Colca Canyon Tours from Arequipa

http://www.colcatours.com/en_colca2.htm

Overnight stay in Chivay, cost of tour depends on type of accommodation.

Bus from Puno to Cuzco

8 hour ride with stops
http://www.go2peru.com/webapp/commerce/command/ExecMacro/packa_details.d2w/report?prrfnbr=356634

Coca Tea

Particularly popular in the highlands and Andes mountains of the travel wonder of Peru, coca tea provokes some controversy and reaction. Simply made by adding hot (but not boiling) water to a handful of coca leaves, the drink has the grassy botanical taste of many herbal teas with the slight bitterness of traditional green tea.

To listen to a local, the tea takes on the medicinal qualities of Tiger Balm soothing and salving any number of complaints and ailments. Many claim that it eases the headaches, improves sleep and reduces the other side effects of altitude sickness. Hardly robust scientific proof, but I drank it both crossing the high pass (4,800 metres) to Colca Canyon (while watched by a pet condor) and walking the Inca Trail, without any effects of altitude.

Similarly to mint tea in Morocco, it is a drink of welcome. I was offered a small cup at two different modest hotels and it is available both as bags of leaves and in tea bags (under the Inka brand, for one) in the various markets. According to other travellers, the US and European customs allow the tea bags to be bought into the country (Australia won’t accept it on agricultural protection grounds).

In the villages of Peru and around Cusco, many of the local population chew coca leaves (similar to chewing tobacco, I guess), munching heartily on a wad of leaves. Several porters walking the Inca Trail indulged, spitting the exhausted leaves out before ingesting another handful from their pockets.

The cultivation of the leaves is controversial as the pharmacologically active ingredient in the leaves is (less than 0.2% in each leaf) used in the manufacture of cocaine. At best, consumed in a herbal tea, coca leaves are an extremely mild stimulant.

The selling of coca leaves is strongly debated across Peru with its strong historic, cultural and ceremonial heritage in contrast to the modern human toll that the drug cocaine has inflicted. The stigma associated with coca leaves has caused some issues when dealing with foreign powers, though Coca-Cola is reputed to continue to use coca leaves in their world famous drink.

In the vein of trying local products, I can recommend trying coca tea in a small Peruvian cafe. While the grassy taste is hardly exciting, it is a relaxing, warming and social drink polular throughout the Andes and it may even provide relief from the heights of this mountainous country.

MP Tickets

Reserve tickets here

tickets are about $55.90, there are only 2500 tickets available daily so to buy ahead is advised. Although we have plenty of time, it would still be smart just to have them since it will be the busy season. Last year, they were sold out the two weeks we are visiting.

Vaccinations

While the Peruvian Amazon is an incredible place to visit, make sure you prepare well for your travel to Peru by packing efficiently and getting the recommended vaccinations.

Before you travel to Puerto Maldonado or other places in the Peruvian Amazon, visit a health care provider specializing in Travel Medicine who can tell you which vaccinations are recommended due to your health and vaccination history. It is best to see this physician 4-6 week prior to your travel to allow time for vaccinations to take effect. You should mention each country you are visiting on your trip in order to receive appropriate advice for all of your travel destinations.

While there are no required vaccinations for travel to Peru, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the following recommendations:

• Hepatitus A:Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to Peru.
• Hepatitus B: Vaccination recommended to all travelers to Peru, especially those who may have exposure to blood or body fluids through the giving or receiving of medical care, drug injections, tattooing, or sexual contact with the local population.
• Typhoid Fever: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to tropical South America especially those who may be staying in rural areas where exposure through food or water could occur.
• Yellow Fever: Vaccination is highly recommended for travel to Amazonia and the Southern Amazon basin. The shot should be given at least 10 days before your arrival and at 10 year intervals if you decide to stay.
• Rabies: Vaccination is ONLY recommended to travelers with an increased risk of exposure including: long-term travelers living in an area that poses a high-risk of exposure, travelers working in occupations who will have direct contact with bats, stray dogs and cats, or other mammal such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals or researchers.

