Details for Cusco

The best time to visit the Cusco Department is during the dry season, from May to September. This period offers clear skies and optimal conditions for trekking and exploring archaeological sites.

Must-see attractions include Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the city of Cusco itself with its rich Incan and colonial history. Don't miss the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán and the vibrant town of Pisac.

Cusco is located at a high altitude, so it's important to acclimate by taking it easy for the first couple of days. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and consider drinking coca tea, a local remedy for altitude sickness.

Be sure to try local dishes such as cuy (guinea pig), alpaca steak, and rocoto relleno. Don't miss sampling aji de gallina, a creamy chicken dish, and the refreshing chicha morada, a drink made from purple corn.

Plan to spend at least 4 to 5 days in the Cusco Department to fully explore Cusco city, visit Machu Picchu, and take day trips to the Sacred Valley and other nearby attractions.

Getting around the Cusco Department is best done by a combination of buses, taxis, and organized tours. For Machu Picchu, take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then a shuttle bus to the site.

Yes, consider day trips to the Sacred Valley, including towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, or venture to the Rainbow Mountain for stunning natural landscapes. Another popular option is the Maras salt mines and Moray archaeological site.