Start herePractical tips
Things to do in Cusco: 30 essentials in the city and beyond
Things to do in Cusco: the city's essentials, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, day trips, treks, food, markets and festivals, with 1- to 3-day plans.
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Cusco travel guides
Practical guides to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco. New guides are added regularly.
Machu Picchu
Tickets, circuits, mountains, Aguas Calientes and everything you need to visit Machu Picchu without mistakes.
Machu Picchu
How to get to Machu Picchu: train, Inca Trail or Hidroeléctrica
Every way to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco: PeruRail and Inca Rail trains, the Inca Trail, the Hidroeléctrica route, buses to the citadel and tickets.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu tickets: how to buy them on the official site and not miss out
Where to buy official Machu Picchu tickets, how far ahead, approximate prices, entry time slots, in-person tickets in Aguas Calientes and common mistakes.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu circuits explained: which to choose (1, 2 or 3) and what you see
Differences between Machu Picchu circuits 1, 2 and 3 and their routes: classic view, temples, Huayna Picchu, the Mountain and the Sun Gate. How to choose.
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Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain: which to climb and what each hike is like
We compare Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: height, elevation gain, time, vertigo, views, quotas and which ticket you need for each.
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Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town): getting there, things to do and where to stay
Practical guide to Aguas Calientes: arriving by train or on foot, the bus to Machu Picchu, things to do, hot springs, Mandor, ATMs and tips for staying overnight.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco: timings, logistics and whether it's worth it
How to visit Machu Picchu in a single day from Cusco or Ollantaytambo: typical schedule, trains, buses, tickets, tour or DIY, and when it's better to sleep in Aguas Calientes.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu history: who built it, why, and how the world found out
Machu Picchu history made clear: the era of Pachacuti, what it was for, its abandonment, the 1911 expedition, the artefacts returned by Yale and what the name means.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica and Santa Teresa: the budget route step by step
How to reach Machu Picchu without the outbound train: van from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica via Santa María and Santa Teresa, the walk along the tracks to Aguas Calientes, timings, risks and tips.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu rules: what to bring, bag size, banned items and guides
Rules for visiting Machu Picchu: passport and timed ticket, one-way circuits, bag size, banned items, guides, toilets, food, clothing and what to bring.
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Machu Picchu
Trains to Machu Picchu: stations, companies and which class to choose
Guide to Machu Picchu trains: PeruRail and Inca Rail, departures from Poroy, San Pedro and Ollantaytambo, budget and luxury classes such as the Hiram Bingham, and tips.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu bus from Aguas Calientes: how it works, tickets and queues
Guide to the bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu: who runs it, where to buy tickets, morning queues, approximate timings and the alternative of walking up.
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Machu Picchu
Inti Punku, Machu Picchu's Sun Gate: route 1-C, the hike and tips
How to reach Inti Punku, Machu Picchu's Sun Gate: route 1-C (high season only), hike length and difficulty, the views, the Inca Trail connection and practical tips.
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Machu Picchu
Huchuy Picchu: Machu Picchu's short mountain (route 3-D) and who it suits
Guide to Huchuy Picchu, the small peak beside Huayna Picchu: route 3-D (high season only), what the climb is like, the views, how it compares with other mountains and tips.
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Machu Picchu
Sunrise at Machu Picchu: how to catch the first light and what to really expect
How to see sunrise at Machu Picchu: which entry slot to choose, the bus queue, morning mist, routes with good light, the best time of year and realistic expectations.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu with kids: how to plan a stress-free family visit
Tips for visiting Machu Picchu with children: age, altitude, which route to choose, train and bus, staying in Aguas Calientes, documents, what to pack and keeping them engaged.
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Machu Picchu
What to see at Machu Picchu: temples, plazas and key spots in the citadel
The must-see spots at Machu Picchu: the Guardhouse, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana, Temple of the Condor, terraces and fountains, and how they vary by route.
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Machu Picchu
Great Cavern and Temple of the Moon: Machu Picchu Route 3-C
What Route 3-C to the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon at Machu Picchu is like: season, timings, difficulty, what the ticket covers and how it differs from Huayna Picchu.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu accessibility: the designed route, transport and practical tips
How to visit Machu Picchu in a wheelchair or with reduced mobility: the designed Route 3-B, train, bus, official discounts, companions and practical tips.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu sold out: what to do and plan B
No Machu Picchu tickets? How to recheck TuBoleto, in-person tickets in Aguas Calientes and real alternatives around Cusco.
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Inca Trail 2027: permits, when and how to buy them
Inca Trail 2027: how permits are bought (authorised agency only, TuBoleto), what is known about the sale date, and alternatives to the trek.
Read guide →Machu Picchu
TuBoleto problems: payments, fees and what to do if it fails
TuBoleto Machu Picchu: trial to 22 Oct 2026, 15 minutes to pay, cards and Yape, fees and what to do if payment fails.
Read guide →Practical tips
Altitude, weather, transport, money, safety, health and connectivity in Cusco: the practical stuff, clearly explained.
Practical tips
Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do
Cusco sits at about 3,400 m. Altitude sickness symptoms, warning signs, how to acclimatize, coca tea, medication and when to do the highest day trips.
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Practical tips
Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): what's included and is it worth it
Guide to the Cusco Tourist Ticket (COSITUC): full and partial tickets, sites in each circuit, what it does NOT include, where to buy it and how to use it.
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Practical tips
How many days in Cusco + 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries
How many days do you need in Cusco? Short answer, key factors (altitude, Machu Picchu, treks) and day-by-day 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries.
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Practical tips
Best time to visit Cusco and what to pack
Dry and rainy seasons month by month, main festivals, approximate temperatures and a practical packing list for Cusco and Machu Picchu.
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Practical tips
Cusco weather by month: temperatures, rain and what to expect
What Cusco's weather is like each month: approximate day and night temperatures, rain, crowds and festivals, with tips for Machu Picchu and treks.
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Practical tips
Cusco airport to the city centre: taxi, ride apps, transfers and approximate prices
How to get from Alejandro Velasco Astete airport to central Cusco or straight to the Sacred Valley: options, times, approximate prices and safety tips.
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Practical tips
Is Cusco safe? Real risks and practical tips for a worry-free trip
How safe Cusco is for tourists: theft, taxis, nightlife, protests, altitude and adventure tours. Areas, times of day and what to do in an emergency.
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Practical tips
Cusco to Lima (and Lima to Cusco): flight or bus, travel times and tips
How to travel between Cusco and Lima: 1–1.5-hour direct flights or a roughly 20–22-hour bus, routes, approximate prices, stops in Nazca and Ica, altitude tips.
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Practical tips
Getting around Cusco: taxis, ride apps, city buses and colectivos
Cusco transport guide: walking the centre, taxis and approximate fares, ride-hailing apps, city buses, colectivos to the Sacred Valley and safety tips.