Ninos Hotel Info

                                                             

Ninos Website

Two hotels in Cusco: A wonderful stay for a good cause! 
Two Ninos hotels are situated in the historic center of Cusco in old colonial buildings. These almost identical buildings are situated close together in Calle Meloq and Calle Fierro, both at  walking distance from Plaza de Armas, the central square of Cusco.
The Hacienda is situated at 30 minutes distance close to a very old Inca village called Huasao. Guests immediately feel at home in both hotels and at the hacienda. They get a warm welcome (English and Spanish are spoken) the atmosphere is pleasant and the furniture is colourful with no nonsense. Breakfast, lunch and dinner consisting of home grown products are being served in the big courtyard in the sunshine or in the cafe at the fireside day and night. There are fresh flowers each day, also in the rooms, and  nice lounge music is played in the restaurants. After a walk in the mountains you will find a hot water bottle in your bed. All proceeds from the hotels go to the Ninos Foundation.

both at a rate of $92 for 4 people a night!

Hotel Fierro is situated at the Calle Fierro 476 in Cusco Peru. This hotel has  twenty rooms, varying from 1 to 4 persons. The rooms do not have numbers but names. These are the names of the first boys and girls Jolanda took into her care. 
Hotel Meloc is at calle Meloc 442 in Cusco Peru. This hotel has twenty rooms, varying from 1 to 4 persons. The rooms do not have numbers but names. These are the names of the first boys and girls that Jolanda took into her care.
Laundry (room service from 8 a.m. till 10 p.m.) hot water bottles, transfer from airport (cash payment), free Internet use (Wifi), sunny courtyard with deck chairs, books in various languages available.
They offer tips:

Cusco is the old Inca capital. Guests who are fond of antiquities and history will be all eyes. Everywhere in Cusco, but especially on and around the Plaza there are small offices
where you can book day trips. A few good tips: 

• various museums in Cusco a.o. the Choco Museum
• Inti Raymi, Sun festival. This is the most important festival in Cusco on June 26th
• Sacsayhuaman, very impressive Inca ruins at walking distance from Cusco
• Machu Picchu, World Heritage. The biggist ruin
• The Holy Valley
• The market in Pisac, a 40 minutes drive from Cusco

this is my favorite sofar angela! we should book asap!

Hotel Rojas

Hotel Rojas Info

[7.9/10] $200 for 3 nights

Just 50 metres from Cusco’s picturesque main square, the hotel is set in a luxurious Colonial style house. The breakfast area features hand painted murals and marble pillars. Wi-Fi is free.
Hotel Rojas is just 100 metres from popular Sol Avenue and 7 blocks from the Cristo Blanco statue and scenic point, overlooking the city. There is a charming colonial-style patio.
A full buffet breakfast with juices, tropical fruits and croissants is served daily at the impressive dining hall, decorated with elegant dark wood furniture, stone arches and wrought-iron chandeliers.
Rojas has rooms with cable TV, private balconies and private bathrooms with toiletries.
Guests can rely on the tour desk for getting around the city. Bike and car rental can be arranged. Velazco Astete Airport is 3.3 km from the hotel.

In Casita Hotel

In Casita Hotel Information

[4.0/5] $35 - $45
The hotel offers a coffee shop/café. An Internet point is located on site and high-speed wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary. A roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request) and a train station pick-up service are complimentary for guests. This Beaux Arts hotel also offers a rooftop terrace, barbecue grills, and a garden. Limited complimentary onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
(Laundry available)

Inka Express Bus service

Inka Express Website Here

The website is in Spanish.. but we would use this to get to Puno and back.
 I have a feeling we should make reservations ahead of time.

The Sacred Valley of the Incans

Moray

Tipon

The Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley is a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to the Inca capital of Cusco and below the ancient sacred city of Machu Picchu. It is located in the modern Peruvian region of Cusco.

Uros Islands

The Uro Islands are floating islands made of reed, situated in Lake Titicaca on the Peruvian Altiplano.

These islands are made from tortora rushes, as are the houses on them and the residents' boats. part of the tortora can even be eaten! The people of the Uros Islands who predate the Incas speak the Aymara language. it is thought that they may have fled to the islands to escape hostile tribes, including the Incas. The islands can, of course, be moved and have been in fairly recent years because of the Shining Path revolutionary movement in Peru. it was expected that they would be safer nearer to the mainland. Tourism is now important to the islands' economy.

