Cusco is located about a 1 hour flight from Lima and is the gateway to many different cities. Back when the Inca’s were roaming Peru, the Inca’s could get to Machu Picchu, Bolivia, Ecuador and Columbia by walking from Cusco in different directions. This interesting fact, along with a few other fun facts, was told to our group during the Cusco free walking tour.

Here are some money saving tips for when you travel to Cusco:

1. Free Walking Tour: Instead of reserving spots to tour the city of Cusco for a bunch of $$, visit the Free Walking Tour site to reserve a spot with one of their tours. Their tours last for about 3 hours and go through the history and interesting facts of Cusco. The tour guides speak English and work on tips, so I gave him 20 soles – about $6 – as his tip. That seemed to be what everyone else was giving him.
2. Souvenirs: Out of all of the cities in Peru that I have visited, I thought Cusco was the most reasonably priced for Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley souvenirs. I was able to get a few handmade llama keychains for 1 soles a piece – about $.33 cents. Also, I picked up a nice bound leather-like notebook with Macchu Picchu etched on the front of it for 10 soles – about $3.20. It made a perfect gift for my grandmother. Feel free to negotiate if you decide to purchase a few things from one shop. I recommend the small shop in front of the hostel across from the JW Marriott. The woman, whose son was also with her, seemed to give us good deals (or at least I thought so!).
3. Picture Taking with the Locals: Do not be fooled into thinking the women dressed up in traditional Peruvian clothes are there just for show. I was warned by one of my tour guides to not take any pictures of the locals, unless I wanted to pay a hefty price. If you do want to take a picture with one of the locals, I’d suggest negotiating how much you will give them before you take the picture (or at least just have only a certain bill or coin out and not show any additional cash). There are 3 women who sit outside the JW Marriott together and ask for pictures and then money. They could be pretty convincing with their outfits and their llama’s in tow, but be careful. I wouldn’t want you spending all your soles on these ladies 🙂
4. Taxis: Unfortunately, Uber has not landed in Cusco yet. What I’d suggest is having your hotel call ahead for a taxi, instead of you trying to grab one off the street. Also, be sure to ask upfront how much the fare is. There are a lot of cases of taxi drivers taking advantage of foreigners and charging them double or triple the actual cost.
5. Altitude Sickness Pills: Since Cusco is about 11,000 above sea level, altitude sickness happens to many foreigners who visit. While I was there, I saw a women leaning against a hotel wall with her hands over her face. You could tell she was in pain. I would not want you to spend a decent amount of money to get to Peru and then have to sit in a hotel trying to get better. I’d suggest taking precautions before flying to Peru and purchase altitude sickness medicine. Also, make sure you prescription is enough to last you for a little over the length of your trip. It is SO worth it.