Cusco is one of the highest cities in the world (at an altitude of 3400 m), which for a long time was the capital of the Inca Empire. They paved tens of thousands of roads, mastered agriculture and learned to build the most earthquake-resistant cities in the world.
Thanks to the Incas, the Cusco region has become a zone of attraction for most tourists on the South American continent. Honestly, being here, you are overwhelmed by the thought that you have the opportunity to visit these incredible places. When planning a trip to Cusco, do not limit yourself to just visiting Machu Picchu. Firstly, you need more time to enjoy Peruvian cuisine, and secondly, there are enough places and impressions for at least a week.
In addition, due to the altitude, the body may need several days to adapt - at the level of Cusco, about 65% of the usual oxygen norm gets into the lungs. At first, there may be slight shortness of breath and headaches, which stop bothering you after 1-2 days. For us, this experience turned out to be easier than we initially imagined.
On the 5th day in Cusco, we bought a guided tour of the mountains on Airbnb, it only costs $35 per person. We were taken by bus to the starting point at ~4700 meters, and we only had to walk 300 meters higher. The climb took about 2 hours. And the descent was already a skip, with a feeling of complete satisfaction.
Unfortunately, we saw people who were carried out in arms, almost unconscious. Therefore, you shouldn't go there on the first day.
We bought an all-inclusive tour on incarail.com to just enjoy the trip. There were dances, songs, and tales from the locals. But unfortunately, the service failed in the organization of the trip itself. After the train, we spent more than an hour waiting for our guide, who would simply show us where to go from the train station. Unfortunately, the lost time significantly shortened our walk through the ruins.
We advise you not to spend money and get to Machu Picchu on your own. It's not difficult to find your way there: just follow the crowd from the train to the river, cross the bridge and immediately see the bus stop (where, most likely, there will already be a queue of tourists). Transport has one road there — from the city to the mountains, to the ruins of Machu Picchu, and back.
The railway to Machu Picchu runs along such incredibly beautiful places — it's just a delight! Despite everything, this trip has remained with us the most vivid memory of Peru.
You can go up the stairs along all the terraces to the peak of the city. The most impressive remains of Inca buildings have been preserved here.
It is still a mystery how the Incas managed to achieve such an even cut of stones so that they fit together perfectly.
If you ask us where to go on holiday, the first thing we will recommend is Peru! Yes, it is far and difficult to get to, but it is definitely worth it. Cusco was a real match for us, and we really want you to cast aside your doubts and also visit this beautiful ancient city in the mountains.
