Cusco lies within the slopes of the Andes Mountains in present day Peru and has always claimed the prestige of being amongst the most important cultural centers of the Inca Realm. Cusco characterized by old architecture, buildings with an immediate colonial look, and mountains views; is one of the cities visited by travelers from all parts of the world to visit old territories, and shop good souvenirs and mouth watering Peruvian foods from colourful markets.
Essential Information for Your Trip
Here you will find everything from A to Z about planning a trip to Cusco and those precious tips can be of great help to arrange a fantastic trip to this amazing city. From the money you will spend and the places you will sleep in, to the state of your health and the taste of foods you will eat Here is what we have for you.
Currency and Money Matters
Currency: There is official currency used in Peru and this is Sol that has an ISO code of PEN. It is advised that one should change some amount of money before one arrives to the city or withdraw it from the available Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) once in town. Major credit cards are accepted by large hotels, restaurants and most other facilities, though it is recommended to have some small change for such a purpose as marketing in the markets.
ATMs: Several of the ATMs you are going to have around Cusco accept credit or debit international cards. But at the same time, you must always warn your bank about your travel plans so that card operations be it purchase or cash withdrawals will not be declined. Also an aspect to consider is that fees charged by the ATM can also be differentiated based on the card holder’s bank individually and the provider of the station.
Electrical Considerations
Voltage: The current electricity in Cusco is 220 volts thus; look at your electrical gadgets and devices to ensure that they will function appropriately at this voltage. All the portable equipments, including smart phones and laptops in today’s market are suitable with the wide range of voltages; nevertheless, the users are advised to confirm this.
Plug Types: Cusco possesses a variation of plug sockets that accommodate types of plugs A, B, and C. If you will be entering Europe, be sure to bring the type C plugs since they are common throughout Europe. It is suggested that it is advisable to carry a universal travel adapter with you when you are traveling so that you will not have issues of plugs not fitting you again.
Health and Safety Precautions
Altitude Sickness: However, downside of travelling to cusco one of the persisting issues to do with the accommodation and altitude sickness also known as soroche is a crucial factor that affects most travelers arriving in the region.
To mitigate altitude sickness, consider taking the following precautions:
- Acclimatize gradually: Ensure that on arrival in the region do not over exert your body as you will require some time to adapt.
- Stay hydrated: Seriously limit the intakes of water as this will only worsen the effects of the Altitude sickness, however, ensure you take enough water.
- Chew coca leaves or drink coca tea: It was thought that the local and most commonly used Coca leaves contains some substances that can soften the impacts of altitude sickness disease. It is highly cultivated coca plant that is easily found and frequently used as a complimentary tea in most of the hotel and restaurants in Cusco.
Medical Insurance: This is especially so when one is in the overland area, in a country where the occurrence of medical-related complications are commonplace or in regions characterized with high altitude where one might be at risk of altitude sickness; adequate travel medical insurance accompanied by an emergency evacuation insurance must be put in place. Also, ensure it has provided for the cover of medical bills since the current global pandemic remains a reality.
Connectivity and Internet Access
Holafly SIM Cards: Use Holafly’s SIM card for internet connections everywhere in Peru, it is safe to use when traveling in Cusco. On these prepaid SIM cards, you get data bundles, which any traveler would expect; entertainment, navigation, among others.
To use the Holafly SIM card you have to have an unlocked mobile phone and one which allows the insertion of an international SIM card. This is an aspect that is offered by most of the modern mobile phones; however, this has to be checked before choosinga certain SIM card.
Accommodation Options
San Blas Neighborhood: When in Cusco, it is recommended that one should secure an apartment in the San Blas area because it is prone and quite homely. Regarding the profile of non-conventional and artistic business, San Blas is perfectly located near Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market.
Hence, when selecting the right hotels in San Blas, issues such as the location, Sun and services, and price should be taken into consideration. Whether you’re longing for a smile of a porthole of a hotel or a small guest house or an inexpensive hostel you will be able to choose it in San Blas.
Recommended Establishments: Check out TDs for some of the more well-known hotels and hostels in San Blas district of Cusco that includes:
- Eureka San Blas: It is rather beautiful hotel that is located in the city of Arequipa very close to Plaza de Armas.
- Huascaran Hostal: All our accommodations are standard with very hot water and we also provide internet connection – wireless.
- Villa San Blas: An economy hotel who is strategically placed just four blocks away from the main square or the Plaza de Armas of Cuzco.
- Amaru Colonial: Cottage like setting with the colonial touch to give a comfortable stay in San Blas at this tourist’s guesthouse.
Exploring Cusco’s Attractions
Tourist Ticket: Of equal importance, It is best to explore the city and all the array of sites by purchasing a Cusco tourist ticket. It is then possible to purchase the Cusco tourist ticket with a range of validity of from, one day to a maximum of up to ten days.
The gate comprises of a tourist ticket for Museums, Archaeological zones and cultural centers, Maras and Moray and Sacred valley, South valley and other attractive areas. Of interest is a fact a tourist ticket is quite an interesting offer which provides a rather broad protection of the most significant sights in Cusco whether Inca or colonial constructions.
Guided Tours: This can be made easy by employing a professional tour guide in cusco who can tell you all the details of cusco. However, whether the free walking tour or the walking through all the attractions of the city, it is useful to address a guided tour because it is always important to know about a heritage, tradition or sightseeing that a tourist can overlook.
Other tours for instance the Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán the ancient city and many more initiated under the guided tours creates and adds on value to the beautiful city that is Cusco. Perhaps, it will be useful to contact a guided travel company or, at least, search for the reputable source of information in the Internet to maximize the results of such a kind of a holiday.
Culinary Experiences
Local Markets: The food that a region offer will give a first hint on its gourmet cuisine, and some of the interesting markets to visit in Cusco includes San Blas and San Pedro markets. These are lively places which provide vey great opportunity to see people and to purchase Agricultural products, handmade accessories, and delicious-inspired foods.
Try out freshly prepared meals from street market of Peru; such meals are ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos. Also, there are numerous foods that are still prepared from the natural products and authentic Plant juices that are believed to cure many diseases and to improve the general well being of the body in the case that you have the time to try them.
Conclusion
In the following article you will be reading about such delights as a history of Cusco, its wonderful colors, and, of course, beautiful sites that have been putting the heavenly city on the map. If you read this fabulous guide, you will be prepared enough to have a splendid tour of this historical city.
In terms of the need of the student for instance to change money or to look for a place to live in or to have an experience on the local culture of Peru or even if the student wants to take a default meal in the city, Cusco can be considered to be an ideal place for the visit. I would like to draw your attention to packing your bags, dialing the travel agency and be prepared to wake up in Cusco, one of the gems of Peruvian culture situated in the Andean area.