Getting Ready for Cusco: Helpful Stuff to Know

Thinking about a trip to Cusco? This guide has really useful info to check out before you go.

Chances are super high you’ll spend some time in Cusco if you visit Peru.

You likely already know it’s near Machu Picchu (though maybe not super close walking distance), that it’s a really popular spot for tourists in Peru, and you’ve probably seen cool photos of its main square.

But what else? We told you about our favorite sights and things to do in Cusco in another guide. To help you really get ready for being in one of South America’s well-known cities, we wanted to give you some less obvious but totally helpful travel tips and ideas. This includes the best time to visit, how to move around, how to handle being so high up, and why drinking tap water isn’t a good idea.

Here are some helpful things to know before your Cusco visit!

The Basics for Your Cusco Trip

High Up Stuff (Altitude)

If you’re coming to Cusco from near the ocean (or anywhere kinda low down), it’s super important to get used to the altitude before you do anything too hard. Cusco sits at about 11,155 feet (3,399 meters). This can make you feel a bit sick and out of breath until you get used to it. Take it easy at first.

Getting Here

Getting to the center of Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters) from the bus station is only about a 10-minute taxi ride. From the airport, it’s around 20 minutes. If you’re flying in, maybe think about booking a ride ahead of time.

Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico)

Lots of places to see in Cusco and the Sacred Valley need a special ticket called the ‘boleto turistico’. It’s like a general pass. How much it costs depends on which one you get. You can find all the details on what it is, what’s included, and how to buy it in other info online. You can also buy it sometimes and have it brought to where you’re staying in Cusco.

Not Much Time?

If you don’t have a lot of time, check out a city tour that hits the main spots. A popular one takes about six hours.

Machu Picchu Plans

Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters) is the place you start from for a day trip to Machu Picchu (approx. 7,972 feet / 2,430 meters), or longer hikes like the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. You can buy tickets for Machu Picchu on the official website. If they’re sold out there, or you’d rather buy them on a site in English, you can usually find them through travel companies.

Rainbow Mountain Trip

Going to Rainbow Mountain is a really popular day trip from Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters). There are many tours that go there.

Finding a Place to Stay

Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters) has tons of places to stay for all kinds of travelers and budgets. If you’re looking for a hostel, Pariwana is a top pick for many. For a nice guesthouse feel, check out Antigua Casona San Blas.

If you want to stay a bit longer in one spot, places like Airbnb apartments are great options.

Cusco is a Great Spot to Start Exploring the Sacred Valley

We stayed in Cusco for nine nights on our second visit. That might sound like a long time, right? Well, kinda.

See, Cusco has cool sights, old ruins, and museums. But what’s really cool about it is that it’s an awesome place to base yourself to explore the Sacred Valley. This area is connected by old paths and filled with history.

Getting around from Cusco is easy. And honestly, it’s often easier to find one place to stay for a while and just do day trips from there.

Respect the Altitude… Seriously

Cusco is at about 11,155 feet (3,400 meters) high. That’s no joke if you’re coming from sea level (like flying from Lima, approx. 505 feet / 154 meters) or haven’t been this high up before.

This means your first day in Cusco should really just be about getting used to the altitude. Trying to do too much, or rushing into a hike or tour right away, will make you feel awful. Just saying. Instead, drink lots of water, rest if you feel tired, and maybe just take an easy walk around the old part of the city.

From what we’ve learned, walking up and down Cusco’s narrow, steep streets with heavy bags is not something you want to do more than you have to when you first arrive. So, having your first night’s place booked ahead of time is a really smart move. For backpackers, Hommam Hostel or Pariwana Hostel are good calls, or Viajero Cusco Hostel if you want more of a social scene.

We haven’t had really bad altitude sickness because we know how rough it can be. But we know other travelers who have ended up in the hospital or had to cut their trips short because of it. Don’t let that be you. Make sure you give yourself at least a day or day and a half to get used to the height before you do any big hikes.

…And That Means Chilly Evenings

We visited Cusco for a second time in the early summer there. The days were warm and wearing shorts was totally fine, except for a little rain now and then. But when the sun went down, it got that cool feeling you get when you’re way up high.

No matter the time of year, evenings in Cusco are pretty chilly.

So, even if you’re there in summer (but especially in winter), pack warm clothes. Sweaters, warm hats, and maybe some thermal shirts will be super helpful. Also, a place to stay that gives you plenty of blankets is a plus.

If you’re still cold, remember this is Peru. You’re never far from a place selling those cool alpaca sweaters.

