Hidden gems and travel tips for Cusco

What locals and travelers recommend in Cusco, Peru: hidden gems, where to eat, how to save money and what to skip.

Avoid
Altitude: arrive in Cusco slowly, or sleep in the valley first
Cusco sits at 3,400 meters, and flying in from sea level hits most people with headaches and breathlessness for a day or two. Spend the first nights lower in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo…
by NoteWander TeamRead tip →
Places
Machu Picchu: tickets months ahead, and the circuit you choose matters
Machu Picchu entry is limited and sold by timed slot and circuit on the official government site; in high season (June to August) tickets sell out two or three months ahead. The circuits differ…
by NoteWander TeamRead tip →

Altitude: arrive in Cusco slowly, or sleep in the valley first