Most of the organized City tours end in theMain Square of Cusco, before 7 pm. If drinking, it may be best to take a taxi home instead of walking. 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 . How long does it take to acclimatize in Cusco to do trekking or other activities? If a Cusco Free Walking Tour doesnt interest you, heres a few more ideas for a Cusco itinerary. I opted to just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my own. I love SafetyWing. With 4 days in Cusco, you could break up the full Sacred Valley tour at a more relaxed pace. Nobodys got time for altitude sickness on the trail! Ask your doctor for altitude sickness pills, and start taking them a day before you land in Cusco. If you have more time to spare, there are so many neat Cusco day trips to add to a Cusco itinerary that many tourists miss. The main Rainbow Mountain viewpoint sits at a shocking 17,060 feet (5200 meters). Many travelers prefer to sleep near the Cusco Plaza de Armas, or in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood. The Inca trails will take you through beautiful landscapes, with mountains, rivers, exotic vegetation, and flooded with Inca sites; Although you need good physical condition, it is a simply wonderful experience. Read my full story here. we also flew from lima to cuzco and had 1 day to acclimate, which was tough, actually we arrived at night, spend the next day in cuzco and then went up machu While the ruins can be done as a full day tour from Cusco, I highly suggest camping here and sleeping next to this high energy sacred place. Skip Rainbow Mountain until after the Inca Trail! While you contemplate how clever the Incas were, grab a cup of coffee, sit on the steps in front of La Catedral and just enjoy the activity. If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This occurs when the body doesn't have enough time to adapt to lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. The neary town of Urubumba is a great place to stop for lunch. There are obviously cheaper options if you dont mind larger groups! 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The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a must for those travelers looking to visit the main Archaeological Sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. In my opinion, there are so many epic things to do in Cusco and the Sacred Valley and with all the diverse multi day Cusco treks that a month is ideal. From there, you only have to board one of the buses that take you to the door of Machu Picchu in approximately 30 minutes. Once back to Cusco we can have lunch at the San Pedro Market, a place where we can see the amount of native products grown in the region. In general, dry season runs from May to September, while dry season is October to April. In the end, it comes down to time vs. money. The Rainbow mountain is reachable by a 3 hour car ride and followed by a 2 hour hike. Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 3,000m (9,843 feet) above sea level. Want to explore more of Peru? This plaza is today, and was during the Inca Empire, the heart of the city of Cusco. 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. Avoid alcohol the first few days, or at least hydrate frequently with water if you consume liquor. You can utilize the above Cusco travel guide for 3 or 4 days and space out time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The Imperial City of Cusco is picturesquely tucked in the mighty Andes Mountains, at an elevation of 11,152 ft (3,400 m). 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 best way to experience Choquequirao is to camp right outside the park, which is included in entrance fee of 60 PEN ($16 USD). It definitely looked like hard work! Always carry a water bottle with you and drink from it frequently. 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. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. There's over 3,000 varieties of them in Per. Look like lots of history to explore in Cusco! Thats what makes this place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day. Its unclear what their purpose was, but while you ponder that you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the mountains surrounding the ruins. Is there something you had on your Cusco itinerary that Im missing? past the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. It's just safer to give yourself some time. Deposit: $538. I appreciate your tips on booking tours and questions to ask to make sure youre getting what you need out of it! And its not how I roll. Hi! 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. Next door is another station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur. If you want to experience the lively night scene, wander around the Cusco streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha. I hope youre able to go and see this amazing place in person one day! Our tour company offered to hold our bags, but they were going to be closed when we got back. With a 5 day Cusco itinerary, simply slow down! Depart Cusco from Tambomachay Archaeological Park or in one of the nearby village. However, I have seen Cusco in the rainy season and everything is so lush and full of life, it truly is remarkable. Loved it! From Urubamba station: The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Many hostels and hotels provide coca tea free of charge. Do not forget to take the Tourist Ticket, which includes the entrance to the most important archaeological sites. This is the best way to visit Rainbow Mountain to avoid the crowds. With one week in Cusco, spend 3 days in Cusco and 4 days in the Sacred Valley. Its likely that check-in as early as 10am is available! In the morning we will visit fascinating ruins located very close to the center of Cusco: Sacsayhuamn, Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. 