fantastic blog post. Enjoy Huchuy Qosqo (20 PEN /$5.25 USD) and continue all the way downhill into Lamay in the Sacred Valley. The trail takes about two and a half hours and is only possible as part of a guided tour. Visiting Machu Picchu just one day and staying in the village for two days is a common mistake. Something for everyone for sure. Intrepid hikers can visit Rainbow mountain without the crowds by adding the hike to Rainbow Mountain as part of the Ausangate trek. Cusco, a city with one of the highest elevations in Peru, sits just above 11,000 feet. The only way to access the park is via a two day trek from the small village of Cachora. There are multiple hiking routes to reach the Waqrapukara ruins, but those coming from Cusco can easily reach the trailhead from Sangarar village. How long does it take to become acclimated to high altitude? 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. How many days to acclimate in Cusco? Helpful Tip to Combat Altitude Sickness in Cusco | Almost all tiendas, markets, and street vendors sell coca leaves. Have a great time on the trail! The fastest and most convenient way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco city or Ollantaytambo in the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". Loved it! Outside the ticketed area of the Colca Canyon, find small villages like Yanque that offer incredible day hikes and awesome hot springs to soak in. You had the opportunity to see so much! They also recommend the best restaurants in Cusco Peru, share local gems, take you through the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, and walk you past the famed Cusco 12 angle stone. We ended up booking a private tour guide through Aita Peru to the Sacred Valley with stops at Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Urubumba, Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Chinchero. There are only two time 7:00am and 8:00am, Circuit #4: This circuit is most popular and we recommend you to book in advance. Tipon is massive and sees very few tourists. Cusco can have a lively party scene, so be mindful if drinking in excess. Remember, the Classic Inca Trail completely shuts in February. The short answer is at least two to three days. Organized Cusco tours depart early from Cusco city. Thanks so much, Jessica! 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. 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. Try to hop in on the morning Blue Team Free Walking Tour Cusco. Across the way is the Rumicolca Gate, the once grand entrance to the Imperial City of Cusco. If you have more time to spare, Especially if you're planning to hike and explore. Planning to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before. So, in short, add at least one day for Machu Picchu to your Cusco itinerary. an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. There have been some robberies near the Temple of the Moon, so avoid the area after nightfall and it is best not to walk to these areas without a travel buddy. Laguna Humantay is another popular and full day trip from Cusco. Be mindful of your possessions and dont flash your valuables. Heres how to visit Maukallacta as a day trip from Cusco. There are many tours that make stops at the sites, but keep in mind, most Cusco tours do not include the Cusco Tourist Ticket, it has to purchased separately. Cusco is well connected to the rest of South America with a busy Cusco Terminal Terrestre, collectivo stations (small vans), and the Cusco Airport. Pretty freakin' high. Some did, some didnt. Those salt plots look really interesting. We originally wanted to visit Rainbow Mountain, but decided against it due to the high elevation (after all we were trying to acclimatize in Cusco) and the length of the hike (we were also trying to save our legs for the Inca Trail). A Sacred Valley tour jams the best highlights into a full twelve hour day. Let me know in the comments below! On this Inca Trail, we will see different Inca archaeological remains that will help us understand Andean life and therefore the Inca culture. With a 5 day Cusco itinerary, simply slow down! Those trekkers that are up for an incredible adventure and have time to play with their Cusco itinerary, can hike all the way to Machu Picchu. in your suitcase and leave it at your hotel, hostel or tour company office. We just have to think that the rise of Huayna Picchu is considered one of the most dangerous mountain walks in the world. 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. Be mindful, you may need a day to rest completely to acclimate to the Cusco altitude. If hiking in the Sacred Valley isnt part of your Peru itinerary, take a full day trip to the Lares Hot Springs. 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. Our tour company offered to hold our bags, but they were going to be closed when we got back. But, this will vary greatly depending on your fitness level, typical altitude, and many other factors. It definitely looked like hard work! Deposit: $538. If you want to choose the best scheduales and the day you want to enter the mountain Huayna Picchu, we recommend you book these tickets 6 months in advance. Make sure to stop at Cristo Blanco, the hilltop White Jesus with open arms that offers a great view of Cusco City. window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { WebHow many days to acclimate in Cusco? Id love to hike Rainbow Mountain next time Im there . So nice that you were there for the parade! Now that the basics are out of the way, lets dig-deep into different Cusco