Three Days in Cusco!

At an impressive altitude of 3,400 meters in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is Peru's sprawling alpine city and the historic capital of the Inca Empire.

Being the gateway to Machu Picchu, this city is the first port of call for travelers itching to explore the famous wonder of the world.

However, as tempting as it is to rush up there, it's essential for visitors to take their time, acclimatizing to the high elevation to avoid the risk of altitude sickness, a genuine health concern for some!

As well as being a great place to watch live music at night and marvel at the architecture of iconic old churches during the day, the colorful city square of Plaza de Armas is the exact center of the Inca Empire and is one of very few open areas in the city making it a perfect meeting point.

As you wander along the streets, a statue of Pachacuti can be seen above you, he was one of the Inca Emperors who has been credited with discovering and building Machu Picchu, which was intended as a royal estate for him and his family.

A Group Walking Tour...

I didn't know where to start in this vibrant, bustling city, so I did what I often do in a new city and I joined a Group Walking Tour!

An enthusiastic guide takes you on a two hour walk through the city's maze of narrow colorful streets; sharing stories about the rich history, iconic landmarks, and intriguing activities, while also helping to improve your conversational Spanish.

Although there is no upfront fee for the tour, I was really impressed by the wealth of knowledge shared in such a short amount of time, so I made sure I showed my appreciation with a generous tip at the end.

If you're a solo traveler, like I was, another good reason to join a group walking tour is that you meet some new friends who also need some company during their visit!

You could easily spend half a day getting lost while walking through the narrow streets and discovering little coffee shops in the San Blas Neighborhood!

We went for a wander through the ChocoMuseo, and I couldn't stop looking at this sculpture of Machu Picchu, made entirely out of chocolate!

Being a major thoroughfare for tourists, Cusco tends to have higher prices compared to other regions in Peru. However, after a short fifteen minute walk to the west of Plaza de Armas, I discovered an array of affordable eateries favored by the locals.

The Surrounding

Attractions...

Little did I know that my hotel, the Eco Home View Guesthouse was conveniently located within walking distance of the city center and some amazing attractions just beyond the urban hub.

While it is possible to reach these sites on foot, be prepared for a steep climb, which I wouldn't advise while acclimatizing.

To spare myself from the hike, I opted for an Uber taxi which got me up there in fifteen minutes and was very affordable.

The Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco, who the religious citizens view as the Protector of Cusco, is an eight meter high statue of Jesus Christ that stands on the hills above the city.

Saqsaywaman, much like Machu Picchu, is one of the ancient citadels that can be visited on a Cusco Tourist Ticket!

When walking up to its entrance, be cautious of the women with llamas who offer photo opportunities. You must negotiate a price before getting the photo taken; I observed one tourist who was tricked into spending $60 for one photograph with a llama!

The Cusco Tourist Ticket...

If you're looking to explore further than Machu Picchu, consider purchasing a Cusco Tourist Ticket to visit ancient archaeological sites such as Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray and museums that are scattered throughout the Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Machu Picchu. However, it’s important to note that the ticket does not cover entrance to Machu Picchu.

Other Things to do in Cusco...

Food Classes...

I met several fellow travelers who raved about their food classes, claiming it was the highlight of their time in Cusco...

One standout was a four-hour traditional Peruvian Cooking Class that starts with an exploration of San Pedro Market, where you'll see fresh ingredients used to prepare and enjoy delicious dishes, including the renowned ceviche.

And for those with a sweet tooth, the Choco Museo offers regular workshops where you can delve into the history of chocolate production in Peru and create your own treats from bean to bar.

As someone who values unique practical education in new environments, I deeply regret missing out on these experiences.

Practice your Spanish...

This is a Spanish speaking country and it also happens to be the official language of most other countries in the South American continent. Learning some Spanish will make your journey here nice and smooth.

Have a look at some basic words and phrases I have listed down, then practice and expand your vocabulary with the locals while you've got some downtime in Cusco.