Visit to Cusco, Peru: 21 commandments and prohibitions

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Peru Inka-Jewel proves that tourism does not have to destroy the charm and soul of a city. Here is what you should know before visiting Cusco

Cusco in Peru is one of the most beautiful, cleanest and, yes, most constant cities in which we have ever been.

The impressive colonial architecture, the trimmed lawns and the extensive view appear in flawless harmony in order to negate the harmful effects of tourism. Even the omnipresent golden arches of McDonald’s are unobtrusive black.

.@kiaabdullah via Cusco: "This city must have a style guide. Everything is so coherent." #reisemiteinemeditor

- Atlas & Boots (@Atlasandboots) April 3, 2015

alt = "Visit to Cusco"> Atlas & Boots

Of course there is tourist jewelry that lines one or two streets, but that happens in such an orderly, organized way that it is hardly noticeable. In short, the city proves that tourism does not have to destroy the charm and the soul of a city. We spent a few days there and put together the following list with tips for a visit to Cusco.

21 commandments and prohibitions

  1. If you hike to Machu Picchu, do not fly in the day before your departure. You need time to acclimatize, so you first spend 2-3 days in the city. A girl on our hike made this mistake and fought for the whole five days.

  2. Take it slowly. Cusco is completely accessible, but is also 3,399 meters (11,151 feet) above sea level, so let it take it calmly on your first day.

  3. Do not buy your outdoor equipment in the city. If you leave for a hike, buy all of your equipment in advance. Fake labels are widespread and the real offer usually costs more than the recommended sales price.

  4. Visit the surrounding ruins. If you have time, hike to the ruins of Sacsahuaman and Qenko on the hill above Cusco to enjoy a great view of the city.

  5. buy a Boleto Turistico if you want to visit most sights in Cusco and in the Holy Valley. It costs 155 Pen ($ 47) and grants access to 16 attractions over a period of 10 days. Buy it in your hostel or at the tourist information in Avenida el Sol 103.

    6. alt = "Visit to Cusco"> Atlas & Boots

    1. Try the local food. Whether guinea pigs (cuy), alpaca or a less adventurous Lomo Saltado (steak with spicy peppers and onions), Cusco has some delicious restaurants to offer. Try Cicciolina or the Inkazuela restaurant. If you have the budget, El Tupay should be awarded in the spacious Hotel Monasterio.

    2. don't ignore international food. The falafel in the Paloma Imbis are simply delicious. Order a portion with the spicy sauce and dare to eat everything.

    3. Spend the night in a local hospedaje. These are usually made by locals and offer comfortable accommodations at excellent prices. We stayed in the Hostal Nueva Alta. In the evening it was a bit cool, but the nice family made it more than brew.

    4. Watch the people on the Plaza de Armas. It has something deeply relaxing to sit in the afternoon sun and watch lazy tourists and Peruvians who frolic on the CatedRal del Cuzco.

    5. stop to enjoy Starbucks and McDonald’s. In contrast to all other branches we have seen, Cuscos is decorated with black logos and brick facades to get into the aesthetics of the city. An apprenticeship for your countless other industries?

    6. don't take photos of people without asking. This should be standard everywhere, but the Cusco locals react particularly sensitively to them. Be polite.

      7. alt = "Visit to Cusco"> Atlas & Boots

      1. Feilschen. As in many other tourist cities, prices are increased, so do not be afraid to ask for a discount. Of course, remember that Peru is relatively poor, so offer what you think is fair, but no less.

      2. don't buy alpaca wool. "Baby alpaca? Rather 'maybe alpaca!'", The guides in Cusco like to joke. Do not buy cheap knitwear because they are probably fake.

      3. await you rain that is common from December to March. April to November offers better weather, but they pack layers because large heights mean cool evenings.

      4. Learn something about the history of the city. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and has a rich and fascinating past.

      5. don't visit Pisac ... unless you are a buyer. The Sunday market in Pisac, 35 km from Cusco, offers a number of sights, smells and colors, but is not a must for the less enthusiastic buyer. If you want to take the trip, take a bus from the AV. Tullumayo 207 (2.50 pen, 0.75 USD), a Colectivo from the Puputi Street (4 Pen, 1.2 USD) or a taxi from the city center (approx. 20 Pen, 6 USD).

      6. Buy your bus ticket for the onward journey in the city center. Our host pointed us to a bus stop outside the city, but there are ticket sellers in the center. Keep an eye out for Cruz del Sur, which offers reliable service.

      7. Visit the Nazca lines before visiting Cusco. When you come from Lima, you should visit the lines before you come to Cusco. The route is more logical than in the zigzag back and forth.

        8. Alt = “Nazca-Linien-Flight”> Atlas & Boots One of the many mysterious Nazca lines that we saw from our flight to the area

        1. If you hike Machu Picchu, ask your hostel if you can leave your big bags there for the duration. Most tour operators can keep their luggage for you, but will appreciate it when you take your own precautions. This usually means that you have to spend a night in the hostel after your return, but you will probably do that anyway.

        2. take your passport to Machu Picchu if you want to collect one of the coolest pass stamps in the world. You can do this in a small office right behind the entrance to the actual Inca ruins.

        3. Celebrate with a pisco sour at Limo. Regardless of whether you hike to Machu Picchu or book a trip to the summit, you will see one of the biggest sights on every Bucket List - a safe reason to celebrate.

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          Visit to Cusco: The essentials

          Was: Visit to Cusco, Peru.

          Where: We stayed in the hostal Nueva Alta, which is run by a nice local family. It was super cheap, but it got cool in the evening. Perhaps you would like to choose the Munaycha Casa or the Yawermaki Hostel instead, both of which are highly recommended by fellow travelers.

          When: June to September is the best time to travel because the probability of rain is lower. However, it is also high season in terms of tourism, so that you may prefer to visit April-May or October-Nov in the shoulder months.

          like: You can fly from Lima to Cusco (book flights via skyscanner.net). Taxis from the airport to the city center cost 30 PEN ($ 9) for official taxis, but you can do a few dollars down. Unofficial taxis cost 15 pen, but we always advise against it.

          The visit of Cusco is relieved because it is well connected to the bus, but expect long journeys: Lima (24 hours), Puno (6-8 hours), Arequipa (10 hours), Nazca (14-16 hours), Copacabana (9-12 hours) and La Paz (12-15 hours).

          We recommend using Bookaway to find bus, ferry and train tickets in Peru. Book buses to Cusco.

          Further information on visiting Cusco can be found in the Lonely Planet Guide to Peru.

          Mission statement: Atlas & Boots 
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