Cuzco, Peru Destination Guide

Overview of Cuzco Cuzco is the sacred capital of the Inca Empire. Known to the early Incas as the 'navel of the world', it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, and the gateway to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Visitors will see the city's legacy in its straight, cobbled streets, and the remains of exquisite, Inca-built stone walls. They will also pass ancient stonework incorporated into colonial buildings, all while the Inca's Quechua-speaking descendants fill the streets with their bright dress and colourful handicrafts. The Inca Trail, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and the nearby Sacred Valley's archaeological ruins are Cuzco's chief attractions. The destination is relatively unspoiled, too, despite its popularity. Indeed, its beautiful setting in the Andean Mountains is guaranteed to leave visitors spellbound. The stately Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city. Visitors touring the area will see Peru's national flag and the Inca Empire's rainbow-coloured flag. The display emphasises Cuzco's unique blend of the ancient, colonial and modern.

Key Facts

Language: Spanish is the official language. In areas where they are predominant, Quechua, Aymara and other aboriginal languages also have official status. English is spoken only in major tourist centres and hotels. Passport/Visa: All travellers require passports, return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If travelling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the visitor's intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency is Sol (PEN), divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Outside of big cities, facilities may be more limited. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities. Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pronged plugs with flat blades as well as plugs with two round prongs are in use.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Cuzco Climate for Cuzco Cuzco has a sub-tropical highland climate, which is characterised by dry, temperate weather. There are two defined seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the rainy season (November to March). The dry season is mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 32°F (0°C) and 68°F (20°C), while the wet season has similar temperatures but fewer sunny days. Rain tends to come in short downpours and the sun is seldom gone for long. Hiking can be uncomfortable in the rainy season, and the Inca Trail closes for maintenance in February. Hail and frost are fairly common in Cuzco, but snow is virtually unheard of. Incidentally, Cuzco has the highest ultraviolet light level on Earth, making it extremely important that tourists protect themselves from sun damage. June, July and August are the most popular months to do the Inca Trail, and visitors generally prefer the dry season. However, the wet season can be beautiful in the mountains, which are lush and colourful between November and March. All in all, Cuzco is a rewarding travel destination year-round, but it is best to visit in April/May or September/October. That way, visitors can miss the worst of the tourist crowds and still make the most of the good weather.

Health Notes when travelling to Peru Travellers heading to Peru will need a yellow fever certificate if they're entering from an infected area. They should also remember that Peru experiences some outbreaks of the disease. Travellers will need to receive vaccinations for certain regions, though not for Cuzco, Lima and Machu Picchu. They won't officially need any other vaccinations, but are advised to take precautions if travelling to jungle regions. Immunisation against typhoid is sensible. Malaria is a year-round risk in the lowland areas (except Lima and the coastal regions to the south), and dengue fever is on the increase. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are recommended as well, and incidents of bat-bite-transmitted rabies have been reported in the Puno and Madre de Dios provinces, and near the border with Ecuador. Visitors should have a course of rabies injections and not sleep in the open if they plan to spend time in these areas. Diarrhoea and altitude sickness are the most common ailments for visitors. As precautionary measures, travellers should only drink bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary of street-vendor food. Healthcare is good in the major cities, particularly at private clinics rather than public hospitals. It's expensive, though, and health insurance is essential. Screening for HIV is inadequate and visitors should avoid blood transfusions. The zika virus is a factor, though rarely at elevations above 2000 metres (6500 feet). For this reason, Cuzco and Machu Picchu should be zika-free. Travellers should still protect themselves from mosquito bites. Safety Notes when travelling to Peru Most visits to Peru are trouble-free and the usual sensible precautions should be enough to keep travellers safe. That said, thieves remain a problem. Travellers should be especially cautious in crowded areas, on public transport, at bus and train stations, and in the centre of Lima at night. Visitors should take extra care in Lima and Cuzco, where there's a risk of street and violent crime. Foreigners have also been attacked while trekking in the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and should seek safety advice before setting out. Thieves and muggers operate in Huaraz and Arequipa as well. Women in particular should only take taxis that have been pre-booked by a hotel or an official company. Travellers arriving at Lima International Airport should be wary of thieves posing as taxi drivers or tour operators. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations, as these have the potential for violence. Customs in Peru Visitors should not take photographs of anything relating to the military. Many locals will ask for a tip in return for being the subject of a photograph. In some places, this is the primary source of income. Homosexuality, although legal, is frowned upon. Gay travellers should keep a low profile outside gay clubs. Visitors should avoid wearing any native Indian clothing as this will be seen as insulting, regardless of their intentions.

