What you should know when visiting Cusco
If you decide to know the wonders of Latin America, do not forget when visiting Cusco. This city, a preamble to the archaeological beauty of Machu Picchu. It is found in the heights of the Peruvian Andes at 3,399 meters above sea level.
It is built on what was its capital during the Inca empire. In the Viceroyalty it was a very important city. Today it is constitutionally recognized as the historic capital of Peru.
Here we tell you what you should know when visiting Cusco to enjoy it.
What to pack when visiting Cusco
When visiting Cusco, you must keep the weather in mind. This city is very cold because it is so high above sea level. So, the first thing you should bring are sweaters, jackets, or thick clothes that keep you warm, as well as wool socks.
If you chose to visit Cusco in the rainy season, we recommend you bring the following:
- Umbrella
- Caps
- Waterproof jackets
- Boots for water and mud
An important detail is that if you plan to arrive at the archaeological city of Machu Picchu, do not forget to bring your trekking shoes.
What to do with “moor sickness” or “altitude sickness”?
Climbing to very high places always generates a reaction in the human body. Therefore, to visit Cusco or Machu Picchu, you must be prepared in case you suffer from altitude sickness. Here’s what to do:
- Avoid eating abundantly.
- Make a few stops along the way.
- Drink water. It is best if you drink enough water during the day. And if you go to Machu Picchu, don’t forget to bring your water reserve.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Buy pills for the “soroche” at the pharmacy. This is how they call altitude sickness in Peru.
- You can also drink coca leaf tea. They sell it anywhere in Cusco.
What places to know in Cusco
Visiting Cusco and not knowing its most emblematic places is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope. Well, the cultural essence of the Inca empire is concentrated in this city. Cusco is also a mixture of the Inca culture and Hispanic colonial America. And this can be seen in its architecture.
Now we show you what places you could visit when you arrive in Cusco.
- Qorikancha
- The 12-angle stone
- The Sacred Valley
- San Blas neighborhood
- San Pedro Market
You should put the 12-angle stone at the top of your travel agenda to Cusco. This green diorite stone exhibits 12 angles that describe the perfectionist architecture of the Incas.
Qorikancha or Temple of the Sun is also a must-see when you go to Cusco. It was the most important spiritual site of the Inca empire. Cusco is a city to travel and breathe history. Come to your travel agency and plan your next vacation in the Empire of the Sun.