Until recently the only option for visiting the islands were on the daytime with a tour, or independent. But a recent option for accommodation on the islands opens an opportunity to get a better experience of the life on the floating islands and to create better connections with the locals.

• Dozens of agencies in Puno will arrange a visit with a guide, often in combination with a daytrip to Isla Taquile (can be arranged to stay overnight on one of the islands and go to Isla Taquile next morning).
• To go independent, be at the harbour around seven and ask around for boats going.
• Reed artesania Artwork built from the reed (totora) - The same plant being used for the houses and the island itself.
• Fishermans at morning Available only if sleeping on one of the islands and with coordinating it with one of the locals ahead. Best time is at dawn (5:30AM) - If the lake is calm the sunrise will be unforgivable one.
• Send a postcard On the island Qananpacha there is a post office. The owners claim it is the only floating post office in the world. Not all the tours get there, you need to ask before booking if there will be a stop there.
• Reed The bottom part of a fresh reed (colored white) is actually edible, and surprisingly not so bad - Worth a try.
• Muña mate A tea made from a herb growing in the environment of Titicaca lake. It is said this herb helps to cope with the high altitude, but even if not it's tasty minty taste is worth it.
• Qananpacha Hospedaje A new option offered is accommodation on one of the islands called Qananpacha. The rooms are equipped with double bed and made all out of reed, also available is a restaurant and a post office. Prices are very affordable - 15 soles for a bed, and 40 soles including a dinner and a breakfast. Not all tour agencies stop at this island, so better contact the hospedaje directly to make reservations: 951-835264, 950-951489 [1]. Also a pickup from puno harbor can be arranged.
• Uros Khantati (Hotel Cinco Esteras con Camas Flotantes), Lago Titicaca, Puno, Peru, ☎ (051) 951 695121 / 951 472355, [2]. This is one of the only floating reed islands where the money goes directly to the community and not a tour company in Puno. The cost was S/ 165 each a night and this included pickup from our hostel, boat ride to the island, some lessons on the local history and their way of life, cultural events, fishing and 3 meals. Email : uroskhantati@hotmail.com S/ 165 pp.

Peru Rail

About MP-Cuzco Train tickets

tickets start around $40 round trip.

Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado is the main city of the Departemant of Madre de Dios, Peru. The city itself has not too many tourist attractions, but it is the starting point for jungle trips.

Get in

By air

To get to Puerto Maldonado, one usually must travel from Lima - Cusco first before reaching the Padre Aldamiz (PEM) airport in Puerto Maldonado. Since domestic flights in Peru change so much, it is difficult to recommend carriers - however the most reliable seem to be LanPeru and StarPeru. Commercial flights in and out of Puerto Maldonado are almost always in the morning or early afternoon. The phone number at the airport is +51 084-571531.

Make sure to have your Yellow Fever Vaccination Card on you; local officials often ask for it even though it may or may not be "officially" required.

[edit]By land

The road to Puerto Maldonado from Cuzco is improving since it is part of the Interoceanic highway, but currently the bus trip still takes 12 hours, so most tourist opt for the quicker and more comfortable 30-minute flight. Some lodges, including Wasai, even offer mountain biking tours from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. This trip, however, is not for the casual beginner; it's a serious trek for serious athletes.

[edit]By water

You can reach Puerto Maldonado from either the Tambopata or Madre de Dios rivers, but this is not likely for tourists.

[edit]Get around

If you've booked a stay at one of the jungle lodges (Wasai, Sandoval, Posadas, etc) your guide will most likely meet you at the airport holding a sign with the lodge's name on it. They will transport you in van to the river (Puerto Tambopata) to wherever you are going (by boat)

If you are staying in town, taxis almost outnumber everyone else in Puerto Maldonado, so getting around the town is fairly simple. Motorcycle-driving taxis will take you anywhere you want to go, and the most likely destinations (airport - plaza de armas, airport - Puerto Tambopata, or airport - hotel) will cost you between 2 - 5 soles (about 1 dollar).