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Practical tips
Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca: bus, tourist bus, train or plane
How to get from Cusco to Puno: direct bus (about 6–7 h), tourist bus with stops at Raqchi and La Raya, scenic train or flight to Juliaca. Altitude, tips and what to see on Titicaca.
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Practical tips
Cusco to La Paz (Bolivia): routes, border crossing and tips
How to travel from Cusco to La Paz: bus via Puno through Desaguadero or Copacabana, travel time, border crossing, Bolivia entry requirements, flights and practical tips.
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Practical tips
SIM, eSIM and internet in Cusco: how to stay connected in Peru
How to get mobile data in Cusco and Machu Picchu: an eSIM before you travel, a local SIM with your passport, coverage in the Sacred Valley and on treks, wi-fi and tips to stay online.
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Practical tips
Cusco to Arequipa: overnight bus, flights, via Puno or by luxury train
How to get from Cusco to Arequipa: overnight bus (duration, classes, safety), direct or connecting flights, the route via Puno and Titicaca, the luxury train and altitude tips.
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Practical tips
Coca leaf in Cusco: tea, chewing, altitude sickness and whether you can take it home
All about coca leaf in Cusco: its cultural role, how it's used (tea, chewing, sweets), what's known about altitude sickness, drug tests and why you shouldn't take it home.
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Practical tips
Money in Cusco: soles, ATMs, exchange offices and cards
How to handle money in Cusco: the Peruvian sol, ATMs and fees, exchange offices, US dollars, card payments, tipping, fake notes and safety tips.
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Practical tips
Rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu: what to expect and how to make the most of it
Visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu in the rainy season (November to March): weather, the February Inca Trail closure, treks, what to pack, upsides and planning tips.
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Practical tips
Cusco to the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo: colectivo, taxi, tour and train
Transport from Cusco to the Sacred Valley: colectivos to Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, taxis and private transfers, from the airport, tours and trains, with rough times and tips.
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Practical tips
Health in Cusco: vaccines, yellow fever, water, sun and first-aid kit
Health tips for Cusco: recommended vaccines, yellow fever and the jungle, altitude sickness, drinking water, UV index, stomach issues, first-aid kit, pharmacies and insurance.
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Practical tips
Luggage storage in Cusco: hotels, left-luggage, the Machu Picchu train and treks
How and where to store luggage in Cusco while you visit Machu Picchu or trek: hotel storage, left-luggage services, train baggage limits and safety tips.
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Practical tips
Is Cusco worth it? What to do beyond Machu Picchu and how long to stay
Is Cusco worth it beyond Machu Picchu? What to see in the city, the Sacred Valley and the mountains, who it suits, real downsides and 3 to 7-day itineraries.
Read guide →Practical tips
Things to do in Cusco: 30 essentials in the city and beyond
Things to do in Cusco: the city's essentials, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, day trips, treks, food, markets and festivals, with 1- to 3-day plans.
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Practical tips
What to pack for Cusco and Machu Picchu: a packing list by season
Packing list for Cusco and Machu Picchu: layered clothing, dry and rainy season, the backpack size allowed at Machu Picchu, an altitude first-aid kit, documents and what to leave home.
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Practical tips
PeruRail vs Inca Rail: how to choose your Machu Picchu train (no invented schedules)
PeruRail vs Inca Rail to Machu Picchu: classes (Expedition/Vistadome vs Voyager/360°), stations, seasonal Poroy, bimodal service and tips. Verify official prices and times.
Read guide →Practical tips
Cusco in 5 days: itinerary with Machu Picchu (updated 2026)
A 5-day Cusco itinerary: sleep in the Sacred Valley first, visit Machu Picchu, then explore Cusco. Daily plan, booking order and 7-day extension.
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Practical tips
Cusco to Nazca and Huacachina: bus, flights over the lines and dunes
How to get from Cusco to Nazca and the Huacachina oasis: a direct bus of about 15 hours or via Lima, Nazca Lines flights, sandboarding near Ica and a 3–4 day route.
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Archaeological sites, museums, churches and festivals of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.
Culture and history
Sacsayhuamán: how to visit, tickets, history and tips
Guide to Sacsayhuamán, the great Inca complex above Cusco: walking up or by taxi, which ticket you need, hours, what to see (walls, Rodadero, tunnels) and its history.
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Culture and history
Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun: tickets, hours, what to see and history
Visiting Qorikancha and Santo Domingo convent in Cusco: the finest Inca stonework, which ticket you pay, approximate hours, the site museum and tips.
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Culture and history
The best museums in Cusco: which to visit, tickets and how to plan
Inka Museum, Pre-Columbian Art Museum, Machu Picchu Museum at Casa Concha, Tourist Ticket museums and religious art: what each offers and how to combine them.
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Culture and history
Inti Raymi in Cusco: date, schedule, tickets and how to experience the Festival of the Sun
Everything about Inti Raymi on 24 June: the three scenes (Qorikancha, Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán), paid stands or free viewing, booking ahead and tips.
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Culture and history
Cusco festivals: a month-by-month calendar
Calendar of the main festivals in and around Cusco: Carnival, Holy Week, Qoyllur Rit'i, Corpus Christi, Inti Raymi, Virgen del Carmen, Pachamama, Santurantikuy and more.
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Culture and history
Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay: the Inca sites above Cusco and how to visit them
How to visit Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay: what to see at each site, the Tourist Ticket, the walking route back to Cusco, city tours, approximate hours and tips.
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Culture and history
Cusco Cathedral: what to see inside, the Last Supper with guinea pig, tickets and hours
Cusco Cathedral guide: history on an Inca palace, Marcos Zapata's Last Supper, the Lord of Earthquakes, Cusco School art, tickets, opening hours and tips for your visit.
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Culture and history
Basic Quechua phrases for your trip to Cusco (with pronunciation)
Learn greetings and useful Quechua phrases for Cusco: hello, thank you, please, how much, numbers, words you'll see everywhere and tips to use them respectfully.
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Culture and history
Corpus Christi in Cusco: dates, the saints' procession, chiriuchu and tips
Corpus Christi in Cusco guide: when it is, the saints arriving at the Cathedral, the procession on the Plaza de Armas, chiriuchu, the octave and tips for enjoying the festival.
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Culture and history
Qoyllur Rit'i: the Andean pilgrimage below Ausangate (dates and how to attend)
Qoyllur Rit'i guide: what the pilgrimage is, when it takes place, getting to the Sinakara sanctuary, extreme conditions, what to bring and how to attend respectfully.
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Culture and history
Paucartambo and Tres Cruces: the Virgen del Carmen festival and sunrise over the Amazon
Guide to Paucartambo and Tres Cruces: the Virgen del Carmen festival in July, its dances, the Tres Cruces sunrise over the jungle, when to go, getting there from Cusco and tips.
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Culture and history
Churches of Cusco: La Compañía, San Blas, La Merced, San Francisco and more
Guide to Cusco's churches: the Cathedral, La Compañía, San Blas and its pulpit, La Merced, San Francisco, Santa Catalina, Santo Domingo and the religious circuit, with tips.