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Duty Free in Peru Travellers over the age of 18 do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 3 litres of alcoholic beverages; and gifts to the value of US$500. Items such as sausages, salami, ham and cheese may only be brought in if accompanied by an original sanitary certificate. The import of ham from Italy and Portugal is prohibited. The export of cultural or artistic items from the country is not permitted. Doing Business in Peru Business centres on the capital, Lima, and is usually conducted in a formal and somewhat conservative manner. It's worth noting that foreigners will need a business visa from a local Peruvian Consulate. Dress should be formal, with suits and ties being the norm. Titles and surnames are usually used upon greeting, and handshakes are standard for men and women. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is useful to have them printed in Spanish on one side, though English is fairly common. In fact, any effort to speak Spanish will be well received. Women may encounter sexism. Punctuality is important, though meetings are not likely to begin on time. Business hours can vary but are usually from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some businesses close for a siesta from 1pm to 3pm. Communication in Peru The international access code for Peru is +51. Wifi access is available in most hotels, modern restaurants and cafés. Tipping in Peru Most restaurants add a service charge of 10 percent, which will be indicated by the words propina or servicio near the bottom of the bill. Even if a service charge has been added, the waiter can be offered an additional 10 percent for exceptional service; this is also the going rate for tipping where a service charge has not been added. In hotels, porters expect about US$1 per bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped (the fare should be set before departure). Tour guides are customarily tipped. Passport/Visa Note All travellers require passports, return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If travelling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the visitor's intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards validated for travel to Peru do not require visas for stays of up to three months. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards validated for travel to Peru do not require visas for stays of up to three months. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days. A passport valid for 6 months from the arrival date is required.

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Getting around in Cuzco, Peru The easiest way to get around Cuzco is on foot, as many of the hotels and tourist attractions are close together. That said, travellers should remember that Cuzco is a high-altitude destination, which makes walking tiring. Visitors should hire the city's relatively inexpensive taxis for longer distances. Taxis are regulated and fares are standardised, though the vehicles are not metred. For this reason, tourists should call a registered taxi company if they're travelling at night, to the airport, or to the bus or train station.

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Attractions in Cuzco, Peru Cuzco's list of cultural wonders and archaeological treasures can keep tourists occupied for weeks. The city's high altitude can be challenging, though, and travellers should give themselves a little time to get used to it - especially if they're intent on visiting its most famous attraction, Machu Picchu. Cuzco is also the gateway to many other ancient Incan sites. Indeed, tourists will find some stunning hikes in the mountainous region, apart from the Inca Trail. The Sacred Valley contains many gems and wonderful, dramatic scenery, and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman are some of the most fascinating in the country. Visitors can enjoy the destination's attractions at a reduced rate by purchasing the Cuzco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistica del Cusco). It allows entry to 16 sites within a 10-day period. Variations of the ticket that are active for less time and cover fewer attractions are also available. Visitors can buy tickets at any of the sites, such as Puca Pucara, Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, Qenko, the Cathedral, San Blas, the museum of Santa Catalina, the site museum at Qorikancha, the museum of regional history, the museum of religious art, the museum of the municipal palace, Chincheros, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Tipón, and Pikillaqta.

Plaza de Armas The Plaza de Armas is Cuzco's graceful main square, and is lined with colonial-style covered walkways, and houses that contain souvenir shops. Visitors will also find bars, restaurants and travel agencies. A large cathedral is the most prominent structure overlooking the square. Its elaborately carved wooden altar is covered in gold and silver plate, and its carved wooden choir stalls are regarded as Peru's finest. Cathedral visitors usually linger over The Last Supper painting, which portrays Jesus Christ and his disciples gathered around a table, which presents a platter of the local Inca delicacy, cuy (roasted guinea pig). La Compania is also on the plaza. It's one of Cuzco's most ornately decorated churches and is often floodlit at night. History lovers should make a point of walking the alleyway of Loreta, as it's lined with Incan stone walls.

