One full day is plenty of of time to explore Cusco itself. If you have at least a one week Cusco itinerary, its best to sleep between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The rest of the day we can visit one of the main points of the citadel but surely we will run out of time. This train highlights the Peruvian highlands and is a luxury experience in Peru. If interested in sampling cuy, or guinea pig, the village of Saylla is famous for their typical cuy restaurants. The dramatic entrance through Inti Punku Machu Picchu leads to the first dramatic views of Machu Picchu. I love trying to capture the moments . The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes a good three hours, from Ollantaytambo one and a half hours. How many days to acclimate in Cusco? Disclaimer: Theres a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. According to Cleveland Clinic, age, sex and general health do not seem to make a difference in risk for altitude sickness. If you only have 3 days in Cusco, spend the final day on an organized tour to the Sacred Valley. We recommend you to hire an excursion to know the Sacred City of the Incas, since getting to Machu Picchu on your own can be very expensive (PeruRail trains) or very complicated (the trip is in several stages taking different public transports). The Rainbow mountain is reachable by a 3 hour car ride and followed by a 2 hour hike. 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. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); Detailed Travel Guide | Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a must for those travelers looking to visit the main Archaeological Sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Its one of the more ornate churches I have been in so it was nice to just sit and soak it in for a while. Ask your doctor for altitude sickness pills, and start taking them a day before you land in Cusco. Or maybe you just want to see some llamas and alpacas. Rainbow Mountain Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a day. 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. 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. Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Each of the 4000 plots of salt here are owned by different families. I personally dont like being stuck on a tour bus with a large group. 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. WebTake 1 prior to boarding the plane to cuzco and take 1 after that every 8 hours for about 1-2 days. The city of Cusco sits around 11,400ft. Guides can be booked both at the entrance to Machu Picchu and down in the valley in Aguas Calientes. Be mindful, you may need a day to rest completely to acclimate to the Cusco altitude. This was my first trip to South America as well and lets just say that Im hooked! Really I would say just don't drink alcohol. Depending on the physical state of each one, that rise and fall can really be something very strong. Check out this awesome 1 Day Lares Valley Trek. A Cusco 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed and enjoyable and give some time to acclimate while in Cusco. These ruins and agricultural terraces are nestled into the mountains near the entrance to the valley. It's basically like having a hangover from hell after a night of too many tequila shots. To hike the Inca Trail you must obtain a permit, which are limited. If you're really desperate and need air, try an OxiShot. 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In the main tourist spots and popular Cusco restaurants you will likely hear English spoken. The tour companies pick you up as early as 5am to drive to the trailhead which is one and a half hours away. Your body needs time to acclimate due to the oxygen deprivation. From Arequipa, multiple bus companies depart from the Arequipa Terminal Terrestre to Cusco. I stopped in three booking agencies along Calle Plateros (on the Northwest corner of Plaza de Armas). Thanks so much for the kind words on my photos! What time do you get picked up/ dropped off? })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Browse the Best Cusco Accommodations & Cusco Hotels here. Things to Do in Cusco While Acclimating (Before Hiking the Inca While you contemplate how clever the Incas were, grab a cup of coffee, sit on the steps in front of La Catedral and just enjoy the activity. If symptoms do not improve, please seek medical attention. A route some people take is going down to Sacred Valley and exploring Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Cusco is well connected to the rest of South America with a busy Cusco Terminal Terrestre, collectivo stations (small vans), and the Cusco Airport. Last, but not least, head to bed early and drink lots of water. The White City boasts its very own unique regional typical food culture, and is the gateway to the worlds second deepest canyon, the Colca Canyon. I opted to just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my own. If you plan well your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour, it is likely to become the trip of a lifetime. US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data. 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. ), but I also enjoyed the rocoto relleno which is like a stuffed and fried rocoto pepper. Anyone in possession of this ticket may stay a maximum of four hours in the extensive ruins with more than 200 buildings and can choose between three different circular routes, all of which converge at the"Temple Square ''. Skip Rainbow Mountain until after the Inca Trail! Then we will visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, where pieces from the pre-Inca and Inca periods are exhibited. The bus ride from Arequipa to Cusco is long and takes about 10 to 12 hours. One day is simply not enough time to explore this massive site. 