Practical Tips & Hacks: Cuzco

Money-Saving Strategies

Discover ways to manage your budget and stretch your travel funds further in Cusco.

Discount Cards and Passes

Boleto Turístico: This combined tourist ticket for multiple archaeological sites and museums in Cusco and the Sacred Valley creates substantial savings compared to buying individual entrance fees.
ISIC Card: An International Student Identity Card can contribute to discounts at Machu Picchu and some other sites. Carry it if you are a student.
Look for local tourism package deals.
Check for online coupons or promotions before booking.

Free Activities and Attractions

Wander through the artistic San Blas neighborhood.
Visit the bustling San Pedro Market for a sensory journey.
Walk the historic streets of the city center.
Many "free" walking tours operate on a tip-based system.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

Many restaurants and bars, especially around Plaza de Armas, have happy hour deals on drinks (notably Pisco Sours) early evening.
Always look for "Menu del Día" (set lunch menus) at local eateries for budget-friendly and hearty meals. These deliver great value.
Some eateries present student or senior discounts upon request.
Explore local street food markets for economical eats.

Transportation Savings

Use local buses (Micros) or Colectivos for intra-city travel and for journeys within the Sacred Valley. These forms of transport are economical.
Walk as much as possible within the historic center.
Negotiate taxi fares before starting the ride. This avoids surprises and secures a fair price.
Consider Airbnb apartments with kitchens. This permits you to cook some of your own meals, cutting down on food costs.

Time-Saving Tips

Maximize your exploration time with these smart planning and travel strategies.

Skip-the-Line Options

Pre-book Machu Picchu tickets: This is useful for entry and specific time slots. It prevents long waits.
Boleto Turístico: Having this pass means you purchase individual tickets at each site, saving time at ticket booths.
Book popular tours in advance: Especially for the Inca Trail, Salkantay, or specific dates like Inti Raymi. This secures your spot and streamlines the process.
Arrive early at popular attractions to beat the crowds.

Best and Worst Times for Popular Attractions

Machu Picchu: Go early morning (aim for the first entry slot) to avoid largest crowds and for the best light. Shun midday, which is the busiest.
Sacsayhuaman: Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better photography conditions.
Plaza de Armas: Morning for quieter photos, evening for a lively atmosphere.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for fewer tourists.

Express Transportation Alternatives

Flights: Flying from Lima to Cusco is the quickest way to arrive (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes) compared to buses (20-24 hours).
Train to Aguas Calientes: Faster than trekking the Inca Trail, yet takes a few hours from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Private transfers offer direct routes and comfort.
Motorcycle taxis are a fast option for short distances in some towns.

Pre-booking Recommendations

Machu Picchu entry tickets and any associated permits (like the Inca Trail).
Flights, notably the Lima-Cusco leg.
Popular hotels during high season.
Major tours you plan to take.

Local Insights

Gain an understanding of local customs and social norms for a more genuine experience.

Common Tourist Missteps and How to Avoid Them

Not acclimatizing to altitude: Arrive in Cusco and take it easy for 1-2 days. Hydrate well, avoid alcohol, and do not plan strenuous activities immediately.
Overestimating distances: While the historic center is walkable, some hills are steep. Do not overschedule your initial days.
Ignoring hygiene: Drink only bottled or purified water. Exercise caution with street food; select vendors with high turnover and hot food. Cleanse hands frequently.
Only visiting Machu Picchu: Cusco and the Sacred Valley present a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty. Allocate time to explore these areas.

Local Customs Visitors Should Know

Punctuality: "Hora Peruana" (Peruvian time) can be looser than Western concepts. Tours may depart slightly late, and appointments might not always start precisely on time. Cultivate patience.
Bargaining: Common in markets for handicrafts and souvenirs, but less common in fixed-price shops or restaurants.
Personal Space: People may stand closer to you than in some Western cultures during conversations.
A firm handshake is customary upon meeting.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

Taxis: Agree on the fare beforehand.
Respect the Elderly: Demonstrate regard for older individuals.
Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially children.
Be mindful of local dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites.

Phrases That Delight Locals

"¡Gracias!" (Thank you!) - Always appreciated.
"¡Buen provecho!" (Enjoy your meal!) - Polite to say to others dining.
"¡Quechua sumaq!" (Quechua is beautiful!) - (in Quechua, pronounced "KAY-chwah SOO-mack").
"Ama sua, ama llulla, ama quella" (Don't steal, don't lie, don't be lazy) - The Inca moral code.

Important Note

This section gives general recommendations. Individual experiences may vary.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailored advice for different types of travelers, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.

Solo Travelers

Navigating Cusco as a lone adventurer.

Families with Children

Guidance for family trips.

Group Expeditions

Tips for group travel coordination.

Specific Considerations

Solo Traveler Safety and Social Options

Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Utilize trustworthy taxis or ride-sharing apps like Didi or Uber.
Inform someone of your itinerary. Consider carrying a Personal safety alarm.
Social: Stay in social hostels, join group tours, or participate in cooking classes or pub crawls. These are excellent ways to meet other travelers.

Family-Friendly Adaptations and Kid Tips

Pace: Allow extra time for acclimatization and keep a slower pace, especially for children.
Activities: Focus on engaging activities like light hikes, market visits, or cooking classes. Machu Picchu captivates children.
Accommodation: Look for hotels with larger rooms, interconnected rooms, or apartments (via Airbnb).

Important Considerations

Tailoring your trip to specific travel styles leads to memorable adventures.

Practical Tips & Hacks