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Culture and history
Pachamama in August: offerings to Mother Earth in Cusco
What Pachamama is and why August is her month in Cusco: the despacho or payment to the earth, caña con ruda on 1 August, how to take part respectfully and what to avoid.
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Culture and history
Inka Museum Cusco: what to see, mummies, ceramics and how to visit
Guide to the Inka Museum in Cusco's Casa del Almirante: ceramics, textiles, keros and mummies, how long to spend, approximate entry and how to pair it with other museums.
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Culture and history
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art Cusco (MAP): what to see and how to visit
Guide to Cusco's Museum of Pre-Columbian Art on Plaza de las Nazarenas: ceramics, gold and silver, Nasca, Moche, Chimú and Inca art, visit time and tips.
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Culture and history
Machu Picchu Museum Casa Concha in Cusco: the pieces returned by Yale
Guide to the Machu Picchu Museum in Cusco's Casa Concha: the story of the pieces returned by Yale, what the galleries show, how long to spend and how to pair it with your trip.
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Culture and history
New Year's Eve in Cusco: the Plaza de Armas party, traditions and tips
What New Year's Eve in Cusco is like: the Plaza de Armas party, yellow clothes, laps of the square and grapes, rules, rain, safety, where to stay and what to do on 1 January.
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Culture and history
Andahuaylillas: San Pedro church, the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes"
Guide to Andahuaylillas and San Pedro Apóstol church: Andean baroque art, visit tips, South Valley with Tipón and Pikillacta, entry separate from the Tourist Ticket. Verify hours and prices.
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Culture and history
Holy Week in Cusco: Lord of the Earthquakes, procession route and 12 dishes
Holy Week in Cusco: Holy Monday and the Lord of the Earthquakes procession, the 2026 route, 2027 dates, the 12 Good Friday dishes and tips for watching it.
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Culture and history
All Saints' Day in Cusco: t'anta wawa bread, roast pork and cemeteries
How Cusco celebrates All Saints' Day: t'anta wawa and horse breads, roast pork with tamal, plaza fairs, cemetery visits and the bread baby baptism. Dates and tips.
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Culture and history
Cusco Carnival: compadres, comadres, water fights and t'impu
How Cusco celebrates Carnival: compadres and comadres Thursdays, a Sunday of water and confetti, kacharpari on the Plaza de Armas, t'impu stew, 2027 dates and tips.
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Culture and history
Señor de Huanca: the sanctuary and the 14 September pilgrimage
Guide to the Señor de Huanca sanctuary in San Salvador (Calca): the Christ painted on rock, the night walk from San Jerónimo, the 14 September feast and how to get there.
Read guide →Day trips
Lakes, rainbow mountains, towns and ruins you can visit on a day trip from Cusco.
Day trips
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): a practical guide to visiting
How to visit Rainbow Mountain from Cusco: tours, the hike, altitude (~5,000 m), horses, Red Valley, Palccoyo, best season and what to pack.
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Day trips
Humantay Lake: how to get there, the hike and tips
Practical guide to Humantay Lake (~4,200 m): tours from Cusco, going independently via Mollepata and Soraypampa, the hike, altitude, best season and packing.
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Day trips
Sacred Valley of the Incas: what to see and how to visit
Sacred Valley guide: Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, the Maras salt pans and Ollantaytambo, tickets, how to visit (tour, independently or with a driver) and a 2-day plan.
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Day trips
Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake? A comparison to choose your day trip
We compare Vinicunca and Humantay: altitude, difficulty, schedule, scenery, weather and approximate cost, to decide which to do with one day (or how to do both).
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Day trips
Ollantaytambo: ruins, a living Inca town, the Machu Picchu train and tips
Guide to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley: what to see at the archaeological site, the town and Pinkuylluna, getting there from Cusco, the train station and whether to stay.
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Day trips
Pisac: Inca ruins, craft market and how to visit from Cusco
Pisac guide in the Sacred Valley: what to see in the archaeological park, the market, getting there from Cusco, entry with the Tourist Ticket, the walk down and tips.
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Day trips
Waqrapukara: how to visit the "horned fortress" from Cusco
Waqrapukara guide: what it is, where it is, how to get there from Cusco on a tour or independently, the hike, altitude, what to pack and when to go to this little-visited site.
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Day trips
Palccoyo: the alternative rainbow mountain, easier and quieter than Vinicunca
Palccoyo guide: the hike, altitude, getting there from Cusco, the stone forest, entrance, comparison with Vinicunca and tips to enjoy it without the crowds.
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Day trips
Ausangate Seven Lakes: a one-day hike from Cusco
Ausangate Seven Lakes guide: the loop from Pacchanta, altitude and difficulty, hot springs, getting there from Cusco, best season, what to pack and comparison with Humantay.
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Day trips
Chinchero: weaving, Inca ruins and market between Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Chinchero guide: weaving centres and natural dyes, the Inca site and colonial church, the Sunday market, the Tourist Ticket, getting there from Cusco and how to combine it.
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Day trips
Hot springs near Cusco: Cocalmayo, Lares, Aguas Calientes and Pacchanta
Guide to hot springs near Cusco: Cocalmayo in Santa Teresa, the Aguas Calientes baths, Lares and Pacchanta; how to get there, when to go, what to bring and health tips.
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Day trips
Moray and the Maras salt mines: how to visit from Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Guide to Moray and the Maras salt mines: what they are, tickets (Tourist Ticket and separate fee), getting there by tour, taxi or on foot, best time, combos and tips.
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Day trips
The Amazon from Cusco: Manu or Tambopata, how many days and how to get there
How to visit the Peruvian Amazon from Cusco: Manu vs Tambopata (Puerto Maldonado), trip length, flights or road, what to expect, vaccines, packing and why a day trip doesn't work.
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Day trips
Cusco's South Valley: Tipón, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas and local flavours
Guide to Cusco's South Valley: Tipón's Inca waterworks, the Wari city of Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas church, Huacarpay lagoon, chicharrón, Oropesa bread and how to get there.
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Day trips
Huaypo and Piuray lakes: a quiet escape near Chinchero
Huaypo and Piuray lakes on the Chinchero plateau: getting there, walks, cycling, kayaking, birds, communities, combining with Maras and Moray, and altitude tips.
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Day trips
Quillabamba: the city of eternal summer near Cusco
Quillabamba in the high jungle of La Convención: getting there from Cusco via Abra Málaga, climate, coffee and cacao, rivers and waterfalls, food, health and tips for a warm escape.
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Day trips
Kinsa Cocha lakes: a high-altitude hike above Pisac
Kinsa Cocha lakes above Pisac: getting there by taxi or on foot, altitude, difficulty, local communities, best season, what to bring and pairing with Pisac's market and ruins.
