Even though this was not my first solo trip, it still felt like a big leap. Given that I was traveling to a new continent, with a stronger language barrier and new factors to consider, at times I felt a bit overwhelmed while planning my travels. Going it alone meant managing possible complications such as altitude sickness and food poisoning completely by myself. Any doubts I had only made the entire experience more gratifying in the end though.
What To Know Before You Go:
The Altitude: Cusco is located at about 11,000 ft. above sea level, which makes the nuisance of altitude sickness a possibility for any visitor. It is recommended that travelers begin their journeys in Peru in other areas at lower sea levels and gradually work their way up instead of flying straight into Cusco. I didn’t have this option, however, so I made sure to down some coca leaf tea as soon as I arrived. Coca leaves are said to alleviate the effects of the altitude and there is also medication you can take. The altitude affects everyone differently and I was lucky enough to not have too many difficulties besides feeling very out-of-breath while doing anything slightly active (even simply walking up a flight of stairs).
Food Poisoning: This one got me, and it got me good. While in Cusco you have to be extremely careful with what water you drink, because their tap water is not filtered to the same level that our bodies are used to if you are coming from the US or Canada. This means that even simply brushing your teeth with non-bottled water (yes, i know seems excessive) can give you a bad case of food poisoning. Throughout my entire trip I was very careful with this, but where I think I went wrong was when I drank some locally made passion fruit juice while stopped in a remote mountain-side village after a hiking excursion. I didn’t think about the fact that it most likely was made with unfiltered water and this food poisoning made for a very unpleasant final day of vacation and journey back home.
Taking Pictures with the Locals: All around the city you will find locals wearing their traditional Peruvian attire. Cusco is rich in vibrant colors and it is tempting to capture this beautiful culture which your camera, and many locals don’t mind if you take their picture so long as you ask for their permission first. This should be common sense anywhere of course, but still be extra aware of it during your time in Peru. Those getting their picture taken may also ask for a sole or two to be given in return. You will even see some dressed up with llamas or alpacas for the purpose of taking pictures with tourists, so understand that the few soles you give them may not seem like much but this is how they make a living.
The Stray Dogs are Everywhere: Don’t feel bad for the dogs casually roaming the streets of Cusco, because most of them are well-fed and are living what I would assume would be every dog’s dream life. A local told me that some of them may even be pets that run around free during the day but have a home to return to and sleep in the way an outdoor cat would live. Most of the dogs will have no interest in you unless you have food to offer, but if the opportunity arises to pet one just take a second to consider first what bacteria you may be touching on their fur.
Where to Stay:
When browsing for places to stay in Cusco the #1 item on my wish list was someplace with an authentic Peruvian feel. I skipped past all the updated and modern apartments listed on Airbnb, and found a private room located inside a beautiful chalet home in the San Blas neighborhood. Everything is super cheap in Cusco, so I only spent $26 a night on the Airbnb. I spent my first 5 nights in the Airbnb and spent my last 2 nights staying at Samana Inn and Spa. I heard about this adorable little boutique hotel from a blog post I had read recommending it, and now I am also passing the word along because my stay here was so perfect. I could have stayed in that cozy bed all day just enjoying the stunning views. I also made sure to take advantage of the spa facility and chose the 3 hour long “Inka Trail Relief” package which only cost me about 1/3 of what I would have paid in the US. You can find cheap massages all around Cusco, but this is the perfect place to come for a more luxurious experience while still at a low cost. I seriously needed this after all the nonstop hiking and excursions.
What to Do:
Enjoy Coca Leaf Tea Over Plaza de Armas: There are plenty of cute little cafes that overlook the city’s most popular plaza. When I first arrived in Cusco it was too early for me to check into my Airbnb so I followed advice to take it easy upon arrival while your body is getting acclimated to the low oxygen levels.
Explore the San Blas Neighborhood: Down the narrow streets of the San Blas neighborhood there are tons of artisanal shops to browse through. You’ll notice that many of the hotels and hostels are also located in this area.
Shop at the San Predro Market: There is no shortage of shops selling all the alpaca wool products your heart could desire around the city center. If you want to shop like a local and find lower prices however, head to San Pedro Market. I would have taken an entire suitcase full of alpaca wool sweaters, scarves, and blankets back if I could because I was so in love with how soft and warm the wool is.
Watch a Parade or Festival: It is likely that you will be lucky enough to watch a parade or festival at some point during your stay in Cusco because they occur quite frequently. Most parades have religious affiliations and are meant more for the local’s consumption rather than the tourist’s. The one that I saw during my trip featured different groups all wearing either costumes or traditional dresses, a marching band, and men carrying a religious statue through the streets while they all danced to the music.
Get a Massage: Massages in Cusco have become a popular tourist activity and are super cheap compared to prices in the United States. You will get approached nonstop while walking through the busiest areas by people advertising their massage selections, but my advice is to research online first to find one that meets your standards.
Visit a Historical Landmark: There are plenty of museums and ancient landmarks either within the city or just outside that you don’t want to miss, such as Sacsayhuaman.
