What to Expect in Cusco
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by James Bustamante
What to expect in Cusco Peru? It can be exciting and intriguing when you are getting ready to travel to another country. However, it can also be a slightly scary experience when thinking about the unexpected.
Things that you usually wouldn’t think about during a trip suddenly come up, for example, the elevation factor in Cusco. Travelers tend to overlook this point until a few days before the trip. So What can we expect in Cusco?
The Small Airport In Cusco
When you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice is how small the airport in Cusco is. The Velasco Astete airport is vastly undersized for a region that receives thousands of travelers each day. Cusco is a tourist hub, and there are currently plans to set up a bigger airport. We recommend getting your luggage and leaving the airport as soon s possible to avoid large crowds gathering outside in hopes of hailing a cab.
The Big Change in Altitude
Well, there certainly are a few key points to consider when arriving at this high-altitude city. Firstly, let’s go over a few key facts about the city. Cusco is located in the Peruvian highland region of the country.
Cusco has an approximate altitude of about 11,000 feet above sea level, 3,200 meters above sea level for those using the metric system. So what to expect with Cusco’s high elevation?
Travelers will immediately feel the elevation change when they get off the plane at the Velasco Astete airport in Cusco. The 20-minute ride from the airport to their hotel near the main square might challenge some visitors. In addition, the sudden pressure from the elevation can sometimes exacerbate due to the sheer excitement of arrival. So it is best to stay calm and follow the altitude sickness protocol we layout for all of our travelers.
The truth is that the vast majority of people will barely feel some discomfort for the first few hours. Still, it will feel better later in the day (or night). We recommend having short and frequent walks when you first arrive at Cusco. Exploring the main square as you drink water slowly will help you acclimatize.
Remember that the first 24 to 48 hours will be crucial to your trip. In general, you should relax for the first day, walk around, rest, have light meals, plenty of water, and caffeine seems to help as well. You should make sure to try the Coca tea. The native people of the region have been using Coca plants to help with elevation sickness and as a source of energy for a very long time. You can find people selling coca leaves throughout Cusco. A small bag full of leaves usually costs around $1 US. This one bag is enough to last you for the entire trip. The locals chew on the leaves and then spit them out.
Expect Friendly Locals And Plenty Of Greetings
You can also expect simple, warm, and friendly locals when you arrive in Cusco. The “Cusquenos” (The people of Cusco) are well accustomed to greeting one another and foreigners. This interaction can sometimes make visitors coming from North America or Europe feel a little bit uncomfortable. Just remember that the locals are friendly, so make sure to say hello back.
What To Expect In Cusco Regarding The Weather?
Cusco is the first stop before heading to a Machu Picchu hike, not counting Lima of course. The weather can vary greatly depending on which date you plan on taking your trip to the Inca sanctuary. Knowing what to expect for each season is a good recommendation. Figuring out what to pack is essential in making your trip successful.
You can expect the wet season to range from December to February. The dry season is from March to September, and October/November tends to be the “in-between” months. You can pack for your entire trip according to the season you are traveling on.
Temperatures never vary all that much in the highlands. You’ll have very sunny weather during the dry season, but temperatures might be chilly in the evenings. During the wet season, you’ll see plenty of rain, but temperatures tend to stay in the 70s. Each season has its pros and cons when it comes to traveling. Expect larger crowds in Cusco and Machu Picchu in the dry season and more visitors around over the course of the wet months.
What About Accommodations and Restaurants?
Most hotels and hostels will be conveniently located near the main square in Cusco. The few that are not near the plaza are not that far away. This includes the beautiful San Blas neighborhood.
You’ll also find several restaurants, clothing stores, street markets, supply stores, drugstores, etc. Just about anything you need will be within walking distance from your hotel. The only time you’ll need to be motorized is when we go on a tour or on our way back to the airport.
The food aspect tends to be essential for many travelers. Usually, visitors will want to try the local highland cuisine. Still, they will also feel more at ease if they find food they are accustomed to.
You can expect in Cusco to find all sorts of restaurants like the gourmet La Cicciolina to small mom n’ pop restaurants offering meals for under $3. If you want some fast food (don’t we all?), there are chain restaurants like McDonald’s. We also have a Starbucks if you feel like a cup of joe, but with Cusco having some of the best gourmet coffee in the world, why would you want to?
For the vegetarians and vegans visiting, you’ll be happy to know that there are many restaurants throughout the city catering to your lifestyle and food choices. There has been a significant increase in the demand for vegans and vegetarian establishments catering primarily to travelers. The Amazon rainforest is not far away, so expect fresh produce every day.
What To Expect During The Cusco Tour?
Touring around the city of Cusco, you can expect to see beautiful architecture, colonial cathedrals and churches, local art galleries, and several museums. The tour includes visiting the gold museum known as “Koricancha” and the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Conclusion
Planning a tour to the sacred valley or Maras y Moray? Ollantaytambo or heading straight to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)? No problem is all starts in Cusco.
So, what to expect in Cusco, Peru? Friendly locals, plenty of food, several places to visit, beautiful weather, and plenty of fun. For more information on Cusco, Machu Picchu tours, treks, or Peru travel as a whole, contact us with our form below!
