CUSCO & THE SACRED VALLEY
This is the heartland of the Inca Empire and a region saturated with millennia of history.
From the bustling, colonial-era capital of Cusco to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu, this guide will help you navigate the rich cultural tapestry, high-altitude landscapes, and unparalleled archaeological wonders of the Peruvian Andes.
Why Visit Cusco & The Sacred Valley?
Machu Picchu: Experience the world-famous Inca citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, set dramatically in the cloud forest.
Ancient Inca History: Explore an incredible concentration of Inca sites, including Cusco’s Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the vast ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Incredible Treks: Challenge yourself with world-class high-altitude hikes like the Inca Trail, Salkantay, or the trek to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain.
Smart Travel
Dry/Peak Season (May-September): This is the sunniest time, ideal for trekking and clear mountain views. However, be prepared for freezing nights, higher prices, and booking accommodations and Machu Picchu tickets months in advance.
Shoulder Season (April & October-November): The best balance of decent weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. The landscapes are lush after the wet season, and day temperatures are very pleasant.
Wet/Off-Season (December-March): Expect frequent, heavy rainfall, making high-altitude trekking difficult (The Inca Trail closes in February). Prices are lowest, and the valleys are incredibly green.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Cusco City
The historic capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cusco is a vibrant blend of Inca foundations and Spanish colonial architecture. It serves as the essential base for all regional exploration.
Your Smart Tip: To help your body acclimatize to the 3,400m (11,200 ft) altitude, spend at least 2 days relaxing in Cusco before attempting any serious trekking or high-altitude travel.
Sacred Valley (Low)
The lower-altitude valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu, where the air is easier to breathe. It’s famed for massive Inca ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, artisan markets, and the spectacular Maras salt pans.
Your Smart Tip: Begin your trip by heading directly to an accommodation in the Sacred Valley (e.g., Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, at 2,800 m or 9,200 ft) to acclimatize before moving up to Cusco.
Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes
The world-famous Inca citadel and its bustling gateway town (Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Pueblo). The journey is an experience itself, typically involving a scenic train ride through the cloud forest.
Your Smart Tip: Book your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu well in advance, especially for the early morning slots. Consider staying in Aguas Calientes the night before for a stress-free early entry.
High Andes Treks
The stunning, high-mountain areas outside the main valley, offering breathtaking, strenuous day hikes and multi-day treks, including Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Ausangate, Lares, and Humantay Lake.
Your Smart Tip: Many popular treks, like Rainbow Mountain, start before dawn and are extremely high (over 5,000 m or 16,400 ft). Do not attempt them until you are fully acclimatized in Cusco and/or the Sacred Valley.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is defined by the high Andes. The region experiences two distinct seasons: Dry (May-Sep), which means sunny days but very cold/freezing nights, and Wet (Nov-Apr), with heavy rain but milder night temperatures.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Altitude Sickness (Soroche): Take altitude sickness seriously. Drink coca tea (mate de coca) and water, eat lightly, and avoid heavy alcohol for the first 48 hours.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is customary for good service. Tip guides, porters (especially on long treks), and restaurant servers (10% is standard).
Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos of local people, particularly in indigenous villages or at markets.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($15–$30), mid-range hotels ($50–$100), luxury ($150+). Luxury tends to be higher in Cusco and boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($5–$10), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($15–$30 per person), fine dining ($50+).
Transport: Local bus ($0.50–$1), taxi in Cusco ($2–$5), tourist bus for Sacred Valley ($10–$25 per segment).
Activities: Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) ($25–$40), Machu Picchu Entrance ($40–$65), Multi-day trekking tour ($300–$1,000+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $40–$70 (hostels, market food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $80–$150 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $180+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Foot: Cusco is easily walkable, but prepare for steep hills and cobblestone streets.
By Train: The main way to reach Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) is via scenic train (PeruRail or Inca Rail) from Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo.
By Taxi: Taxis are affordable and readily available in Cusco. Always agree on the fare before getting in.
Tourist Bus/Collectivo: For the Sacred Valley, use the affordable collectivos (shared taxis/vans) or hire a private taxi for a day, which allows you to stop at several sites.
Must-Try Food
Cuy a la Parrilla: Grilled guinea pig, a traditional and festive Andean dish.
Lomo Saltado: Strips of beef, onions, tomatoes, and fries, stir-fried in a soy sauce-based sauce, served with rice.
Aji de Gallina: Creamy chicken stew made with aji amarillo (yellow chili), bread, milk, and walnuts, served with potatoes and rice.
Chupe de Camarones: A rich and creamy shrimp chowder, often considered one of Peru’s best soups.
Papa a la Huancaína: Boiled potatoes sliced and covered in a creamy, slightly spicy cheese sauce made with aji amarillo.
Rocoto Relleno: Baked stuffed spicy rocoto peppers, usually filled with ground meat and topped with melted cheese.
Anticuchos: Skewered and grilled beef heart, marinated in vinegar and spices.
Choclo con Queso: Simple yet satisfying—large-kernel Peruvian corn served with fresh white cheese.
Mazamorra Morada: A sweet, thick pudding made from purple corn and fruits, often served warm.
Picarones: Peruvian donuts made from sweet potato and squash flour, drizzled with a sweet chancaca (unrefined sugar) syrup.
Must-Try Drinks
Pisco Sour: Peru’s national cocktail, made with Pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, egg white, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
Chicha de Jora: A traditional, fermented (lightly alcoholic) corn beer, often home-brewed, with a distinct, slightly sour taste.
Chicha Morada: A refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made by boiling purple corn with pineapple rind, cinnamon, and cloves, sweetened with sugar.
Mate de Coca: Coca leaf tea, essential for combating or preventing altitude sickness (soroche).
Inca Kola: A bright yellow, bubblegum-flavored soda, intensely sweet and deeply popular across Peru.
Cerveza Cusqueña: The local, popular beer from Cusco, available in various styles (e.g., golden, wheat, dark).
Té de Muña: An herbal tea made from a high-altitude mint native to the Andes, often used to aid digestion.
Emoliente: A popular warm, soothing street drink made from a blend of herbs, barley, and fruit extracts.