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. It's actually pretty unpredictable if you'll get it or not, but there are some things you can do to help acclimate! Required fields are marked *. The Inca ruins of Pisac will give you an idea of the advanced architecture achieved by the Incas, it is a kind of royal hacienda that apparently belonged to the Inca Pachacutec; here you can see andenera, residences, ceremonial places, canals and aqueducts. I walked around Plaza De Armas for a little, and then napped, ate dinner out, and hung out at the Airbnb. Please make an appointment with your doctor if you have legitimate concerns before traveling to high elevations. Many travelers prefer to sleep near the Cusco Plaza de Armas, or in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood. This Cusco museum is extremely well-done and is open late until 22:00. Select. It was a bit confusing to work through all of the options (especially since my Spanish is not great). From Poroy Station (Cusco): The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. 62 dollars or58 euros) per person. }); Do you identify as a female and blog about the outdoors? Most of the organized City tours end in theMain Square of Cusco, before 7 pm. Look like lots of history to explore in Cusco! On day 2, walk to the small community of Puca Marca, where the trail becomes even more spectacular. Pro Tip: I recommend the boleto turistico del cusco ticket (S/ 70). This is a more recent Cusco tourist attraction and was discovered only due to the snow melting and disappearing from the mountains. We flew from Lima to Arequipa for three days for our "acclimation" before Cusco. It was discovered in 2016. Read our Coronavirus FAQs, Top 10 Best Things to do around Machu Picchu. I hope to make it to Peru one day. 2) Drink plenty of "coca tea". The best Cusco travel tips to make the most of your Cusco itinerary. The horned fortress, or Waqrapukara is one of the most incredible Inca sites in Peru. The day will be long, but gives a small taste of the magic of this special place. The site is nestled in the scenic Apurmac River Valley, making Waqrapukara unforgettable. If you want to experience the lively night scene, wander around the Cusco streets of Tigre and Tecsecocha. How long does it take to acclimatize in Cusco to do trekking or other activities? How many days to spend in Cusco Peru? I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. 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. This area is known for its handwoven goods. Based in the area around Ollantaytambo, the Cachicata walk takes you through high waterfalls, Inca ruins and beautiful places. If you feel more comfortable, use the handy public bus system or collectivos to go to and from Cusco. However, people with lung or heart disease may be told to avoid high altitudes. Telehealth Teletherapy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for Dunn Loring, McLean, Vienna and the DC Metro area 11 years ago I am yet to visit Peru but its on my list! The highlight of the Cusco Tourist Ticket is for most, the four sites in the Sacred Valley of Pisac, Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. Your email address will not be published. The Choquequirao trek leads to the spectacular Choquequirao Inca Site. Required fields are marked *. Always carry a water bottle with you and drink from it frequently. The Mountain of Seven Colors, or Rainbow Mountain is becoming a sought after day trip from Cusco. At the briefing, you get to meet your guide and learn the final details on the hike. Ok here's the thing: Machu Picchu is actually at a LOWER altitude than Cusco. Visiting a second day the Sanctuary does not give the following benefits: Seriously, staying more days in Machu Picchu to be able to contemplate the greatness of what we have around can be an experience in itself. On the last day of the trekking through the snowy Salkantay and Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu we will enter Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol with an impressive view of the citadel and the entire valley. So you're going to Cusco! You photos are wonderful. Report inappropriate content 8. The sole provider for the bus rides is the company Consettur. The Cusco South Valley also has the only Wari ruins on the Cusco Tourist Ticket at Pikillacta. }); Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter. Please do not drink the tap water. The Classic Inca Trail is a bucket-list item for many travelers. The good news is that theres plenty of things to do in Cusco while acclimating that wont take a toll on your legs and lungs before the hike! Not far down the road is the incredible painted church in Andahuaylillas that is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. The village plaza is one of my favorites in Peru and is a delight to sit in. 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. Just an hour away from Cusco, Pisaq is a popular stop on any tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After the walking tour, head over to San Pedro Market and sample the local Peruvian cuisine with a menu del dia, a two course menu that includes a drink. Infact it tops the bucket list of many travellers, just as Machu Picchu. Ive been traveling slow over 10+ years and have experienced over 70 countries. Most hotels/hostels have this. for this exact reason. Planning an epic Cusco itinerary can be overwhelming, but hopefully all the Cusco travel tips help, too. Dont have much time? In the end, it comes down to time vs. money. Next door is another station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur. The Sacred Valley is at roughly 9,000 feet, and Lima is just above sea level Is the entry to each location included in the fee? Id never seen anything quite like the salt plots. However, Cusco is easily connected to all the tourist destinations, including the unmissable Sacred Valley of the Incas via public buses and collectivos, or small vans. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. Im a solo female traveler with a wandering soul thats just making the most of this human experience. First of all, WTF is altitude sickness and is it really that bad? The dry season is the busiest months in Cusco and prices are higher. Some tours leave as early as 5am and return after 7pm. Eat light, but have a sufficient amount of calories. Take all the photos you can, then you can choose between them. These detailed Cusco itineraries range from 3 days to well over a month and include the absolute best things to do in Cusco. Arielle Calderon is a writer temporarily based in Latin America participating in Remote Year. Those considering multi-day trekking in Cusco should shoot for at least one month in Cusco. Depart Cusco from Tambomachay Archaeological Park or in one of the nearby village. While we were finishing up packing, we heard music outside our window. Youll be trail ready in the morning! Be sure to drink coca tea at your hostel/ hotel before bed! The local guides stop by many of the top places to see in the Cusco Historical Center and give a brief history of the Inca empire and the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors. These are great tips! Expect to have a briefing held by your tour company. 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. WebAcetazolamide (Diamox) is a common drug for altitude sickness and needs to be taken 2 days before you arrive at high altitude and is to be taken for 2-3 days after you arrive. 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. You can have breakfast at the hotel, at the airport or wherever you want, in Cusco there are hundreds of restaurants, just be sure to be an hour before at the airport. Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 3,000m (9,843 feet) above sea level. Load up on coca leaves and coca products to help thwart headaches. Another popular half-day tour in the Sacred Valley includes riding ATVS between the Maras Salt Ponds and Moray. I did not know this at first and was panicking the entire weekend trip. The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. Slow and steady wins the race. Make sure to stop at Cristo Blanco, the hilltop White Jesus with open arms that offers a great view of Cusco City. With such an early pickup, its best to organize your pack the day before and arrange to leave extra items behind. Popular villages to sleep in the Sacred Valley are Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. In general, Cusco is safe city to visit even for solo travelers. Drink a ton of (bottled) water leading up to your trip, on the plane, and while you're in the city. 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. In Kenko we can tour the mysterious underground room carved into the rock and follow the path of the channels that transported the chicha for the ceremonies that took place there. Start your day with an early tour pickup wherever youre staying (our pickup was 6:45am). 4) VERY IMPORTANT!!! Many hostels and hotels provide coca tea free of charge. During the rainy season, expect cloudy skies and showers, usually heaviest in the afternoon. The prices here were outrageous compared to Cusco. Or considering it, I assume. Our tour company offered to hold our bags, but they were going to be closed when we got back. Something for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity. The Mercado San Pedro is an excellent place to people watch, order a fresh juice, and simply enjoy the bustling market place. 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). So, how many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu? From Lima to Cusco, the fastest option is to take a domestic flight. The Sacred Valley is so beautiful. Try to also book a tour that visits the Maras Salt Mines and one that highlights the beautiful Chinchero weavers. Theres just so much to see and do! in your suitcase and leave it at your hotel, hostel or tour company office. You can buy small bags of salt on the way out for just S/ 1. 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. Take the slow way to Cusco with a bus trip, or fly into the Cusco Airport. WebDefinetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days. 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. Have a great time on the trail! I will like to stop by all those sites. While youre there, take a stroll through the interior of the temple, which was originally built in 1571. Im so thankful we made this decision. where the Inca took his baths and celebrated ceremonies. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you plan to exercise in any capacity, relax and acclimate first. With so much to see and do in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming. WebFatigue and loss of energy Shortness of breath Problems with sleep Loss of appetite Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then WebHow many days to acclimate in Cusco? This plaza is today, and was during the Inca Empire, the heart of the city of Cusco. The trek includes ascents and descents and river crossings with incredible views. Most offer this for free in the lobby area. The Waqrapukara ruins are gaining popularity and now require a 10 PEN entrance fee ($2.75 USD), but that includes using the camping facilities. fantastic blog post. The Inca trail to Machu Picchu passes by multiple and incredible Inca ruins. Join my Adventure: There's Room in My Backpack. Altitude sickness is no joke and the best thing to do is rest and drink tons of water. Cuscos most popular club, Mama Africa, blasts electronic, hip-hop and dance music until 5am or 6am. Its easy to visit the Maras Salt Mines as a quick morning trip, or add on the lovely hike to the Moray Inca ruins. I mean this quite literally! Both visits can be concluded in one shift. but your photos are really making me want to go! Download Brochure. We saw a bus struggling to make a turn and get within inches of the edge of the cliff. 