Cusco Travel Guide: Inca History, Altitude Sickness & Gateway to Machu Picchu

Cusco sits at 3,400 metres above sea level in the Peruvian Andes. It was the capital of the Inca Empire and today is one of South America's most extraordinary cities — a living mix of Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture, surrounded by mountains.

Dealing with Altitude Sickness

Altitude is the first thing every visitor needs to plan for. At 3,400m, many people experience headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath — especially arriving from sea level.

Practical strategies:

• Arrive and spend your first 2 days resting, eating light, and drinking plenty of water
• Coca tea (mate de coca) is widely available and genuinely helps with symptoms
• Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours
• Diamox (acetazolamide) can help — consult your doctor before travel
• Consider flying into Juliaca (3,800m) or acclimatising in Puno before Cusco
• If symptoms are severe (chest tightness, confusion), descend immediately

The Inca Sites In and Around Cusco

Cusco itself is an archaeological wonder. The Spanish built their churches and palaces directly on Inca stone foundations — you can see the joins clearly throughout the old city.

Must-see sites:

• Qorikancha – The most important Inca temple, now partially beneath a Dominican church. The precision of the stonework is astonishing
• Sacsayhuamán – Massive fortress overlooking the city; stones weighing up to 200 tonnes fitted perfectly without mortar
• Pisac – Impressive terraced ruins above a market town in the Sacred Valley
• Ollantaytambo – The best-preserved Inca town, with terraces, temples and the train station for Machu Picchu

The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) covers most Cusco-area sites for around $40–70 depending on which circuits you choose. Worth buying.

Getting to Machu Picchu

Most visitors take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu), then a bus up to the site. Book tickets well in advance — both the train and Machu Picchu entry have strict limits.

The Inca Trail is a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu through mountains and cloud forest — one of the world's great hikes. It requires booking 6–8 months ahead.

Budget note: A full Machu Picchu day trip (train + bus + entry) costs around $150–200 USD per person minimum. It's unavoidably expensive.

Food in Cusco

Cusco has excellent local food. The main Plaza de Armas area caters to tourists — walk a few blocks to find better value.

Try: Cuy (guinea pig, a Andean delicacy), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), ceviche, quinoa soup, and chicha morada (purple corn drink). The Mercado San Pedro market is a brilliant place for cheap, authentic breakfasts.

Neighbourhoods

San Blas is the most atmospheric quarter — steep cobblestoned lanes above the plaza, full of artisan workshops, boutique hotels, and excellent restaurants. Plaza de Armas is the stunning main square surrounded by colonial arcades.

Connect on Parada

The Cusco and Peru communities on Parada are filled with travellers sharing altitude tips, Machu Picchu booking advice, and honest recommendations for guides and guesthouses. A great resource before you go.