Machu Picchu is an amazing place to visit. It is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and its views and architecture are breathtaking. Machu Picchu is also quite difficult to travel to. As there is no airport or bus terminal in Machu Picchu, most travelers to this unique destination find themselves first in Cusco as it is the closest city with an airport. Tourists could treat Cusco as merely a stop on the way to the grand event that is Machu Picchu, but that would be a mistake.
I have been living in Lima, Peru, for nearly nine months and I have visited Machu Picchu once. What follows here are not tips and tricks about visiting the Incan ruins themselves. Other websites and travel writers have done that job better than I could. What I would like to impart on this page is advice on how to make your stay in Cusco, and ultimately your entire Sacred Valley trip, more enjoyable.
Spend More Than One Day
Cusco sits at an elevation of 11,200 feet (3,400 meters), which makes it twice as high as Denver, Colorado. This means that altitude sickness is a real worry for visitors not accustomed to the thinner air. Medication, such as acetazolamide, can be taken, but there are other solutions. A local remedy is mate de coca, a tea that uses local coca leaves and helps alleviate some of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Another remedy is stay in Cusco for a few extra days before setting out for Machu Picchu so that your body can acclimatize itself to being two miles above sea level. The other advantage to the extra time is that you can see more of the amazing city that is Cusco.
Visit on Christmas Eve
This may seem counter-intuitive as most travel websites will tell you that the rainy season in this section of Peru runs from October to April. A trip to Machu Picchu can certainly be ruined by heavy rain, but a unique event happens in Cusco and it only takes place on December 24.
Normally, the city’s center square, the Plaza de Armas, is an open large space with a pair of cathedrals and a stone arcade of shops and restaurants surrounding it. However, on the day of Christmas Eve, Plaza de Armas becomes a sprawling din of a marketplace (and I mean that in a good way). In addition to all the various typical tourist items one finds in a Peruvian market (i.e., clothing made from alpaca fur, chess sets, T-shirts, etc.), the bazaar on this day features an unusual sight. The plaza plays host to an eclectic collection of items for sale all relating to the Nativity scene. Whether you need a baby Jesus in any size, clothes for Joseph, your pick of the three Wise Men, or any animal under the Christmas Star, this place is your one-stop shopping locale for all your crèche needs.
Do Your Research
Whether you are booking your trip through a travel company or you are planning this trip by yourself, it is in your best interest to do research. Use the vast storehouse of knowledge that is the Internet and look up Cusco. From any variety of websites, you will find all sorts of interesting sites to see within Cusco itself. From the Twelve Angle Stone to the Plaza de Armas to the museum of chocolate (ChocoMuseo) to the Cusco Historical Center, there is no shortage of things to do. Take full advantage of my first tip and spend a few extra days in Cusco so that you can see all that you want to see.
Wander…But Bring the Map
In direct opposition to the previous advice, don’t be afraid to leave your room and simply wander the streets. Some of the best travel experiences happen when they are unplanned. On our visit, a sudden downpour forced us into the Incan Museum (Museo Inka), a place we knew of but had not planned on visiting. Thank goodness for the deluge because we were able to learn more about the Incan culture and see stunning rugs that contained patterns that appeared three-dimensional.
Having said that, remember to bring a map because the streets of Cusco are akin to labyrinths.
Negotiate Prices Beforehand
The narrow streets of Cusco are home to local folk leading llamas around by a leash. This is a wonderful tourist photo opportunity and should not be missed. For a small fee, the owner will allow you to have your picture taken with the Andean animal. However, before clicking away, agree on a price first. The fee for such a service is rarely printed and it can be quite unpleasant to be on the streets of Cusco dealing with an irate Peruvian woman who has a llama (which really do spit when agitated) at her disposal.
The same philosophy of agreeing on a price beforehand is a must when hailing a cab. Peruvian taxi drivers do not use a meter system for their fares. Before entering a taxi, be sure you and the driver agree on a price so you can avoid an argument later at your destination.
Have the Pizza
Since arriving in Lima, a constant refrain from other expats has been the dearth of good (or even passable) pizza. When chain store pies from the United States are the epitome of pizza in Lima, you know you’re in trouble. However, what is true in Lima is not the fact in Cusco. In this ancient Incan capital, there are small restaurants that make truly sublime wood-fired pizza. All you have to do is find them. Many small eateries will have customer testimonials taped to their doors or windows telling you how great the food is. Some are in English, but many are not so if you have a polyglot in your group, you might unearth a diamond in the culinary rough. That was the case with us when we found Tuco, a tiny hole-in-the-wall that made superb pizza from an oven in the corner of their shop. All thanks to the member of our travelling party who knew Hebrew and could read the rave review in the window.
Final Thought
Enjoy your stay at Machu Picchu, but don’t forget to take the time to experience Cusco also.