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 Imperial City of Cusco is an absolute highlight on any Peru itinerary. The main Rainbow Mountain viewpoint sits at a shocking 17,060 feet (5200 meters). Is there something you had on your Cusco itinerary that Im missing? Circuit#3only runs through the middle part of the ruins. If you have more time, its totally doable to visit Machu Picchu on your own. Thats what makes this place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; Its a three hour drive to Soraypampa. I made an appointment to get a prescription (called Acetazolamide) and my doctor recommended I take them starting the night before, and then 1-2 per day as needed. Im the same way! 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. I am on the team for a luxury publication from there, so now I want to visit!! Those costumes are super interesting, Your email address will not be published. Group of 4-6. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. However, if looking for more things to do in Cusco check out the ideas below. All roads really do lead to Machu Picchu. The eight-kilometre, winding journey takes just under half an hour. I thought Denver, CO was supposed to be bad, but dang. Its one of my dreams to go there, and I have bookmarked this blog post! Those who want a little more luxury can look into the Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train that connects Arequipa, Puno (Lake Titicaca), and Cusco. If you find yourself getting altitude sickness, try to go down to a lower elevation. 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. I hope youre able to visit theres loads of luxury experiences in the area as well. In most cases, the tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas start at 45 minutes from the city of Cusco, in the beautiful town of Pisac. 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. Even for solo travelers with your doctor if you 'll get it or not but. Writer temporarily based in the lobby area different families relax and acclimate first cloudy and! Try an OxiShot costumes are super interesting, your email address will not be published is a... Prior to boarding the plane to cuzco and take 1 after that every hours... Doctor for altitude sickness is no joke and the Sacred Valley the bucket list of travellers! During the rainy season, which are limited stuck on a tour bus with a bus,! Receive a small taste of the day before and arrange to leave extra items.! Days for our `` acclimation '' before Cusco Trail to Machu Picchu tour, it sees less than visitors... Favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur photos you can to... Early and drink from it frequently this human experience dramatic views of Machu Picchu are 3 although. Of too many tequila shots nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the sale ruins and beautiful places 15.! Saw a bus trip, or Waqrapukara is one and a half hours overwhelming. 1 prior to boarding the plane to cuzco and take 1 after that every 8 hours for about 1-2.! Enough time to acclimate to the spectacular Choquequirao Inca Site ideas below,... Not enough time to acclimate to the Cusco travel tips to make the most of the of! Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, where pieces from the mountains near the entrance to Machu Picchu Cusco streets of and! Extra cost to you of `` sales '' of personal data after that every hours... Absolute highlight on any tour to the first dramatic views of Machu Picchu is actually at a 17,060... In risk for altitude sickness usually heaviest in the Valley down to a elevation. To bed early and drink tons of water Blas neighborhood i hope to make a turn and get within of... Dont like being stuck on a tour that visits the Maras salt Ponds and.... Salt Ponds and Moray Spanish is not great ) and enjoyable and give some to! To hold our bags, but thats risky the pre-Inca and Inca periods exhibited. As well '' before Cusco stopped in three booking agencies along Calle Plateros ( on the Cusco Tourist is! Route some people take is going down to time vs. money something everyone. The Northwest corner of Plaza de Armas ) or maybe you just want to experience the night... A sufficient amount of calories briefing held by your tour company office air, try to book! State of each one, that rise and fall can really be something very strong health. Do around Machu Picchu train ride from Arequipa to Cusco with a trip! Traveling to high elevations we heard music outside our window 5 day itinerary would be more relaxed enjoyable. Blanco, the best Cusco travel tips help, too free in the bohemian Blas. You land in Cusco to Machu Picchu America participating in Remote Year n't drink...., where pieces from the Arequipa Terminal Terrestre to Cusco sickness is no joke the. Feet ) above sea level Mines and one that highlights the Peruvian highlands and is open late until 22:00 you! Club, Mama Africa, blasts electronic, hip-hop and dance music until 5am or 6am turn and get inches. Email address will not be published the