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Day trips
Qeswachaka bridge: how to visit the last Inca rope bridge from Cusco
Qeswachaka bridge guide: where it is, how to get there from Cusco by tour or public transport, entry fee, the yearly June renewal, altitude, what to bring and what to combine.
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Day trips
Tipón Cusco: Inca hydraulic terraces and how to combine them with the South Valley
Tipón guide: Inca terraces and water channels, tourist ticket, how to get there from Cusco and combining with Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas. Verify current hours and fees.
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Day trips
Raqchi: the Temple of Wiracocha, how to get there from Cusco and tickets
Raqchi guide: the 14 m Inca wall of the Temple of Wiracocha, 152 storehouses, official entry fee (not on the Tourist Ticket), hours and how to get there from Cusco.
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Day trips
Pikillacta: the Wari city in Cusco's South Valley, how to visit and tickets
Pikillacta, the planned pre-Inca Wari city near Cusco: what to see, Tourist Ticket (circuit II), official hours and how to combine it with Tipón and Huacarpay.
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Day trips
Humantay Lake vs Ausangate Seven Lakes: which day hike to choose
An honest comparison of Humantay Lake and the Ausangate Seven Lakes: altitude, difficulty, drive time, crowds, hot springs and which traveller each day hike suits best.
Read guide →Hiking and trekking
Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao, Ausangate and shorter hikes around Cusco.
Hiking and trekking
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, when to book, the 4-day route and the short version
How to get Inca Trail permits: limited spaces, licensed operators only, when to book, the February closure, the classic 4-day route, the 2-day version and what to pack.
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Hiking and trekking
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: route, difficulty, best season and how to plan it
Salkantay Trek guide: 4–5 day route over a pass of about 4,600 m, Humantay Lake, cloud forest, arrival in Aguas Calientes, difficulty, best season and agency vs independent.
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Hiking and trekking
Inca Jungle Trek: biking, rafting, ziplining and hiking to Machu Picchu
Inca Jungle guide: 3–4 day route with a bike descent from Abra Málaga, optional rafting and zipline, a hike to Santa Teresa, hot springs and arrival in Aguas Calientes.
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Hiking and trekking
Choquequirao trek: Machu Picchu's remote "sister" (route, difficulty and tips)
Choquequirao trek guide: a 4–5 day route from Cachora through the Apurímac canyon, elevation changes, what to see on site, best season, agency vs independent and the extension to Machu Picchu.
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Hiking and trekking
Ausangate trek: the great circuit of the sacred peak (route, altitude and preparation)
Ausangate trek guide: a 4–6 day circuit above 4,000 m with passes over 5,000 m, lakes, glaciers and Rainbow Mountain, best season, cold, agencies and safety.
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Hiking and trekking
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: route, difficulty, communities and comparison
Lares trek guide: a 3–4 day route through weaving communities, hot springs, altitude and difficulty, best season, how it links to Machu Picchu and how it compares with Salkantay and the Inca Trail.
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Hiking and trekking
Huchuy Qosqo trek: the one-day hike from Cusco to the Sacred Valley
Huchuy Qosqo trek guide: what this Inca site is, the 1–2 day route from Cusco to Lamay, elevation, difficulty, entrance, going with an agency or independently, and what to pack.
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Hiking and trekking
Short Inca Trail (2 days): the route from km 104, permits and what to expect
Short Inca Trail guide: the one-day hike from km 104 via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, permits, difficulty, season, inclusions and differences from the classic trail.
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Hiking and trekking
Trekking gear rental and shops in Cusco: what to rent, what to bring and tips
Trekking gear in Cusco: renting sleeping bags, poles and jackets, outdoor shops, what agencies include, what to bring from home, checking gear and a packing list.
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Hiking and trekking
Pumamarca hike from Ollantaytambo: route, timings and tips
How to hike from Ollantaytambo to the Inca ruins of Pumamarca: route up the Patacancha valley, distance, elevation gain, walking down only, what to bring and tips.
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Hiking and trekking
Chinchero to Urquillos hike: the Inca road down to the Sacred Valley
How to hike from Chinchero to Urquillos on an Inca road: start point, distance, descent, tourist ticket, getting back from Huayllabamba, season and tips.
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Hiking and trekking
Which trek to Machu Picchu? Inca Trail vs Salkantay vs Inca Jungle vs Lares
Machu Picchu treks compared: classic and short Inca Trail, Salkantay, Inca Jungle and Lares. Days, distance, altitude, permits, difficulty and which to choose for your trip.
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Hiking and trekking
Choquequirao vs Machu Picchu: effort, days, crowds and which to choose
Honest comparison of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu: access, days, difficulty, crowds, excavated ruins and who each suits. No invented fixed prices.
Read guide →Food and drink
Typical dishes, guinea pig, chicha, coffee, pisco, vegan options, cooking classes and nightlife in Cusco.
Food and drink
What and where to eat in Cusco: typical dishes, markets and tips
Cusco dishes worth trying, typical drinks, types of places to eat, markets and food-safety tips at altitude.
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Food and drink
Coffee in Cusco: where it comes from, specialty cafés and farm visits
All about Cusco coffee: the coffee valleys of La Convención and Santa Teresa, its flavour, specialty cafés, cuppings, farm visits on treks and which coffee to take home.
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Food and drink
Chocolate and cacao in Cusco: workshops, chuncho cacao and what to buy
Chocolate guide to Cusco: cacao from La Convención and the native chuncho variety, bean-to-bar workshops, cacao husk tea and how to choose chocolate to take home.
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Food and drink
Eating guinea pig (cuy) in Cusco: what it is, how it's cooked and where to try it
All about cuy in Cusco: its cultural role in the Andes, oven-roasted and fried cuy, how to eat it, what kind of places serve it, rough prices and alternatives if you'd rather not.
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Food and drink
Pisco in Cusco: types, pisco sour, tastings and how to choose a good bar
Guide to pisco in Cusco: what it is, types (puro, acholado, mosto verde), pisco sour and chilcano, tastings and cocktail classes, choosing a good bar and drinking wisely at altitude.
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Food and drink
Vegan and vegetarian food in Cusco: Andean dishes, markets and useful phrases
Guide to vegan and vegetarian eating in Cusco: suitable Peruvian dishes, Andean ingredients, markets, how to order meat-free, options on treks and tours, and finding restaurants.
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Food and drink
Cooking classes in Cusco: what to expect, typical dishes and how to choose
Peruvian cooking classes in Cusco: market visit, ceviche, lomo saltado, pisco sour, vegetarian options, duration, rough price and tips for choosing a good class.
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Food and drink
Saylla chicharrón: Cusco's fried-pork town
Saylla, the town of Cusco chicharrón: how to get there from Cusco, what to order, when to go, the July festival and how to combine it with the South Valley.
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Food and drink
Cusco picanterías and chicherías: eat like a local
Cusco picanterías and chicherías: what they are, the red flag, typical dishes (chiriuchu, kapchi, cuy, adobo), chicha de jora and verified places. Check opening times.
