Name brands I’m here for: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
FYI
- City/airport closest to Machu Picchu
- Train: 2hr bus to Ollantaytambo then 2hr Train to Machu Picchu
- Elevation: 3400 meters above sea level
- Stay in Cusco 2-3 days before Machu Picchu or Rainbow mtn to acclimate
- Accommodation: Stay closest to Plaza de Armas de Cusco
- Language- Spanish
- Visa– No, can enter for 90 days
- Airlines: LATAM, Avianca, Jetsmart
- Discount Grocery: Orion
- Pharmacy: INKAFARMA
- Lot of stray dogs in town
- Weather Info
- May – September: Dry season but Cold
- November – April: Rain season but warmer (Avoid January, February)
Currency
- Currency: Soles
- City is big on cash
- Most everyplace takes credit card but they add a 5% fee every time
- BCP Money And Tourist Services
- Better exchange rate vs ATM but little slower vs atm
- No limits on withdrawal: USD or Peru Soles
- Tipping- not expected except for tours (cash only)
- They accept USD but prefer Soles
Getting Here
- Airport: Cusco Velazco Astete (CUZ)
- 99% flights will have a layover in Lima to get to cusco
- Lima layover- after customs recheck bags and through security AGAIN
- Get some cash before you leave airport
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