All visitors arrive and spend some time in Cusco City before a tour, and this is a great opportunity. They will have a while to adapt to the altitude and also enjoy the town’s attractions. Read here the best tips for this part of your top vacation!
Best Tips After Arrival in Cusco City
- Enjoy the Healthy Environment: first, we will pick you up at the airport and go to the hotel (included). Now Cusco City stands at an altitude of 11.200 feet (3.400 meters) above sea level, on the heights of the Andes mountains, and has a much cleaner air than most towns, likewise in all the region. Nature is beautiful, mighty and quite energetic.
- Change Your Money: whether you have dollars, euros, etc, it is advisable to change part of them into Peruvian currency (soles) after arriving, so you can have some shopping, eating, and any expense you may want to do. Hotels and banks offer this transaction and also there are several authorized exchange places in downtown. You can Google the official rate for the day, posted by the government.
Do not forget to exchange your money for the Peruvian currency.
- Check All Your Gear: before you come to Cusco City, our staff will tell you to read our packing list information on the website (which has many articles with much valuable guidance), either for an Inca Trail, a classic Machu Picchu tour, etc. Check everything and have it all ready to lift and go. Then there will be a briefing with one of our travel advisors, who will provide all information and tips for our clients to have a perfect touring experience.
- Acclimatize: most visitors will need one day to get used to the thin air (oxygen-low) of Cusco highlands, they may feel shortness of breath, tiredness, some headache, it depends. First, avoid any strong physical effort, take time to rest. Drink plenty of natural water, do not eat food which is too greasy, no alcohol/cigarettes (only after the tours). Coca leaves tea is an old secret of Andean people to successfully cope with altitude, it gives extra energy, heat and keeps digestion ok. Finally, there are altitude sickness pills but they are just a mix of herbs (including coca) and a little expensive, so is better to try natural first. Rest, water and coca tea will compensate for the lack of oxygen.
Coca tea, excellent for altitude sickness.
- Review Your Spanish: it would be very good if you have some understanding of Spanish before arrival. Of course, all our personnel (office, guides, internet resources) speaks English fluently, but it’s not the same around town, for example supermarkets, shops, restaurants, craftwork markets, money exchange houses, banks and so on. You can also use this day check theory and practice too.
- Go Around Downtown: visiting this part of the city is surely one of our best tips. First, you can enjoy the amazing Plaza de Armas (Main Square), surrounded by really beautiful natural views and filled with good vibe, looking at the mighty Spanish cathedrals. Then on the streets around, you’ll find restaurants, typical Andean shops, more Inca and Spanish constructions. And finally, there are several Andean women dressed in charming typical garments who will offer the already famous llama selfie, a great picture with this funny, friendly Andean camel.
Spectacular views of the city, with its powerful Spanish cathedrals.
So, you will have many enjoyable activities after arrival in Cusco City, while acclimatizing! Keep in mind these best, insider tips for a top vacation!