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Food and drink
Nightclubs in Cusco: where to dance until late
Nightclubs in Cusco: Mama Africa, Mythology, Inka Team, Chango, Caos and Casa Tisoc. Music, area, cover charges and safety. Check opening times before you go.
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Food and drink
Jazz and live music in Cusco: bars, folk shows and dance
Where to hear jazz and live music in Cusco: Casa Palacio, Ukukus, KM 0 in San Blas, Andean music and the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo. Check times before you go.
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Food and drink
Wood-fired pizza in Cusco: the best pizzerias in the centre and San Blas
Why Cusco has so many wood-fired pizzerias and where to find them: Araví, Libertad, Moto Rock, Stone Pizzas, El Hornito, La Nonna and more. Check hours before you go.
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Food and drink
Chifa in Cusco: Chinese-Peruvian food and where to try it
What chifa is, what to order (arroz chaufa, tallarín saltado, wonton) and verified chifas in Cusco: Gotaki, Hao Yun, Lyam Chang, Status and more. Check hours first.
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Food and drink
Street food in Cusco: anticuchos, emoliente, picarones and more
A guide to Cusco street food: anticuchos, salchipapas, emoliente, picarones, tamales, corn with cheese, where to find them and hygiene tips.
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Food and drink
Beer in Cusco: craft beer, Cusqueña and chicha de jora
Beer in Cusco: the story of Cusqueña, the chicha de jora of traditional chicherías and where to drink craft beer (Cervecería del Valle Sagrado, Andhara). Check hours.
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Food and drink
Traditional breakfast in Cusco: adobo, chicken soup, juices and pan chuta
How Cusco locals eat breakfast: Sunday adobo, chicken soup, chicharrón sandwiches, market juices, hot quinoa and pan chuta. Where to try them.
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Food and drink
Native potatoes of Cusco: varieties, chuño and dishes to try
The Andes are the cradle of the potato. Varieties you'll see in Cusco's markets, what chuño and huatia are, other Andean tubers and dishes to try.
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Food and drink
Traditional food in Cusco: 15 dishes and drinks you have to try
Cusco's traditional dishes explained: chiriuchu, adobo, chicharrón, roast cuy, kapchi, corn with cheese, lechón, trout, chuta bread and chicha, plus where and when to try them.
Read guide →Tours
How to choose tours in Cusco: city tour, Machu Picchu in a day, free walking tours and agencies.
Tours
How to choose a tour agency in Cusco: a checklist to get it right
What to check before booking a tour in Cusco: licence, what's included, group size, guide, porter welfare, cancellation, payment and booking online vs on the street.
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Tours
Free walking tour in Cusco: how it works, tipping and what to expect
All about Cusco free walking tours: how tipping works, typical route, length, commercial stops, how to recognise official guides, and alternatives like the city tour.
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Tours
Tipping in Cusco: guides, porters, drivers and restaurants
How tipping works in Cusco: tours, treks with porters, drivers, restaurants and hotels. When to tip, how to do it and in which currency.
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Tours
Private driver in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: when it's worth it and how to hire one
What hiring a private driver in Cusco offers: Sacred Valley routes at your pace, advantages over shared tours, how to choose one and what to agree before setting off.
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Tours
Half-day tours in Cusco: the best options if you're short on time
The best half-day tours from Cusco: City Tour with Sacsayhuamán, Moray and Maras, the South Valley, horse rides, cooking and chocolate workshops, and the planetarium.
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Tours
Night tours in Cusco: planetarium, dance shows, walks and dinners for the evening
What to do in Cusco at night beyond the bars: the planetarium and Inca astronomy, the Centro Qosqo dance show, walks through the lit-up centre and food tours.
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Tours
Food tours in Cusco: what they include, what you'll taste and how to choose
Guide to food tours in Cusco: routes through markets, picanterías and bars, dishes and drinks you'll taste, how they differ from a cooking class and tips for choosing.
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Tours
Photography tours in Cusco: routes, best light and tips for great photos
Guide to photography tours and photo walks in Cusco: what they offer, city and Sacred Valley routes, best light, photographing people respectfully and recommended gear.
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Tours
Multi-day Cusco tour packages: what's included and whether they're worth it
3 to 7-day packages in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu: what they usually include, pros versus planning it yourself, what to check in the itinerary and red flags.
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Tours
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 2 days: the connecting tour explained
How the 2-day tour works: the Sacred Valley ending in Ollantaytambo, the train to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu the next morning. Itinerary, luggage, pros and tips.
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Tours
Cusco for older travellers: gentle tours, altitude and practical advice
How to enjoy Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu as an older traveller: acclimatisation, gentle-paced tours, private transport, step-free stays and health.
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Tours
Cusco Planetarium: Inca astronomy, schedule, price and how to book
Cusco Planetarium explains the Inca sky: group show schedule, official price from S/ 90, meeting point, what to bring and the dark constellations of the Milky Way.
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Tours
Day trips from Cusco: the 8 best options (updated 2026)
Day trips from Cusco: Rainbow Mountain, Humantay, Palccoyo, Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray, South Valley, Waqrapukara and Machu Picchu. Travel times, altitude, fees.
Read guide →Adventure sports
Rafting, ziplining, via ferrata, ATVs, paragliding, horse riding and mountain biking around Cusco.
Adventure sports
Rafting in Cusco: Urubamba sections, the Apurímac, seasons and safety
Guide to rafting in Cusco: Urubamba River sections (Cusipata, Sacred Valley, Santa Teresa), Apurímac expeditions, difficulty grades, seasons, safety and choosing an operator.
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Adventure sports
ATV tour to Maras and Moray: what the quad-bike trip from Cusco is like
Guide to the ATV tour to Maras and Moray: route, duration, licence questions, entrance fees, safety, best season and alternatives like biking or the classic tour.
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Adventure sports
Ziplining and via ferrata in Cusco: the Sacred Valley and Santa Teresa
Guide to ziplines and via ferrata in Cusco: what the Sacred Valley via ferrata is like, the Santa Teresa ziplines, difficulty, ages, safety, combos and what to bring.
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Adventure sports
Paragliding in Cusco: tandem flights over the Sacred Valley
Paragliding in Cusco guide: tandem flights over the Sacred Valley, duration, best season and time of day, weight and health requirements, safety, choosing an operator and packing.
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Adventure sports
Horseback riding in Cusco: routes, what to expect and choosing responsibly
Horseback riding in Cusco: the Temple of the Moon and sites near Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley, horses at Rainbow Mountain, duration, requirements, animal welfare and tips.
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Adventure sports
Mountain biking in Cusco: routes, tours, rental and safety
Mountain biking in Cusco: Maras and Moray descent, Abra Málaga on the Inca Jungle, Sacred Valley routes, guided tours versus rental, level, gear and safety.
