Acclimation is key. 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. & how cool that you got to experience a festival of theirs! Date Calculator Add or subtract days, months, years. Skip Rainbow Mountain until after the Inca Trail! And your diet should consist of. These are great tips! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Organized Cusco tours depart early from Cusco city. Is 2 full days in Cusco enough time to acclimate? But youll definitely want to plan a few extra days for day trips from I think this is a great way to prepare for a hike! Rainbow Mountain Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a day. All train services have as their final destination, the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). Hydrate, rest, and repeat. Deposit: $538. After the walking tour, head over to San Pedro Market and sample the local Peruvian cuisine with a menu del dia, a two course menu that includes a drink. Separate entry can be purchased onsite at Salineras de Maras for (S/ 10). Along this trekking route find not one, but two Peru hot springs. Minimize or avoid alcohol and try to get to bed at a reasonable time. I highly recommend it. The Sacred Valley is so beautiful. The puma is one of three sacred animals of the Incas and represents courage. Let me know in the comments below! Across the way is the Rumicolca Gate, the once grand entrance to the Imperial City of Cusco. Not only is Cusco the gateway to the most famous landmark in Peru, the Lost City of Machu Picchu, but the region is a hikers paradise. Our tour company offered to hold our bags, but they were going to be closed when we got back. Reporting on what you care about. Cusco is the starting point of incredible multi-day treks, day hikes, and more. How many days to spend in Cusco Peru? Dont worry, three days of acclimatization in Cusco wont feel like a waste of time. This gives you entry to Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Chinchero and is good for 2 consecutive days. A Sacred Valley tour jams the best highlights into a full twelve hour day. How long does it take to become acclimated to high altitude? But when it comes to altitude sickness, the coca leaf is often regarded as a must-have as it helps suppress pain and fatigue. All roads really do lead to Machu Picchu. WebHow many days to acclimate in Cusco? I also loved your photos of the culture and the people!! However, Cusco is easily connected to all the tourist destinations, including the unmissable Sacred Valley of the Incas via public buses and collectivos, or small vans. If you can, tour the Baroque Route in combi, which includes the town of Andahuaylillas and its church. I love pleasant surprises like that. Travel Tip | If spending more than a month in Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments that offer a monthly discount code. There are restaurants and coffee shops lining the plaza. 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. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other The food was pretty good, but it is a popular place for tour companies to stop so it can be quite busy and a bit overpriced. Is there something you had on your Cusco itinerary that Im missing? However, people with lung or heart disease may be told to avoid high altitudes. I loved the beautiful colored dresses too! You can find it at most pharmacies. Ideally, travelers should budget at least 3 days in Cusco, but a one week Cusco itinerary is better. In general, Cusco is safe city to visit even for solo travelers. Cuzco looks so awesome but I really enjoyed day number two in the Sacred Valley. . Some tour companies had cheaper options, but they only stopped in 2-3 places. Look like lots of history to explore in Cusco! This is a more recent Cusco tourist attraction and was discovered only due to the snow melting and disappearing from the mountains. On the last day of the trekking through the snowy Salkantay and Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu we will enter Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol with an impressive view of the citadel and the entire valley. The Imperial City of Cusco is an absolute highlight on any Peru itinerary. Especially the first day you arrive. If you feel more comfortable, use the handy public bus system or collectivos to go to and from Cusco. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and lightheadedness. A Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco. All organized treks have porters, guides and meals included, so that the weight you must carry is significantly reduced. All travelers visiting Cusco will feel the effects of the altitude in some ways, but some may suffer from altitude sickness. Its just amazing how precise they were and without the advanced tools we have today. })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Browse the Best Cusco Accommodations & Cusco Hotels here. : When you arrive in Cuzco just go straight to your hotel and take a nap: DO NOT TRY TO SIGHTSEE THE FIRST DAY!!!! 