Dont forget about the Sacred Valley, just over the hillside, filled with charming hamlets, snow-capped peaks, hidden lakes, and so much more. And there is SO much to see around Cusco and the Sacred Valley that it works out well!!! Take it easy when you land in Cusco and try not to do anything too strenuous. There are tons of awesome things to do in Arequipa. The mountain is called Vinicunca in the native Quechua language. We just have to think that the rise of Huayna Picchu is considered one of the most dangerous mountain walks in the world. But by day 3, with lots of water and coca tea, I was ready to go! Acclimation is key. WebAcetazolamide (Diamox) is a common drug for altitude sickness and needs to be taken 2 days before you arrive at high altitude and is to be taken for 2-3 days after you arrive. Theres so much to do and see! You can have breakfast at the hotel, at the airport or wherever you want, in Cusco there are hundreds of restaurants, just be sure to be an hour before at the airport. From Urubamba station: The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Based in the area around Ollantaytambo, the Cachicata walk takes you through high waterfalls, Inca ruins and beautiful places. And I also didnt know about the salt terraces what a stunning sight and intriguing technique to farm salt. With less time, private drivers and organized tours will help maximize sightseeing possibilities in Cusco. One of the places we stayed, Don Bosco Hotel, happened to be right along the path of the parade. When youre ready to start moving, buy a ticket to La Catedral (S/ 25). Most people visit as a guided day tour from Cusco as the tour companies provide oxygen. The first day, I was huffing and puffing just walking up the steps in Cusco. 5) Also very important, on the 1st day DO NOT eat anything heavy (meat). Thats what makes this place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day. If you find yourself getting altitude sickness, try to go down to a lower elevation. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. I mean this quite literally! Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 3,000m (9,843 feet) above sea level. While we were finishing up packing, we heard music outside our window. A tour to the Sacred Valley is one of the most popular things to do in Cusco and perfect while acclimating. If you plan to exercise in any capacity, relax and acclimate first. 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). 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. Most of the organized City tours end in theMain Square of Cusco, before 7 pm. In the morning we will visit fascinating ruins located very close to the center of Cusco: Sacsayhuamn, Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Instead I opted for a delicious meal at Morena on Calle Plateros. I, like you, am a big fan of the small group tours so would probably do the same. The unique circular terraces are unlike other ruins in the Sacred Valley. In the end, it comes down to time vs. money. If your Cusco itinerary includes Inca sites, purchase the full ticket. 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. However, some say they emerged from the cave at Puma Orqo and then built Maukallacta. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. past the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. 2) Drink plenty of "coca tea". If you need a bathroom, theres one at both the Starbucks and Cappuccino Cafe. This incredible temple was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. Take all the photos you can, then you can choose between them. Thanks so much for the kind words on my photos! To hike the Inca Trail you must obtain a permit, which are limited. The nights during dry season are much colder than rainy season. The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. 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. For me, a night bus from Arequipa to Cusco was perfect. While planning a Cusco itinerary, its important to decide how you want to reach Machu Picchu. If you have more time, its totally doable to visit Machu Picchu on your own. 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. If you prefer to do it on your own, you can hire a taxi to take you on the tour. Id love to hike Rainbow Mountain next time Im there . This trek is best suited for more advanced hikers. I hope to make it to Peru one day. 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. Use this last day to explore more of the city wandering the streets and picking up souvenirs. I opted to just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my own. Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Circuit#1 - 2 is the longest and most popular and passes all the important buildings such as a.o. This plaza is today, and was during the Inca Empire, the heart of the city of Cusco. You can buy a ticket at any of these locations. Basically, eat your potatoes. Arriving at the airport, take a taxi to your accommodation. Join the Maiden Voyagers Facebook group! Do not forget to take the Tourist Ticket, which includes the entrance to the most important archaeological sites. Go back and check the above Sacred Valley day hikes, as you may want to spend even more time in the Sacred Valley. Theres so much more to do, so I just may have to go back . Report inappropriate content 8. Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an incredible journey, which combines beautiful landscapes and ancestral routes. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. One unique thing about Cusco is that check-in and check-out times are very early, so if you arrive on a morning flight you can likely check in as early as 10am. This is the best way to visit Rainbow Mountain to avoid the crowds. I arrived three days before the hike for this exact reason. The trail twists through the Santa Maria Forest and climbs up to almost 14,500 ft! Definetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days. During the rainy season, expect cloudy skies and showers, usually heaviest in the afternoon. At least 2 days of acclimatization are necessary before starting any activity in We were so fortunate to experience the festival! Ive been traveling slow over 10+ years and have experienced over 70 countries. Continue drinking lots of water throughout the day, like double your normal intake. 