Cusco & Machu Picchu Trip Review: See What Awaits

Cusco and Machu Picchu, are very probably bucket-list destinations for quite a few. They just happen to be overflowing with history, amazing sights, and really neat experiences. So, too it’s understandable you’d want some actual scoop from someone who’s been there, right? I took a trip not too long ago, and I’m excited to tell you how it went, sharing insights that I think will seriously help you map out your very own amazing trip. It’s almost like you’re planning with a friend who just came back!

Touching Down in Cusco: First Impressions

The initial impression, well, it just happened to be the altitude. Cusco is up at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters), which could be a little intense if you come straight from sea level. Arriving at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, you will want to take things really slowly. The airport is, like, surprisingly modern, yet the air feels noticeably thinner. Is that strange? Almost everyone advises taking it easy the first day, and really, they’re not kidding. I booked a hotel in the San Blas neighborhood, also sometimes called the artisan district, that, and it turned out to be a total score.

San Blas, in a way, is full of narrow, winding streets, and the houses have such, really neat, colonial architecture with like, Incan foundations. So, too it’s gorgeous! It’s quieter than the super-central Plaza de Armas, too it’s still only, maybe, a ten-minute walk. I spent my first day just wandering, sipping coca tea (which they say will really help with altitude), and taking in the views from the San Blas viewpoint. So very awesome!

Exploring Cusco: History Around Every Corner

Once you’re sort of okay with the altitude, Cusco itself will become the star. Plaza de Armas, arguably, the primary central square, is surrounded by jaw-dropping architecture, like Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. It seems that they’re so over-the-top, with all the gilded interiors and altars. The history there? As I was saying, the square has been a focal point since Incan times, that, yet the buildings are colonial, telling quite a few stories of conquest and change. I got myself a local guide, it might be a good idea, he had a knack for sharing the, you know, best tales. He basically brought the place to life.

Sacsayhuaman, might be, another must-see. This Incan citadel sits on a hill looking down on Cusco, seemingly boasting such impressive stonework. Some of the stones are just huge. Like, massive! Walking around, well, that could be, quite a workout because of the altitude, still, seeing those views, you just have to go. The guide explained how Sacsayhuaman played, sort of, a key role in battles, and what it meant to the Incas. I mean, as a matter of fact, history just resonates there.

Qorikancha, might be another spot to visit, known as the Temple of the Sun, also blends Incan and colonial architecture. You see how the Spanish built a church on top of the Incan temple, in some respects, showing how one culture overtook the other. It gives you the chills, it feels very eerie, though. Inside, like, the contrast between the two styles will likely amaze you. It kind of creates a special sort of, contemplative space, I guess.

The Sacred Valley: A Worthwhile Detour

Many visitors, and like, I really mean many, go straight to Machu Picchu, yet missing the Sacred Valley is almost a mistake. So it’s a stretch of fertile land along the Urubamba River with all sorts of Inca ruins, villages, and markets. I hired a driver for a day tour, or arguably, even better, get two days to visit everything, and visited Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Each spot has such different, unique stuff to look at.

Pisac, sometimes, features a famous market with really bright textiles, jewelry, and crafts. That, and if you climb up the hill, well, there are just sprawling Inca ruins, which, like Sacsayhuaman, have incredible stonework and fantastic views. As a matter of fact, it’s very, very impressive to wander through these spaces and you start to ponder about Incan civilization. The market can be a bit touristy, and if you like, want something pretty authentic, it is worth chatting to the vendors and perhaps buying directly from the artisans.

Ollantaytambo, often a key town for catching the train to Machu Picchu, it just so happens to have one super-impressive fortress. The terraces rise up the mountainside, I was saying, so offering a glimpse into Inca engineering and defensive strategy. It seems that it has served as a vital spot during the wars between the Incas and the Spanish. Seriously cool.