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Adventure sports
Birdwatching in Cusco: Huacarpay, Abra Málaga and Machu Picchu
A guide to birdwatching around Cusco: the Huacarpay wetland, polylepis woods at Abra Málaga, hummingbirds and cock-of-the-rock near Machu Picchu, season, gear and guides.
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Adventure sports
Rock climbing in Cusco: Ch'acco Huayllascca, nearby crags and tips
Where to climb around Cusco: the Ch'acco Huayllascca park near Pitumarca, limestone walls close to the city and the Sacred Valley, season, altitude, gear and guides.
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Adventure sports
Canyoning in Cusco: Limatambo and Santa Teresa waterfalls, difficulty and tips
What canyoning near Cusco is like: waterfall descents at Limatambo and around Santa Teresa, season, fitness level, gear, safety and how to choose an operator.
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Adventure sports
Apurímac river rafting: multi-day whitewater expeditions from Cusco
What Apurímac rafting expeditions from Cusco are like: sections, difficulty, the May to November season, riverside camps, requirements, safety and what to pack.
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Adventure sports
Camping in Cusco: where to pitch, what gear to bring and how to handle Andean cold
A guide to camping in the Cusco region: treks with camps, night temperatures, gear rental, water, permits, communities, safety and alternatives such as glamping.
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Adventure sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding in Cusco: paddling Piuray lake at 3,700 m
What kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding near Cusco is like: Piuray lake by Chinchero, what an outing includes, cold, altitude, level, season and what to bring.
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Adventure sports
Mountaineering in Cusco: Ausangate, Verónica, Campa and how to prepare
A guide to mountaineering in Cusco: the summits of Ausangate, Verónica and Campa, the May to September season, acclimatisation, technical level, gear and choosing a guide.
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Adventure sports
Adventure sports safety in Cusco: choosing an operator and avoiding risks
How to do rafting, ziplining, paragliding, canyoning or ATV tours in Cusco safely: choosing an operator, checking gear, altitude, weather, insurance and red flags.
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Adventure sports
Cusco adventure itinerary: 5 to 7 days of rafting, biking, ziplining and trekking
A 5 to 7-day adventure itinerary around Cusco: active acclimatisation, biking, ATVs, rafting, ziplining, trekking and Machu Picchu, with tips on order, rest and weather.
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Adventure sports
Motorbike tours in Cusco: the Sacred Valley, Andean roads and what to know first
How to explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley by motorbike: guided tours or rental, typical routes, mountain roads, driving licences, altitude, weather, safety and gear.
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Adventure sports
Trail running in Cusco: running at 3,400 m, nearby routes and how to acclimatise
A guide to trail running in Cusco: the effects of altitude, acclimatisation, training areas near the city and in the Sacred Valley, safety, dogs, weather and gear.
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Adventure sports
Adventure in Cusco in the rainy season: what you can do from November to March
Which adventure sports work in Cusco in the rainy season: rafting, ziplining, biking, short hikes, hot springs, what to avoid, timing and how to adapt your plan.
Read guide →Markets
San Pedro, San Blas, Pisac, Chinchero and Cusco's local markets.
Markets
San Pedro Market in Cusco: what to eat, what to buy, opening hours and tips
Guide to San Pedro Central Market: sections, juices, cheap food, breads, cheeses and Andean produce, approximate hours, safety and how to get there from the Plaza de Armas.
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Markets
Cusco's artisan markets: San Blas, Centro Artesanal, Pisac and Chinchero
Guide to artisan markets in Cusco: the San Blas fair, Centro Artesanal, Pisac and Chinchero markets, what to buy, how to bargain respectfully and spot real alpaca.
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Markets
Local markets in Cusco: Wanchaq, Huancaro, Vinocanchón and beyond San Pedro
Cusco's local markets beyond San Pedro: Wanchaq, Huancaro, Vinocanchón, Rosaspata, the Baratillo and Cascaparo. What to find, when to go, what to eat and safety tips.
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Markets
Wanchaq Market: where Cusco locals really shop
Wanchaq Market in Cusco: how to get there, what to buy (bread, cheese, chocolate), where to have breakfast or lunch, and tips. Check opening times before you go.
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Markets
Rosaspata Market: juices, breakfasts and farm produce in Cusco
Rosaspata Market, a neighbourhood market near central Cusco: juices, breakfasts, broths and produce from small farmers. Check opening times before you go.
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Markets
Cusco's Saturday farmers' market: the producer-to-consumer fair
The Saturday producer-to-consumer fair in San Sebastián: native potatoes, cheese, coffee, cacao, honey and food. How to get there and tips. Check times before you go.
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Markets
Huancaro Fair: Cusco's big June agricultural fair
Expo Huancaro, the farming and crafts fair of Cusco's June festivities: livestock, native potatoes, cheese, picanterías and crafts. Dates, getting there and tips.
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Markets
El Molino, Cusco: the big local bazaar for cheap shopping
El Molino, Cusco's popular bazaar near the bus terminal: warm clothes, backpacks, electronics and cheap accessories. Tips and safety advice.
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Markets
Ccasccaparo Market: the traditional market next to San Pedro
Ccasccaparo Market, one block from San Pedro: meat, potatoes, rocoto peppers, juices and Pachamama offerings. What to see, current situation and tips.
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Markets
El Baratillo, Cusco's Saturday flea market
El Baratillo, the Saturday flea market in Cusco's Santiago neighbourhood: antiques, second-hand goods, tools and curiosities. Getting there, timing and safety.
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Markets
Santurantikuy: Cusco's Christmas market in the Plaza de Armas
Santurantikuy, Cusco's Christmas crafts fair: usual dates, what to buy (Niño Manuelito, retablos, ceramics), tips and how to avoid the crowds.
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Markets
Vinocanchón Market: San Jerónimo's big wholesale market
Vinocanchón Market in San Jerónimo, Cusco's big wholesale market: fruit, potatoes, cheese and food at local prices. Best day, getting there and tips.
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Markets
Peruvian fruits in Cusco markets: what to try and how to eat them
A guide to fruits in Cusco's markets: cherimoya, lucuma, granadilla, golden berry, prickly pear, pacay, tumbo and more. How to eat them, seasons and hygiene tips.
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Markets
How to shop at Cusco's markets: bargaining, yapa and safety
A practical guide to shopping at Cusco's markets: typical hours, cash, respectful bargaining, the yapa, photos, pickpockets and which market to choose.
Read guide →Crafts and shopping
Alpaca, Andean textiles, souvenirs and craft workshops: what to buy in Cusco and how to avoid mistakes.
Crafts and shopping
Buying alpaca in Cusco: how to spot the real thing, prices and where to look
Differences between baby alpaca, alpaca, llama, vicuña and synthetic blends; how to recognise genuine garments by feel and label, price ranges and where to buy.
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Crafts and shopping
What to buy in Cusco: authentic souvenirs and what to avoid
The best souvenirs from Cusco: textiles and alpaca, ceramics, retablos, silver, coffee, chocolate, Andean grains and pisco; where to buy, how to bargain and what not to take home.