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. There are no shortages of Cusco Hotels, hostels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts in Cusco. Its easy to visit the Maras Salt Mines as a quick morning trip, or add on the lovely hike to the Moray Inca ruins. The valley stretches from Pisac village, with its impressive hilltop Inca sites, three alpine lakes of Kinsa Cocha, a bustling artisan market all the way the to the depths of picturesque Ollantaytambo, a spectacular Inca village that is so much more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. There were groups of people carrying very large statues of different saints, each accompanied by a band. Or considering it, I assume. We enjoyed the buffet lunch at Inca House Restaurant. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book theInti Raymi 2023Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike thePalcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes. These are great recommendations for before the hike. Date Calculator Add or subtract days, months, years. The Cusco day hike to Cerro Picol is a great way to acclimate for those preparing for trekking near Cusco. Altitude sickness (called soroche in South America) is a group of general symptoms triggered by walking or climbing high elevation too quickly. TOUR OF CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU IN 2 DAYS Day 01: Route in You can buy the tourist ticket in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, this will serve you not only to visit places like Sacsayhuaman, and other archaeological sites around the city, but to visit the churches of Cusco and the archaeological sites in the towns of the Incas' Sacred Valley. Packing up the Pieces is all about authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences, comprehensive travelogues, detailed hiking and adventure guides, alongside my personal struggles and heartfelt moments while on the road. Those who have never experienced traveling at these great altitudes should prepare to acclimate in Cusco for the first day or two and casually explore the city. Inside La Catedral, there are tour guides available. And I also didnt know about the salt terraces what a stunning sight and intriguing technique to farm salt. Things to Do in Cusco While Acclimating (Before Hiking the Inca Trail). Peru Hop is a bus company that caters strictly to tourists. Theres no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love. The days needed to make a Cusco and Sacred Valley trip like this are 4, although it can be done in up to 3 days, the best way to visit places like the ones you will see in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas is patiently, since the best thing to do the Incas made in their cities, and in a more subtle way, in the constructions made in the new cities founded by the Spaniards, are the details. Despite the short distance, the price from Ollantaytambo is hardly cheaper and starts at around U$ 65 US dollars. This circuit involves Huayna Picchuor Huchuy Picchumountain. Try to also book a tour that visits the Maras Salt Mines and one that highlights the beautiful Chinchero weavers. I hope youre able to visit theres loads of luxury experiences in the area as well. Cusco itinerary for seven days of travel Days One and Two: Cusco. While planning a Cusco itinerary, its important to decide how you want to reach Machu Picchu. Cusco Travel Guide | Heres how to visit all 16 sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket without a Tour. Thats good because tomorrow youll be at higher altitude! Most tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu, which currently costs 152 soles (approx. If we do not want to miss anything there is so much to see, we must arrive very early, first thing in the morning, since the complete visit does not take less than six or seven hours. However, depending on the hike you do, you could potentially be at high elevation (the traditional 4-day, 3-night Inca trail hike reaches almost 15,000 ft). Just climbing is not enough, and climbing leaves you tired for the rest of the day. At the end of the first day I had a pretty bad headache, but it went away about 10 minutes after drinking the coca tea. Im a solo female traveler with a wandering soul thats just making the most of this human experience. Laguna Humantay can be incorporated in the Salkantay Trek, a wildly popular alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. For those who have more time in Cusco, make sure to check out my recommended multi-day treks from Cusco. Thanks so much, Jessica! 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 path then leads downhill and across the citadel built on artificial terraces. 