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Resources & References

Resources & References

Cuzco And The Sacred Valley, Peru

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps:

    Download offline maps for navigation without internet access.

  • Google Translate:

    Download offline Spanish pack for real-time translation.

  • XE Currency:

    A reliable app for quick currency conversion.

  • PeruRail/Inca Rail:

    Use official apps or websites for train schedules and booking.

  • WhatsApp:

    Widely used in Peru for communication.

Useful Websites

  • Peru's Official Tourism Website:

    Peru.travel/en for general info, destinations, activities.

  • Ministry of Culture for Machu Picchu tickets:

    Machupicchu.gob.pe for official bookings.

  • PeruRail official site:

    Perurail.com for train tickets to Aguas Calientes.

  • Inca Rail official site:

    Incarail.com another option for train tickets.

  • Social Media & News:

    Follow official tourism boards for updates.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Reputable travel guidebooks offer detailed information, maps, and practical advice. Choose a recent edition.

Books About Peru

Explore historical accounts, cultural narratives, and engaging fiction for context.

Local Publications

Free local tourist maps and brochures from hotels or information points.

Further Reading

Cultural Narratives

  • "Turn Right at Machu Picchu" by Mark Adams.
  • "The Lost City of the Incas" by Hiram Bingham.
  • "Inca Kola: A Travellers Tale of Peru" by Matthew Parris.
  • Many documentaries on Inca civilization.

Preparatory Insights

  • Listen to Andean folk music, explore Inca art.
  • Online communities and forums for traveler advice.
  • Babbel for basic Spanish phrases.
  • Consider local Spanish language schools in Cusco.

Exploration

Visual Content

  • Documentaries about Machu Picchu.
  • Inca civilization and Peruvian culture.
  • Many are available on streaming services.

Auditory & Art

  • Listen to Andean folk music.
  • Characterized by pan flutes and traditional instruments.
  • Explore traditional Inca and colonial art in museums.
  • Especially in Cusco.

Community & Learning

  • Online communities and forums for travelers.
  • Valuable peer advice and recent experiences.
  • Language learning resources like Duolingo or Babbel.

Safety & Preparedness

Emergency Information

Contacts

  • Police: 105
  • Firefighters: 116
  • Ambulance: 117
  • Tourist Police: +51 84 221 969

Medical Facilities

  • Aguas Calientes: Basic medical posts.
  • Cusco: Clinica San Juan de Dios.
  • Cusco: Clinica Peruano Suiza.
  • For more comprehensive services.

Consular Services

  • Embassy/Consulate in Lima contact information.
  • Lost/stolen passport procedures.
  • Obtain a police report immediately.
  • For emergency travel documents.

Health Guidance

Altitude Acclimatization

  • Spend 1-2 days in Cusco or Sacred Valley.
  • Consult a travel doctor for advice.
  • Discuss altitude sickness medication.

Staying Healthy

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Protect yourself from intense sun exposure.
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

General Safety

Personal Security

  • Maintain awareness of your surroundings.
  • Inform trusted contacts of your itinerary.
  • Secure your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Natural Hazards

  • Familiarize with hotel emergency exits.
  • Peru is in an active seismic zone.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities.

Travel Wisdom

Document Issues

  1. Report lost/stolen passport to local police immediately.
  2. Obtain a police report for documentation.
  3. Contact your embassy/consulate for emergency travel documents.
  4. Keep digital/physical copies of important documents.

Disaster Protocols

  1. Familiarize with your hotel's emergency exits.
  2. Follow instructions from local authorities, guides, or staff.
  3. Be aware of earthquake, landslide, or flood warnings.
  4. Peru is in an active seismic zone.

Quick Safety Reminders

Stay Alert

Awareness of surroundings is your first defense.

Official Guidance

Always heed advice from authorities or hotel staff.

Health First

Prioritize acclimatization and hydration for well-being.

Important Travel Advisory

Always check your country's foreign office website for the most up-to-date travel advisories and contact information.

Cultural & Responsible Travel

Cultural Perspectives

Inca Ingenuity

  • Advanced Engineering:

    Gain insights into Inca civilization's remarkable construction.

  • Spiritual Beliefs:

    Understand their intricate spiritual connections to nature.

  • Nature Harmony:

    Observe their harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Personal Journey

  • Growth Opportunities:

    Travel to this region offers moments for personal development.

  • Physical Challenges:

    Adjusting to altitude and hiking terrain can be rewarding.

  • New Perspectives:

    Adapt to a new culture and gain insights on human achievement.

Responsible Travel

Support Local

Support local businesses and artisans by purchasing goods and services directly.

Minimize Impact

Use a Reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastics.

Preserve Sites

Stay on marked trails at Machu Picchu and other sites. Do not touch artifacts.

Cultural Respect

Communication

  • Learn basic Spanish phrases; efforts are appreciated.
  • Ask for permission before photographing people.
  • Bargain respectfully in markets.
  • Engage in fair negotiation without aggression.

Etiquette

  • Dress modestly when appropriate.
  • Especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Or when visiting traditional communities.
  • Be mindful of local customs.

Giving Back

Local Empowerment

  • Hire local guides for enriched experience.
  • Your payment directly supports them and their families.
  • Donate to reputable local conservation projects.
  • Research organizations working in the region.

Eco-Consciousness

  • Leave artifacts and natural elements undisturbed.
  • Maintain distance from animals.
  • Do not disturb their habitats.
  • Contribute to sustainable tourism.

Sustainable Travel Note

Your actions greatly contribute to the preservation of Peru's cultural heritage and natural beauty.