Cusco, Peru: The Perfect 48-Hour Travel Guide & Altitude Tips
TravelTalk24 Team
Travel Experts
Cusco is a city that will literally take your breath away, sitting at an elevation of over 11,000 feet[cite: 1]. Founded around 1100 AD, it served as the cultural and political capital of the Inca Empire[cite: 1]. When the Spanish arrived in 1533, they built colonial mansions and cathedrals right on top of the original Inca palaces[cite: 1]. This incredible blend of indigenous and Spanish influence earned the city a UNESCO Heritage designation in 1983[cite: 1].
Based on the travel vlog by 'Tourist to Local', we have put together the ultimate 48-hour itinerary[cite: 1]. From scaling the bell tower of Iglesia de San Cristobal to grabbing soup at Mercado San Pedro, this guide proves Cusco is far more than just a quick stop on the way to Machu Picchu[cite: 1].
Watch the Complete Cusco Travel Guide
Essential Altitude Tips
The altitude in Cusco is no joke, and it is crucial to let your body acclimate[cite: 1]. Follow these local tips to prevent altitude sickness:
- Wait 10 Minutes: When you arrive from the plane with heavy luggage, sit down and rest for 10 minutes before trying to walk around[cite: 1].
- Take It Easy: Do not plan a single active thing on your first day[cite: 1].
- Eat Light: Digestion is more difficult at high altitudes[cite: 1]. Avoid dairy and alcohol on your first day, and leave heavy foods like pizza and hamburgers behind[cite: 1].
- Altitude Medicine: Talk to your doctor ahead of time about taking an altitude sickness pill 24 hours before you land[cite: 1]. Be aware that a common side effect is that your fingers and toes might tingle[cite: 1]!
- Chew Cocoa Leaves: A traditional local remedy is to chew on cocoa leaves (like a cow!) to help alleviate the lightheadedness[cite: 1].
The 48-Hour Cusco Itinerary
| Day | Activities & Sightseeing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Acclimation & Historic Views | Take it extremely slow while walking the hilly streets to see the historic aqueduct[cite: 1]. Climb the bell tower at Iglesia de San Cristobal for one of the best panoramic views of the entire city[cite: 1]. |
| Day 2 | Coffee, Markets & Pre-Colombian Art | Grab a morning coffee at Three Monkeys[cite: 1]. Eat a hot street-food soup among the colorful stalls of Mercado San Pedro, and visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino in the afternoon[cite: 1]. |
Top Sights & Attractions
| Location | Highlights | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Iglesia de San Cristobal | Bell Tower Viewpoint | Climb up the stairs to the top of the bell tower for an insane view where you can see the entirety of the city[cite: 1]. |
| Plaza de Armas | Architecture & Balconies | The main square is surrounded by colorful houses up in the hills and uniquely features both a church and a cathedral[cite: 1]. It is lined with restaurants boasting beautiful wooden balconies[cite: 1]. |
| Museo de Arte Precolombino | Ancient Art & Pottery | A quiet museum that costs 20 soles (around $5) for foreigners to enter[cite: 1]. It showcases fascinating pottery and artifacts from civilizations that lived in the area even before the Incas[cite: 1]. |
Where to Eat & Drink
- Three Monkeys: Ranked as one of the world's 100 best coffee shops[cite: 1]. It features a cool concept where you can choose from different brewing techniques and beans[cite: 1].
- Mercado San Pedro: The ultimate spot for a local lunch[cite: 1]. The colorful vendor stalls sell everything from fresh fruit and souvenirs to raw chicken feet, and you can grab a delicious bowl of hot street food soup[cite: 1].
- Sakarado: A highly recommended restaurant offering an extensive menu[cite: 1]. Try their elevated local dishes, like a trout poke bowl with tempura shrimp or ravioli made with local mushrooms, white truffle, and local cheeses[cite: 1].
Simplify Your Peruvian Escape
Navigating the high-altitude streets, mapping out the best coffee shops, and tracking down museum tickets can be a challenge. Let TravelTalk24 coordinate your entire Cusco itinerary effortlessly.
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