Information and Tips for travelers to Peru-Cusco
Cusco is a city that transports you to the past, with its architecture, history and culture, it allows you to see one of the best parts of Peru, so it has become a fascinating destination that without a doubt anyone wants to know. Thus, here are some useful information that you can take into account when planning your trip.
When to go to Cusco?
It is one of the best questions before the trip. Although temperatures are around 18 degrees throughout the year, the best time to go to Cusco is from April to October (dry season); The rains are less during this season, but it also coincides with the high season of tourism, so you will have a lot of company from people from all over the world, and as you should know when there is more demand, prices go up. But if you don't mind getting a little wet and you want to escape all that tumult; In addition to getting hotels, guides and other tours at lower prices, you can go between November and April, it is the rainy season, but there are fewer people and greener landscapes.
Beware of altitude sickness!
Many tourists who come to this beautiful Peruvian city are unaware that it is located over 3,000 meters above sea level, so it is not strange to suffer from problems derived from altitude or altitude sickness. To avoid inconveniences, experts recommend that travelers arriving in the city and use the first day to rest in the hotel and accustom the body to the lack of oxygen. The next day, you can tour the city and take the tours you have planned.
Purchases
The city offers a wide variety of shops, fairs and craft markets for tourists, where you can find excellent and exclusive products in gold, silver, nickel silver, precious stones, inlays, ceramics and handicrafts with Inca and Andean motifs, highly esteemed worldwide.
Purchases
The electrical system in Peru and Cuzco is 220 volts.
Tips
Normally 10% for the service is included in all prices in restaurants. It is customary to leave a 10% tip for the waiter. In the case of tourist guides and drivers, the tip is voluntary.
Internet and Telephone
In Cuzco there are public cabins and cafes with WIFI Internet at affordable prices. From these cabins you can make local, national and international calls.
Currency
The official currency in Peru is the SOL, however and especially in the historical centers of the cities of Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, Lima, you can use AMERICAN DOLLARS.
A letter and / or postcard takes 3 hours to 7 days to reach its destination. Mailboxes and stamps are available in most bookstores, stores, hotels and restaurants in the historic center of Cusco.
Local time
Peru is located in the UTC-05: 00 time slot, coordinated based on the official time of Quito Ecuador.
Public transport
It is made up of a group of taxis with rates that are negotiated when boarding, cars and private taxi-type vehicles for exclusive service and a price set according to the itinerary and route. It also has bus fleets for local, national and international services and airlines that offer a variety of flights and prices on all routes.
There is railway in southern Peru that connects the city of Cusco with the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and with the city of Puno and Arequipa.
Security measures
For a long time and thanks to tourism, the city has become safe, however, the natural and normal recommendation to take precautions and not expose valuable objects, book your tours and excursions with guaranteed travel agency.
Food and Water
To avoid problems whit your stomach, we recommend that you always try to use bottled water.
Peruvian culinary cuisine is one of the best in the world with a wide variety of dishes, take advantage of your visit to enjoy and taste local and international dishes prepared in Cusco. There is plenty of restaurants in the Inca City.
Clothing and Climate
Weather can vary considerably during the day, from sunny to cloudy and rainy, heavy rains from 10 to 20 minutes, heavy rains of many hours. Windy and sunny afternoons.
At dawn the temperature drops, at midday it is hot, cool at sunset and cold at nights.
So in Cusco you should wear warm clothes and rain gear.
Domestic animals
The dog is the favorite pet in Cusco, so you will see dogs everywhere. The cat is present, very few.
Do not be scared if one day when you check the menus or menus in the different restaurants you find the guinea pig as a main dish. Here, the Guinea pig or guinea pig is not a pet, it is one of the most traditional dishes in Cusco cuisine. Baked guinea pig. Try it.
Family houses
They are a different and warm type of accommodation offered by some Cuzco families, within this type of accommodation you can find single and double rooms. Being in a family home is a great advantage for those who want to know a little more about the uses and customs of the Cuzco resident.