Visiting Cusco for the first time is unlike any other city break. At 3,400 meters above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage city is a mix of Inca walls, Spanish colonial balconies, high altitude reality, and Andean culture that still lives in the streets.
After more than 10 years operating tours from our office at C. Garcilaso 210 in the historic center, we have seen the same mistakes first time visitors make. This guide covers the 7 things you must know before you arrive so your trip starts smoothly.
Quick Facts for First Time Visitors
- Altitude: 3,400m / 11,152ft. Altitude sickness is real for most people on day one.
- Currency: Peruvian Sol (S/). Cash is king for markets and taxis. US dollars are accepted but with poor rates.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October is dry season with blue skies. November to March is rainy but greener and cheaper.
- Language: Spanish and Quechua. English is spoken in hotels and agencies, not by taxi drivers.
- Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ). It is only 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas.
1. Altitude Sickness Will Hit You If You Do Not Acclimatize
This is the number one issue for first time visitors. Cusco is higher than Machu Picchu.
What to do:
- Take it easy for the first 12 to 24 hours. Do not plan the Rainbow Mountain hike or Humantay Lake on day one.
- Drink 2 to 3 liters of water per day and avoid alcohol and heavy meals on your first night.
- Drink coca tea. It is legal, traditional, and helps with mild symptoms. Every hotel lobby offers it free.
- Your hotel may offer oxygen. If you feel a strong headache, nausea, or dizziness, ask for it.
- Consider staying your first night in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo at 2,792m) which is much lower and helps you adjust gradually.
Local Tip: We always schedule Machu Picchu on day 2 or 3, not day 1, for this exact reason.
2. The Weather Changes Four Times in One Day
Do not trust a sunny morning. Cusco weather is extreme because of the altitude.
What to pack:
- Layers. Always. T-shirt, fleece, and a waterproof jacket.
- Sun protection. The sun at 3,400m burns fast, even when it is cloudy. Bring SPF 50, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Waterproof everything from November to March. Afternoon rain is normal and streets become slippery.
The sun is strongest from 11am to 3pm. The coldest time is after sunset. Night temperatures can drop to near freezing in June and July.
Planning Tip: Not sure what to pack for the 4 seasons in one day? Read our full guide: What to Pack for Peru: Rainy Season vs Dry Season Packing List for a complete checklist for Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
3. Money, Scams, and How to Pay Like a Local
Cusco is safe, but tourist scams exist around the Plaza de Armas.
Rules for money:
- Use ATMs inside banks (BCP, BBVA, Banco de la Nación) not on the street. Withdraw in Soles for the best rate.
- Always carry small bills. No one has change for S/ 100 in a market.
- The official exchange rate in 2026 is around S/ 3.70 to S/ 1 USD. If a money changer on the street offers much more, it is fake.
- Agree on taxi prices before you get in. There are no meters. From the airport to the center should be S/ 15 to S/ 25. From San Blas to the Plaza, S/ 7 to S/ 10.
Common scam to avoid: Women approaching you with a baby and asking you to buy milk powder, or people offering a free bracelet and then demanding payment. A polite but firm no thank you works.
4. Taxis and Transport Are Not What You Expect
- Official Taxis: Use the InDrive app, or ask your hotel to call a trusted driver. Do not take an unmarked car at night.
- Airport Arrival: Ignore the drivers inside the terminal shouting. Walk outside for a fair price, or we can arrange a private transfer for you.
- Walking: The historic center is walkable but very steep and cobbled. Wear shoes with grip, not sandals.
- To the Sacred Valley: Collectivos (minivans) leave from Pavitos street to Ollantaytambo for S/ 15. Safer and faster is a private car or tourist bus.
If you booked a tour with us, you can leave your large luggage for free at our office at C. Garcilaso 210, Cusco 08002, two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. Travel to Machu Picchu with only a small daypack.
5. You Need Tickets in Advance for Everything
Cusco is not a city where you can just show up.
- Machu Picchu: Entrance tickets sell out weeks ahead in high season to get the best Circuit.
- Boleto Turistico: This tourist ticket (S/ 130) is required for Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo ruins, and more. Buy it at the official office on Garcilaso street, not from resellers.
- Train to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail trains from Ollantaytambo and Poroy sell out, especially Vistadome and The 360 panoramic trains. Book 1 to 2 months ahead for July and August.
Do not buy Machu Picchu tickets from Facebook or WhatsApp sellers. They are often fake.
6. Food and Water Safety Rules
- Water: Do not drink tap water in Cusco. Use bottled water even for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Street Food: Anticuchos and empanadas from busy stalls are generally safe and delicious. Avoid ceviche from street carts, as it needs perfect refrigeration at altitude.
- Must Try Local Dishes: Lomo saltado, alpaca steak, quinoa soup, and trout from the Sacred Valley.
- Altitude and Digestion: Eat light on day one. Your body digests slower at high altitude.
Coca leaves are not drugs. Chewing coca or drinking coca tea is a 2,000 year old Andean tradition for altitude and is completely legal in Peru.
7. Respect the Culture, It Is Not a Theme Park
Cusco is a living city. The people in traditional dress around the Plaza are not actors. If you want a photo, always ask first and offer S/ 2 to S/ 5 as a tip.
- Learn three Quechua words: Allillanchu (how are you), Munaycha (please), and Sulpayki (thank you). Locals love it.
- Sunday is market day in San Blas and San Pedro. Go early at 8am before tour buses arrive.
- Churches require covered shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf.
- Do not touch or sit on Inca walls for photos. The fine is S/ 4,300 and locals find it disrespectful.
Bonus: What Most Guides Do Not Tell You
- Book Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake with a company that provides oxygen and a small group. Large 30 person buses are miserable and they leave at 4am without breakfast.
- The San Blas neighborhood is quieter and has better views than staying right on the Plaza.
- If you need a pharmacy, InkaFarma is open 24 hours and delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Cusco for the first time?
You need at least 4 days. One day to acclimatize in Cusco, one day for Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo, one day for Machu Picchu, and one buffer day. Five days is ideal.
Is Cusco safe for first time visitors?
Yes, Cusco is very safe for tourists, especially in the historic center. Use normal city precautions at night, do not flash expensive phones, and use official taxis or Uber after 9pm.
Do I need to speak Spanish in Cusco?
No, but a few phrases help. In hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies staff speak English. Taxi drivers, market vendors, and older locals often do not.
Do I need cash in Cusco?
Yes. Bring Soles in small denominations. Most nice restaurants and hotels take cards, but markets, local taxis, small shops, and entrance tickets are cash only.
