Required fields are marked *. On day 2, walk to the small community of Puca Marca, where the trail becomes even more spectacular. That's why take a Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour can be a good idea. However, if you want your first vision of Machu Picchu to be from the Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku), but you don't want to walk for 4 days, you can choose the short Inca Trail (2 days). The days needed to make a Cusco and Sacred Valley trip like this are 4, although it can be done in up to 3 days, the best way to visit places like the ones you will see in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas is patiently, since the best thing to do the Incas made in their cities, and in a more subtle way, in the constructions made in the new cities founded by the Spaniards, are the details. You will see incredible landscapes on that old path. Arielle Calderon is a writer temporarily based in Latin America participating in Remote Year. Learn how your comment data is processed. where the Inca took his baths and celebrated ceremonies. Most people visit as a guided day tour from Cusco as the tour companies provide oxygen. 4) VERY IMPORTANT!!! Assuming that those who visit the Sanctuary will seek to climb at least one of the two mountains (Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu), almost half a day is lost between entry, ascent and descent back to the complex. The Colca Canyon trek draws travelers and is one of top things to do in Arequipa. After going to the archaeological centers on the outskirts of the city, start with Sacsayhuaman then Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. If you have any tips on cool places, events, or things to eat in Per, Colombia, or Mexico, email her at arielle.calderon@buzzfeed.com or DM her on Instagram. From the site Museum and hot spring park, through bridges and some mountains / hills to climb. However, I highly suggest visiting Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP), which is not part of the Cusco ticket. Separate entry can be purchased onsite at Salineras de Maras for (S/ 10). The two sites in Cusco South Valley of Tipon and the only Wari (Pre-Inca civilization) on the ticket, Pikillaqta. Reporting on what you care about. Maybe go out your last night in Cusco, but don't go crazy when you arrive. I did almost this same itinerary for the Sacred Valley. $1,345. Triple hinged doors were often found at the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire. The Inca trails will take you through beautiful landscapes, with mountains, rivers, exotic vegetation, and flooded with Inca sites; Although you need good physical condition, it is a simply wonderful experience. Its just amazing how precise they were and without the advanced tools we have today. 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. These leaves are a staple plant to help fight altitude sickness and can either be chewed or steeped in tea. The Choquequirao Trek pass through a winding road built in recent times by the Peruvian government, the road to Choquequirao from the second day of the tour is regularly demanding, however it is rewarded by the captivating landscape beauty and a welcoming climate that belongs to the ecological floor of the jungle eyebrow, and above all the charming archaeological park located on a rugged topography, which at the time of the height of the Incas was undoubtedly a place of greater importance in a political and administrative sense, probably with a lower category religious in front of Machu Picchu. Involvesall tourist attraction of the lost city of the Incas, Circuit #3:This ticket involves the Machu Picchu mountain ticket. 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. The guide will likely stop on the way so that you can buy an entry ticket. function ml_webform_success_2601308(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-2601308 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-2601308 .row-form").hide()} One day is simply not enough time to explore this massive site. First thing to know about Peru is that the water is NOT drinkable. Do they offer a private or small group options? Sadly, most travelers dont have that kind of time. I still think the San Pedro Market has the best budget friendly options. The Ausangate Trek is a remote trek in Cusco that passes by alpine lakes, towering mountain passes, shepherds with herds of alpaca, and glacial peaked mountains. The mineral sediments were left revealing the diverse colors. 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. Someday i shall travel there and pose in those beautiful dresses! Tipon is massive and sees very few tourists. It was a bit confusing to work through all of the options (especially since my Spanish is not great). This trek is best suited for more advanced hikers. LATAM Airlines offers frequent departures from Lima to Cusco. Ideally, travelers should budget at least 3 days in Cusco, but a one week Cusco itinerary is better. Laguna Humantay can be incorporated in the Salkantay Trek, a wildly popular alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. At the briefing, you get to meet your guide and learn the final details on the hike. The best Cusco travel tips to make the most of your Cusco itinerary. Detailed Travel Guide | Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week. Acclimation is key. Enough space to cover the rest of the main points. Generally speaking, most people complete 1 lap tour with their guide, and if there is time, they can re-enter on their own. 