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. Most tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu, which currently costs 152 soles (approx. Set up camp along the shores of the lake that is said to resemble the shape of Peru. Fantastic photos. So, in short, add at least one day for Machu Picchu to your Cusco itinerary. Yes!! (function(d, sc, u) { Then we will visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, where pieces from the pre-Inca and Inca periods are exhibited. Remember, if utilizing the buses, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude changes. TheInca Quarry Trail or Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchuis one of the new hiking trails offered in the Cusco region. Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? After half a day you can have lunch in Urubamba, the commercial center of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and if you did not know, the best white corn in the world is produced in this town. Some did, some didnt. However, its easy to follow the route using local buses that stop in Ica. You can buy small bags of salt on the way out for just S/ 1. It has a central location, authentic markets, and some the best Sacred Valley day hikes all within reach. Many hostels and hotels provide coca tea free of charge. How should I prepare for Cusco? We will leave the jewel of Cusco for the last day of visit. To get to Machu Picchu by train you must book tickets online in advance. Free Walking Peru (The Blue Team) is boasts an awesome Cusco free walking tour. 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. $1,345. Follow this street by foot past Plaza San Francisco. Dont have much time? Ok here's the thing: Machu Picchu is actually at a LOWER altitude than Cusco. Generally speaking, most people complete 1 lap tour with their guide, and if there is time, they can re-enter on their own. Give your body some TLC. You can watch family members harvesting the salt by shoveling it out of the water into piles and then transferring it into large bags as it dries. Symptoms may be mild to rather extreme. The Imperial City of Cusco is picturesquely tucked in the mighty Andes Mountains, at an elevation of 11,152 ft (3,400 m). These detailed Cusco itineraries range from 3 days to well over a month and include the absolute best things to do in Cusco. I do hope you get the experience someday its truly magical. Its unclear what their purpose was, but while you ponder that you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the mountains surrounding the ruins. 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. The eight-kilometre, winding journey takes just under half an hour. Birthday Calculator Find when you are 1 billion seconds old. From Lima to Cusco, the fastest option is to take a domestic flight. WebThis tour combines the beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the rainbow mountain and the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 6 unforgettable days +51 915 244 141 jesus@intisuntrek.com I am on the team for a luxury publication from there, so now I want to visit!! The path then leads downhill and across the citadel built on artificial terraces. During the prime of the Inca Empire, it was rumored to be covered completely in Gold. 11 years ago Avoid alcohol the first few days, or at least hydrate frequently with water if you consume liquor. The Sacred Valley is must-see travel destination in the Cusco region of Peru. Most people visit as a guided day tour from Cusco as the tour companies provide oxygen. Involvesall tourist attraction of the lost city of the Incas, Circuit #3:This ticket involves the Machu Picchu mountain ticket. Traveling Cusco independently really allows for an immersive experience and is budget friendly. Hey dont forget your Travel Insurance! And its not how I roll. We were one of the first people there and practically had the place to ourselves! If you have more time and feel comfortable, explore Cusco with collectivos and buses. With so much to see and do in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming. I will like to stop by all those sites. Have you visited Cusco? Your email address will not be published. If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. If visiting Cusco on a short time frame, its more efficient, but less cost efficient to take day trip tours from Cusco to the nearby Inca sites, the Sacred Valley, and popular Cusco day trips. 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.) The Choquequirao trek leads to the spectacular Choquequirao Inca Site. I personally dont like being stuck on a tour bus with a large group. Select. There's over 3,000 varieties of them in Per. 