Cusco is considered the oldest urban settlement in America, located southeast of Peru in the central zone, is known as the capital of the Inca Empire. The city of Cusco was declared Patrimony of the Humanity in 1983 by the UNESCO thanks to the numerous monuments that it has, mainly by one of the Wonders of the Modern World: Machu Picchu, being at the moment the greater tourist center of Peru.
HOW TO GET HERE – To get to the city of the Incas, you can take a plane or bus from almost every city in Peru.
CLIMATE – Cusco has 2 marked stations:
Rainy Season: From November to March, with temperatures between 26°C and 04°C. Pack waterproof clothing, windbreaker jacket, sunscreen, lip balm, mosquito repellent and shoes that are safe for walking in wet and slippery areas, Cusco has places where the floor is made of stone and when wet it is usually slippery.
Dry Season: From April to October, with temperatures between 19°C and -3°C. / Pack warm clothes, windbreaker jacket, sunscreen, lip balm, mosquito repellent, hat and shoes that are comfortable for walking.
ALTITUDE – Many people are afraid to visit Cusco because of its altitude, it is located approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness or as the locals say: Soroche. The most common symptoms are insomnia, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, nosebleeds, lack of appetite, tingling, vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, difficulty breathing and a general malaise.
Consider that not all people are equal and that each body is different, there are people who feel bad and others who do not get to feel anything. When you arrive to Cusco, it is advisable to take the first days with tranquility, walk around the city, visit the craft markets and the different museums that there are. If you are planning a trek, take at least 2-3 days in Cusco before the start of your adventure. For altitude sickness, it is very popular to drink coca tea, which is made from the leaves of the coca plant and can be found anywhere in Cusco (and Peru); you can also find coca candy. It is said to be similar to having a cup of coffee, but that it not only gives you energy but also fights Soroche.
WHERE TO BUY SOUVENIRS – You can find many places to buy souvenirs and handcrafted products, all over Cusco, markets, fairs, shopping malls and even on visits to tourist sites, literally, you can find a store in every corner of Cusco’s Historic Center. The most popular places in Cusco are the San Pedro Market, San Blas Market and the Mercado Artesanal of Cusco.
PLACES TO VISIT IN CUSCO – Cusco has an infinite number of places to visit, it all depends on what type of activity you like and are looking to do. There are places that you can get to know in different ways, by car, walking, mountain bike, horseback riding, motorcycle, ATVs… As well as adventure sports such as rafting, canyoning, paragliding, bungee jumping, among others.
This is a list of the most popular places to visit in Cusco:
- Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley
- Maras and Moray
- South Valley
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
- Ausangate
- Q’ueswachaka Inca Bridge
- Huchuy Qosqo
- Salkantay
- Manu National Park
Among many others!
Have an unforgettable vacation in Cusco! Choose your favorite place and activity and start the adventure!
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