…And Cooking Can Be a Bit Harder

Having traveled in high places quite a bit, we’ve learned that something simple like boiling pasta is a little trickier the higher you go. And Cusco is the same.

See, when you’re high up, water boils at a lower temperature. This means anything that needs to cook at the normal boiling point of $100^\circ$C ($212^\circ$F) will take way longer. Not the end of the world, but a bit annoying if you’re in a hostel kitchen with only one pot and everyone wants pasta!

If you plan on cooking in Cusco, the best thing is to buy fruits and veggies from one of the awesome markets (like San Pedro Market, approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters). There are also some big supermarkets (Orion is one) in the old part of the city that have a good selection and lots of stuff for hike snacks.

Wow, So Many Street Dogs

The Cusco area has about 11,000 street dogs.

Even in Peru, where seeing dogs roaming around is normal, that’s a huge number. Many seem to be doing just fine, hanging out together, looking for fun, a good spot to nap, or a snack from a tourist. These are often dogs that do have a home technically, a place to go back to at night and someone who feeds them regularly.

Sadly though, not all street dogs are this lucky. Even if you’re not someone who cries easily, you’ll probably see a few that will make you sad. The good thing is, Cusco has a few shelters that help the dogs that are hurt, scared, or treated badly on the streets. But like everywhere, they need help.

Groups like Soy Callejerito and Cusco Animal Protection and Rescue welcome volunteers, help dogs get adopted, and are super thankful for any money people can give (they don’t get government money). If you have time and want to help, look them up online.

It’s good to know that most of these dogs won’t cause you any problems or danger.

Lots of Tourists vs. Fewer Tourists (High vs. Low Season)

Having been to Cusco during both the really busy time and the less busy time, we noticed a big difference. The biggest one was how many tourists were around.

The busy time is usually during the Peruvian winter (June to September). This is when it doesn’t rain much and the sky is usually blue. Since a lot of what people come here for is outdoorsy stuff, and these months are like summer vacation in places up north, it means Cusco and all the places nearby are way more crowded then.

Not surprisingly, places to stay cost more, and the best hostels and hotels get booked up fast. If you’re coming during the busy season, booking your place ahead of time is a must.

We liked our second visit to Cusco better. That was in December, during the less crowded time (December to April). Since Cusco is popular all year, it was still pretty busy, but the streets felt calmer and quieter away from the main square (Plaza de Armas, approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters). The less busy months usually mean more rain, but it’s almost always warmer. It also means you can often find last-minute tours and places to stay more easily.

April to May and October to November are kind of in-between times.

Money Stuff

Here’s a rough idea of some costs in Cusco. Prices can change, so this is just to give you an idea.

(Note: These are just estimates and can vary quite a bit depending on where you go and the exact timing of your visit.)

Getting Around Cusco and Nearby

Moving around Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters) is pretty easy. Taxis are everywhere and not too expensive for getting across town. Always agree on the price before you get in, or make sure they use the meter if they have one. For getting to places outside the city in the Sacred Valley (like Pisac, approx. 9,751 feet / 2,972 meters, or Ollantaytambo, approx. 9,160 feet / 2,792 meters), you can take local buses or collectivos (shared vans). These are cheap and how locals travel. There are also tours you can book that handle all the transport.

The Food Scene: What to Try

Cusco has tons of food options. You can find everything from cheap local eats to nicer restaurants. Don’t be afraid to try the local markets for really fresh and inexpensive food. Just be mindful of where you eat to avoid getting a “traveler’s stomach.” Trying some traditional Peruvian dishes like Ceviche (even though Cusco is inland) or Lomo Saltado is a must. And don’t forget to try some local drinks like Chicha Morada (a sweet purple corn drink).

Water Situation: Don’t Drink the Tap Water

This is important: Do not drink the tap water in Cusco. It’s best to stick to bottled water or water that has been filtered or boiled. Getting sick from the water can really mess up your trip. This is pretty standard advice for travelers in many parts of the world, and Peru is no different.

Staying Safe

Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters) is generally a safe city for tourists, but like anywhere, you need to be smart. Watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets or busy squares. Be careful late at night, especially if you’ve been drinking. It’s usually better to take a taxi at night instead of walking long distances. Don’t flash expensive stuff around. Most people you meet will be friendly and helpful, but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings.

