Cusco makes a great spot to relax and acclimatize to the altitude while surrounded in the deep tradition and beauty of both the city and the mountainous landscape.
Take at least one afternoon and devote some leisurely time to sipping coca tea on one of the wooden balconies surrounding the Plaza de Armas. Drink in a relaxed atmosphere while watching the comings and goings of local people and tourists below.
Things To Do in Cusco, Peru
Though small, Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has many things to do and holds numerous places of interest. Each within walking distance, with the purchase of a boleto touristico (tourist ticket), visitors can explore the religious art museum of Santa Catalina, Qorikancha, an archaeological museum, the Museo Historico Regional, the Museo de Arte Popular, Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo and the Pachacutec Monument.
The often scant exhibits don’t take much time to visit, making it possible to see all the museums in one day. Figure at least 30 minutes per museum for a general overview. Do not miss the dance at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, also included with the ticket. The entertaining evening of live Andean dance and music centres around traditional courting rituals starts at 7 p.m.
The boleto touristico, good for all 16 of Cusco’s main sites including The Sacred Valley, can be purchased at the Oficina Ejecutiva del Comite or at the entrance to Sacsayhuaman, the first stop in The Sacred Valley within walking distance from Cusco. The boleto touristico costs 130 Peru Nuevos Soles per person for all sites, or 70 Peru Nuevos Soles for all sites outside Cusco.
Getting To and Away from Cusco
Daily flights at Velazco Astete airport connect Cusco with Lima, Arequipa and Puno. A road also links these cities and daily tourist buses run to Puno in the south and Arequipa in the Southwest en route to Lima. A train also ties Cusco to Puno.
The easiest way to explore The Sacred Valley is to hire a taxi for the day. A taxi for a day tour of The Sacred Valley costs around 140 Peru Nuevos Soles – price varies and is highly negotiable. Tours stop at Tambomachay, Q’enqo, Pucapucara, Pisaq, and Ollantaytambo as well as Moray & Salinas de Maras and Chinchero.
As an alternative, combine a day trip of The Sacred Valley with the train to Machu Picchu. After visiting Ollantaytambo, board the tourist train heading for Machu Picchu at 4.p.m and sleep that night in Aguas Calientes to beat the crowds and arrive early in the morning at the “City in the Clouds”.
Cusco, Peru has held many distinctions in its rich history. A visit to the city before explorations of The Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu offers a chance to acclimatize to the altitude while discovering the many treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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