Cusco, Peru, is like diving into a kaleidoscope of history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Once the glittering capital of the Inca Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this high-altitude gem at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) blends ancient ruins, colonial charm, and vibrant markets that’ll steal your heart.
In addition, its winding cobblestone streets, a buzzing tourist scene, and the occasional llama photobombing your selfie, Cusco can feel like a puzzle for first-timers. No worries!
In this fun guide, you’ll find an easy-to-read cheat sheet packed with dos and don’ts to help you master Cusco like a seasoned explorer.
Built on safety advisories and local tips, these pointers will keep your trip smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Let’s hop into the Andean magic and make your Cusco adventure one for the books!
DO: Ease Into the Altitude Like a Local
Cusco’s sky-high elevation can knock the wind out of you faster than a spicy rocoto relleno. Altitude sickness is no joke, with headaches, nausea, or feeling like you’ve climbed Everest just tackling a staircase.
DO give yourself 2-3 days to acclimatize before chasing big adventures like Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain. Stroll the historic center at a chill pace, chug water like it’s your side hustle.
Also, you can sip coca leaf tea—a time-tested Andean remedy for altitude woes. Some travelers pop altitude pills (like Diamox), so check with your doctor before you fly.
Fun Fact: Locals chew coca leaves like candy to stay peppy at high altitudes. You’ll spot them with cheek pouches like chipmunks—it’s legal, natural, and not a drug in its raw form!
Bonus: Nibbling light snacks like bananas keeps your energy up without stressing your stomach
DON’T: Treat Altitude Like a Dare
DON’T act like a superhero and hit the Inca Trail or down pisco sours on day one. Your body needs time to adjust; ignoring it could land you in a clinic instead of exploring Coricancha.
Skip heavy meals (sorry, giant alpaca steak), avoid alcohol for 48 hours, and listen to your body. Feeling woozy or out of breath? Rest, hydrate, and maybe skip that 6 a.m. hike.
Similarly, Cusco’s clinics, like Clínica Pardo, have English-speaking staff for emergencies, but let’s keep your trip Instagram-worthy, not hospital-bound. Grab travel insurance to cover any altitude mishaps.
DO: Dive Into Plaza de Armas’ Magic
Don’t be afraid to pulse into Plaza de Armas, or Cusco’s heart, a dazzling square where Inca and colonial vibes collide. DO visit early to marvel at the Cusco Cathedral’s golden altars and Iglesia de la Compañía’s baroque flair without elbowing through crowds.
These landmarks sit on Inca stonework, making them a history nerd’s dream. Snag a delicious cusqueño coffee at a balcony cafe for epic people-watching, and keep an eye out for festivals like Inti Raymi in June or Semana Santa’s playful water fights.
The plaza’s your launchpad for nearby gems like Coricancha, the Inca Sun Temple, the beautiful Cusco’s history mural, or the curious paccha, an Inca era-inspired water fountain.
DON’T: Get Caught in Plaza de Armas’ Hoaxes
DON’T let Plaza de Armas’ charm make you careless—it’s a hotspot for hustlers or some robberies. Petty theft, like phone or wallet grabs, spikes in crowds, so stash valuables in zipped bags or money belts.
Avoid flashing cash, watch out for “friendly” strangers offering free tours or pushing alpaca scarves—they might steer you to overpriced shops or fake agencies.
A polite “no, gracias” and a brisk walk will keep you scam-free. If you need directions, ask shopkeepers or tourist police in neon green vests.
Keep in mind that, for a reputable and reliable travel agency, you can choose Viagens Machu Picchu. Our more than 100,000 satisfied clients can confirm that.
DO: Feast on Cusco’s Culinary Scene
A significant part of Peruvian cuisine is Cusco’s food and traditional delicacies. Cusco’s food is a party in your mouth, blending Andean staples with global flair.
DO try classics like quinoa soup, cuy in all of its forms (guinea pig, a delicacy served crispy or oven-baked).
Hit Chicha by Gastón Acurio for upscale Andean dishes, Green Point for vegan bowls, or some eatery that you can find in our Where to Eat in Cusco guide.
San Pedro Market is a foodie playground—slurp fresh mango juice or grab a tamale, but pick clean stalls. Wash it down with a pisco sour at Museo del Pisco, where bartenders mix drinks like alchemists.
DON’T: Sip the Tap Water (or Sketchy Ice)
DON’T drink Cusco’s tap water—it’s not properly treated and can turn your trip into a bathroom marathon. Stick to bottled water (sold everywhere) and avoid ice at dodgy spots, though most restaurants use filtered ice.
Brushing your teeth with tap water is usually okay—just don’t gulp. Bring a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to cut plastic waste and save cash.
At markets, scope out food stalls for hygiene (clean counters, gloves) before eating, or your stomach might send you an angry memo.
DO: Honor Local Culture and Sites
Cusco’s Quechua and Inca heritage shines in its markets, festivals, and ruins. DO respect sacred sites like Sacsayhuamán—stay on paths, don’t climb stones, and ask before photographing locals, especially elders or women in traditional hats.
Learn basic Spanish or Quechua to charm vendors. Haggle gently at San Pedro or Sacred Valley’s markets—offer 70% of the asking price and settle in the middle to support artisans.
Try a cultural class, like weaving at Centro de Textiles Tradicionales or chocolate-making at the Chocolate Museum, for a hands-on vibe.
DON’T: Ignore Local Etiquette
DON’T expect everyone to speak English—Spanish rules, Quechua’s big, and English is mostly for tour guides. A phrasebook or app like Duolingo saves the day for basics like “¿Dónde está el baño?” (Where’s the bathroom?).
Don’t snap photos of locals without permission, especially at sacred spots like Coricancha—it’s rude and can spark tension.
Avoid “alpaca” textiles unless you verify they’re real; many are acrylic knockoffs. Feel the fabric (soft and warm = legit) and ask vendors for details to dodge fakes.
DO: Pack for Cusco’s Wild Weather
Cusco’s microclimates flip faster than a reality TV plot—sunny days, freezing nights, and a rainy season (November-April) that demands prep. DO pack layers: breathable tees, a fleece, a waterproof jacket, and a woolly hat for evenings.
Hiking shoes with grip are non-negotiable for slippery stones and ruins. Toss in sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—the high-altitude sun burns like nobody’s business.
A reusable water bottle with a filter and travel insurance (SafetyWing or World Nomads) keeps you hydrated and covered. Forgot a scarf? Snag a baby alpaca one at a market—they’re cuddly and double as souvenirs.
DON’T: Roam Solo After Dark
Cusco’s safe by Latin American standards, but DON’T wander alone at night, especially in quiet areas or beyond the historic center. Petty crime peaks after sunset, and dim streets can be dicey.
Stick to lively spots like Plaza de Armas, travel with buddies, and use registered taxis (yellow cabs with license plates) or Uber over random rides.
If you’re out late, avoid flashing phones or jewelry. Tourist police in neon green jackets are your go-to for help, though English might be spotty—Google Translate is your friend.
Your Cusco Game Plan
In conclusion, Cusco is a city that weaves Inca mystique, colonial grandeur, and Andean soul into one unforgettable package.
With these dos and don’ts, you’ll sidestep pitfalls, embrace the local rhythm, and make memories that outshine even Rainbow Mountain.
Cusco’s ready to blow your mind, and you’re ready to conquer it like an Inca emperor. Viagens Machu Picchu would be more than glad we help you make your dreams come true in Peru. Contact us to get more info. The adventure in Cusco awaits!
Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.