Cusco travel guide

Cuzco Travel Guide – A place out of time

Hidden in the heart of the Andes, near the Sacred Valley, Cuzco is the ancient capital of the long-gone Inca Empire, one of the most fascinating civilizations of South America. Although the official capital of Peru is Lima, Cuzco has been declared a World Heritage Site, and it is widely considered as the historical capital of the country. Modern day Cuzco still retains some of the architecture of the ancient Inca city, and thus it is one of Peru‘s major tourist attractions. The rich history of the place, the large number of natives who still retain their traditional clothing and way of life, and the natural beauty of the region makes Cuzco one of the best holiday destinations in South America. This Cuzco Travel Guide will briefly point out what you need to know before visiting this wonderful city.

Cuzco Travel Guide – Transport

The cheapest way to travel in Peru is by bus, and there are several bus services operating between Cuzco and other major Peruvian cities such as Lima, Arequipa or Nazca. The fares are relatively cheap, but on the minus side, bus rides can take up to 24 hours because Peru’s roads can be quite bad. If you are not bothered by long trips, this Cuzco Travel Guide recommends that you take the bus because you can see some amazing views which you might miss otherwise. A much quicker way to get to Cuzco is by plane. There are daily flights to and from Lima and Arequipa, as well as other smaller airports in the country. The closest airport is the Alejandro Velasco Astete airport, a mere 10 minute’s taxi ride from the city. Keep in mind that taxi drivers are prone to overcharging tourists, so don’t be fooled. The city centre is not very large, so you can get around on foot, but if you plan on visiting the more remote suburbs or nearby ruins, you can ride a taxi or a kombi, small vans and buses used for transport inside the city.

Cuzco Travel Guide – Accommodation

If you’re backpacking through Peru, there are a lot of hostels that cater for those who are on tight budget. The LOKI Backpackers Hostel is a great place to stay and meet other travelers. It is a bit far from the city centre but it has a great view and it has a popular bar that also offers cheap but tasty food and drinks. Hospedaje Estrellita is a small family hostel with comfortable and very affordable rooms. There are numerous other cheap hostels in the San Blas area only a few blocks away from the city’s main plaza. If you’re willing to splurge, there are several top-notch hotels in Cuzco that offer great conditions. The Garden House Hotel, Hotel Monasterio and Hotel Marqueses have luxury services such as spas and pools, but if you really want to get in touch with the local culture, smaller, less expensive accommodation is a better choice.

Cuzco Travel Guide – Useful tips

Many travelers who arrive in Cuzco are afflicted with altitude sickness. A great local remedy is mate de coca, coca tea, which will diminish the nausea and it is also an energizing drink. While Cuzco is a safe place at day, it is not recommended to walk the streets of the city at night, because robberies are quite frequent, so the wisest choice is to take a taxi.