Coming to Cusco – Some Things to Expect
Health Precautions:
Because your body is used to different germs and fertilizers, it’s important to take extra pre-cautions the first few days or weeks that you are in a country like Peru. Follow the pre-cautions below to avoid stomach-related issues. We also recommend that you check with your doctor or travel clinic about preventative or helpful medicine for the area before you travel:-Water: drink only boiled (10 minutes minimum) or bottled (preferred).
- brush your teeth only with purified water as above.
- do not eat fruits and vegetables that haven’t been washed and purified in chlorinated water (or another purification alternative).
- take care of eating salads and fresh veggies and fruits in restaurants. Though many tourist places are safe, it’s still good to ask how they disinfect their produce, only eat peeled fruits / veggies, or avoid completely for your short term travels.
- bring hand sanitizer and keep toilet paper handy: lots of public restrooms don’t supply toilet paper or soap. (Machu Picchu charges 1 Sol for the use of the restrooms- this does include toilet paper, many other public restrooms have small fees).
- don’t pet animals.-We recommend being prepared for travel sickness with preventative medicines such as Gravol as the roads to the Sacred Valley and some other areas can be twisty and windy.
Climate:
The climate varies a lot because of the high altitude- when the sun is shining it feels very hot, and in the shade or after sun-down it is actually quite chilly. Dress in layers, and be prepared with a waterproof jacket in the rainy season months. Warmer clothing for the evenings, and especially for some of the mountain hikes is necessary.
For more detailed yearly weather expectations try Trip Advisor or other online weather reports.*It is recommended to always wear sunscreen, and bring sunglasses and a hat in the high-altitudes as the UV rays are higher here.
Visas:
Check with your country before travelling to Peru to see the requirements. Coming from North America, you do not need a visa to visit Peru, only a passport, however they will stamp your passport with a minimum of 90 days, maximum 180, at their discretion. You might want to ask for the maximum days to ensure lots of extra travel time.
You will need to keep the stamped immigration slip for your return flight. (Keep this with your passport after they stamp or sign it, and it shouldn’t get lost).
If you do lose this slip of paper you will need to obtain and pay for another at customs before you leave the country.
Airport Taxes:
There may be a tax to pay once you land in Peru, however check with your airline provider, as many now combine the airport tax in the flight costs.
Safety:
Cusco is generally quite a safe city, though there are always unsafe areas and it is advised not to be out late at night or hail taxis alone late at night.
Be more cautious in busy public buses, markets and streets, as pick-pocketing can be common in certain areas.
Lima is not as safe, and it isn’t advised to leave the airport if you aren’t a seasoned traveler or familiar with the area. Do not take a cab out of the Lima airport unless it is a certified registered taxi. (We can arrange safe reliable transport for you with some advance notice).
Wear a money belt, and keep watch of your personal belongings. However, staying in the airport is quite safe. It has a fairly large food court, stores, and areas where you can stretch out and catch a snooze if you have a long layover (the seats are better for this after you pass through security and wait by your next flight gate).
Always check with your country’s advisory warnings and travel suggestions when planning an international trip.
Canadians can click here for government travel advice.
American travelers can find government travel advice here.
This government site provides travel advice for U.K. travelers.
Culture/ Shopping:
Cusco is heavily influenced by the native Quechua traditions and ways, as well as by Latin American and Spanish culture. In central areas like the main square (Plaza de Armas) and other heavy tourist areas, you will often have people approaching you wanting to sell things from hand-crafted items to shoe-shining to massages. You can politely decline with a No Thanks in Spanish: “No Gracias!”
There are many beautiful markets throughout the downtown core of Cusco with handmade art, craft, and other items. It may help to learn the basic numbers from 1-20 in Spanish, so that you can bargain in the markets, but most vendors have a calculator to verify the price, or knowledge of basic English (and enjoy trying in English).
You can buy things in the markets for quite cheap, and they expect you to barter- it’s part of the culture. When you ask how much (“Cuanto?”) for an item, you can usually go ½ or ¾ of the price down, and then bargain up from there. Keep in mind your country’s exchange rate, and don’t forget that in the end, you are getting a pretty good bargain!
The people and culture in Cusco, and the Andes region in general, is more conservative compared to in other areas of Peru.
Be aware that there are lots of rock steps and stairs and inclines & declines in the downtown of Cusco, that can be difficult for some travellers.
The typical greeting here for men to women, or women to women is a kiss on the cheek (or both cheeks). Handshakes between men is custom.
Peru is a still considered a 3rd world country. Although tourist areas are more developed, many areas both rural and urban, are quite impoverished. Areas of the city still have problems with garbage control, and are lacking in infrastructure. Most hostels and hostels have hot water for showers, but you may want to verify prior to booking.
Currency:
Everything here is done primarily in Peruvian Nuevo Soles, or US Dollars. You may find currency exchange booths that exchange the Euro, Canadian, or other currencies, but they are less common.
You can come prepared with the cash you need in US dollars or Peruvian Nuevo Soles: We advise that you bring crisp, new looking US bills (ask specifically for this at your bank or exchange
place). Peruvian vendors, restaurants, taxis, and other services will NOT accept US bills that are wrinkled, ripped, or look used.
You can also use your banking debit or visa card in various international bank machines, though some of them charge more than others, and your bank will likely attach a fee as well. Also, some machines only give out currency in Soles, and others will give out US bills or Soles. It’s best to plan to pay for most things in cash, as many places don’t accept bank cards or Visa or MasterCard, even when there’s a sign saying they do! There are places you can exchange your money all over downtown Cusco, Aguas Calientes and in the airports as well.
Be aware of counterfeit money- it is a problem in Peru.
*Don’t forget to let your bank know that you will be travelling out of the country, if you plan to use your cards in a foreign country.
Power Source:
Power outlets in Peru are 220V. You will need a power converter and adapter for the outlets for items such as hair dryers. Electronic devices like computers and cell phones and Ipods are usually equipped with international power adaptability (just check on the back of your equipment).
Communicating:
You can bring your cell phone to Peru and buy an international Sim card for about S/. 10.00 which will come with a temporary phone number. Just remember to take your Sim card out before you depart your country to avoid roaming charges! It is also possible to rent a cell phone from the Lima airport (2nd level) to use for your duration in Peru.
There are internet cafes everywhere that are cheap, and most of the hostels and hotels have computers and free wifi.
Transporting around Cusco:
Inka Sites Adventures can arrange secure professional transport to and from the Cusco airport to any Cusco location for $10 USD.
But, if you do take a cab anywhere in Cusco they are generally safe (except late at night), and relatively inexpensive. Be advised that the taxi driver’s outside of the airport will charge tourists more. It’s always good to determine the price with the cabbie before you get in.
The public transport (‘conbi’ – or bus) is also an easy way to get around Cusco city and part of the real experience. They don’t cost more than 60- 90 centimos. Wearing seat belts are only law in the Cusco region if you’re sitting in the front seat.