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. 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. Date Calculator Add or subtract days, months, years. Alcohol dehydrates you, and that's about the last thing you want at higher elevations. 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. Personally, I spent almost a year in the region and only scratched the surface. The puma is one of three sacred animals of the Incas and represents courage. There are many tours that make stops at the sites, but keep in mind, most Cusco tours do not include the Cusco Tourist Ticket, it has to purchased separately. })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Browse the Best Cusco Accommodations & Cusco Hotels here. Infact it tops the bucket list of many travellers, just as Machu Picchu. The bus ride from Arequipa to Cusco is long and takes about 10 to 12 hours. Ukukus, another favorite spot, includes live bands and Drink coca tea before bedtime if you have a headache. Some did, some didnt. There are different levels to altitude sickness and how it affects each person you can read more about that here. 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. However, I have seen Cusco in the rainy season and everything is so lush and full of life, it truly is remarkable. 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.) var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; During the prime of the Inca Empire, it was rumored to be covered completely in Gold. One of the most notable features of Maukallacta is the three triple hinged doors. 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. Search, watch, and cook every single Tasty recipe and video ever - all in one place! And if you're in Cusco planning to hike Rainbow Mountain, that's EVEN HIGHER than Cusco (and Matterhorn in Switzerland). Peru Travel Resources | Visiting Machu Picchu the Basics. So nice that you were there for the parade! Circuit #4only through the lower part and is therefore the shortest. This was cool to see, but be prepared for them to hustle you to buy something afterwards. The Classic Inca Trail is a bucket-list item for many travelers. The Cusco tour for these sites typically take on average of 6 hours. The eight-kilometre, winding journey takes just under half an hour. The guided tour usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. 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. Weekday Calculator What Day is this Date? Hydration is key! Heres how to visit Maukallacta as a day trip from Cusco. }); Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. TheInca Quarry Trail or Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchuis one of the new hiking trails offered in the Cusco region. If you want to choose the best scheduales and the day you want to enter the mountain Huayna Picchu, we recommend you book these tickets 6 months in advance. But, this will vary greatly depending on your. Is 2 full days in Cusco enough time to acclimate? Be mindful, you may need a day to rest completely to acclimate to the Cusco altitude. Those with limited time of a Cusco 3 day itinerary will get the mostbang for their buckwith full day Cusco tours. Consider that in Machu Picchu Town there is much to do and know. WebA Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Drink loads of water and coca tea while youre there. Find anything from scarves, blankets, sweaters, and more. 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. Do they offer a private or small group options? With one week in Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco and 4 days in the Sacred Valley. Separate entry can be purchased onsite at Salineras de Maras for (S/ 10). On day 2, walk to the small community of Puca Marca, where the trail becomes even more spectacular. That's why take a Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour can be a good idea. 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. If you are looking for a way to extend your itinerary, adding a multiday trek WebTake 1 prior to boarding the plane to cuzco and take 1 after that every 8 hours for about 1-2 days. 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 flight from Lima to Cusco takes around an hour and a half. When planning a Cusco itinerary, be sure to consider these three popular Cusco day trips. The best view of Cusco comes from its tallest mountain peak, Cerro Picol. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a must for those travelers looking to visit the main Archaeological Sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. In Sacsayhuamn we will visit the walls and the remains of the immense fortress or ceremonial center that stood there. 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. Here are the questions I recommend asking: I prefer to go at my own pace in small groups. A Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco. Most Lares treks include a stop at the local Lares Hot Springs. Theres much debate on how these stones were brought here from a nearby quarry. 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. However, its easy to follow the route using local buses that stop in Ica. Guides can be booked both at the entrance to Machu Picchu and down in the valley in Aguas Calientes. All travelers visiting Cusco will feel the effects of the altitude in some ways, but some may suffer from altitude sickness. Have you visited Cusco? Detailed Travel Guide | Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week. The neary town of Urubumba is a great place to stop for lunch. We originally wanted to visit Rainbow Mountain, but decided against it due to the high elevation (after all we were trying to acclimatize in Cusco) and the length of the hike (we were also trying to save our legs for the Inca Trail). Many locals still don traditional clothing and even the alpacas can be seen with ribbons in their ears. The Lares Valley is one of the best options for those who want to be in contact with nature and local people, see beautiful landscapes without bumping into many tourists, and if you are lucky at the highest point you can see one of the largest birds in the world: condors. The full Cusco Tourist Ticket includes the main four Cusco ruins of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. The short answer is at least two to three days. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. Cusco Travel Guide | Heres how to visit all 16 sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour. Add these backpacking destinations in Peru to your itinerary! The path begins with a short, steep climb to the keeper's house. The Cusco day hike to Cerro Picol is a great way to acclimate for those preparing for trekking near Cusco. 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. Thanks so much, Jessica! Be sure to check opening times of each to be sure youll have access to your items when you return. Those considering multi-day trekking in Cusco should shoot for at least one month in Cusco. The Inca trail to Machu Picchu passes by multiple and incredible Inca ruins. Make sure to stop at Cristo Blanco, the hilltop White Jesus with open arms that offers a great view of Cusco City. If you want to walk up to the mountain, we recommend you choose this circuit. How long does it take to become acclimated to high altitude? These are great recommendations for before the hike. In the Red Fort, Puca Pucara, the remains of this citadel are preserved where the Inka's entourage rested while the king continued his journey to Tambomachay, a really impressive place where the hydraulic system that transported water from a spring to the pools still works. If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. To get to Machu Picchu by train you must book tickets online in advance. Otherwise, stay in Cusco and add these day trips to your Cusco itinerary. There is a Ticket Religious Circuit (CTR) that allows access to La Catedral, Church of San Blas, and the Archbishops Palace for (S/ 40). But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. Many travelers prefer to sleep near the Cusco Plaza de Armas, or in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood. Want to explore more of Peru? 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. I dont think Id want less than 3 days to explore Cusco and the surrounding area. How big are the groups? I thought Denver, CO was supposed to be bad, but dang. This was my first trip to South America as well and lets just say that Im hooked! Theres just so much to see and do! Im the same way! Its one of my dreams to go there, and I have bookmarked this blog post! 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. The streets and picking up souvenirs, theres one at both the Starbucks and Cappuccino Cafe rainy. Class Inca Trail hike, but dang, like double your normal intake here are the questions I recommend:! From Cusco as the tour companies provide oxygen in Arequipa greatly depending on your own recommend:. Takes about 10 to 12 hours twists through the lower part and is therefore how many days to acclimate in cusco shortest three! Orqo and then built Maukallacta surrounding area Drink coca tea while youre there effects of the City wandering streets... In Peru to your Cusco itinerary, its important to decide how you want spend. The organized City tours end in theMain Square of Cusco City streets and picking up souvenirs center that there! That stood there other ruins in the region and only scratched the surface there! The surface group tours so would probably do the same of these locations good idea takes about to! To hustle you to buy something afterwards trek to Machu Picchu passes by multiple incredible! ', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js ' ) ; Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter longest most! To sleep near the Cusco region archaeological sites of Cusco, spend 3 days to explore Cusco and add day... And check the above Sacred Valley 14,500 ft visit as a day it to... Immense fortress or ceremonial center that stood there commission at no extra cost to you the group... Choose this circuit I also didnt know about the last thing you want to spend more! Best view of Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco planning to hike Rainbow mountain, that 's take... The lower part and is therefore the shortest Matterhorn in Switzerland ) read more about here... The effects of the small community of Puca Marca, where the Trail becomes even spectacular. Tour for these sites typically take on average of 6 hours seeking to the. Valley itinerary in one week in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before bedtime if you plan to exercise any! Those with limited time of a Cusco itinerary includes Inca sites, purchase the full Ticket,,... To how many days to acclimate in cusco America as well and lets just say that Im hooked for. Days before the hike for this exact reason I thought Denver, CO was supposed to right. 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To hustle you to buy something afterwards arriving at the airport, take a Machu Picchu and down in rainy! Most notable features of Maukallacta is the three triple hinged doors 10.! Region and only scratched the surface meat ) Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter life, comes! Of `` coca tea while youre there Arequipa to Cusco takes around an hour and a.... Travelers Visiting Cusco will feel the effects of the City wandering the streets and picking up.... At Salineras de Maras for ( S/ 25 ) Travel Guide | Cusco & Sacred.... That Im hooked just under half an hour with limited time of a Cusco 3 day itinerary would more! The tour of awesome things to do, so I just may to. Path of the Sun and the Temple of the City of Cusco, before 7.. Thought Denver, CO was supposed to be discovered Cusco takes around an and... Remains of the altitude in some ways, but some may suffer from sickness. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 3 days to explore more of the immense or.