Coricancha Inca Ruins The sacred complex of Coricancha was considered the centre of the Inca world. Its name means something like 'Golden Enclosure', though Inca stonework is all that remains of the ancient Temple of the Sun. The walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold, and the courtyard was filled with golden statues. Spanish reports tell of opulence that was 'fabulous beyond belief'. Spanish colonists constructed the Church of Santa Domingo on the site, destroying the temple and using its foundations for the cathedral. Major earthquakes have severely damaged the church, though the Inca stone walls still stand, and are a testament to their superb architectural skills and sophisticated stone masonry. Visitors will find an underground archaeological site museum nearby. It contains a number of interesting pieces, including mummies, textiles and sacred idols. Tourists will have the best experience if they explore the site with a guide, as good tours provide context and bring the place to life.

Address: Pampa del Castillo at Plazoleta Santo Domingo.

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Sacsayhuamán Of the four ruins near Cuzco, Sacsayhuamán is the closest and most remarkable. Spanish conquistadors used it as a quarry during their day, given its proximity to Cuzco and the dimensions of its stones. Indeed, the site provided many of the materials for the city's colonial buildings. The Spanish destroyed the original complex to such an extent that little is known about the actual purpose these magnificent buildings once served. That said, the complex is usually referred to as a fortress because of its high, impenetrable walls. Some believe it may just as easily have been a religious or ceremonial centre. The ruins cover an enormous area, but only 40 percent of the original complex remains. History lovers must visit, as the site offers a fine example of the Inca's extraordinary stone masonry. According to estimates, the complex took about 100 years to build, requiring thousands of labourers. The massive blocks of stone fit together perfectly without the aid of mortar. Each one weighs between 90 and 125 tonnes, and stands around 16ft (5m) tall. History buffs will note that the Inca and Spanish fought at the centre during the infamously bloody battle of 1536. The conflict left thousands of native people dead, providing food for circling condors. Since then, Cuzco's Coat of Arms has featured eight condors in memory of the event. Today, the site holds the annual celebrations of Cuzco's most important festival, Inti Raymi: the sun festival. Tourists should attend the colourful and spectacular affair if at all possible.

Getting there: A steep 40 minute (2km) walk up from the Plaza de Armas.

The Sacred Valley (Urubamba River Valley) Known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this breathtakingly beautiful and fertile valley stretches between the villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Travellers will navigate it on the winding Urubamba River, with ancient Inca ruins watching from the hilltops above. The river's course also passes a sprinkling of small, traditional settlements. Visitors should note that the centrally situated Urubamba town has a decent tourist infrastructure, and is becoming a popular base from which to explore the valley. The region's most-visited sites are the citadel above Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Culture lovers will enjoy the quaint village of Pisac, which is known for its interesting Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning markets. Agricultural terraces flank the steep sides of the mountain and have seen many centuries of use. Alarmingly narrow trails lie above them and lead to the cliff-hugging citadel. Visitors will find massive stone doorways and stairways cut into the rock. The road terminates at the far end of the Sacred Valley, where travellers will encounter the ancient traditional town of Ollantaytambo. Its temple-fortress clings to the nearby cliffs. Originally developed as an Inca administrative centre, the town's layout is one of the few remaining models of an Inca grid plan, and the existing town lies on the remaining Inca foundations. The ruins include the Royal Chamber, the Princess Baths and the Temple of the Sun.

Getting there: Pisac is a one-hour bus journey from Cuzco. The Pisac citadel is a 30-minute walk from behind the main square or 20 minutes by taxi. Ollantaytambo is situated on the Cusco-Machu Picchu train route, or can be reached by bus with a change at Urubamba.

Machu Picchu Opening time: Daily 6am-5pm. Huayna Picchu closes at 3pm. The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is regarded as the most significant archaeological site in South America, and one of the finest examples of landscape architecture in the world. It is the most enthralling of the region's citadels, and lies high in the Andes. Fortunately, Spanish colonists didn't discover and destroy the structure, as it's completely concealed from below. In fact, the western world didn't find it until an American explorer stumbled across its thickly overgrown ruins in 1911. The site is surrounded by grazing llamas and steep agricultural terraces, and consists of a central plaza, towers, palaces, water canals, ornate fountains, food storehouses, perfectly balanced archways and a sacred ceremonial area of royal tombs and intricately carved temples. The sacred Temple of the Sun is one of the site's highlights. Another is the mountain called, Huayna Picchu, which forms a dramatic backdrop to the city. All told, 'The Lost City of the Incas' has an abiding sense of majesty and mystery, despite its popularity among tourists.

