Honest Cusco travel advice
Fake Machu Picchu ticket sites, Boleto Turístico bundles you don't need, overpriced altitude remedies and airport taxi scams to avoid.
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Altitude medicine scams in Cusco — what to avoid and what actually works
Unlicensed altitude 'doctors' near Plaza de Armas charge S/50–150 for unverified injections. The real fixes — sorojchi pills, coca tea, rest — cost almost
Boleto Turístico explained — is it worth buying in 2026?
The Boleto Turístico covers 16 Inca sites around Cusco. Fixed price S/130 at COSITUC, Av. El Sol 103 — agents who charge more are adding unauthorised
Cusco taxis, ATMs and money — what you need to know
Unmarked Cusco taxis overcharge routinely. Use inDrive or Uber instead. ATMs on Av. El Sol are safest. Avoid street money changers near Plaza de Armas.
Cusco tourist traps — what to watch out for in 2026
The honest guide to Cusco's most common tourist traps: fake tickets, unlicensed agencies, taxi scams, altitude touts, and train resellers explained.
Fake Machu Picchu tickets — how to spot them and buy safely
Counterfeit and resold Machu Picchu tickets are sold near Aguas Calientes station and Cusco's Plaza de Armas. Here is how to spot them and buy safely.
Is Rainbow Mountain worth it? An honest answer for 2026
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is stunning but crowded at 5,200 m. Palccoyo is easier, less crowded, nearly as colourful. Here is the honest comparison.
Machu Picchu train ticket scams — how to avoid them
Train ticket scalpers near San Pedro market and Poroy sell fraudulent PDFs at 2–3× face value. Buy only via PeruRail and Inca Rail official sites.
Unlicensed tour agencies in Cusco — how to spot them
Around 650 of 810 Cusco tour agencies operate without a valid MINCETUR licence. Here is how to check before you pay, and what the risks are.