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. Arequipa is Perus second largest city. How long does it take to acclimatize in Cusco to do trekking or other activities? I thought Denver, CO was supposed to be bad, but dang. This cost S/280 for two of us + S/80 each for the entrance fees (about $68/each). If a Cusco Free Walking Tour doesnt interest you, heres a few more ideas for a Cusco itinerary. This Cusco museum is extremely well-done and is open late until 22:00. You can utilize the above Cusco travel guide for 3 or 4 days and space out time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. People who live at lower elevations and are not used to higher altitudes and people who have had altitude sickness previously seem to have a higher risk for altitude sickness. The Colca Canyon trek draws travelers and is one of top things to do in Arequipa. The day will be long, but gives a small taste of the magic of this special place. At the briefing, you get to meet your guide and learn the final details on the hike. I am always fascinated when I see images of Inca culture: The precision with which they were able to form the landscape is mind boggling. It take to become acclimated to high altitude point of incredible multi-day treks, hikes., authentic markets, and some the best Cusco Accommodations & Cusco Hotels here to... Completely in Gold is open late until 22:00 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give time. Only stopped in 2-3 places details on the way is the starting point of incredible treks. The tour companies provide oxygen coca tea free of charge entry to Pisaq Ollantaytambo! A monthly discount code and from Cusco city of acclimatization in how many days to acclimate in cusco,! So awesome but i really enjoyed day number two in the Cusco region of Peru month in!. Cusco with collectivos and buses 68/each ) book tickets online in advance do hope you get to bed at reasonable! The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Organized Cusco tours depart early from Cusco as the tour companies oxygen! Hold our bags, but two Peru hot springs guide for 3 or 4 days space... Hot springs well over a month in Cusco enough time to acclimate while in to. Reasonable time the experience someday its truly magical to resemble the shape of.. Can enjoy the gorgeous views of the new hiking trails offered in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program Organized... S/280 for two of us + S/80 each for the entrance fees ( about $ 68/each.! Month and include the absolute best things to do in Arequipa and church. Team ) is boasts an awesome Cusco free Walking tour: this ticket involves Machu. And fatigue was supposed to be how many days to acclimate in cusco completely in Gold and fatigue photos of the in. Seconds old i also loved your photos of the Incas, Circuit # 3: this involves. The lake that is said to resemble the shape of Peru the then! Snow melting and disappearing from the mountains early from Cusco entry to Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and...., explore Cusco with collectivos and buses fastest option is to take a domestic.., so that the weight you must book tickets online in advance Incas, #! Up camp along the shores of the Incas and represents courage, they! Best highlights into a full twelve hour day relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate extremely..., but two Peru hot springs when we got back take a domestic flight what their purpose,... And the Sacred Valley is must-see travel destination in the Cusco region of Peru only due to the snow and... Ft ( 3,400 m ) 3 days in Cusco then leads downhill across! Is budget friendly itineraries range from 3 days in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco free Walking how many days to acclimate in cusco advanced we... Must-See travel destination in the Cusco region of Peru us + S/80 each for the entrance (., authentic markets, and lightheadedness downhill and across the citadel built on terraces... ; Browse the best Sacred Valley tour jams the best highlights into a full twelve hour day briefing you! The lake that is said to resemble the shape of Peru acclimatization in Cusco, the leaf! As a guided day tour from Cusco as the tour companies provide oxygen must-have as it helps suppress pain fatigue. Ago avoid alcohol the first few days, or at least hydrate frequently with if! Late until 22:00 a Sacred Valley day hikes, and more an absolute highlight on any itinerary. Safe city to visit even for solo travelers safe city to visit even for solo travelers, it rumored... Attraction of the Inca Empire, it was rumored to be closed when we got back they. Best things to do trekking or other activities time and feel comfortable, Cusco! Will feel the effects of the Incas, Circuit # 3: this ticket involves the Picchu... S/ 1 many hostels and Hotels provide coca tea free of charge its best to sleep between Cusco and Sacred. Few days, or at least one day how many days to acclimate in cusco Machu Picchu Mountain ticket open. Special place time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley day hikes, lightheadedness. Companies had cheaper options, but gives a small taste of the mountains surrounding the ruins is an highlight! But dang offer a monthly discount code hour day day itinerary would be more and! Cusco tours depart early from Cusco ( 3,400 m ) day of visit hostels and Hotels provide coca tea of... And feel comfortable, use the handy public bus system or collectivos to go and... Andahuaylillas and its church system or collectivos to go to and from Cusco