If you chose to rent a moped and ride around yourself, feel free. Motorcycle rentals are everywhere in town and normally cost about 5 sol an hour.

See

Most of Puerto Maldonado's visitors use the town as a launching point, but if you are staying for a day or two, make sure to see the following:

• Plaza de Armas. The main square in Puerto Maldonado is much like the main squares all throughout South America. Great for picture taking, eating ice cream, or just sitting around.
• Confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers. This is in the eastern-most part of town, next to the government buildings, and has a lovely courtyard great for picture taking.
• Monkey Island A medium sized island situated in the middle of the river, the home of hundreds of monkeys and several different species. Watch out the monkeys will try to "borrow" anything that is not attached to your person or not secured in a backpack.
• Lumber yard. Although this sounds silly, those interested in tropical conservation won't want to miss this first hand look at the economic drivers behind deforestation.
• Market. Here you can buy everything from a side of beef to Led Zeppelin CD's. Goods here are slightly more expensive than in other parts of Peru, since Puerto Maldonado imports many goods from other parts of Peru and doesn't produce them themselves.
• El Jaguar Zoo & Disco. Yes, you read that correctly. Puerto Maldonado has a modest zoo complete with local fauna, and at night the place is billed as a night club. Go get trashed with the brown capuchin monkeys at this place.
• The Obelisk. An eight-storey lookout tower that lets you go up for just a few sol. The outside of the obelisk has beautiful sculptures made by a local artist, telling a typical story about the jungle. Once up there you get a good view from the city and the surrounding Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers.
• Rescue Snake House. A little further down the main road from the airport, rescued snake species as well as other reptiles and a rescued blind Margay (little big cat), and small museum. Worth a visit to see these creatures up close and learn a bit about them from the volunteers there.

Do

• Tambopata reserve
• Manu Reserve Tours
• Iquitos rainforest

The relatively close Tambopata reserve park is famous for its great biodiversity but not even cheap to visit since you need a permit to enter. If you just want to see how jungle looks, you can do that outside the park much cheaper in the Tambopata Candamo Reserved Zone.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore the surrounding countryside, there are several places in town that rent out motorbikes.

There are also several "retreat centers" just outside Puerto Maldonado on Carretera Tambopata, including a yoga center Kapievi at km 1.5 and an animal shelter, Amazon Shelter, at km 11, with many other places to stay in between. This is a great alternative to staying in town, if you have a couple of days to spare, after a lodge stay.

• Ecoaventuras Amazonicas, Carretera La Cachuela Km. 11.5, ☎ 982709329, [1]. A very interesting place in the amazon, only few minutes from Puerto Maldonado, you have the chance to visit the Canopy "La Cachuela", it is very recomended, for every person visiting Puerto Maldonado. 20 US$.  edit

[edit]Jungle Lodges

Many jungle lodges in the surrounding area offer complete tour programs. Some of the available lodges are as follows:

