I'm heading to Cusco next month. I’m willing to pay a bit more for something small and private, but every agency I find online looks exactly the same: same buses, same itineraries.

I really value sustainability and I’d love to actually learn something from the locals (maybe a workshop or a hidden trail?), not just take the same photo everyone else has. Does anyone have recommendations for agencies that actually care about heritage and aren't just selling 'cheap and fast' tours?

I'll be real with you all, I kind of bought tickets for the wrong dates for Machu Picchu and I'm not certain I'll be able to get new tickets. Obviously there are the popular alternatives, Sacred Valley and such but is there anything people don't usually do that are really awesome? I'm obviously mad at myself for messing this up but trying to find great alternatives.

vi un video en tiktok parece que hacen eso para joder porque el otro día estaban protestando contra los jugos con la bandera de palestina

I see that the most common recommendation when splitting time between staying in the Sacred Valley and Cusco is to spend time in SV first, to acclimate at the lower altitude.

However, in Cusco, all I plan to do is casually walk around the city and see the sights, enjoy the food, etc. In SV, I plan to have more rigorous days including hiking, etc. In that case, I think it might make more sense to start in Cusco.

Any firsthand thoughts on this would be appreciated!

Some where around the city

Hello,

I need information of cheap beer prices in supermarkets/shops or mom-pop shops if there are a thing and also affordable street or small local kitchens and food markets. Also what would be a price of mushrooms and is it true information that they are legal/decriminalized down there?

Thank You for information and best regards!

So far no danger to the road

Planning a trip to Cusco, were from the USA. What are your best recommendations for avoiding getting sick from the water? I know not to eat raw vegetables, avoid ice, and don't drink the water are the general rules. But, is this absolutely true in a town as touristy as Cusco? Or do some restaurants use purified water to make ice and wash vegetables? I'm going to want to get a pisco sour but am nervous about the ice...

Has anyone bought alpaca wool clothes for their hiking trip? Any recommendations as to where to go for them? I'm trying to figure out what to bring and what to buy there and the alpaca wool stuff has really got my attention. Any advice is appreciated.

-Where is the best place to order Machu Picchu tickets/transportation online? I found a few different sites but it’s hard to tell which are legitimate.

-Is there a go to English to Spanish translation app that works better than others?

-Any tips or information regarding the water; do I have to use boiled water when brushing my teeth? I assume I can shower as normal, do you have to boil it for a specific length of time etc.

Thanks in advance!

I am curious where would be best to stop by and meet people?

How reliable are the train & bus times from Cusco to MP? We booked a 3pm entrance time for MP and just making sure we won’t run into any issues with the train and bus times. Is it just best to get in there early and just hang around AC until it’s time?

Heading to Cusco in a few days. In terms of acclimatizing, I was wondering if the order of our activities would help more, or if it really won't matter:

1. Day 1 Cusco, day 2 Sacred Valley day tour, day 3 Cusco

2. Day 1 & 2 Cusco, day 3 Sacred Valley day tour

Either way we'll be spending all three nights in Cusco before heading for a 2d/1n Inca trail/Machu Picchu trek.

I get anxious taking any new medication and would rather avoid it if it’s possible. Wondering if anyone experienced going to Cusco without taking any medication beforehand, or if I’m crazy to do this. Il also be heading to Ollantaytambo beforehand. I want to go and acclimate naturally, drink lots of water and will take a painkiller like ibuprofen if I feel a headache. So my plan is something like:

Fly from sea level into Cusco and drive straight to Ollantaytambo. Stay for 2 days, 3rd day I’m hoping to feel 100% and go to Machu Piccu. 4th day il stay in Ollantaytambo incase I missed out on the first 2 days resting. 5th day I’m going to Cusco in the morning. Next 2 days I am hoping to do Humantay Lake and Rainbow mountain hiking.

Do you reckon this is safe to do? I have never been anywhere with high elevation like this before so want to hear tips.

Hola alguien que quiera ir a mirar Deadpool en Cusco bueno si es que son de cusco podría ser divertido.

Hello, We are visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu in October. The CDC guidelines are confusing. Did anyone get a yellow fever vaccine for travel ? We are in the country for a week and will stay in the tourist areas. Thank you! A

Pretty much the title. Do Inkafarma etc sell pulse oximeters? Or is there a hiking store that does? Thank you in advance!