Connecting with Locals

Peruvians are often very welcoming. Trying to speak a little bit of Spanish, even just basic phrases, can really help. A simple “Hola” (Hello) or “Gracias” (Thank you) goes a long way. People appreciate it when you make an effort. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Souvenirs and Shopping

Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters) is a great place to buy souvenirs. You’ll find lots of markets and shops selling textiles, alpaca wool items, pottery, and other local crafts. The San Blas neighborhood is known for its artisan workshops. Bargaining is pretty common in the markets, but be polite and reasonable. It’s part of the fun for many travelers!

Staying Connected (Phone and Internet)

Getting a local SIM card in Peru is pretty easy and cheap. This way you can use your phone for maps, looking things up, and staying in touch. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, hostels, and many restaurants and cafes in Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters). Connection speeds can vary, but it’s usually good enough for checking emails and social media.

Power Plugs

Peru uses types A, B, and C power outlets. The voltage is 220V and the frequency is 60Hz. You might need a plug adapter depending on where you’re coming from. Check your electronics to see if they can handle the voltage, otherwise you’ll need a voltage converter too.

Learning a Bit of History

Cusco (approx. 11,155 feet / 3,399 meters) has a super rich history. It was the capital of the Inca Empire. You’ll see Inca walls and ruins mixed with Spanish colonial buildings. Learning a little bit about the history before you go or while you’re there makes visiting the sites way more interesting. There are lots of museums in the city that explain the history.

Getting Ready for the Sun

Even though Cusco is high up, the sun is strong. The air is thinner, which means you can get sunburned more easily. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even on cloudy days. This is something a lot of travelers don’t think about until it’s too late.

Toilets (Baños)

Restrooms, or “baños” in Spanish, are generally available, but sometimes you might have to pay a small fee, especially in public places or markets. Always carry some small change for this. Also, in many places, you shouldn’t flush toilet paper down the toilet. There will usually be a small trash can next to the toilet for this. This is because the plumbing systems can be old and can’t handle it. It’s a common thing in many parts of the world, including Peru.

Altitude Sickness Meds

Some travelers choose to take medication to help prevent or lessen altitude sickness. You can talk to your doctor about this before you go. Some people use a prescription medicine called Diamox. Others prefer natural remedies like coca leaves, which are commonly available in Cusco and can be chewed or made into tea. While coca tea is offered in many hotels and is generally considered safe for altitude, be aware that coca leaves are the plant used to make cocaine, though the tea itself won’t get you high or cause issues with drug tests in most cases. Still, it’s something to be aware of.

Recommendations and Tips for Visiting Cusco

Here are some things people who’ve been there often suggest:

• Take it Slow at First: Seriously, don’t rush on your first day. Let your body get used to the altitude.
• Drink Water: Stay super hydrated, especially with water or coca tea. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals on your first day.
• Walk Around: Once you feel okay, just wandering around the old city is a great way to see things and get used to the place.
• Visit San Blas: This neighborhood is cool with its narrow streets, artisan shops, and great views.
• Try Local Food: Be adventurous with the food, but also be careful where you eat.
• Learn Some Spanish: Even a few words make a difference with locals.
• Bargain (Gently): If you’re shopping in markets, it’s okay to negotiate prices a bit.
• Book Machu Picchu Early: Especially if you’re going in the busy season, get your tickets and train reservations in advance.
• Consider a Tour: For places like the Sacred Valley or Rainbow Mountain, a tour can make things easier.
• Carry Small Bills: It’s easier to pay for things like taxis or small purchases.
• Be Aware: Keep an eye on your stuff, just like you would in any city.

What to Pack (Que Llevar)

• Layers of clothing (it can be warm during the day, cold at night)
• Warm jacket or fleece
• Warm hat and gloves (especially for evenings)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Rain jacket or poncho (especially during the rainy season)
• Sunscreen
• Hat for sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle (and maybe a way to filter water)
• Basic first-aid kit (include something for headaches or stomach issues)
• Any personal medications
• Plug adapter/converter
• Camera
• Backpack for day trips
• Small day bag to carry essentials
• Hand sanitizer
• Small amount of toilet paper (just in case!)

Best Time to Visit Cusco

The dry season (May to September) is generally considered the best time to visit because there’s less rain and more sunny days. This is also the busiest time for tourists.

The rainy season (December to March) has more rain, but it’s also often warmer, and there are fewer crowds. You can still visit, just be prepared for potential rain delays or wet trails.

The shoulder seasons (April, October, November) can be a good compromise, with fewer crowds than the dry season and less rain than the rainy season.

Choosing the “best” time really depends on what’s most important to you: avoiding rain or avoiding crowds.