Visiting Cusco Like a Traveler
Cusco sits way up high at about 11,400 feet (3475 meters) above sea level. A long time ago it was the main spot for the Incan Empire. These days, it’s known as Peru’s historical capital and lots of folks, around 2 million each year, come to check it out, often before heading to Machu Picchu. Want to see Cusco without feeling like just another tourist? Here’s how travelers do it.
Checking Out the City
Walking around the middle of Cusco is seriously the best way to get a feel for the place and find cool spots. Just wander the streets.
Walking Around Cusco Streets
Chocolate Museum
Just a couple blocks from the main square, the Choco Museo is pretty sweet if you like chocolate. You can learn how this “food of the gods” is made and even make your own chocolate stuff with Peruvian flavors. It’s a fun experience.
San Pedro Market
A quick walk from the main square takes you to the San Pedro market. This is the big food market here. You’ll see tons of fruits and veggies everywhere you look. The local ladies with their cool hats and braided hair smiling behind the fruit piles make it hard not to stop. You’ll probably end up buying bags of paltas (avocados), pan chuta (a kind of bread), or fresh tomatoes. Try to get here early for the best vibe.
San Blas Area
San Blas is known as the kind of artsy, bohemian part of Cusco. You’ll find artists and people making jewelry here. Check out the art galleries and little shops. Or just grab a coffee at a local place and watch everything happening around you. Don’t miss the live music happening at night it can be really chevere.
Getting Outside Cusco
If you’re up for a full day trip away from the city, these ideas might be just what you’re looking for.
Rainbow Mountain Visit
Rainbow Mountain is one of those amazing places on Earth because of how the rock looks. It’s located really high up too, reaching about 16,000 feet (4877 meters). It’s a solid hike, about six hours walking back and forth, to get to the view. But when you see the mountain with its colors like turquoise gold and purple stripes you’re looking at stuff that’s millions of years old. It really makes you think about nature.
Condor Spotting
Seeing condors the biggest vultures around flying in their natural home is pretty awesome. You can plan a bus trip out towards a place called Canyon Modelate getting off at a town called Chonta. From there you hike for maybe an hour and a half to reach the lookout points. You need to be patient and just wait for the condors to fly over. It’s definitely worth the wait not something you see every day. Chonta is also high up around 11,150-11,500 feet (3400-3500 meters).
Rafting on the Urubamba River
Rafting on the Urubamba River can be a real thrill depending on the time of year you go. A popular spot is the Chuquicahuana section or “Chuqui” as people call it. This part of the river is usually a Class III meaning it has bigger rapids and clear water. This area for rafting is lower than Cusco but still high, maybe around 8850 feet (2700 meters).
Eating Local Food
Peruvian food is getting famous globally and Cusco is the best place to try it out.
Trying Local Dishes
Start with some coca tea. Travelers often drink it to help with the altitude so you can enjoy your meal properly. Then try local things like alpaca steak or roasted cuy which is guinea pig. Make sure to also try the locally grown quinoa potatoes and choclo which is giant white corn. It’s all part of the experience.
For alpaca steak a lot of travelers like Marcelo Batata restaurant. It’s right behind the Cusco Cathedral. If you want to have a local beer and see the main square the Plaza de Armas check out Norton Bar and try to get a seat on their balcony. The view is great.
Cusco mixes old Incan stuff with modern life. It’s a must-see city when you’re in Peru really chevere.