Chinchero, might be smaller, yet it has this really pretty church and Inca ruins with farming terraces. One of the nice people there showed me how they make textiles with native plants to, sort of, produce dyes. I want to say that It was quite informative and demonstrated such commitment to sustaining culture. You get, sort of, this strong sense of tradition, and almost, pride, there.

Machu Picchu: The Lost City

Machu Picchu, you may be, like, totally stoked about this. It really lived up to expectations! I, you know, took the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (also referred to as Machu Picchu Pueblo). The train ride passes via dramatic scenery, along the Urubamba River, arguably, heightening the sense of anticipation.

From Aguas Calientes, I jumped on a bus for the twisting ride up to Machu Picchu. That first view, that is, like, utterly breathtaking. The ruins sit on a mountain saddle, in some respects, circled by pointy peaks. Seriously, it’s the stuff of legends. The scale of the place, and the idea that it was built centuries ago, seems like it really boggles the mind. I pre-booked a guided tour, you kind of, definitely should, to completely comprehend the past of this special place.

As a matter of fact, the guide showed us around the key spots, also referring to the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, and the Intihuatana stone (thought to have functioned as a solar clock). What seems crazy, is how well-preserved everything has become, and hearing about life at the time. So, too it’s almost that I had the feeling that I travelled into another place in history, you know?

I hiked Huayna Picchu (book ahead!), as a matter of fact, for even more, like, super expansive views of Machu Picchu. What seems crazy is that, the hike is sort of, challenging, I should admit, that, yet that viewpoint definitely deserves it. Make sure that you set aside a lot of time at Machu Picchu. You kind of need, really, like, half a day to soak everything in. You are, sort of, allowed to hike, to contemplate, and be amazed.

Food in Cusco & Machu Picchu: A Culinary Adventure

Peruvian food is really great, and Cusco’s dining scene really did not dissatisfy! The food changed everywhere, right from, street food to fancy restaurants. Cuy (guinea pig) is just a regional delicacy, still, if that will become far too daring, test out the lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with veggies), ají de gallina (creamy chicken stew), and rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers). One of my favourites, or in other words, some of my favourite stuff, has been trying out local markets for soups and fresh juices. These are all very great, they happen to be authentic, and fairly affordable!

Aguas Calientes, actually has restaurants suited for travellers, or sometimes they are very expensive. Arguably, try venturing some blocks from the primary square to see better prices and better restaurants that have genuine Peruvian flavours. One, perhaps very crucial tip, will likely be drinking responsibly with altitude – alcohol influences you substantially. Believe it or not, drink coca tea in order to give your stomach an extra helping hand and potentially prevent altitude disease!.

Some Final Tips

Just some thoughts based on my experiences:

Altitude: You really will need to acclimatize. Seriously, you really might get ill, otherwise. Do not be too vigorous early, get coca tea, and have pain relievers if needed.
Book in Advance: As a matter of fact, Machu Picchu entrance tickets and Huayna Picchu climbs just about, have to be bought beforehand. Lodgings and train seats must be planned as well!
What to Pack: So, you will need levels to be able to accommodate climate alterations. Do not forget at least one pair of sturdy walking shoes. Some insect repellant and sun screen should be top of your list too.
Cash: Several spots prefer revenue. Have, potentially small denomination for small buys as well as gratuities.
Learn Some Phrases: Even knowing very simple Spanish sayings greatly develops discussion, I suggest. Most of us want to improve engagement while going overseas so its always handy!

Is Cusco and Machu Picchu Worth It?

Oh, it is really really really worth it! I mean, even if there were hurdles to beat (I, in fact, struggled to change altitude to Cusco early on, honestly), every bit of it had incredible landscapes, historical monuments plus encounters, were well worth all your time! No matter whether youre intrigued history geek like me, outdoor type man or woman in love or simply seeking extraordinary activities – Cusco Machu Picchu Peru provides some, rather amazing activities which youre unlikely find virtually everywhere otherwise . Get your preparation off the bottom as quickly so you dont overlook things to look forward.

Safe trip. 🙂

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