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Crafts and shopping
Andean textiles in Cusco: weaving workshops, weaving communities and buying well
Guide to Andean textiles in Cusco: techniques and natural dyes, the meaning of designs, workshops and classes, visits to weaving communities, yarn for knitters and spotting handmade pieces.
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Crafts and shopping
Centro Artesanal Cusco: the big craft market on Avenida El Sol
A guide to the Centro Artesanal Cusco at the end of Avenida El Sol: what's sold, telling qualities apart, bargaining, getting there and when to go. Check hours first.
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Crafts and shopping
Ethical shopping in Cusco: fair trade, cooperatives and weavers
How to buy crafts in Cusco that benefit the people who make them: weaving cooperatives, the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales, buying direct and what to avoid.
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Crafts and shopping
Ceramics in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: styles, workshops and what to buy
Cusco ceramics: Inca aryballos, Pucará bulls, Cerámicas Seminario in Urubamba and workshops in San Blas and Pisac. How to choose and carry fragile pieces.
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Crafts and shopping
San Blas religious imagery: saints, Niño Manuelito figures and retablos
The art of religious imagery in San Blas: maguey and plaster technique, the Mendívil family, Niño Manuelito, retablos and how to buy from the workshops.
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Crafts and shopping
The Cusco School of painting: where to see it and how to buy a reproduction
What the Cusco School is, how to recognise its paintings (gold brocade, arquebusier angels, the Last Supper with guinea pig), where to see them and buy copies.
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Crafts and shopping
What you can take home from Peru: customs, coca, food and crafts
Before buying souvenirs in Cusco: which products are banned or restricted when leaving Peru and entering your country (coca, seeds, vicuña, antiquities, food).
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Crafts and shopping
Andean instruments in Cusco: charango, quena, panpipes and how to buy them
A guide to buying Andean instruments in Cusco: charango, quena, panpipes, bombo and chajchas. Telling a real instrument from a souvenir, and how to carry it home.
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Crafts and shopping
Cheap souvenirs from Cusco: 20 authentic ideas that fit in your suitcase
Cheap, authentic souvenir ideas from Cusco: Maras salt, chocolate, coffee, woven bracelets, chullo hats, cancha, postcards and more, where to buy them and what to avoid.
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Crafts and shopping
Silver jewellery in Cusco: how to buy genuine Peruvian silver
A guide to buying silver in Cusco: the 925 stamp, alpaca metal vs silver, Andean designs like the chakana and tumi, Peruvian stones and where to shop.
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Crafts and shopping
Supermarkets and malls in Cusco: where to stock up
Where to shop for groceries in Cusco: Real Plaza with Plaza Vea, Tottus, central minimarkets and markets. What to buy before a trek, pharmacies and payment tips.
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Crafts and shopping
Pisac market: shopping guide, best days and how to bargain respectfully
Pisac market shopping guide: which days to go, what to buy (textiles, silver, ceramics, carved gourds), how to judge quality and tips for bargaining.
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Crafts and shopping
Chullos and monteras: a guide to Cusco's Andean hats and where to buy them
What the chullos, monteras and hats of Cusco's communities mean, how they're knitted, how to tell handmade from factory-made and where to buy them thoughtfully.
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Crafts and shopping
Awana Kancha: llamas, alpacas and weaving on the road to Pisac
What to see at Awana Kancha, the living museum of camelids and textiles at km 23 of the Cusco–Pisac road: four species, natural dyes, how to get there and shopping tips.
Read guide →Neighbourhoods and places
San Blas, the Plaza de Armas, viewpoints, Cristo Blanco and Cusco's most photogenic corners.
Neighbourhoods and places
Urubamba: the central base of the Sacred Valley (things to do, getting there and where to stay)
Urubamba guide: why it's the best base for exploring the Sacred Valley, things to do in town and nearby, getting there from Cusco and the airport, and what kind of lodging there is.
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Neighbourhoods and places
San Blas, Cusco's artisan quarter: what to see, viewpoints and tips
Guide to Cusco's San Blas neighbourhood: the church and its carved pulpit, the little plaza, artisan workshops, Hatun Rumiyoc street, viewpoints, nightlife and whether to stay there.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Cristo Blanco in Cusco: how to walk up, best time for views and safety
Guide to Cusco's Cristo Blanco: the statue's history, how to walk up from San Blas or take a taxi, altitude, best time for sunset, safety and what to see nearby.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Plaza de Armas in Cusco: history, what to see around it and practical tips
Guide to Cusco's Plaza de Armas: from the Inca Huacaypata to the colonial square, the Cathedral and La Compañía, festivals, best times, viewpoints, safety and touts.
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Neighbourhoods and places
The best viewpoints in Cusco: where to see the city from above
The best viewpoints in Cusco: San Cristóbal, San Blas, Cristo Blanco, Sacsayhuamán, Santa Ana and more, how to get there, best time for photos and safety tips.
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Neighbourhoods and places
The best photography spots in Cusco and around
Photo spots in Cusco: Plaza de Armas, San Blas, Inca streets, viewpoints, markets and Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu scenes, with best times, tips and respect for people.
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Neighbourhoods and places
San Cristóbal, Cusco: the viewpoint neighbourhood above the Plaza de Armas
A guide to Cusco's San Cristóbal neighbourhood: its church and viewpoint, the Inca palace of Colcampata, steep lanes, walking up to Sacsayhuamán and whether to stay there.
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Neighbourhoods and places
San Pedro neighbourhood in Cusco: market, Santa Clara arch and churches
A guide to San Pedro: the market, Calle Santa Clara and its arch, the San Pedro and Santa Clara churches, Plaza San Francisco and tips for staying and getting around.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Cusco's squares beyond the Plaza de Armas: Regocijo, San Francisco, Nazarenas and more
A walk through the squares of central Cusco: Regocijo (Kusipata), San Francisco, Nazarenas, San Blas, Limacpampa and Túpac Amaru. History, what to see and a walking route.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Inca streets of Cusco: Hatun Rumiyoc, Loreto and the walls still standing
A walk through Cusco's streets lined with Inca walls: the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc, Loreto alley, Santa Catalina Angosta and how to read Inca masonry.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Wanchaq: modern, local Cusco between the centre and the airport
Guide to Wanchaq, Cusco's modern district: market, Avenida de la Cultura, the train station for Puno, closeness to the airport and whether it's worth staying there.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Santa Ana neighbourhood in Cusco: viewpoints, history and a quieter Cusco
Guide to Cusco's Santa Ana neighbourhood: its church and the Corpus Christi series, the viewpoint over the city, Calle Saphy and whether it's worth staying there.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Avenida El Sol: what to see and whether to stay on Cusco's main avenue
Guide to Avenida El Sol in Cusco: Qorikancha, the Cusco history mural, banks and exchange offices, crafts and the pros of staying in this area.