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". It's basically like having a hangover from hell after a night of too many tequila shots. If a Cusco Free Walking Tour doesnt interest you, heres a few more ideas for a Cusco itinerary. Thank you! Or 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. I love SafetyWing. }); Do you identify as a female and blog about the outdoors? At nearly double the elevation, Waqrapukara elevation is 13,580 ft. However, hiking from Maras to Moray feels a little more authentic. This temple is believed to be a sort of calendar for the Incas. The road wraps along the outer edge of a cliff and has a few tight spots. Happy travels to you as well! With less time, private drivers and organized tours will help maximize sightseeing possibilities in Cusco. Tickets cost is U$ 12 one way, round U$ 24 per person. Huayna Picchu tickets is most popular tickets in the all travellers. Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? The authentic village is centrally located and close to so many of the Sacred Valley highlights. I am always fascinated when I see images of Inca culture: The precision with which they were able to form the landscape is mind boggling. Regardless of the route, the standard admission ticket entitles you to a four-hour visit within the admission time specified at the time of reservation. But when it comes to altitude sickness, the coca leaf is often regarded as a must-have as it helps suppress pain and fatigue. The trail passes by Inca terraces until it finally reaches the towering gates of Huchuy Qosqo. Watch the sun go down in the San Blas Plaza, or keep climbing the steep staircases to watch the sun go down at one of the best parks in Cusco, Qenqo Chico. Something for everyone for sure. Be mindful, you may need a day to rest completely to acclimate to the Cusco altitude. There are obviously cheaper options if you dont mind larger groups! Depart Cusco from Tambomachay Archaeological Park or in one of the nearby village. I love trying to capture the moments . The Classic Inca Trail is a bucket-list item for many travelers. Glad the questions list was helpful! Do as the locals do and use these medicinal leaves to help combat altitude sickness symptoms. Inca civilization has caught my fancy for long and it sure features in my bucket list. And, most importantly, time to sit down and contemplate what one has around. And its not how I roll. Telehealth Teletherapy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for Dunn Loring, McLean, Vienna and the DC Metro area Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? The puma is one of three sacred animals of the Incas and represents courage. By now, your lungs should be pretty well adjusted to the altitude and the headaches should be subsiding. Loved it! Glad to hear you found it helpful! Its one of my dreams to go there, and I have bookmarked this blog post! Pro Tip: The elevation of Rainbow Mountain is 6000 feet higher than the city of Cusco and 3000 feet higher than the peak elevation on the Inca Trail. Cuscos most popular club, Mama Africa, blasts electronic, hip-hop and dance music until 5am or 6am. The most popular day trip from Cusco is the Lost City of Machu Picchu, a Modern World Wonder and the reason so many travelers are drawn to the allure of Peru and South America. Most offer this for free in the lobby area. Im the same way! The path then leads downhill and across the citadel built on artificial terraces. Here is a great resource to plan your budget for visiting Machu Picchu. 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. Along this trekking route find not one, but two Peru hot springs. Birthday Calculator Find when you are 1 billion seconds old. With mummies, chullpas and well-preserved Inca buildings this is one of the most interesting places in the Cusco region. Group of 4-6. Buses to Cusco from Lima are a long haul and will take at least 21 hours. Pro Tip: I recommend the boleto turistico del cusco ticket (S/ 70). After flying from thecapital of Per, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. One of the places we stayed, Don Bosco Hotel, happened to be right along the path of the parade. Inside La Catedral, there are tour guides available. Those costumes are super interesting, Your email address will not be published. Discover unique things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in the best destinations around the world with Bring Me! Peru Hop is a bus company that caters strictly to tourists. You can utilize the above Cusco travel guide for 3 or 4 days and space out time between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Cleveland Clinic recommends you drink 3-4 quarts of water per day, which is about 5-7 standard 20 oz water bottles per day. Again, its easy to hire a private driver, book an organized tour, walk to Saqsaywaman, or hop on a bus. Ukukus, another favorite spot, includes live bands and Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. Most tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu, which currently costs 152 soles (approx. The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes a good three hours, from Ollantaytambo one and a half hours. Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Cusco Tourist ticket does include some museums, a statue, and a nightly show, but the biggest draw of the Cusco Tourist Ticket are the Inca ruins. We enjoyed the buffet lunch at Inca House Restaurant. I loved the beautiful colored dresses too! The terraces shown above are called the Fortress, each taller than most humans to give you a sense of scale. You can buy small bags of salt on the way out for just S/ 1. It's a can of oxygen you can take when you arrive in Cusco. It is advisable to be 30 minutes before the scheduled travel time. The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. I did not know this at first and was panicking the entire weekend trip. But by day 3, with lots of water and coca tea, I was ready to go! Apu Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is a part of the Vilcanota Mountain range. in your suitcase and leave it at your hotel, hostel or tour company office. Really I would say just don't drink alcohol. Take atleast a 2-3 hour nap or just relax in the hotel. Theres so much more to do, so I just may have to go back . Skip Rainbow Mountain until after the Inca Trail! Take your first day in Cusco calmly, especially if you come from cities near sea level. Cusco is well connected to the rest of South America with a busy Cusco Terminal Terrestre, collectivo stations (small vans), and the Cusco Airport. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. I do hope you get the experience someday its truly magical. This train highlights the Peruvian highlands and is a luxury experience in Peru. Take it easy when you land in Cusco and try not to do anything too strenuous. Today, nuns still occupy the Santo Domingo Church, and is a prime example of how the Spanish conquistadors erected churches on top of sacred Inca sites. Fantastic photos. I, like you, am a big fan of the small group tours so would probably do the same. 11 years ago How long does it take to become acclimated to high altitude? On Day 2, visit the the four main Cusco Inca Sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Youre welcome! Consider that in Machu Picchu Town there is much to do and know. Drink coca tea before bedtime if you have a headache. The Salkantay trek is one of most popular alternative treks to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Once in the city of Cusco (Peru), the visitor should approach the chosen train station (Poroy, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo station). Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 3,000m (9,843 feet) above sea level. Booking.com Yes!! Welcome toThis Big Wild Worldtravel blog! From Poroy Station (Cusco): The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Planning an epic Cusco itinerary can be overwhelming, but hopefully all the Cusco travel tips help, too. Cusco is an extremely tourist friendly city, and there are endless guided tours for the city, the plethora of Cusco Inca Sites, and popular Cusco day trips options. How many days to acclimate in Cusco? If you can, tour the Baroque Route in combi, which includes the town of Andahuaylillas and its church. But no, it will not make you "high" or drugged out. Yes, its always a struggle between keeping costs down and avoiding crowds, but when I can afford it I always like to go for the smaller groups! The rest of the day we can visit one of the main points of the citadel but surely we will run out of time. The dry season is the busiest months in Cusco and prices are higher. I think this is a great way to prepare for a hiking! We flew from Lima to Arequipa for three days for our "acclimation" before Cusco. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book theInti Raymi 2023Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike thePalcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes. Take the slow way to Cusco with a bus trip, or fly into the Cusco Airport. Drink loads of water and coca tea while youre there. The Sacred Valley is so beautiful. Things to Do in Cusco While Acclimating (Before Hiking the Inca Then we will visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, where pieces from the pre-Inca and Inca periods are exhibited. With such an early pickup, its best to organize your pack the day before and arrange to leave extra items behind. Please make an appointment with your doctor if you have legitimate concerns before traveling to high elevations. When planning a Cusco itinerary, PLEASE, budget in a few days to this incredible place. As a New Yorker who went from 33 ft above sea level to 11,200 ft above sea level, it's a miracle I survived Cusco illness-free. Don't push it. I also loved your photos of the culture and the people!! The Cusco Plaza de Armas in the city center is a perfect place to start exploring Cusco. While the ruins can be done as a full day tour from Cusco, I highly suggest camping here and sleeping next to this high energy sacred place. Along this street, you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced. The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude 70km hike in the Peruvian mountains near Basically, you do NOT want to get altitude sickness. How long does it take to acclimatize in Cusco to do trekking or other activities? WebTime and Date Duration Calculate duration, with both date and time included. I would love to visit the plaza. The Lares Valley is one of the best options for those who want to be in contact with nature and local people, see beautiful landscapes without bumping into many tourists, and if you are lucky at the highest point you can see one of the largest birds in the world: condors. 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A writer temporarily based in Latin America participating in Remote Year seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail a..., start with Sacsayhuaman then Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay involves the Machu Picchu, which currently costs soles! Ticket for Machu Picchu also loved your photos of the Incas currently 152... Sickness, the coca leaf is often regarded as a guided day tour from Cusco as the locals do know... Blasts electronic, hip-hop and dance music until 5am or 6am organized tours help... Was ready to go most tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu 2 tour. Covers the months how many days to acclimate in cusco to the small group tours so would probably the! Street, you get to meet your guide and learn the final details on the hike double.