itinerary options. It's actually pretty unpredictable if you'll get it or not, but there are some things you can do to help acclimate! The duration of the trip by train (one way) depends on the station where the train is taken: If you want to know more information about the scheduales train and services, please visit: train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The road wraps along the outer edge of a cliff and has a few tight spots. Depart Cusco from Tambomachay Archaeological Park or in one of the nearby village. Most people plan their Cusco itinerary around hiking the Inca Trail. This day should start very early, 5:00 am is a good time to start moving from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo, remember that you should book train tickets in advance, by 7:20 in the morning, this will take you through the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain and where the Inca city of Machu Picchu is located; You can take advantage to have breakfast, in Aguas Calientes there are many restaurants. Jump to | Cusco Peru Elevation | Cusco Tours or Independent Travel | Cusco Day Trips | Sacred Valley Peru | Best Time to Visit Cusco | Is Cusco Safe | Cusco Tourist Ticket. There are tons of awesome things to do in Arequipa. This comprehensive Cusco guide includes tips for visiting Cusco, how to get to Cusco, and how to choose a Cusco itinerary that best suites what to see and do on a trip to Peru. In the end, it comes down to time vs. money. I hope I get there one day soon! Arielle Calderon is a writer temporarily based in Latin America participating in Remote Year. Peru Hop acts kind of like a hop-on hop-off bus that helps break up the trip at desired Peru destinations like Paracas, the Oasis Village of Huacachina, and the Nazca lines. Instead, we opted to leave ours at the hotel. I myself had to queue for an hour and a half on the outward journey and about 45 minutes on the return journey in September. Peru Travel Resources | Visiting Machu Picchu the Basics. Buses to Cusco from Lima are a long haul and will take at least 21 hours. Absolutely! WebA Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco. Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? Read my full story here. If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book yourMachu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu; without any problem. Load up on coca leaves and coca products to help thwart headaches. Drink loads of water and coca tea while youre there. Skip Rainbow Mountain until after the Inca Trail! Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an incredible journey, which combines beautiful landscapes and ancestral routes. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and lightheadedness. Start your day with an early tour pickup wherever youre staying (our pickup was 6:45am). However, people with lung or heart disease may be told to avoid high altitudes. Disclaimer: Theres a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. Those costumes are super interesting, Your email address will not be published. Pro Tip: Visit on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday to experience Pisaqs market with local products and foods! For me, a night bus from Arequipa to Cusco was perfect. Arriving at the airport, take a taxi to your accommodation. In Urubamba, hike up to the hillside Colcas, or get one of the best views of the Sacred Valley from Saywa Mountain, home to two peculiar pillars and views for days of Mount Chicon. If you feel more comfortable, use the handy public bus system or collectivos to go to and from Cusco. All roads really do lead to Machu Picchu. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. Be sure to drink coca tea at your hostel/ hotel before bed! The day will be long, but gives a small taste of the magic of this special place. In Cusco, find many tour groups offering a variety of Machu Picchu itineraries. They also sell these ALTI Vital pills in all the pharmacies in Cusco, so if you don't have time to visit your doctor, maybe this is an option for you. One full day is plenty of of time to explore Cusco itself. Cusco itinerary for seven days of travel Days One and Two: Cusco. Fromepic hikes around the worldto adventures closer to my home inMinnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! The short answer is at least two to three days. Pro Tip: If you decide not to hike the Inca Trail, you can do a day trip by train instead from either Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Travel update - Coronavirus (COVID-19) - See how this could affect your travel plans. Another thing that can not be missed in Pisac, is its handicraft market, with unique and authentic products. The Colca Canyon trek draws travelers and is one of top things to do in Arequipa. It has a central location, authentic markets, and some the best Sacred Valley day hikes all within reach. Walk for 4 days to enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu. If youv got an hour or two to spare, visit Qorikancha. 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. 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. If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. , its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley Almost tiendas! Hotel, hostel or tour company office Cusco and the Sacred Valley tour jams the best Sacred.... Around hiking the Inca Trail and is one of top things to do Arequipa., waiting to be discovered affect your travel plans the only way to access park! 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