Getting there: Trains leave from Cuzco and Urubamba to Aguas Calientes, where a bus transports passengers to the ruins. There is also a path leading up to the ruins from Aguas Calientes for those who prefer to walk. Website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe

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Ayacucho Located in Peru's central highlands and crossed by two mountain ranges, Ayacucho has much to delight history lovers. Indeed, the region is home to some of the country's most significant archaeological attractions, as well as gorgeous, pastel-coloured colonial buildings. An ancient capital city, some of the oldest pre-historic remains found in America, and richly decorated churches are all part of the destination's inheritance. Ayacucho is a relatively unknown tourism gem, though, due largely to political unrest. That is, as the capital of an isolated and traditionally poor department, it allowed Professor Abimael Guzman to foster the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) Maoist Revolutionary movement, causing thousands of deaths in the region during the 1980s and 1990s. Fortunately, travellers are rediscovering Ayacucho. The best time to visit is around Easter, when the city's carnival celebrations are in full swing.

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Nightlife in Cuzco, Peru

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Shopping in Cuzco, Peru

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Dining in Cuzco, Peru

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Airports in Cuzco Cuzco Airport (CUZ) Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

Location: Cuzco The airport is located two miles (3km) from downtown Cuzco. Time: Local time is GMT -5 Getting to the city: There are no trains or buses from the airport, so taxis or a rented car are the only options to reach destinations in the city. Some hotels offer a pick-up service from the airport that should be arranged prior to arrival. Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. Airport Taxis: Taxis from the airport can be arranged from booths within the terminal. Visitors should not use unmarked taxis and should negotiate a price before setting off to their destination. Facilities: Airport facilities include restaurants, a club lounge, shops, ATMs, and massage facilities. Parking: Parking is available at the airport.

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Currency The official currency is Sol (PEN), divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Outside of big cities, facilities may be more limited. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaux) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.

Exchange rate for 1 PEN - Peruvian Nuevo Sol 0.30 BMD 0.27 EUR 0.30 USD 0.21 GBP 32.32 JPY 0.39 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.29 CHF 0.41 AUD 7.45 UAH 100.23 KZT 446.95 LBP 0.21 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 2.04 BOB 32.02 NPR 0.11 OMR 1.08 QAR 0.41 SGD 2.46 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 1.97 TTD 2.96 VEF 13.60 DOP 1.99 HRK 5.53 MXN 174.02 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 0.94 PGK 0.30 BSD 0.63 FJD 6.72 HNL 32.81 DZD 353.59 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 3.32 BWP 205.84 CLP 141.90 AMD 7.17 CZK 5.93 MDL 36.89 ISK Botswana Pula Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 872.25 UZS 1.14 ILS 0.21 JOD 0.09 KWD 9.30 UYU 10.54 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 8.46 NIO 2.48 NOK 1.16 PLN 1.11 SAR 43.34 LKR 10.57 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 1.09 AED 1.07 BRL 1.20 RON 2.31 HKD 174.42 XAF 6,670.69 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 4.14 ARS 0.80 XCD 2.32 GTQ 2.90 MAD 0.11 BHD 0.30 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 0.44 AZN 925.39 COP 20.27 KGS 83.03 HUF 2.34 TJS 4,061.27 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 2.64 EGP 353.53 KRW 1,682.73 PYG 1.23 MYR 159.91 CRC 0.44 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 31.09 PKR 19.83 RUB 4.63 ZAR 0.63 TND 0.59 BBD 0.52 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 0.88 TRY 13.84 PHP 9.68 TWD 58.32 NGN 31.80 XPF 1.16 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 37.08 JMD 0.54 ANG 0.41 BND 32.81 RSD 1.95 CNY 5,906.05 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 1.97 DKK 1.02 TMT 19.96 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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