Charming Cuzco 9d/8n: An In-Depth Review

So, you’re thinking of jetting off to Cuzco, Peru, eh? It’s almost on every traveler’s list, and why not? Cuzco is steeped in culture, stunning landscapes, and enough history to fill several textbooks. That said, if you’re weighing whether or not to take the “Charming Cuzco 9d/8n” tour, well, stick around. I’m going to share a detailed, and hopefully helpful, review that will help you determine if this particular trip is, like, the right one for you.

First Impressions: Is the “Charming” Label Earned?

The name “Charming Cuzco” sets the bar fairly high, right? You kind of expect cobblestone streets, flower-draped balconies, and locals greeting you with warm smiles all around. And, in some respects, the tour does deliver on this promise, actually. Cuzco itself is without a doubt charming; that’s virtually a given. What I wanted to suss out, though, is if the tour itself captures that spirit throughout its entire duration, you know?

Now, the tour starts with an airport pickup, which is always a plus after a lengthy flight, that’s my experience. The representatives were very punctual and seemed well-organized; so far so good. You are whisked off to your hotel, where, if you’re lucky, you can snag a coca tea which might help with acclimatization to the altitude which, as a matter of fact, can be a bit of a shock to the system for some of us.

The initial days are mostly dedicated to acclimatization and light sightseeing in and around Cuzco; usually this means visiting sites such as Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo. That means you are gently introduced to the heart of Cuzco and its rich Incan past, more or less, giving your body time to adjust before hitting any challenging hikes.

The Itinerary: A Blend of Culture and History?

The itinerary is quite varied, to be honest. It does cover a decent number of spots that someone visiting Cuzco should really see. These are some tour highlights:

• Cuzco City Tour: The usual suspects: Plaza de Armas, Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman. A solid introduction.
• Sacred Valley Excursion: A day trip to Pisac and Ollantaytambo. You will get some time to haggle at the Pisac Market, that’s likely, and marvel at the impressive ruins in Ollantaytambo.
• Machu Picchu: Of course, no trip to Cuzco would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. This tour includes a train ride to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of the sanctuary.
• Optional Activities: Typically, there’s free time that can be used for activities such as a cooking class or exploring the San Blas neighborhood.

That said, while the range of locations is admirable, some days can seem pretty packed; pretty packed, like running from place to place just to check off boxes. For example, the Sacred Valley day felt somewhat rushed. I think I would’ve really loved, maybe, a little more time to really soak in the atmosphere of each site. Instead, you may find you are glancing at those ancient stones as you are whisked off to the next location on the itinerary, which, clearly, might not be great if you, like your fellow me, prefer a bit more of a relaxed pace.

Hotels and Accommodation: Comfort or Just Adequate?

The tour description makes a point of featuring “comfortable accommodations.” Now, “comfortable” is kinda open to interpretation, clearly. What I can share with you, however, is my own impression. Hotels chosen for this tour were typically in the three to four-star range, to be honest, and generally clean. That being the case, they weren’t exactly what I might call luxurious, not really. They might be fairly standard places with the regular set of services: ensuite bathrooms, breakfast included, perhaps Wi-Fi which might be spotty; just fine if you really aren’t anticipating the Ritz.

Their locations usually worked out well. The hotels were generally reasonably central, allowing simple exploring of Cuzco on foot when you have a little downtime. One slight drawback can be noise levels; if you are very sensitive to noise, then it might be a good idea to carry some earplugs just a little. Cuzco is, as a matter of fact, a city that bustles with activity, and that hum sometimes finds its way into the hotel rooms.

Food: A Culinary Adventure?

Peru is celebrated because it has excellent cuisine, yet the “Charming Cuzco” tour only includes breakfast at the hotels. All other meals are on your own, so this allows you the room to try different eateries and dive in, in a way, to Peru’s tasty foods. This may be nice for picky eaters, but, actually, I find guided culinary activities that may allow to experience real local cuisine from expert chefs might actually save you a bunch of money overall since otherwise you would not know where to go or what to eat, especially for visitors who have never been there.

When left to our own devices, like most travelers, we experimented at several of the local places, and sometimes struggled to decide, sometimes we were too tired. Street food stands and little family-run restaurants (the “picanterías”) provided some actually delicious and affordable meals. Be careful, of course, and it’s also advisable to check reviews; yet be mindful that as tourism increases in any place, the most reliable reviews are rarely to be found online. Consider seeking reliable personal reference to save time and increase the pleasure of finding your next meal!

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging?

Okay, so the quality of a tour can, actually, rely greatly on the guides, like your friendly, knowledgeable companion that gives life to ancient ruins and helps with getting to know more regarding the culture. I discovered that guides on the “Charming Cuzco” tour may range. Most guides seemed knowledgeable, especially at historical sites like Machu Picchu, very thorough, to be honest, in sharing important details about Incan history.

There were differences in the ability to deliver that info in a way that kept people focused. A few guides were simply top-notch storytellers, helping history feel really interesting. And that is really a precious skill, yet, some others had a bit more of a monotonous approach, essentially reciting dates and details. Engaging them with inquiries could almost always clarify, but in my experience a tour relies in the art of keeping people engaged even when tired or not fully focused, which arguably goes well beyond simple information dispensing.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Here’s where the rubber, so to speak, hits the road. Was the “Charming Cuzco 9d/8n” tour truly worth what I paid for it? To me, more or less, it hinges on what one is expecting from the experience. I believe it’s a fair price for an adequately organized tour which included transportation, lodging, and trips to a variety of very central places, Machu Picchu being an evident element of the package.

If the main intention is to get all the must-see attractions in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley checked off your list while having someone else care for the logistics, then it may actually be money well spent, mostly. If, conversely, you crave deeply immersive experiences, greater interaction with locals, and a less-hurried rhythm, then maybe it’s beneficial to explore other alternatives that allow additional time to explore things at your own speed.