Cusco travel tips
Everything you need before visiting Cusco: altitude acclimatisation, PEN/USD budget guidance, Alejandro Velasco Astete airport options, train and bus logistics, seasonal advice and Machu Picchu tickets explained
Best time to visit Cusco — honest month-by-month guide
When to visit Cusco: dry season crowds, wet season trade-offs, Inti Raymi in June, February Inca Trail closure, and the shoulder months most visitors
Cusco airport guide — arriving, transfers and everything in between
Complete guide to Cusco airport (CUZ): arrivals, taxi fares, transfer options, altitude tips on landing, and how to reach the city centre smoothly.
Cusco in the dry season — what to expect May to September
Everything about visiting Cusco in the dry season: weather by month, crowds, Inti Raymi, trekking conditions, Rainbow Mountain and booking strategy for
Cusco on a budget: how to visit well for less
Honest budget guide for Cusco: daily costs, where to save, where not to skimp, and how to do Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.
Cusco in the rainy season — what to expect November to March
Visiting Cusco in the wet season: rainfall patterns, green landscapes, low crowds, Inca Trail closure in February, Machu Picchu in mist and what to pack.
Cusco to Arequipa — bus, flight and everything in between
Getting from Cusco to Arequipa: overnight bus (10 hours), 1-hour flight, and the Puno scenic loop. Prices in PEN and USD, booking tips and what to expect.
Cusco to Puno — every transport option compared
How to get from Cusco to Puno for Lake Titicaca: Ruta del Sol tourist bus, direct bus, Andean Explorer train, and flight via Juliaca. Times, prices and
Planning a Cusco trip in 2026: the complete logistics guide
Everything to plan before you land: visas, booking order, altitude prep, best season, what to pre-book and what to sort locally.
Cusco vs Arequipa: which southern Peru city should you prioritise?
Honest comparison of Cusco and Arequipa — altitude, attractions, food, costs, and how to combine both in a southern Peru trip. Includes Colca Canyon from
Cusco with children: a practical family planning guide
How to bring children to Cusco safely: altitude by age, pacing, which sites work for families, and honest advice on what to skip.
Getting around the Sacred Valley — transport options between sites
How to get around the Sacred Valley: colectivos, private taxis, guided tours and renting a car. Distances, prices and the best base towns explained.
Getting to Cusco — flights, routes and what to expect on arrival
How to get to Cusco: Lima connections, flight time, overland options, airport transfer tips and what to do the moment you land at CUZ.
How many days in Cusco: honest advice for every itinerary
4 days covers the essentials; 6–7 unlocks treks and Sacred Valley properly. Here's exactly how to allocate your time.
Why the Inca Trail closes in February — and what to do instead
The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Why it happens, what it means for your trip, and the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu in
Inca Trail vs Salkantay: honest comparison for 2026
Honest side-by-side comparison of the Inca Trail and Salkantay trek — permits, cost, difficulty, scenery, and which traveller each route suits best.
Lima to Cusco flights — airlines, booking strategy and what to expect
Everything about Lima to Cusco flights: airlines, prices in PEN and USD, best departure times, booking strategy, and what to do if your flight diverts to
Luxury Cusco and Machu Picchu: the complete high-end guide
Belmond, Inkaterra, private guides, sunrise circuits: how to do Cusco and Machu Picchu at the highest level without wasted spend.
Machu Picchu circuits compared: which circuit should you choose?
Honest breakdown of Machu Picchu's four circuits (1, 2, 3, 4) introduced from 2023–2024 — what each covers, which includes Huayna Picchu, and which suits
Machu Picchu month by month — what to expect all year
Machu Picchu in every month: weather, crowd levels, ticket availability, dry season clarity vs wet season mist, and which month is right for your trip.
PeruRail vs Inca Rail: which train operator to choose for Machu Picchu
Honest comparison of PeruRail and Inca Rail for the Machu Picchu train — services, prices, stations, booking, and which operator is right for your trip.
Is Cusco safe? Peru travel safety guide 2026
Honest safety guide for Cusco and southern Peru: real risks, what to watch for, safe areas, and what most visitors never need to worry about.
How much does a Peru trip cost? Honest 2026 budget guide
Real costs for a southern Peru trip in 2026: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca across budget, mid-range and luxury tiers.
Solo travel in Cusco: an honest practical guide
Solo in Cusco: what is genuinely safe, what to watch for, how to meet people, manage altitude alone, and get the most from the region independently.
Train vs trek to Machu Picchu: which approach suits your trip?
Train or trek to Machu Picchu? Honest comparison of costs, time, physical demands, and which approach suits which traveller — including the budget
Trains to Machu Picchu compared — PeruRail vs Inca Rail, every class
PeruRail vs Inca Rail to Machu Picchu: every service class compared by price, comfort and value. How to choose, book and avoid common mistakes.
Vinicunca vs Palccoyo vs Ausangate: which rainbow mountain to visit?
Honest comparison of all three rainbow mountain options near Cusco — Vinicunca (5,200 m), Palccoyo (4,900 m), and Ausangate 7 lakes — difficulty, crowds
What to pack for Cusco: the honest packing list
Everything you actually need for Cusco and southern Peru: altitude essentials, clothing layers, trek gear, and what to leave at home.