• Rainforest Expeditions Many package deals are done in association with this company, but you can just walk over to their counter on the right hand side of the airport and arrange your own tour there too. You can stay at any of their 3 lodges, Posada Amazonas is the closest to town (about 45 minutes by boat from Infierno), for those who want to experience the jungle without getting in too deep! Associated with the local community, this company does a lot to keep ecotourism 'green' and sustainable. And for those who really want to experience the richness of the forest, you can go right out to the famous TRC research center (about 7 hours by boat from Infierno), home to the largest claylick in the world where you will see amazing displays of parrots and macaws feeding in the mornings and always plenty of animal life around! Hand-raised macaws will even join you for breakfast! Highly recommended for birdwatchers. There is also Refugio Amazonas halfway between the two, the newest lodge and my favorite (I saw a jaguar here). The guides will amaze you with their experience of the forest, and you will leave having had an unforgettable experience.[2]
• Taricaya Research Center This lodge is located about 1 1/2 hours down the Madre de Dios river, and actually has the highest canopy walkway in South America (42 meters high). Run exclusively by Projects Abroad, you can arrange a day trip to this place. Besides the canopy, they have an animal release program and many other active conservation projects that make this a must see.
• Bello Horizonte Lodge Lodge with a spring fed swimming pool, situated 1 hour from Puerto Maldonado. This lodge has a great view of the jungle below. 100% of its profits go to the children’s homes “San Vincente” and “Principito”.
• Wasai Tambopata Lodge This lodge is located about 4 hours up the Tambopata River. Nice options for those interested to visit the largest macaws' clay lick of the upper Tambopata River. There are no more dwellings upstream from the lodge. The lack of people and the closeness to the Andes produces an abundance of flora and fauna not seen in other areas of the amazon.
• Wasai Puerto Maldonado Eco Lodge The hotel is in the most convenient location on the river bank,offering spectacular views of the Madre de Dios River and the amazon rain forest.
• Anaconda Lodge One of the few pretty lodges that on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by beautiful vegetation. Boasts a swimming pool and a Thai restaurant, and also offers camping.
• Sandoval Lake Lodge This one is very special because it is on the beautiful oxbow Lake Sandoval, and is very comfortably accommodated with hot water, electricity, fabulous meals, and superb guides. Plus, it is only approximately 30 minutes by boat to the 5 km trail which leads to the lake, unlike most of the other lodges which need to be hours away from town in order to see wildlife. Its location on the lake (as opposed to the river) insures excellent wildlife views including the Giant Otter, Black Caimen, about a dozen species of primates, and tremendous avian variety, including the fascinating Hoatzin.
• Mejia Family Lodge If a backpacker's stay is more your style and/or budget, try this place. They are located about 1 km from Sandoval Lake Lodge and rent their bungalow style rooms (meals included) considerably cheaper than Sandoval.
• Cusco Amazonico Lodge This one is located downriver on the Madre de Dios at about 12 miles (about 45 minutes).
• Explorers' Inn This lodge is 58km up the Tambopata river from Puerto Maldonado, about 1.5 hours by boat from the community of Infierno. Attractions include the oxbow lake Cocacocha, a short hike from the lodge.
• Heath River Wildlife center This wonderful lodge is in the Heath River in the Bolivian side. Nice options for those interested in macaw clay lick and visit other ecosystem like the savannah.

Buy

• Laundry. If your clothes are wet, dirty, and disgusting, and you can't take it any longer, drop by one of the many laundry services in town (there's one on Leon Velarde). They charge by the kilo, but they'll wash all your clothes for a very fair price.
• Miscellaneous. Did you forget something? Camera batteries, perhaps? How about feminine hygiene products, guitar strings, sunblock, or some sugar-coated brazil nuts? No problem. There are dozens of shops up and down Leon Velarde, especially at the river bank (Puerto Tambopata) where you can pick up pretty much anything you would ever need.

Eat

• El Hornito, in the main Plaza next to the Banco de Credito. It doesn't open until 6:30PM, but this pizzeria is worth the wait.
• Anaconda Lodge Thai Restaurant, within the lodge, 15 minutes outside of the city, a few minutes from the airport. Offers wonderful and authentic Thai food as the chef is actually from Thailand! Friendly owners and a swimming pool too.
• Tu Dulce Espera, on Leon Velarde between Dos de Mayo and the Plaza de Armas. Open most of the day (except in the hot part of the afternoon, when everything closes), this restaurant is excellent and very cheap.
• Burger Plaza, on the southwest corner of the main square. Good quality with very cheap prices.
• El Tigre, southeast of the market, this place has the best ceviche in Puerto Maldonado, and is very cheap. If you aren't a ceviche fan, order the chicharron de pescado, served with fried yucca.
• La Vaca Loca, right across the street from the main square,Fantastic steak for a great price. Great wine and a great atmosphere. Big "cow oven" inside.

Drink

• Club El Witite. There is something about a Peruvian disco that makes South American travel worthwhile. Get completely bombed at this club. Don't stay out too late, though. Taxis get hard to find after midnight, and trying to explain to them where you are staying is pretty tricky after about ten beers, especially if you can't remember the name of your hotel. If this happens, just go back in the club. They stay open until about 5:00 in the morning, anyway.
• Carambola. Another decent club on the street leading up the Capitania port.
• Ruztika’s. The place to try an impressive amount of cocktails with local flavours, and has a beautiful night view of the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers.

