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.
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.
Recommended restaurants include:
Ukuku‘s
Ecological vegetarian
Cafe Cultural Ritual
Bagel Café Cusco
Pizzaria America
Map of Cuzco.
Accommodation in Cachora
Relatively few travellers made it to this tiny town in the past. But, with the increasing popularity of the Choquequirao treks, simple hostels & restaurants are opening.
It only takes a few minutes to survey the options.
SAE recommended Hostal Peña.
If you are hiring an arriero, do this first. Your arriero will likely find accommodation for you.
charming Cachora
Accommodation in Huancacalle
If you get this far, the Hostal Sixpac Manco has been recommended by SAE members, run by the Cobos family. Tel. 084 270 298. About US$5 per person. In Huancacalle there are basic shops and restaurants.
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Population 2000+ and growing quickly, Aguas Calientes (Hot Waters) exists almost exclusively to service tourists coming to Machu Picchu.
In fact, some tourist bumpf rebrands the village Machu Picchu town.
Budget hostels start at less than US$5 / person.
Tenting near the river, about 1.5km from town, costs about US$3 / person.
High rollers can book a room right beside the entrance of the ruins for US$600+ at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.
Again, check an up-to-date guidebook for accommodation & restaurant recommendations in your price range.
For a tourist trap, Aguas Calientes is very tranquil. It is no inconvenience to spend a day or two waiting for your train out.
Aside from the charmingly run down hot springs, many hikers add a day to climb Putucusi, a peak across the valley from Machu Picchu. This day hike is free, but involves steep ladder climbs & slippery, dangerous scrambling. Not recommended for the faint of heart.
