Travel tips · Cusco · Peru
Cusco travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: tomscoffin, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Cusco is the heart of Andean Quechua culture: many people speak Quechua as a first language, and the rainbow flag of Tawantinsuyo flies over the city. Catholic and Andean traditions blend in festivals such as Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi, and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) are still made in the mountains.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish and Quechua
- Currency
- PEN
- Plugs
- Type A and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water.
- Emergency
- 105 (police), 116 (fire), 106 (ambulance)
Things to know
- Ask before photographing people; women in traditional dress with llamas around the plaza expect a small payment.
- Greet with 'Buenos días'; a few words of Quechua, such as 'Allillanchu' (hello), are warmly received.
- Do not touch or climb on Inca walls and archaeological sites.
- Bargain politely in markets, but do not push too hard; small amounts matter more to sellers.
- Respect churches by covering shoulders and not photographing inside where it is forbidden.
- The Boleto Turístico is good value if you plan to see several sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Tipping
Around 10% is usual in restaurants when no service charge is included. Tip trekking guides, cooks and porters on multi-day treks, and guides on day tours.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Allillanchu | Hello / How are you? (Quechua) |
| Sulpayki | Thank you (Quechua) |
| Buenos días | Good morning |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much is it? |
| No, gracias | No, thank you |
What to wear
Layers are essential: sunny days can be warm, but nights drop close to freezing in the dry season. Bring a warm jacket, a hat, sunscreen, a rain jacket in the wet season and comfortable walking shoes.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water.
- Emergency number
- 105 (police), 116 (fire), 106 (ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Wi-Fi is widely available in the city; coverage is patchy on treks and in remote areas.
- Time zone
- America/Lima
Altitude sickness is the most common problem: rest on arrival, drink water and avoid alcohol at first. Pickpocketing occurs in markets and crowded areas; keep valuables secure and use registered taxis at night.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Peru's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Cusco?
Around 10% is usual in restaurants when no service charge is included. Tip trekking guides, cooks and porters on multi-day treks, and guides on day tours.
+Can you drink the tap water in Cusco?
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water.
+What plugs are used in Cusco?
Type A and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Cusco?
Spanish and Quechua.