Sleep

[edit]Budget

• Tambopata Hostel, Located in the centre of town, you are ideally placed to explore the main areas of Puerto Maldonado. The cleanest hotel I found after having stayed in the region for 3 months (and trying some that were supposedly the best!), really friendly owners, including an ex-guide very knowledgeable about the biodiversity of the area. Facilities include kitchen that you are free to use, and a lounge area with cable tv, and small library with books on the region including local wildlife and plenty of DVDs to watch. You can stay in either a group dorm (25 soles a night) or your own room with double bed (30 soles a night - less than 10 dollars!) Beautiful garden, hammock area, clean and simple with a wonderful relaxed atmosphere, loved my stay here! Hop into a moto-taxi and if they don't know 'Tambopata Hostel', or 'avenida 26 de deciembre', just ask for the Plaza de Armas (main town square); carry on past the main square on the right hand side, and on reaching the top corner ask the driver to turn right (derecha) and continue up to the last road (avenida 26 de deciembre), turn right and about 10 feet on the right is the hostel. (look for the building with all the little international flags). I'd say it's the best place to stay in town! Very safe, comfortable and quiet!
• Brombu's, Located just outside the airport, this place has a small pool and clean rooms. The people here are absolutely wonderful, and the price is very reasonable.
• Hotel Bahia, Between 4 an 6 US$, with or without private bath, some rooms are rather noisy.
• Hotel Wilson, Between 4 an 6 US$, with or without private bath, safe and clean.
• Tambo de Oro, Between 2-4 US$, without private bath. Safe and clean as you can expect, but this "house of gold" won't offer you much else. Great place if you aren't too picky and are on a budget.

Mid-range

• Anaconda Lodge, Between 13-32 US$, bungalows with private bathrooms and others with shared bathrooms. Located outside the towncentre so much quieter than other places, and surrounded by a botanical garden. This place has a great swimmingpool and Thai restaurant, and has a very nice vibe. You can also camp in the garden for only 20 sol a night! (about 7 US$)
• Hotel Wasai, 30 US$, with private bath, nice place on the Madre de Dios river on the northeast side of town.
• Corto Maltes, (Down River from Puerto Maldonado), [3]. Really beautiful. Restaurant and bar overlooking the river. Great activities.  edit

• Amazon Shelter, 25 US$ per double room, shared bathroom but including food. This is a very quiet and pleasant place, next to jungle, just outside town, close to Tambopata River. Very hospitable owner who runs this animal shelter, where animals roam free at least once every other day. You get to pet some, enjoy their company and learn about their history. It is on Carretera Tambopata, but most taxi drivers will not have a clue where to go. You need to tell them that the road there is "a continuacion de La Av. Ernesto Rivero, Carretera Isuyama, Circuito Tambopata". [4].

Contact

• Internet Access. There are several places in town that offer internet access by the hour (2 soles, a bit less than $1 US per hour). There are two on the north side of the Plaza de Armas. Although Puerto Maldonado now has high speed cable internet, the speeds aren't quite as high as you may be used to. However, a reasonable person can check and send about a half dozen emails in about 15-20 minutes. This is much faster than it used to be.

Traveling Info about Peru

Peru Travel Information

Information brought to you by the U.S. Department of State... just incase.

Transportation around Cuzco

By plane

The airport is at the edge of the city (taxi ride). There are daily internal flights to and from Lima, Arequipa and small jungle airstrips in the Amazon basin. Lan Peru has the most flights between Cuzco and Lima, followed by Star Peru and Taca. It is best to book the earlier flights to avoid weather delays and overbooking.

The closest major international airport is Lima. The cheapest one-way flights to Lima cost around US$70. StarPeru generally has the cheapest flights. Frequently, bad weather conditions can cause flights to be canceled, often up to two days on end. If you are flying straight into Cuzco, beware of altitude sickness for the first couple of days.

With only 5 gates and a few off the main terminal this airport is fairly small but because it sees thousands of tourists a day, it has a good amount of facilities. There are a few restaurants before and after security and some shops too. Massage facilities and communication services are also available. There are a few ATMs in the check-in Area. If you have time, look across the parking lot for last-minute shopping.

