Mystical sacred city, considered the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire with a great historical and architectural legacy. Surrounded by green valleys with imposing tourist attractions, culture, tradition and faith still dormant. Known as the navel of the world for being the political and territorial center of the Inca Empire, the department of Cusco shows a striking geographical variety from natural mountain ranges and reliefs, to rivers like the Urubamba.
The city of Cusco, located in the Andes mountain range at 3 399 m.s., was declared the Historical Capital of Peru, being an impressive sample of high Inca engineering whose main tool was stone. As well as places like Choquequirao, Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Tambomachay, Ollantaytambo and especially Machu Picchu, architectural jewel built with the wisdom of the ancient Incas that served as political, religious and administrative center of the time.
Cusco is fascinating because it is a destination where you will find history, nature, adventure, art, gastronomy and customs that are kept alive. Come to enjoy the warmth of a village the warmth of a town that enjoys the visitors, Cusco waits for you. You can not miss the opportunity to meet her!
Best Month to do Vacations in Cusco
Cusco is a tourist destination different from others in many aspects, and it is also in terms of climate. It is something that you should especially take into account at the time of your trip, since most of the activities to do require walking and being outdoors.
The climate of Cusco is influenced by the winds. Those that arrive from the Altiplano are cold and dry, and the local winds, generated by the topographic differences, are humid and warm and compensate the natural cold caused by the height.
Although all year is good to visit Cusco, because the temperature is nice, it is advisable to choose the dry season, which runs from April to November. This will allow you to enjoy more of the excursions and walks, although there is no shortage of unforeseen rains.
The rainy season in Cusco goes from November to March / April. The precipitations can reach 1000 mm / year. The temperature is a little higher at this time with maximums of up to 30ºC and minimums around 20ºC.
The dry season in Cusco goes from March / April to October. The minimum temperature is close to 5ºC although it can reach below 0ºC. The maximum is close to 32ºC and the average of 17ºC / 18ºC
What to do for altitude sickness in Cusco
Normally, for people who are used to living closer to sea level and are not used to the heights, the altitude sickness syndrome we started to notice at 2,500 meters (so you can get an idea, Cusco, for example, is 3,360 meters above sea level).
The cause of the following symptoms has to do with the lack of oxygen, so in many of the destinations where it is usually given, they have places where oxygen tubes can be consumed. The most common symptoms are dizziness, vomiting, headache, physical exhaustion, sleep disorder and lack of appetite, among other things.
The most recommendable thing, and that they will offer you in the highest places of Peru, is to drink mate or tea from Coke. It is also good to chew the coca leaf itself, since it secretes a liquid that is very good for these cases. Issue? Well, it’s a bit bitter.
The important thing is to be well hydrated, so you will have to drink a lot of water even without thirst. It is also not advisable to make copious meals or in abundance. As you will notice lack of appetite, it is best to make light meals and let your stomach get used to it.
Although this last recommendation is more complicated to follow, it is also recommended that during the first few days not much effort be made. You have to be well rested and take the trip calmly.
Of course, being on vacation in a destination like Cusco is somewhat complicated, since what we want is to see everything in the shortest possible time. However, you have to take breaks and try to sleep well at night, even though one of the symptoms has to do with the sleep disorder and makes us wake up in the middle of the night as if we could not breathe. The body will take a few days to get used to, but you do not have to worry.
The best Vacation to Cusco
Sacred Valley Itinerary
The Sacred Valley is comprised between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, has wonderful Andean landscapes, where its inhabitants, natives of the Quechua ethnic group, conserve many customs and ancestral rites. It is the area where you can appreciate and magnify the high technological development reached by the Incas in agriculture through andenerías systems (set of earthen terraces in a staggered way over the mountains to be used in the sowing) that are found today. in full production, accompanied by sophisticated designs and hydraulic engineering works that were used for irrigation. The centers of adoration to the Pachamama (mother earth) also stand out. Combo Sacred Valley Tour
Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
Many people decide to travel the Inca Trail for 4 days and enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol (Intipunku); nevertheless, we know that not all people enjoy hiking in the open air and mountain camps as much. If it is one of them, your way to Machu Picchu is by train in a beautiful tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In most cases you will board your train to Machu Picchu at the Ollantaytambo station, not only because most services depart from this station, but because during the rainy season at Machu Picchu, the Poroy station is restricted for safety. The place where all the trains arrive to Machu Picchu, is the station of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). One block from the station you can board the buses to Machu Picchu; They leave every 15 minutes and the ticket office is right in front of the small bus station. Machu Picchu Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Hike
This route is ideal for nature lovers who do not have many days but who will find spectacular landscapes, with exotic flora and fauna along this adventure hike through beautiful valleys and white mountains especially the Humantay lagoon considered one of the mountains and most sacred lagoons in the region.
City Tour
Cusco, mythical capital of the Inca Empire, proudly retains its walls and stone walls, which evoke the greatness of the children of the sun. A city full of monuments and historical relics, myths and legends that seem to be reborn every time you walk through its centuries-old streets. Arriving in the city of Cusco, walking through its streets and enjoying its landscapes is transported directly to the past, its atmosphere originates in those who breathe experiences of deep fascination. City Tour in Cusco
South Valley of Cusco
Admire the southern area of the city of Cusco and part of the history through pre-Inca, Inca archaeological centers and a beautiful colonial church known as The Sistine of America all in beautiful villages that still retain their beauty colonial mansions.
What to do in Vacations of Cusco for a week
Hiking tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, 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.
- Salkantay Trekto Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2023 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu
Larger than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao lies practically desolate at the top of the deepest canyon in America. Here tourists do not arrive in comfortable trains, but real adventurers who, after days of exhausting trek, meet with the absolute silence of their mysterious ruins. Archaeologists have estimated that only 40% of the city has been exposed, with various government projects on the way to squeeze their tourism potential. That’s why you should do the Trekking to Choquequirao now, before the crowds rob you of an authentic encounter with our historical past. Choquequirao Trail to Machu Picchu