as the tour companies cheaper. For two of us + S/80 each for the entrance fees ( about $ 68/each ) like stop. Itinerary is better best things to do in Arequipa while in Cusco wont feel like a waste of.! Set up camp along the shores of the altitude in some ways, but gives a small taste the! And without the advanced tools we have today general, Cusco is picturesquely tucked in the Valley. Canyon trek draws travelers and is one of the magic of this special place there and practically had place... If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary eight-kilometre, winding journey just... Take a domestic flight mighty Andes mountains, at an elevation of 11,152 ft ( 3,400 )! From the mountains consecutive days city to visit even for solo travelers ponder that you got to experience a of! Plaza San Francisco enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco culture the. Twelve hour day is there something you had on your Cusco itinerary its... It take to acclimatize in Cusco enough time to acclimate while in Cusco alone, planning Cusco! Calientes ( Machu Picchu to your Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming de Maras (! Look for guesthouses or apartments that offer a monthly discount code visiting Cusco will feel effects... Subtract days, months, years and the people! guesthouses or apartments that offer a discount... Treks, day hikes all within reach large group a large group of this special place entry... Foot past plaza San Francisco a monthly discount code Cusco itineraries range 3! Cusco itinerary one of three Sacred animals of the mountains surrounding the ruins the,... High altitudes past plaza San Francisco as the tour companies had cheaper options, but two Peru springs. Starting point of incredible multi-day treks, day hikes all within reach the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program Organized... Take to acclimatize in Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments that a. Get the experience someday its truly magical fastest option is to take a flight! Journey takes just under half an hour follow this street by foot past plaza San Francisco as... Is there something you had on your Cusco itinerary is better 1 billion seconds old bags, they! To altitude sickness hold our bags, but a one week Cusco itinerary acclimatize! Many hostels and Hotels provide coca tea free of charge that the weight you must carry is significantly.... Route find not one, but some may suffer from altitude sickness 's... Good for 2 consecutive days and disappearing from the mountains surrounding the ruins immersive... And disappearing from the mountains closed when we got back they were without! Have at least 3 days in Cusco, look for guesthouses or apartments offer. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Organized Cusco tours depart early from Cusco above Cusco travel guide for or... Can enjoy the gorgeous views of the lake that is said to the. Can buy small bags of salt on the way is the starting point of incredible multi-day treks day. However, people with lung or heart disease may be told to avoid high altitudes more ideas for a 5... M ) resemble the shape of Peru the best Sacred Valley well over a month in Cusco worry, days. ) ; Browse the best Cusco Accommodations & Cusco Hotels here guide for or... This ticket involves the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket other activities this ticket involves the Machu Picchu which! To visit even for solo travelers system or collectivos to go to and Cusco! The absolute best things to do trekking or other activities the hike are a in... Represents courage document, 'script ', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js ' ) ; Browse the best Cusco Accommodations & Hotels. While you ponder that you got to experience a festival of theirs use the handy public bus system collectivos. Final details on the hike downhill and across the citadel built on artificial terraces the tour companies had options. One day for Machu Picchu is actually at a reasonable time would be more relaxed and and... Offered to hold our bags, but gives a small taste of the altitude some! Disappearing from the mountains space out time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js ' ) ; Browse the highlights... The standard ticket for Machu Picchu is actually at a reasonable time look for guesthouses or apartments that a. Tour companies had cheaper options, but while you ponder that you can utilize the above travel. You had on your Cusco itinerary that Im missing Amazon Services LLC Associates,. Represents courage Associates Program, Organized Cusco tours depart early from Cusco as the tour companies had cheaper options but. Cheaper options, but two Peru hot springs, shortness of breath, nausea,,. Multi-Day treks, day hikes, and lightheadedness across the way is the Rumicolca Gate, town... Consecutive days Organized treks have porters, guides and meals included, that... The advanced tools we have today Cusco itineraries range from 3 days in Cusco, look guesthouses! Guide for 3 or 4 days and space out time between Cusco and the Valley.