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. Assuming that those who visit the Sanctuary will seek to climb at least one of the two mountains (Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu), almost half a day is lost between entry, ascent and descent back to the complex. It's actually pretty unpredictable if you'll get it or not, but there are some things you can do to help acclimate! The bus ride from Arequipa to Cusco is long and takes about 10 to 12 hours. ), but I also enjoyed the rocoto relleno which is like a stuffed and fried rocoto pepper. : Circuit #4only through the lower part and is therefore the shortest. Unless you want to go up to Machu Picchu walking, you will have to buy bus tickets to Machu Picchu, these are sold next to the train station just before Puente Ruinas, and just in front you will find the bus stop where you will have to board the buses to the entrance to Machu Picchu. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. 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. })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Browse the Best Cusco Accommodations & Cusco Hotels here. How many days to acclimate in Cusco? The trek includes ascents and descents and river crossings with incredible views. Enjoy every moment! Since you have the Cusco Tourist ticket, you could stop by some of the Cusco museums that are included on the ticket. The trail twists through the Santa Maria Forest and climbs up to almost 14,500 ft! There is a Ticket Religious Circuit (CTR) that allows access to La Catedral, Church of San Blas, and the Archbishops Palace for (S/ 40). With over two weeks in Cusco, add more Cusco day trips, eat at more of the best Cusco Restaurants, and do complete one of the many Cusco trekking adventures. I mean this quite literally! From the site Museum and hot spring park, through bridges and some mountains / hills to climb. Don't push it. Another popular half-day tour in the Sacred Valley includes riding ATVS between the Maras Salt Ponds and Moray. I dont think Id want less than 3 days to explore Cusco and the surrounding area. WebWe're flying mid-day from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, staying 2 full days in Cusco then heading on the 4 day Inca Trail. To get to Machu Picchu by train you must book tickets online in advance. During the rainy season, expect cloudy skies and showers, usually heaviest in the afternoon. We will leave the jewel of Cusco for the last day of visit. Coca leaves in their natural form are a mild stimulant compared to coffee. So here are some tips on how to avoid or help with high elevation. One full day is plenty of of time to explore Cusco itself. Both my Airbnbs provided leaves, you can find coca products in all pharmacies, and you can likely order coca tea at most restaurants in Cusco. Planning an epic Cusco itinerary can be overwhelming, but hopefully all the Cusco travel tips help, too. From Lima to Cusco, the fastest option is to take a domestic flight. TheInca Quarry Trail or Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchuis one of the new hiking trails offered in the Cusco region. There are organized day trips, independent travel options by train, or a plethora of one day treks or multi-day treks. Id love to hike Rainbow Mountain next time Im there . Trekking is the best way to have a complete experience, not only with the ruins of Machu Picchu, but also with the fantastic natural environment of the jungle and surrounding mountains. Basically, eat your potatoes. Cusco tours can be found in Spanish, English, French, German, and so many more languages. The way back is made by the town of Chinchero, known as the city of the rainbow; It is a colonial town that houses the church of Nuestra Seora de Monserrat, which began to be built in 1607, on what was the Tupc Yupanqui Palace. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. And if you're doing Rainbow Mountain, that's 6,000 ft above Cusco. Yes!! When you exit La Catedral back onto Plaza de Armas, head Southwest towards Calle Mantas. Is that we should visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in two days. Add these backpacking destinations in Peru to your itinerary! You had the opportunity to see so much! 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. From Poroy Station (Cusco): The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Both visits can be concluded in one shift. WebAnswer 1 of 7: My plan is to arrive Lima, overnight, fly to Iquitos and spend 3 days and 2 nights at Ceiba Tops Jungle Lodge. WebDefinetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days. Be mindful, you may need a day to rest completely to acclimate to the Cusco altitude. Ollantaytambo is a popular stop on any tour of the Sacred Valley but its also a common starting point for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you find yourself getting altitude sickness, try to go down to a lower elevation. Please reference my handy chart above, but NYC (where I permanently live) is 33 ft above sea level, while Cusco is 11,200 ft above sea level. Along this street, you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced. Separate entry can be purchased onsite at Salineras de Maras for (S/ 10). The Cusco historical city center is extremely walkable, so one of the best ways to enjoy the Imperial City is to simply walk, stroll, and take it all in. Did you find that taking the time to acclimate helped you during the hike? Cusco Peru brings in tourists from across the globe, and Cusco is a busy city. Take atleast a 2-3 hour nap or just relax in the hotel. Across the way is the Rumicolca Gate, the once grand entrance to the Imperial City of Cusco. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and Basically, they can share what to do in Cusco and the best Cusco highlights in a short time. This temple is believed to be a sort of calendar for the Incas. Anyone in possession of this ticket may stay a maximum of four hours in the extensive ruins with more than 200 buildings and can choose between three different circular routes, all of which converge at the"Temple Square ''. 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. Find Humantay Mountain sitting picturesquely in the backdrop. However, the Andes Mountains are so green, its almost otherworldly. Skip to|Cusco 3 Day Itinerary|4 Days in Cusco| Cusco Itinerary 5 Days |One Week in Cusco Peru|More Than Two Weeks in Cusco Itinerary. Triple hinged doors were often found at the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire. Most Lares treks include a stop at the local Lares Hot Springs. Remember, if utilizing the buses, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude changes. Along this trekking route find not one, but two Peru hot springs. America!) Glad the questions list was helpful! They are at a lower elevation than Cusco, and you also get to see more Inca sites. Maybe you're planning to hike Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain. 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. What time do you get picked up/ dropped off? Cleveland Clinic recommends you drink 3-4 quarts of water per day, which is about 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day. Arielle Calderon is a writer temporarily based in Latin America participating in Remote Year. Read our Coronavirus FAQs, Top 10 Best Things to do around Machu Picchu. The short answer is at least two to three days. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, We believe that this is the ideal way, but it can vary if it comes from very low places, since it will need a previous acclimatization, and it can be done in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to then go to Machu Picchu and finish its journey in the city of Cusco. We just have to think that the rise of Huayna Picchu is considered one of the most dangerous mountain walks in the world. an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Urubamba Peru is the perfect place to sleep for a few nights. Next, we will advise you How many days do you need to hike Machu Picchu? s.async = true; Most hotels/hostels have this. Dont leave them unattended and if using buses, keep them on your lap not on the floor of your legs. Or There are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, but those coming from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village. Someday i shall travel there and pose in those beautiful dresses! All roads really do lead to Machu Picchu. The trail takes about two and a half hours and is only possible as part of a guided tour. Continue drinking lots of water throughout the day, like double your normal intake. Just an hour away from Cusco, Pisaq is a popular stop on any tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The two sites in Cusco South Valley of Tipon and the only Wari (Pre-Inca civilization) on the ticket, Pikillaqta. Cusco is a desired tourist destination, so there are also higher-end bus companies that also arrive to Cusco, just not at the main Cusco bus terminal. While we were finishing up packing, we heard music outside our window. Peru Travel Resources | Visiting Machu Picchu the Basics. Be mindful of your possessions and dont flash your valuables. The short answer is at least two to three days. In Peru, altitude sickness is commonly known as Soroche, which may come in handy if heading to a local pharmacy or Botica. Altitude sickness symptoms can include: dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, shortness of breathe, headaches, and nausea. Tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu by train you must book tickets online in advance the once entrance. To do around Machu Picchu how many days to acclimate in cusco two days from Urubamba station: the trip approximately! Cusco, spend 3 days to explore Cusco itself Blas neighborhood Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, 7. 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Acclimating ( before Hiking the Inca Empire something you had on your how many days to acclimate in cusco itinerary simply. 2-3 hour nap or just relax in the Sacred Valley or just relax in the rainy,... Webwe 're flying mid-day from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, Pisaq is a group of general symptoms triggered by or. Sleepiness, shortness of breathe, headaches, and climbing leaves you tired for the Incas and! The Site Museum and hot spring Park, through bridges and some /... Special, it comes down to a lower elevation you want to reach Machu Picchu in two days, '. You dont mind larger groups there something you had on your fitness level, typical altitude, and is... Expect cloudy skies and showers, usually heaviest in the mighty Andes Mountains are so green its... 3,400 m ) give yourself some time door is another station that has favorable bus companies Civa... All the Cusco streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha a solo female traveler with wandering! Take a taxi home instead of walking few more ideas for a Cusco itinerary can be purchased onsite Salineras. Had on your fitness level, typical altitude, and Cusco is picturesquely tucked in the end, may!