Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, dont expect to visit Inca ruins, rather appreciate the tranquility of the Lares Valley and all the creatures and people that inhibit it. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other If you need a bathroom, theres one at both the Starbucks and Cappuccino Cafe. The site is nestled in the scenic Apurmac River Valley, making Waqrapukara unforgettable. Maybe go out your last night in Cusco, but don't go crazy when you arrive. Cusco Peru Elevation. There is a Ticket Religious Circuit (CTR) that allows access to La Catedral, Church of San Blas, and the Archbishops Palace for (S/ 40). So here are some tips on how to avoid or help with high elevation. The good news is that theres plenty of things to do in Cusco while acclimating that wont take a toll on your legs and lungs before the hike! Remember, if utilizing the buses, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude changes. You will see incredible landscapes on that old path. 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. Ok here's the thing: Machu Picchu is actually at a LOWER altitude than Cusco. What did you include on your Cusco itinerary? Basically, you do NOT want to get altitude sickness. 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. From Arequipa, multiple bus companies depart from the Arequipa Terminal Terrestre to Cusco. There are only two time 7:00am and 8:00am, Circuit #4: This circuit is most popular and we recommend you to book in advance. 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. Have a great time on the trail! Afterwards, stroll up to San Blas neighborhood and wander the cobble stone streets. When youre done exploring the top of the Fortress, follow the trail around the ledge to discover more terraces and ruins. Thank you! I do hope you get the experience someday its truly magical. 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 The bus ride from Arequipa to Cusco is long and takes about 10 to 12 hours. WebTake 1 prior to boarding the plane to cuzco and take 1 after that every 8 hours for about 1-2 days. Altitude sickness is no joke and the best thing to do is rest and drink tons of water. To hike the Inca Trail you must obtain a permit, which are limited. 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. . }); Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter. As a New Yorker who went from 33 ft above sea level to 11,200 ft above sea level, it's a miracle I survived Cusco illness-free. 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. Cusco is about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo only 32 kilometers. Booking.com The real treasures of the Ausangate trek is spending quality time in the vastness of the Andes Mountains. Symptoms may be mild to rather extreme. past the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. Inside La Catedral, there are tour guides available. If you prefer to do it on your own, you can hire a taxi to take you on the tour. The full Cusco Tourist Ticket includes the main four Cusco ruins of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Is there something you had on your Cusco itinerary that Im missing? The trek is typically 5 days and includes a stop at the famous Laguna Humantay before hiking the Salkantay pass. On day 2 I had a really bad headache all day. In the main tourist spots and popular Cusco restaurants you will likely hear English spoken. 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). Across the way is the Rumicolca Gate, the once grand entrance to the Imperial City of Cusco. There's over 3,000 varieties of them in Per. According to Cleveland Clinic, age, sex and general health do not seem to make a difference in risk for altitude sickness. Popular villages to sleep in the Sacred Valley are Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. 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. A tour to the Sacred Valley is one of the most popular things to do in Cusco and perfect while acclimating. Someday i shall travel there and pose in those beautiful dresses! Follow this street by foot past Plaza San Francisco. You can also visit very little known archeological centers such as Inkatambo and Huamanmarca along the way you can appreciate the ecological diversity that Machu Picchu has. Fromepic hikes around the worldto adventures closer to my home inMinnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! 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. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and But, this will vary greatly depending on your. Try to also book a tour that visits the Maras Salt Mines and one that highlights the beautiful Chinchero weavers. Fantastic photos. Pro Tip: Verify the check-in time where youre staying. I hope to make it to Peru one day. Most offer this for free in the lobby area. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. Report inappropriate content 8. If you feel more comfortable, use the handy public bus system or collectivos to go to and from Cusco. You can find it at most pharmacies. The neary town of Urubumba is a great place to stop for lunch. an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thats good because tomorrow youll be at higher altitude! Both trekking and non-trekking Machu Picchu itineraries are viable. Hi! Since you have the Cusco Tourist ticket, you could stop by some of the Cusco museums that are included on the ticket. When youre ready to start moving, buy a ticket to La Catedral (S/ 25). Cusco tours can be found in Spanish, English, French, German, and so many more languages. Theres so much more to do, so I just may have to go back . in your suitcase and leave it at your hotel, hostel or tour company office. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How long does it take to acclimatize in Cusco to do trekking or other activities? Despite the short distance, the price from Ollantaytambo is hardly cheaper and starts at around U$ 65 US dollars. 3) Drink lots of water because you may become dehydrated. For those who have more time in Cusco, make sure to check out my recommended multi-day treks from Cusco. Free Walking Peru (The Blue Team) is boasts an awesome Cusco free walking tour. Thats what makes this place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day. Or considering it, I assume. The mountain is called Vinicunca in the native Quechua language. The trail passes by Inca terraces until it finally reaches the towering gates of Huchuy Qosqo. With so much to see and do in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming. Select. Dont leave them unattended and if using buses, keep them on your lap not on the floor of your legs. 5) Also very important, on the 1st day DO NOT eat anything heavy (meat). Here are some other tips to keep in mind when deciding how many days you need for a complete visit to Machu Picchu. Your body needs time to acclimate due to the oxygen deprivation. Laguna Humantay is another popular and full day trip from Cusco. The Choquequirao trek can be hiked without a guide, or there is an option to utilize a local guide and donkey at the trailhead. Pro Tip: Allow 2-3 days to acclimate in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail. One day is simply not enough time to explore this massive site. Don't push it. Walk for 4 days to enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu. After booking Machu Picchu tickets, the next thing is to book train tickets, then you can worry about plane tickets, hotels and guides. Next door is another station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur. Trekking Cusco | Best Multi-Day Treks Near Cusco Peru, Find the Best Cusco Itinerary & Awesome Things to Do in Cusco Peru, Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek without a tour, Heres how to visit all 16 sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour, Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike with Raqaypata Ruins, View & Download my Choquequirao Trek Map 4 Days, View & Download my Waqrapukara Trek in 2 Days, View & Download my Ausangate Trek Map with Rainbow Mountain, Browse the best places to stay in Pisac Sacred Valley, Sleep in the underrated village of Urubamba Peru, Find the best places to stay in Ollantaytambo Peru, The 6+ Best Things to Do in Kazbegi Georgia, 18 of the Best Arequipa Restaurants | Where to Eat & Drink in Perus White City + Food Tours, Las Arenas de Cabrales Asturias Travel Guide & 7 Worthwhile Things to See in the Picos de Europa Asturias, The Breathtaking Quilotoa Loop in 3 Days | One of the Best Hikes in Ecuador, Waqrapukara | The Most Incredible Inca Site Youve Never Heard of | 2 Day Trek, 43 Spectacular Things to Do in Cusco & Complete Cusco Travel Guide (2023), The Absolute Best Things to Do in Cusco Peru, The Complete Oaxaca Itinerary for 3 Days to 2 Weeks, Game-Changing Camino de Santiago Tips for First Time Pilgrims, A Taste of the Picos de Europa National Park in Northern Spain, Due to the health crisis, you must pre-register for this tour, Roll up your sleeves and take a Cusco cooking class, If you are loving the Inca sites, this half day adventure hike stops by, Explore a Cusco Tour to Rainbow Mountain or Laguna Humantay if you havent yet, There are not one, but two of the top Flashpacker Hostels (Selina) in Cusco |. 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Cusco is about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu is actually at a LOWER altitude Cusco. Take you on the tour the price from Ollantaytambo is hardly cheaper and at! Altitude, and so many more languages multi-day treks from Cusco other activities time!