If you are considering visiting Cusco, Peru, you will be amazed by the richness and tranquility of this city nestled in the mountains.
"Where do I begin?" is a question many
tourists are faced with as they struggle to organize all activities
within their travel dates to Peru.
From the experience of a former tourist and current local, here are a
few tips about what to expect, see, and do during your visit.
Upon arriving in Cusco, it's best to take a taxi inside the
airport/terminal that has a checkerboard symbol or green stripe on its
sides, as these represent the taxis that are authorized by the city.
Once you arrive at your hotel/sleeping quarters, give yourself time to get acclimatized to the Cusco altitude. |
Upon arriving in Cusco, it's best to take a taxi inside the
airport/terminal that has a checkerboard symbol or green stripe on its
sides, as these represent the taxis that are authorized by the city.
Once you arrive at your hotel/sleeping quarters, give yourself time to
get acclimatized to the Cusco altitude.
Drink lots of liquids, preferably coca tea, which you
can find at most hotels and restaurants in the many areas of Peru.
In addition, get lots of rest
and keep activity to a minimum for the next few days.
During your first days, spend time in the Plaza de Armas, the main square, just soaking up the view of Peru's mountain life and the slight hustle and bustle of the locals.
In addition, set aside time to visit the main avenue in Cusco, Avenida El Sol.
This street is full of tourist shops where one can develop film, buy Peru postcards, withdraw money, and pick up souvenirs.
For artisanal souvenirs, visit the Handicraft
Center Cusco, located
across from the waterfall fountain on Avenida El Sol.
This is Cusco, Peru's
largest shopping center for colorful, diverse items!
In addition, for those needing to pick up a Peru guide, the SBS
bookstore is located nearby on the same street (Avenida El Sol
864, Cuzco, Peru).
This bookstore has the largest collection of books in English,
including dictionaries, guides, history books, and books
about Peru.
With regards to sightseeing, many tourists enjoy
taking a local tranvia bus to
explore the city.
While this may be considered a tour of Cusco, the actual City Tour is a different activity that allows you to spend a few hours visiting nearby Inca ruins, monolithic reminders of Peru's past rulers.
In order to participate in the
City Tour you will
need to purchase a Boleto Turistico,
which will permit entrance into the ruins.
This ticket can be purchased at the Municipalidad del Cusco located on Avenida El Sol 103, Cuzco, Peru (it will be the first office on the left).
The general Boleto Turistico costs 130 soles and permits entrance into 16 different attractions:
All 16 Attractions: S/130.00 soles
(For students with a valid ID (e.g. a clear expiration date), the cost of the general boleto is 70 soles.) |
||
Sacsayhuaman | Tipon | Pisaq (Pisac) |
Qenko (Qenqo) | Pikillacta | Ollantaytambo |
Puka
Pukara (Puca Pucara) |
Museo de Qoricancha (Koricancha) | Chinchero |
Tambomachay | Monumento Inca Pachacutec | Moray |
Museo Historico Regional | Centro de Arte Nativo | Museo de Arte Contemporaneo |
Museo de Arte Popular | (clicking
the links
takes you to more Inside-Peru pages or TripAdvisor reviews for these
locations) |
If you are interested in a Partial Boleto Turistico,
the cost
for all
tourists is 70 soles. There are three different partial tickets that
permit entrance
into limited places:
Partial
Boleto Turistico 1 S/70.00 soles |
Partial
Boleto Turistico 2 S/70.00 soles |
Partial
Boleto Turistico 3 S/70.00 soles |
Sacsayhuaman | Tipon | Pisaq (Pisac) |
Qenko (Qenqo) | Pikillacta | Ollantaytambo |
Puka Pukara (Puca Pucara) | Museo de Qoricancha (Koricancha) | Chinchero |
Tambomachay | Monumento Inca Pachacutec | Moray |
Centro de Arte Nativo | ||
Museo de Arte Popular | ||
Museo Historico Regional | ||
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo |
Thus, the Boleto Turistico, offered by Peru's tourism department, is necessary to gain entrance into the Inca ruins around the city, participate in the full day Sacred Valley Tour, or visit local museums and monuments, all of which can be done within the first few days.
After acclimatizing for two to three days, you may
want to consider more adventurous tours such as:
These tours allow you to spend days trekking with
the opportunity to finish at world-famous Machu Picchu.
As you sightsee around the city or participate in
tours, you will have multiple opportunities to try the Peruvian
cuisine.
A well-known restaurant for cuy
and other traditional dishes is Quinta
Eulalia, located on Choqechaka St. 384, Cuzco, Peru.
In addition, for those interested in "authentic Peruvian pizza," there is a small pizzeria on the same street, Pizzeria Dinos (Choqechaka 278 B, Cuzco, Peru), which prepares pizzas in a homemade wood-burning oven. So, as they say in Peru, provecho! (Translation: Enjoy your meal)!
During your spare time in Cusco, take advantage of
the opportunities to go dancing around the Plaza de Armas.
The "discotecas"
have a variety of music,
such as salsa, regetton, rock, electronics, and maybe even some music
of Peru.
One of the more popular discotecas, Mythology, even offers free salsa lessons every night from 9pm-11pm. So get your dancing shoes on and visit this hopping place located at the corner of the Plaza de Armas and Calle Suecia!
Additionally, if you have not purchased souvenirs during your tours, spend some time shopping at the local artisan shops (e.g. Handicraft Center Cusco). You will find a variety of Peruvian materials, such as alpaca and llama, and remember, always compare prices before making a purchase!
While these are just a few suggestions about how to spend your time
in Cusco, Peru, please remember, above all, to be safe, keep an open
mind, and enjoy each moment in this amazing city!
Contributed by Inside-Peru's Associate Writer Michelle Dinos
Getting plenty of rest is important in Cusco's high altitude. Check out the variety of comfortable hotels |
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