3) Drink lots of water because you may become dehydrated. However, if looking for more things to do in Cusco check out the ideas below. First of all, WTF is altitude sickness and is it really that bad? Thanks so much! This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 daysat that altitude. Remember, if utilizing the buses, the roads will be windy with drastic altitude changes. On day 2, walk to the small community of Puca Marca, where the trail becomes even more spectacular. These ruins are located close to Salineras de Maras. Thanks so much for the kind words on my photos! Triple hinged doors were often found at the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire. The puma is one of three sacred animals of the Incas and represents courage. From Poroy Station (Cusco): The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Basically, eat your potatoes. How long does it take to become acclimated to high altitude? The only way to access the park is via a two day trek from the small village of Cachora. All roads really do lead to Machu Picchu. A tour to the Sacred Valley is one of the most popular things to do in Cusco and perfect while acclimating. 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. Booking.com Both trekking and non-trekking Machu Picchu itineraries are viable. 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. I appreciate your tips on booking tours and questions to ask to make sure youre getting what you need out of it! The following Cusco itineraries dont include Machu Picchu and simply focus on the best things to do in Cusco and the surrounding areas. Welcome to This Big Wild World travel blog! These ruins and agricultural terraces are nestled into the mountains near the entrance to the valley. These five detailed Cusco itineraries can help with prioritizing all the awesome things to do in the Cusco region, from out of the world day trips, literally sacred valleys, jaw-dropping Inca sites, to the endless Cusco trekking options. All train services have as their final destination, the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). Take your first day in Cusco calmly, especially if you come from cities near sea level. The prices here were outrageous compared to Cusco. The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek takes about 9 days, climbs over some serious mountain passes, stops in tiny communities, and eventually meets with the Salkantay trek. Enough space to cover the rest of the main points. for this exact reason. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Want adventure in your inbox every month? Dont leave them unattended and if using buses, keep them on your lap not on the floor of your legs. 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. Id so love to get a closer look to see their harvesting process and learn more about that. Basically, you do NOT want to get altitude sickness. Dont worry, three days of acclimatization in Cusco wont feel like a waste of time. With so much to see and do in Cusco alone, planning a Cusco itinerary can feel overwhelming. If you want to utilize the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the Cusco South Valley is spectacular. Packing up the Pieces is all about authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences, comprehensive travelogues, detailed hiking and adventure guides, alongside my personal struggles and heartfelt moments while on the road. Sure, there are hikers who arrive less than 24 hours before beginning the Inca Trail hike, but thats risky. From here, its about an hour and half hike to reach the colorful turquoise lake. With less time, private drivers and organized tours will help maximize sightseeing possibilities in Cusco. Serious hikers may wish to avoid the rainy season as some of the trails will be impassible due to high rivers and the weather can be severe. The viewpoint is marked with a cross, but hike along the ridge to reach the actual mountain peak, where theres 360 views of Cusco and a glimpses into the Sacred Valley. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. If you feel more comfortable, use the handy public bus system or collectivos to go to and from Cusco. Most Lares treks include a stop at the local Lares Hot Springs. Rainbow Mountain Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a day. WebWe're flying mid-day from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, staying 2 full days in Cusco then heading on the 4 day Inca Trail. Nobodys got time for altitude sickness on the trail! 