get sick when i landed in Cusco but its DEFINITELY smart to get there early to acclimate properly. The neary town of Urubumba is a great place to stop for lunch. The Classic Inca Trail is a bucket-list item for many travelers. Depart Cusco from Tambomachay Archaeological Park or in one of the nearby village. Have a great time on the trail! Those costumes are super interesting, Your email address will not be published. Hydration is key! Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Both my Airbnbs provided leaves, you can find coca products in all pharmacies, and you can likely order coca tea at most restaurants in 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). Especially the first day you arrive. The Ausangate Trek is a remote trek in Cusco that passes by alpine lakes, towering mountain passes, shepherds with herds of alpaca, and glacial peaked mountains. It is an absolutely lovely city. In my opinion, there are so many epic things to do in Cusco and the Sacred Valley and with all the diverse multi day Cusco treks that a month is ideal. 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. Helpful Tip to Combat Altitude Sickness in Cusco | Almost all tiendas, markets, and street vendors sell coca leaves. : Group of 4-6. There are obviously cheaper options if you dont mind larger groups! Circuit #4only through the lower part and is therefore the shortest. Fantastic photos. WebHow many days to acclimate in Cusco? Theres no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love. WebFatigue and loss of energy Shortness of breath Problems with sleep Loss of appetite Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then Nobodys got time for altitude sickness on the trail! Weekday Calculator What Day is this Date? We will leave the jewel of Cusco for the last day of visit. Some did, some didnt. Both visits can be concluded in one shift. WebDefinetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days. This incredible trek near Cusco never dips below 4,000 meters and can include an add-on hike to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. This plaza is today, and was during the Inca Empire, the heart of the city of Cusco. Glad the questions list was helpful! With a private driver, I was able to ask him to stop along the way for photos or just get out and enjoy the view. Join my Adventure: There's Room in My Backpack. Your email address will not be published. The first couple of rows in the market are quite touristy, so walk past those to reach the food vendors. Peru Hop acts kind of like a hop-on hop-off bus that helps break up the trip at desired Peru destinations like Paracas, the Oasis Village of Huacachina, and the Nazca lines. A route some people take is going down to Sacred Valley and exploring Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Catch a late afternoon menu del dia after touring the Inca ruins in Cusco. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and lightheadedness. However, the Andes Mountains are so green, its almost otherworldly. Theres so much more to do, so I just may have to go back . 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. In the main tourist spots and popular Cusco restaurants you will likely hear English spoken. Be mindful that due to the altitude of Cusco, drinking alcohol will affect you differently here than most places. These detailed Cusco itineraries range from 3 days to well over a month and include the absolute best things to do in Cusco. Something for everyone for sure. The Salkantay trek does not require a guide, but many hikers chose an organized guided tour. In the morning we will visit fascinating ruins located very close to the center of Cusco: Sacsayhuamn, Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. However, hiking from Maras to Moray feels a little more authentic. You'll have to pee a lot, but that's better than feeling like you've been hit by a train. For me, a night bus from Arequipa to Cusco was perfect. Download Brochure. On Day 2, visit the the four main Cusco Inca Sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. 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. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. You can buy small bags of salt on the way out for just S/ 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Required fields are marked *. Since you have the Cusco Tourist ticket, you could stop by some of the Cusco museums that are included on the ticket. Of course, with any city or place in the world, there is petty crime. The Inca Trailto Machu Picchu 4 Daysis one of those experiences that can change your life, unique and unforgettable; One of the best walks in the world. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around an hour and a half. Deposit: $538. Triple hinged doors were often found at the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire. Is that we should visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in two days. I also loved your photos of the culture and the people!! WebAnswer 1 of 7: My plan is to arrive Lima, overnight, fly to Iquitos and spend 3 days and 2 nights at Ceiba Tops Jungle Lodge. The Cusco tourist ticket includes the best places in the city, the Cathedral of Cusco is probably the first place you visit in your journey through the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, then you can walk to the Coricancha. This occurs when the body doesn't have enough time to adapt to lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. 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. 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. At the briefing, you get to meet your guide and learn the final details on the hike. Most people plan their Cusco itinerary around hiking the Inca Trail. This is enough for most people. However, if looking for more things to do in Cusco check out the ideas below. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. What time do you get picked up/ dropped off? In Cusco city, its possible to see many of the Cusco highlights in 3 days, but of course, you would need to utilize guided tours and/or drivers. Use this last day to explore more of the city wandering the streets and picking up souvenirs. It has a central location, authentic markets, and some the best Sacred Valley day hikes all within reach. Instead I opted for a delicious meal at Morena on Calle Plateros. 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. Cleveland Clinic recommends you drink 3-4 quarts of water per day, which is about 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day. With a 5 day Cusco itinerary, simply slow down! WebWe're flying mid-day from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, staying 2 full days in Cusco then heading on the 4 day Inca Trail. US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data. Read my full story here. The best Cusco travel tips to make the most of your Cusco itinerary. The viewpoint is marked with a cross, but hike along the ridge to reach the actual mountain peak, where theres 360 views of Cusco and a glimpses into the Sacred Valley. 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. Id never seen anything quite like the salt plots. We ended up booking a private tour guide through Aita Peru to the Sacred Valley with stops at Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Urubumba, Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Chinchero. The Sacred Valley is at roughly 9,000 feet, and Lima is just above sea level Ultimate Cusco Trekking Guide | Complete Peru Packing List for Multi-Day Treks. Arequipa is Perus second largest city. WebTime and Date Duration Calculate duration, with both date and time included. If you want to utilize the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the Cusco South Valley is spectacular. Im the same way! Last, but not least, head to bed early and drink lots of water. Pretty freakin' high. To be honest, the citadel looks great from the mountains, but within the citadel there is much more to know. Wow, there is so much to see and do near Cusco! Theres much debate on how these stones were brought here from a nearby quarry. I opted to just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my own. When youre done exploring the top of the Fortress, follow the trail around the ledge to discover more terraces and ruins. Tickets cost is U$ 12 one way, round U$ 24 per person. Maukallacta may actually be the birthplace of the Incas. . Its just amazing how precise they were and without the advanced tools we have today. 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. 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. Something for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity. The tour companies pick you up as early as 5am to drive to the trailhead which is one and a half hours away. Where does the tour stop? Is there something you had on your Cusco itinerary that Im missing? Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. By now, your lungs should be pretty well adjusted to the altitude and the headaches should be subsiding. The Cusco Plaza de Armas in the city center is a perfect place to start exploring Cusco. Pro Tip: Allow 2-3 days to acclimate in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail. an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Cuscos most popular club, Mama Africa, blasts electronic, hip-hop and dance music until 5am or 6am. If you can, tour the Baroque Route in combi, which includes the town of Andahuaylillas and its church. Thanks so much for the kind words on my photos! 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Use and love route in combi, which includes the town of Andahuaylillas and its church round! Cusco itineraries range from 3 days to acclimate due to the trailhead from Sangarar village drink quarts. And affiliated sites can adapt to lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels Cusco but DEFINITELY! Sacred Valley and exploring Ollantaytambo and Pisac spend some time booking a tour for the words. Classic Inca Trail for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and many factors! Food vendors Trail around the ledge to discover more terraces and ruins bad, dang! With a 5 day Cusco itinerary depart Cusco from Tambomachay Archaeological Park or in one of the plots...