10 Useful Tips to have an Unforgettable trip to Cusco

Cusco is one of the most desired destinations for travelers who love nature and stunning landscapes. Here you will find 10 useful tips to make your trip to the Immortal city of Cusco an unforgettable one.

La Compañia de Jesus en Cusco

1. Necessary things for your Backpack:

Things that you will need to put in your backpack will depend on the tour you take. Some tours include a porter and others don’t. Another important thing to consider is the amount of days you will be hiking in the mountains or you spend walking in the city. For example, the Inca Trail can last 2, 4, 5 and 7 days.

In any case, we recommend packing light and taking with you only the most important things:

• Quick dry t-shirts and long sleeves.
• Trekking pants or pants you would wear to work out.
• Comfortable hiking boots. They must be worn in advance so your feet won’t get hurt if they are new.
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to prevent sun damage. Bring a light hat. 
• Bring a rain poncho. Weather in Cusco is unpredictable.
• Toiletries, medicine, and repellent, among others.
• Personal Documents
• Camera

The backpack size is up to you. However we recommend bringing one between 20-25L.

2. Hire the service of a licensed Tour operator. Be careful!

To do any tour in Cusco, it is highly recommended looking for a licensed tour operator. This way you will save time, arrange activities in advance and make the most of the experience. Although there are many tourist agencies in Cusco, not all of them are licensed.

Therefore, we recommend being careful at the moment of booking a tour. Below we provide with a list of some websites where you can find widely known and highly recommended tour operators such as Inkayni Peru Tours that can take you to your dream destination.

A good way to find the agency that fulfills your expectation is by asking friends, relatives or reading reviews. They can direct you to different websites. You can also look for online travel platforms such as:

• Tripadvisor Experiences
• Getyourguide
• TourRadar
• Expedia
• Grabone
• Groupon
• LocalAdventures

Most of them usually show affordable prices and good deals that well known tour operators have. They also offer itineraries and packages with great discounts. Let’s get ready and start planning your next vacation with all the things you want to do and see in Cusco.

Sacred Valley of the Incas

3. Acclimatization in Cusco:

This is a very important tip. If you are coming to Cusco, you have to acclimatize to the altitude before you start any challenging tour or hike. Symptoms of altitude sickness usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude.

However, there are activities that don’t require extra effort and you can do those while acclimating to the altitude in Cusco. Follow this link to check interesting activities that will make your first days in Cusco memorable ones. Click here Inkayni Peru Tours Blog

Acclimating to the altitude is very important and it takes from 2 or 3 days

4. Willingness to make the most of the trip

Depending on the tourist package that you choose, you may feel tied to a schedule. Although some days may seem it is strict, it doesn’t have to take your spontaneity away. There are plenty of interesting sites you will see while on a tour or walking around the city. Your willingness to have fun at any time during your trip will make you enjoy even the most unexpected thing.

Something that can help is to do some research before coming to Cusco. You can visit our website and see what each package or daily tour offers you. Contact us in case you need more information. The better informed you are, the most you make of your time. We are Inkayni Peru Tours.

Inkayni Passengers ready to go white water rafting 

5. Keep hydrated

It is important that your body keeps hydrated. Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood. 

This is especially important if you do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Visit the following link to learn more recommendations on how to acclimatize to the altitude and keep hydrated.

6. Take extra cash with you, preferably local currency: 

Even though you hire the service of a tour agency which includes everything, there are some expenses they don’t include. For example, you may want to buy a souvenir, snack, water, or give a tip. That is why you need to bring extra cash with you and avoid any inconvenience. 

Hotels, restaurants, and some other stores accept US Dollar, but it would be better if you use soles peruanos. It is much appreciated.

Peruvian banknotes, Nuevos Soles

7. Machu Picchu, your target point: 

For almost all the packages that Inkayni Peru Tours offers, the target point is arriving in Machu Picchu citadel. No matter the route you take, the view is always stunning and we guarantee you will enjoy it to the max. The nature that you find in Cusco is unique. The only thing Cusco requests for is to show respect with the wildlife, plants and local people that you will see on the path to Machu Picchu.

Inkayni Staff together with our passengers in Machu Picchu.

8. Engaging Activities in Cusco

Most likely you have heard of the Inca Jungle Trek. This trek is exclusive for adventure travelers who seek for adrenaline rush and love extreme sports like:

• Cycling
• White water Rafting
• Ziplining
• Hiking

9. Get ready to the Contact with Nature

The awesome landscapes that only Cusco can offer contributes to your well being.  Nature, in itself, creates peace and balance between you and the surrounding. After some exposure to the impressive mountains and trees, you will feel relaxed. Contact with nature also prevents cardiovascular diseases, breathing problems, stress, to name a few.

Inti Punku – Machu Picchu

10. Don’t forget to buy Souvenirs

In cusco, there are many interesting sites that you will visit. Buying a souvenir from different sites, will help you remember them. Note that Cusco is considered one of the 50 most beautiful cities in the world. Many friends and family will also expect a gift from you when they know you have come to such a wonderful place.