| Peru > Cusco
Useful Information
Getting There
The only international flights arriving to Cusco are from Bolivia. Otherwise you will have to connect through Lima. If you do not plan to spend any time in Lima, your best bet is to arrange an overnight flight that puts you in Lima first thing in the morning so you can catch the earliest flight out to Cusco (there are no afternoon flights). When planning your return keep in mind that the latest flight out of Cusco is at 3:00pm. The flight from Lima is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Only a couple of dependable airlines are available for domestic flights. LanPeru, Taca and AeroCondor.
Note that flights are cancelled frequently in the rainy season. Be sure to call ahead, reconfirm your tickets, and be on time as flights occasionally depart early to avoid poor weather and the ticket agent has the right to start selling your ticket to standby passengers 30 minutes before the flight.
The bus is also an option, however the 25 hour trip can be grueling and dangerous. The most reputable bus line for this journey is:
Ormeño - Av. Carlos Zavala 177, Lima (tel. 01/426-7595)
It is important to point out that there is a tragically high rate of fatalities on Peru’s bus line. This is due in part to overworked drivers and poor road conditions. We recommend taking a flight where possible to avoid the buses, especially for longer distances.
We don’t recommend renting a car to get around. Hitchhiking is also not a good idea for safety reasons.
The Cusco airport is located about 10 minutes from the center of town, near the bus terminal. You can arrange a taxi through your hotel to ensure a safe option, or go with one of the remise services at the airport.
Getting Around
Cusco can be easily seen on foot, however, keep in mind that the altitude will make any walk more strenuous than you anticipate. Taxis are easy to get from the Plaza de Armas but it is safest to have your hotel order one for you. You will also find moto-taxis in the area – great for short distances (and cheaper too!).
For longer distances, and a bit of adventure, watch for combis, which are minibuses that make trips between the small towns surrounding Cusco. Typically they will sit at a meeting point and wait until they are full before beginning their route. Some companies will allow you to book in advance, in which case they will come pick you up at your hotel.
Typically your guide will arrange a taxi for the day if you have planned a tour. Check out tour listings for some suggestions.
There are two train stations in Cusco, the Estación de Huanchaq (Av. Pachacútec at Avenida del Sol) which services trains to Puno and Arequipa, and the Estación de San Pedro (Calle Cascaparo near the Mercado Central) which services trains to the Sacred Valley.
Note that the abbreviation ‘Jr.’ in an address does not mean ‘junior’ but rather refers to the word ‘jirón’. If an address includes ‘s/n’ this means ‘sin número’, or ‘without number’… good luck!
Bank Machines
ATMs are the best way to obtain cash when you are traveling. Most machines will allow you to withdraw either US$ or Peruvian Soles. There are several machines in Cusco, including at the airport, however they are sparse in the Sacred Valley.
Check the following sites for locations:
Mastercard ATMs
Visa ATMs
Generally, VISA is the most accepted credit card-- that includes ATM machines.
News
English news is hard to come by in Cusco. Some of the five star hotels will have English newspapers but they are typically 4-5 days out of date.
Safety Tips
1. Don’t carry around more money than you need and don't keep it all in one place. For example, keep some in a deep pocket and some in your wallet.
2. Be aware of your surroundings, don't go down a dark and deserted street at night. If you are in a crowded market or bus, be very aware of your valuables.
3. Keep photocopies of important documents, passports and credit cards-- and leave copies at home with a friend in case you lose yours.
Peru has a special ‘tourist police force’ in Cusco. These officers will be more likely to speak English than the regular police officers. The office is at Saphy 510 (51 84 249 654)
Advice for Female Travelers
The cobblestone streets add to Cusco's charm but make sure you bring shoes that you won't break your ankles in!
Packing Tips
Electrical outlets vary in Peru, but newer places will have outlets that are compatible with flat North American pins. Some locations may require adaptors with two round pins.
Medical Care
CIMA (Investigation Centre for Altitude Medicine) offers high quality medical care and facilities in Cusco, to prevent altitude sickness or other illnesses from slowing down your trip. They have a well-trained staff of doctors and nurses uses the latest medical techniques to provide the highest level of patient care available in Cusco , specializing in high altitude medicine.
You can schedule an appointment from 7am to 8pm on Pediatrics, Cardiology, Traumatoly, Ginecology, Gastroenterology and Surgery. They also offer 24-hours emergency medical care, international vaccines, house-call to hotels and transportation to their facility downtown.
978 Pardo Avenue
Cusco, Peru
Telephone: +5184-255-550
Mobile Phones:
+5184-977-0013
+5184-965-1085
Emergencia :+5184-970-5312
E-mail: info@cimaperu.com Web page : www.cimaperu.com
For those who might feel a bit ill in Cusco and follow natural medicine, or are interested in learning more about local natural products, Casa del Sol (House of Sun) offers the best in bioenergetic and holistic medicine, reiki therapies, homeopathy, reflexology, massages, as well as the nicest floral essences, essential oils, crystals, herbal medicine and all kinds of natural products.
Dr. Gladys Oblitas, a cusqueño professional who studied in Zurich and has more than 20 years of experience also runs a wonderful spa in Andahuaylillas (20 minutes from Cusco), where you can enjoy different healing and harmonizing therapies.
Urbanizacion Mariscal Gamarra 3-B (La Cultura Avenue)
Phone 22-7264
994-7839
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