Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Cusco, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities receive 90-183 days visa-free on arrival in Peru
- Keep passport copies, as police occasionally check documents in tourist areas
- Buy the Boleto Turístico ($40) for entry to 16 sites across Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Health & Safety
- Altitude sickness is very common at 3,400m, so acclimatise for 24-48 hours before trekking
- Coca tea and coca leaves help with altitude symptoms and are legal in Peru
- Travel insurance with altitude and evacuation coverage is essential for treks above 4,000m
Getting Around
- The Historic Centre is compact and walkable, and most sites are within 15 minutes of the plaza
- Colectivos to the Sacred Valley depart from Calle Pavitos when full (10-15 soles)
- Taxis within Cusco cost 5-10 soles. Agree the price before getting in as there are no meters
Connectivity
- Buy a Claro or Movistar SIM at the airport for 10 soles for basic data
- WiFi is available in most hostels and cafes in the centre but often slow
- Download offline maps before Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain trips, as coverage is nonexistent outside towns
Money
- Currency: PEN (Sol). ATMs widely available; Visa and Mastercard accepted in tourist areas
- Carry small bills, because many colectivos, markets, and small shops cannot change 100-sol notes
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants, $5-10 per day for trek guides, $3-5 for porters
Packing Tips
- Layers are critical, as temperatures swing 20°C between midday sun and evening frost
- Warm jacket, hat, and gloves for Sacsayhuamán, Rainbow Mountain, and evening walks
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip for cobblestones and Inca ruins; sunscreen and sunglasses for high UV
Cultural tips
Respect Inca Heritage
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and remains deeply important to Quechua communities. Do not climb on Inca walls or remove stones. Treat archaeological sites with the same reverence you would give a cathedral. The Inca legacy is a living culture, not just ruins.
Responsible Tourism
The tourism industry in Cusco has both benefits and costs. Choose locally-owned businesses, eat at the market, and hire local guides. Avoid "voluntourism" at orphanages. If trekking, ensure your operator pays porters fairly, as the minimum porter wage is legally mandated.
Photography Etiquette
Ask permission before photographing locals in traditional dress, as many will expect a tip of 1-2 soles if you photograph them. Drone use is prohibited at all archaeological sites. Church photography rules vary, so check before shooting inside.
Language
Spanish is the primary language in tourist Cusco, but Quechua is still widely spoken. Learn basic Quechua greetings: "Allianchu" (hello/how are you) and "Sulpayki" (thank you). Even a few words earn enormous warmth from local people.
Support Local Communities
Buy directly from artisans, eat at family-run restaurants, and choose community-based tourism in the Sacred Valley. Your money has the most positive impact when it goes directly to Quechua families rather than through international tour operators.
Altitude & Pace
The altitude forces you to slow down, so embrace it. Cusco rewards patience and presence. Rushing through the ruins misses the point entirely. Sit in the plaza, watch the light change on the stone walls, and let the history of this extraordinary city sink in gradually.
