[:en]Cusco, the ancient Andean city that saw the birth of the great Incan empire, is by far one of the most desirably complete destinations for travelers with its cradle of culture, traditions and diverse tourist attractions. Whether you have landed in the navel center of the world for the Inca Trail, one of the many treks to visit the iconic Machu Picchu or simply to stroll through the streets of the city, we have outlined 5 handy tips to help you make the most of your time in Cusco.
Get on top of the Altitude
Sitting high in the Andean Mountains at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters), Cusco can often take travelers by surprise with a nice welcoming dose of altitude sickness (known as soroche in Peru) upon arrival. Symptoms include mild to severe headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and even a blood nose. To avoid these undesirable effects, we suggest moving very slowly and calmly as soon as you disembark the plane, and come prepared with appropriate medication if you are concerned. Rest assured soroche will pass but until it does take your meds (if needed), keep hydrated, take it easy, keep sipping on Coca Tea, and before you know it you’ll be feeling like a local!
Trekking to Machu Picchu
One of the most popular activities for visitors, and certainly the most breathtaking, are the many iconic treks to Machu Picchu and throughout the Andes. When you book your tour we will provide you with an in-depth packing list with all our recommendations, however the main items to remember for any trekking adventure are good quality protective clothing that your can layer if needed, sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of hydration and sustenance, necessary medication and of course a camera to capture all those memories that will last a lifetime.
Eat the Local Grub
There’s no better way to learn about the local culture than sharing some of the typical dishes of the region. Why not tuck into some hearty cuisine from the Andean Mountains, such as Pachamanca; a mix of pork, beef, lamb, cuy (guinea pig) cooked with fava beans and potatoes in a marinate of herbal chicha de jora, on hot stones under the ground. One of the most delicious (and easiest) experiences to swallow! Read more about our Pachamanca Day Trip here.
Markets & Souvenirs
There are countless bustling markets to visit throughout Cusco and the Sacred Valley packed with handmade local crafts, traditional souvenirs, tasty regional produce and beautiful garments hand woven with native alpaca wool. Some of our top recommendations include: San Pedro Market, Baratillo Market, Centro Artesanal, Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, Pisac Market and Chinchero Market.
Spiritual Experience
Spirituality runs deep through the veins of the native Andes people, in particularly present in their strong connection with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and each of the Sacred Apu’s (mountain ranges) surrounding Cusco. If you have the opportunity to take part in a sacred ceremony or offering with a Peruvian Shaman during your stay why not embrace the moment and open up to discovering something new about this incredible culture, and possibly even something new about yourself!
To make your next visit to Cusco or any other destination in Peru truly unforgettable please reach out to one of our travel specialists and discover the real adventure experience with Explorandes![:es]Cusco, el ombligo del mundo y la ciudad que vio nacer al gran imperio incaico. Es cuna de cultura, tradiciones y diversos atractivos turísticos que dejan sin aliento a cualquier persona. Para que puedas hacer un buen trekking en Machu Picchu, vivir la experiencia de realizar el Camino del Inca o simplemente pasear por las calles de la ciudad, te dejamos 6 recomendaciones para hacer un buen turismo en Cusco.
5. Pastillas para el soroche
Es recomendable que lleves algunas pastillas para el mal de alturas, ya que si te afecta mucho puedes llegar a sentir un fuerte dolor de cabeza o incluso sangrar por la nariz. Así que para evitar que el soroche arruine tu viaje a Cusco, siempre lleva una pastilla y toma un buen mate de coca.
4. Trekking en Machu Picchu
Una de las actividades preferidas por los turistas nacionales y extranjeros:el trekking a Machu Picchu. Para hacer esto, te dejaremos algunas recomendaciones. Lleva ropa cómoda y mucha agua, y por supuesto, no olvides tu pastilla contra el mal de altura. Recuerda que por más que estén en la estación de verano, siempre correrá un poco de aire, así que procura llevar una chaqueta ligera y guantes.
3. Prueba la comida típica
Un viaje a Machu Picchu, la principal atracción de Cusco, significa que quieres disfrutar de la cultura que la ciudad vio nacer. ¡Qué mejor forma de compartir y aprender más de esa cultura que probando los platos típicos de la región! La pachamanca, el cuy, los panes u otras comidas típicas te harán sentir que el viaje valió la pena.
2. Recuerdos y cultura
Hay muchísimos centros artesanales en los que puedes comprar diversos recuerdos de tu viaje a Cusco. Los mantos también son muy hermosos y están hechos con lana de alpaca. Por otro lado, atrévete a compartir la cultura y aprender de ella.
1 Experiencia espiritual
Si tu guía te ofrece hacer un rito a la pachamama antes de iniciar el trekking a Machu Picchu o el Camino del Inca, ¡atrévete a hacerlo! Es una experiencia indescriptible.
Si buscas una verdadera experiencia en tu próximo viaje a Cusco o cualquier otros destino de Perú, ¡contáctanos! Descubre la verdadera aventura con Explorandes.[:]
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