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. we also flew from lima to cuzco and had 1 day to acclimate, which was tough, actually we arrived at night, spend the next day in cuzco and then went up machu The valley stretches from Pisac village, with its impressive hilltop Inca sites, three alpine lakes of Kinsa Cocha, a bustling artisan market all the way the to the depths of picturesque Ollantaytambo, a spectacular Inca village that is so much more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley is at roughly 9,000 feet, and Lima is just above sea level If you have more time to spare, Always carry a water bottle with you and drink from it frequently. Re: Need to acclimate in Cusco? If visiting Cusco on a short time frame, its more efficient, but less cost efficient to take day trip tours from Cusco to the nearby Inca sites, the Sacred Valley, and popular Cusco day trips. Be sure to drink coca tea at your hostel/ hotel before bed! How should I prepare for Cusco? This was cool to see, but be prepared for them to hustle you to buy something afterwards. Check out this awesome 1 Day Lares Valley Trek. Utilizing a tour company is a must for those seeking to hike the Class Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. How many days to acclimate in Cusco? Traveling Cusco independently really allows for an immersive experience and is budget friendly. Loved it! While youre there, take a stroll through the interior of the temple, which was originally built in 1571. I opted to just wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site on my own. We just have to think that the rise of Huayna Picchu is considered one of the most dangerous mountain walks in the world. WebAusangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain Without Guide From 4 to 6 Days Ausangate To Rainbow Mountain Trek Comprehensive Hiking Guide in Cusco Peru. If you plan to exercise in any capacity, relax and acclimate first. The authentic village is centrally located and close to so many of the Sacred Valley highlights. During the prime of the Inca Empire, it was rumored to be covered completely in Gold. On day 2 I had a really bad headache all day. One day is simply not enough time to explore this massive site. Dont have much time? Ill be posting a packing list soon theres definitely things Id do differently if I did it again. This gives you entry to Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Chinchero and is good for 2 consecutive days. Most hotels/hostels have this. They varied from 8-25. Peru Hop is a bus company that caters strictly to tourists. Along this street, you can also stop at the gorgeous Basilica de la Merced. Things to Do in Cusco While Acclimating (Before Hiking the Inca Trail). Expect to have a briefing held by your tour company. To hike the Inca Trail you must obtain a permit, which are limited. If you come in the high season (May - August), all of this will have to be reserved a few months in advance, if you do not do so, you will probably have to spend some more money, since last-minute reservations in the high season are very expensive. Cusco, a city with one of the highest elevations in Peru, sits just above 11,000 feet. After booking Machu Picchu tickets, the next thing is to book train tickets, then you can worry about plane tickets, hotels and guides. And if you're doing Rainbow Mountain, that's 6,000 ft above Cusco. Go back and check the above Sacred Valley day hikes, as you may want to spend even more time in the Sacred Valley. I will like to stop by all those sites. Next door is another station that has favorable bus companies like Civa and Cruz del Sur. Minimize or avoid alcohol and try to get to bed at a reasonable time. It was a bit confusing to work through all of the options (especially since my Spanish is not great). Ask your doctor for altitude sickness pills, and start taking them a day before you land in Cusco. 11 years ago Planning to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. Sadly, most travelers dont have that kind of time. Some tour companies had cheaper options, but they only stopped in 2-3 places. Happy travels to you as well! Your email address will not be published. From Arequipa, multiple bus companies depart from the Arequipa Terminal Terrestre to Cusco. Thats what makes this place so special, it sees less than 20 visitors a day. By now, your lungs should be pretty well adjusted to the altitude and the headaches should be subsiding. I loved the beautiful colored dresses too! Here are the questions I recommend asking: I prefer to go at my own pace in small groups. What did you include on your Cusco itinerary? If we do not want to miss anything there is so much to see, we must arrive very early, first thing in the morning, since the complete visit does not take less than six or seven hours. Huayna Picchu tickets is most popular tickets in the all travellers. 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. However, I have seen Cusco in the rainy season and everything is so lush and full of life, it truly is remarkable. The Cusco Plaza de Armas in the city center is a perfect place to start exploring Cusco. The Cusco South Valley also has the only Wari ruins on the Cusco Tourist Ticket at Pikillacta. 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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. Be mindful that the rain can fall heavy and that mudslides and landslides can occur. This occurs when the body doesn't have enough time to adapt to lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. From Ollantaytambo station: The trip takes a little less than 2 hours. Take all the photos you can, then you can choose between them. While planning a Cusco itinerary, its important to decide how you want to reach Machu Picchu. 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. Someday i shall travel there and pose in those beautiful dresses! Join the Maiden Voyagers Facebook group! Is the entry to each location included in the fee? Sacred Valley Travel Guide | Over 60+ Things to Do in the Sacred Valley Peru. 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