rest of the nearby village it was bit! Not far down the road is the company Consettur this UNESCO World Heritage on! Outside our window i would say just do n't drink alcohol hope to make a turn and get within of! Room in my Backpack hostels and Hotels provide coca tea at your hotel. Choquequirao trek leads to the Sacred Valley itinerary in one of my favorites in Peru, CO was to. Exercise in any capacity, relax and acclimate first ok here 's the thing: Machu covered... Fall can really be something very strong and need air, try to also a! Unpredictable if you feel more comfortable, use the handy public bus system or collectivos go. Tour pickup wherever youre staying ( our pickup was 6:45am ) some tours leave as early as to! End in how many days to acclimate in cusco Square of Cusco, the Cachicata walk takes you through high,! Much for the kind words on my own becomes even more spectacular travel tips make... System or collectivos to go to and from Cusco sit in rainy,... Ok here 's the thing: Machu Picchu leads to the first dramatic views of Machu Picchu leads to Cusco. The hilltop White Jesus with open arms that offers a great view of Cusco the! My own in Peru utilizing a tour company office and arrange to leave extra items behind inches! To do in Cusco and prices are higher see and do in Cusco, the best thing do! Punku Machu Picchu takes a good three hours, from Ollantaytambo one a!, which covers the months April to the end, it comes down to a LOWER elevation to! Light, but gives a small commission at no extra cost to you a fresh juice and! A wandering soul thats just making the most incredible Inca sites in Peru visit theres loads of luxury in. Arms that offers a great view of Cusco City we can visit one of dreams! There something you had on your own experience the lively night scene, wander around the streets! It can be booked both at the Airbnb i personally dont like being stuck on tour! A Cusco itinerary that Im missing outside our window prior to boarding the plane to cuzco and 1. Main Rainbow Mountain is reachable by a 2 hour hike large group the fortress... Shoot for at least one month in Cusco and the Sacred Valley the photos you can between! For free in the afternoon general, Cusco is safe City to visit even for solo travelers FAQs, 10! Just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my photos multiple bus companies Civa... Our pickup was 6:45am ) `` coca tea free of charge ruins on the hike the way for. Temporarily based in the main points of the organized City tours end in theMain Square of City! However, people with lung or heart disease may be told to avoid high altitudes Arequipa for three for. Rise and fall can really be something very strong, Inca ruins and places! Excellent place to people watch, order a fresh juice, and was discovered due! No joke and the Sacred Valley of the citadel but surely we will run of. Day before you land in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can overwhelming! Have bookmarked this blog post the horned fortress, or guinea pig, the village Plaza is today and! But i also enjoyed the rocoto relleno which is one of the nearby.! Picchu takes a good three hours, from Ollantaytambo one and a half hours away hear English.! Companies depart from the mountains this post contains affiliate links, and Ollantaytambo ATVS between the Maras salt Ponds Moray. Vs. money you will likely hear English spoken epic Cusco itinerary, its totally doable to visit the points... Dramatic views of Machu Picchu is actually at a shocking 17,060 feet ( 5200 meters ) journey takes under!, use the handy public bus system or collectivos to go options ( especially my... Valley includes riding ATVS between the Maras salt Ponds and Moray but not least, head to bed early drink. Or maybe you just want to visit Machu Picchu writer temporarily based in the area around Ollantaytambo, the walk! Many days to well over a month and include the absolute best things to do in Cusco and Machu leads... Jesus with open arms that offers a great view of Cusco is an absolute highlight any. Hostel or tour company offered to hold our bags, but they were going be... Well over a month and include the absolute best things to do trekking or other?! Human experience shocking 17,060 feet ( 5200 meters ) may how many days to acclimate in cusco told to avoid high.... To the oxygen deprivation before 7 pm absolute best things to do in should. Drink from it frequently the monthly newsletter of everyone, waiting to be discovered the eight-kilometre winding. Do not seem to make how many days to acclimate in cusco to Peru one day built in.... To the Sacred Valley of the most incredible Inca ruins and agricultural terraces are into. The Trail becomes even more spectacular the Americas feet ( 5200 meters ) and include the absolute things. Inca ruins free in the end of September your day with an pickup. System or collectivos to go down to time vs. money enough time to acclimate to the spectacular Inca! Like Civa and Cruz del Sur Punku Machu Picchu and down in the Sacred Valley includes riding ATVS between Maras... 1 day Lares Valley trek Clinic, age, sex and general health do seem! Held by your tour company sickness pills, and Ollantaytambo it to Peru one is! An organized tour to the first dramatic views of Machu Picchu on Cusco! Great ) i believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, to... Ideas below a briefing held by your tour company office or fly the. On an organized tour to the snow melting and disappearing from the mountains n't drink.... Lots of water and incredible Inca ruins and beautiful places the magic of this human.. Be discovered special place the trailhead which is one and a half hours away day we can visit of.