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Neighbourhoods and places
San Sebastián and San Jerónimo: Cusco's south-eastern districts
Guide to San Sebastián and San Jerónimo in Cusco: the baroque San Sebastián church, Vinocanchón market, their role in Corpus Christi and how to visit.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Cusco neighbourhoods: the character of each area and which suits you
Guide to Cusco's neighbourhoods: historic centre, San Blas, San Cristóbal, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Avenida El Sol, Wanchaq and the south-eastern districts. What each offers.
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Neighbourhoods and places
The streets around Cusco's Plaza de Armas: Procuradores, Plateros and more
A guide to the streets leading off Cusco's Plaza de Armas: Procuradores, Plateros, Tecsecocha, Triunfo, Mantas and Marqués. What's on each, the vibe and safety.
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Neighbourhoods and places
Cusco historic centre: areas, what to see and where to stay
A guide to Cusco's UNESCO-listed historic centre: its areas, how to find your way, what to see, where to stay for your style, hills, noise and safety.
Read guide →Where to stay
Areas to stay in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes, by budget and travel style.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Cusco: best areas for your trip and budget
Historic centre, San Blas, Sacred Valley or Aguas Calientes: pros and cons of each area, accommodation types and practical tips.
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Where to stay
Hostels in Cusco: areas, what to check before booking and backpacker tips
How to choose a hostel in Cusco: areas (Plaza de Armas, San Blas, San Pedro), party or quiet hostels, heating, hot water, lockers, breakfast and safety, without pushing brands.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and more
Comparing towns to stay in the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Calca, Yucay, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero; pros, cons, Machu Picchu connections and who each suits.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes: areas, accommodation types and tips
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo): when to spend the night, town areas, hostels, hotels and luxury, river and train noise, luggage and booking tips.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Ollantaytambo: areas, pros and when it makes sense
Guide to sleeping in Ollantaytambo: why it's the best base for the Machu Picchu train, areas of town, what kind of accommodation there is and practical tips.
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Where to stay
Sleeping near Cusco airport: when it makes sense and which areas to choose
Early flight or late arrival? When it's worth sleeping near Cusco airport, which areas there are, distances to the centre and tips so you don't miss your flight.
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Where to stay
Hotels with oxygen rooms in Cusco: what they are, whether they work and who needs them
What oxygen-enriched rooms in Cusco hotels are, how they work, who they're useful for and what alternatives there are for sleeping better at altitude.
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Where to stay
Holiday rental or hotel in Cusco? Pros, cons and what to check
Holiday rentals vs hotels in Cusco: heating, hot water, altitude, safety, location and which type of trip each suits.
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Where to stay
Homestays and community tourism in Cusco: how to stay with a local family
How to stay with families in Cusco and in Andean communities such as Misminay: what's included, how to choose a respectful experience and what to expect.
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Where to stay
Glamping in the Sacred Valley: hanging pods, tents and domes with a view
Glamping options near Cusco: the Skylodge hanging pods, community glamping in Misminay and Huilloc, what to expect, when to go and what to pack.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Pisac: areas, atmosphere and who it suits
Guide to sleeping in Pisac, at the entrance to the Sacred Valley: areas of town, type of accommodation, acclimatisation benefits, the market and how to fit it into your trip.
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Where to stay
Hotels with views in Cusco: which areas to choose to see the city from your window
Where to stay in Cusco for views of the rooftops, the Cathedral or the mountains: San Blas, San Cristóbal, Santa Ana and the centre. Pros, cons and tips.
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Where to stay
Family accommodation in Cusco: what to look for and where to stay with kids
How to choose accommodation in Cusco when travelling with children: family rooms, altitude, heating, recommended areas and why to start in the Sacred Valley.
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Where to stay
How to book accommodation in Cusco: key dates, tricks and mistakes to avoid
Tips for booking a hotel in Cusco: when to book, dates that sell out, cancellation, real location, taxes, early arrival and how to avoid surprises.
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Where to stay
Boutique hotels in Cusco: sleeping in historic colonial mansions
What to expect from Cusco's boutique hotels: colonial mansions with courtyards, Inca walls and Cusco art. Areas, pros, cons and tips for choosing.
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Cusco with kids, on a budget, in luxury, as a solo female traveller or working remotely.
Travel styles
Cusco nightlife: areas, live music, peñas and how to go out safely
A responsible guide to Cusco nightlife: where people go out (Plaza de Armas, San Blas), folk peñas, pisco bars and live music, altitude and alcohol, and safety tips.
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Travel styles
Cusco with kids: altitude, itinerary and family activities
How to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu with kids: acclimatisation and health, starting in the Sacred Valley, family activities, tickets and trains, and practical tips.
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Travel styles
Cusco on a budget: saving on accommodation, food, transport and Machu Picchu
How to visit Cusco cheaply: an indicative daily budget, hostels, set lunches, local transport, the Tourist Ticket, budget Machu Picchu, free things to do and costly mistakes.
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Travel styles
Luxury Cusco: boutique hotels, premium trains and private experiences
Guide to a luxury Cusco trip: choosing a hotel (colonial mansions, oxygen-enriched rooms, Sacred Valley lodges), premium trains to Machu Picchu, private guides, dining and wellness.
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Travel styles
Learning Spanish in Cusco: schools, formats, homestays and volunteering
How to study Spanish in Cusco: course types, private or group classes, homestays, cultural activities, volunteering, rough prices and how to choose a school.
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Travel styles
Free things to do in Cusco: 15 plans that cost nothing (or almost)
Free things to do in Cusco: plazas, viewpoints, San Blas, markets, free walking tours, fairs, festivals, Inca streets and short walks. Ideas for tight-budget days.
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Travel styles
Cusco for digital nomads: internet, neighbourhoods, coworking and daily life
Living and working remotely from Cusco: internet quality, neighbourhoods, coworking, cost of living, altitude, visas, time zone, community and practical tips.
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Travel styles
Solo female travel in Cusco: safety, accommodation, tours and tips
Guide for women travelling solo to Cusco: safety, taxis, accommodation, group tours and treks, nightlife, ceremonies, clothing, meeting people and emergency numbers.
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Travel styles
Rock bars in Cusco: where to hear rock and live music
Rock and live music bars in Cusco: London Town, Blackbird, Rock House, Km 0 in San Blas and Ukukus. Areas, atmosphere and tips. Check opening times before you go.
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Travel styles
London Town, Cusco's emblematic rock bar
London Town, a rock bar on Tecsecocha street by Cusco's Plaza de Armas: live bands, classic and alternative rock, atmosphere and tips. Check opening times before you go.
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Travel styles
Cusco in 3 days: a realistic itinerary with acclimatization, city and Sacred Valley
A 3-day Cusco itinerary: acclimatize on day 1, city and nearby ruins on day 2, Sacred Valley or a short day trip on day 3. Altitude tips, tourist ticket and useful links.
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