How to Spend 48 Hours in Cusco
Cusco is one of Peru’s top destinations and is only three hours away from the iconic Machu Picchu. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Cusco!
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After spending three months fundraising for Peruvian Hearts, an all-girls orphanage in Cusco, my friend and I embarked on an epic adventure to Peru to visit the orphanage and explore the beautiful country. We spent four days trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which was a major bucket list trip for me. Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is one of the biggest attractions for tourists around the world.
This unique and fascinating country stands out from the crowd with its different cultural and natural treasures. Peru is also home to natural wonders like the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and Rainbow Mountain as well as the beautiful coastal city of Lima. It’s a diverse country with countless destinations to discover!
Peru is a massive country and deciding when to visit greatly depends on what you want to see and do. The best time to conquer the country’s famous Inca Trail is in the winter—from June to August, the weather is dry and the days are warm.
For trips to the Amazon, June to November is a favorite among travelers. There’s less rainfall which means you won’t have to worry about trails closing or the cold, wet season temperatures.
But if you’re traveling to Peru on a budget, the wet season is the least expensive. From December to March, save money on airfare and hotels by braving the rainstorms and exploring the country’s top sights with fewer crowds.
Read More: The Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail and Visit Machu Picchu
Language: Peru has three official languages. Spanish is the most widely spoken, followed by Quechua and Aymara.
Currency: The currency of Peru is the nuevo sol.
Credit Cards and ATMs: In Peru’s main cities, you’ll easily find ATM’s that accept Visa cards for cash withdrawals. While there are ones that take Cirrus/MasterCard, they aren’t as common. Visa is also the most widely accepted card in Peru for purchases at shops and restaurants.
Plugs: The plugs in Peru are Type A and C. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Safety: While Peru used to have a bad reputation for crime in its major cities, the situation has improved in recent years. Today, it’s a relatively safe country to travel around, but you’ll need to keep your eye on your belongings as petty theft is still common.
Altitude: Before you start the Inca Trail, you need to prepare your body for the high altitude. Spend a few days in Cusco, and you’ll reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness and having to turn back. Read more about How to Prepare for Hiking the Inca Trail before you go!
Cusco is one of Peru’s top destinations and is only three hours away from the iconic Machu Picchu. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Cusco!
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Read More >It took us four days of trekking the Inca Trail to finally reach Machu Picchu. It was one of the most incredible and challenging experiences of my life.
Read More >Cusco is one of Peru’s top destinations and is only three hours away from the iconic Machu Picchu. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Cusco!
Read More >Machu Picchu is a bucket list destination for many travelers! Knowing the best time to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu is key for any trip.
Read More >It took us four days of trekking the Inca Trail to finally reach Machu Picchu. It was one of the most incredible and challenging experiences of my life.
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