Cuzco, Peru (population 350,000) is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America:
capital of the Inca Empire
archaeological capital of the Americas
jumping off point for Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Festival Inti Rymi & Festival del Carmen
colonial buildings & pedestrian walks
Inca stonework
Check a general guidebook for the most recent accommodation recommendation in Cuzco. We would e-mail a few days ahead to reserve a bed in one of the more popular hostels, especially during high season.
At 3326m, you may need a few days to acclimatize to altitude.
Cuzco
Budget hostels in Cuzco start at less than US$5 / person.
Our low-budget favourites include Hostal Resbalosa, Albergue Municipal & others on the same hill with views overlooking the plaza. Check how hot the water is in your shower before you agree to take the room.
No city in Peru caters more to tourists. Avoid Gringo Alley & the central plaza unless you enjoy touts & scam artists. Once you walk a few blocks away from the centre, you can relax.
Cuzco is a great place to hang out while organizing your hike. There is a lot to do, a lot to see.
Map of Cuzco.
Accommodation in Tinqui
You might stay in Tinqui on the way in or out. There are some basic options for about US$3 / person for your own room, shared cold showers. Or even less in a dorm.
Alternatively, you can camp just over the Rio Pinchimuro Mayo bridge outside town.
If you want to hire a mule driver (arriero) & pack horse, plan on spending a night in Tinqui to give yourself time to arrange it.
We stayed at Hostal Ausangate & rented a horse for the first day from a great chap, Cayetano Crispin. Good price, no problems. We recommend Cayetano.
In 2005 Tinqui was one of the least civilized towns we had ever visited in Peru. On one of the worst roadways in South America, it did not even yet have an internet cafe. Therefore it is difficult to contact hostals there in advance.
But no worries. Simply travel to Tinqui & you can easily hire a horse from Cayetano ... or one of his competitors ... on arrival.