When leaving Cuzco airport, there is an airport tax that must be paid. As of April 2010, the domestic airport tax is a little less than US$5. This can be paid in soles or in dollars. As of June 2011, this was included in the price of some tickets.

Note that the market rate for a taxi from the airport to the Plaza de Armas is around 7 soles, not 30 or more as the 'official' airport taxis may try to charge you. As a tourist, it's best to use the unofficial cabs outside and expect to pay around 10-15 soles without much trouble.

[edit]By bus

The Terminal Terrestre is about a 20 minute walk down the Av. Sol. You can also take a taxi for a few soles.

Buses are plentiful to and from other Peruvian and Bolivian cities like Lima (about 24 hr), Puno (6-8 hr, 25 soles),Arequipa (10 hr, 20 soles), Nazca (14-16 hr), Copacabana (9-12hr, 60 soles) and La Paz (12-15hr, 90 soles) but are quite long and slow, although the views can compensate. The main roads are mostly quite good, but some can be bad, making trips take longer than expected.

Also, make sure your bus has a bathroom or that it stops for bathroom breaks every couple of hours before you buy tickets. There are Puno-Cuzco buses that have/do neither, and that can mean a VERY long 6-8 hours.

• Expreso Los Chankas, Pje Cáceres 150. One of the only companies to offer direct service from Ayacucho to Cusco. 55 soles for a 22 hr ride on a semi-cama bus. Buses at 6:30AM and 7PM.

[edit]By rail

Cuzco is connected to Machu Picchu and Puno by rail. Rail service was recently discontinued to Arequipa. This service is operated by PeruRail

Get around

The center of Cuzco is small enough to walk around, although you will probably need to catch a bus or taxi to the bus station, Sacsayhuamán or airport. Beware about walking around at night alone and/or drunk, robberies have often been reported.

Taxis are very common in Cuzco. Officially they cost 2-4 soles depending on distance. Call Alo Cuzco Taxis. Often many drivers are not locals. Beware when using taxis at night; robberies have been reported in collusion with taxi cab drivers, at certain times radio taxis may be the safest option. The driver might also try to extort a hefty sum of money (15 soles) for a short ride if you don't haggle before - which is likely if you're just arriving at night at the bus terminal and want to avoid the hordes of touts. Just pay 5 soles and leave it at that.

If you are staying in Cuzco for a long time, the Combis are a cheap and reliable form of transportation. These are the Volkswagen vans and small buses with names like Imperial, Batman, or Zorro. It costs about 60 centimos to ride them. If you are unsure if a certain combi will take you where you want to go, just ask. They will call out the stops as they go and if you want to get off, you just yell "Baja!", as in, "I want to get off!" They run until 10PM. But if you are a fan of lots of personal space, this may not be the best option for you, as they tend to be quite full. Carry your backpack in front of you.

For large groups, a tourist bus can be very convenient to get to places like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Check with one of the many local travel agencies.

Cuzco City

Plaza de Armas at night

Cuzco is a beautiful city with well preserved colonial architecture, evidence of a rich and complex history. The city itself represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes, and by merely walking the streets one sees the layers of history. Spanish colonial buildings erected directly atop Inca walls line the square, while the modern tourist nightlife flourishes in their midst.

Sacsayhuaman

The city is surrounded by a number of ruins, the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman, the site of the 1536 battle in which dozens of Pizarro's men charged uphill to battle the forces of the Inca. 

Plaza de Armas

Nowadays, Cuzco is known for its indigenous population--often seen on the streets in traditional clothing--and its substantial tourist-fueled night life.

Pisac Market

Pisac market is really open every day but the main days are Tuesdays,Thursdays and overall, Sundays.

The whole town has been converted into a street market where you will find all kinds of handicrafts,antiques and Alpaca wool clothing. Now they are selling products from all over Peru.

You can also find a section were the real local market of fruits,vegetables and even meat of different kinds are sold.

The church is also an important site. Often they have weddings and the ceremony is still done in quechua language.

Do not miss the chance to try an empanada de queso at one of the several clay ovens in the area. You will find one in the corner of the main plaza.

For an excellent brownie go to Ulriques place in the main plaza. Simple daily menus are also served and will even allow guests to overnight.