I need to acclamatize in Cusco for 2 days before I start my Inca Trail climb. I will be there at the end of Jan, 2009. Anyone recommend a place to stay where I can store the rest of my luggage that I am NOT bringing on the climb? Also, what is a "must do/see" in Cusco? Thanks.
Reply to this hi there i forget which hotel i stayed at but most hotels in cusco are of reasonable standard and most have a back locked area where you can leave you bags some must dos are visting the ruins around the city of cusco and the churches are amazing and i can reccomed any of the pubs to go for a drink or dinner i especially enjoyed a place called the full monty pub and diner great food and many tourist go there so youl always meet someone
Reply to this Hi,
we stayed in a small family run hostel, called Hospedaje Killipata just of Tambo De Montero www.geocities.com/killipata. It was 20USD for an ensuite room with no breakfast, but it was very very comfortable,with good showers and there's a great little dog there called Lucas who will befriend you. Admittedly if you're looking to meet people, it won't be here, but I would stay there again tomorrow. They will store your bags for free no problem, but you will find this in all places as they're so used to people doing the various treks from here. If you're doing 'The Inca Trail' I assume you had it booked months ago, otherwise there are plenty of others to choose from and you can do this when you arrive. We loved the Salkantay trek.
As for a must do, above the city are the Sacsayhuaman ruins which are a great little precursor to Machu Picchu. This will be a little test for you walking up hill at altitude as this cannot be underestimated.
Enjoy, it's lovely city in a great location.
Reply to this try hostel "Pirwa" in Plaza San Fransisco
i didnt ask them if they have storage facilities but i would say they do.
i recommend it because is pretty good value and close to everything.
starting dorm price (november 2008) is about 22 soles give or take. there are private rooms too.
Loki is another option they have a storage room. its situated on a steep hill which may be good practice for your trek hehehe
persoanly after a few days i began to hate that hill however.
some places to visit
coricancha
pisaq
ollantaytambo
saqsayhuaman
chinchero
moray
machu picchu
Reply to this Thank you all for your responses. I'm really looking forward to this trip!
Reply to this I am also going to be in Cusco at the same time!! Nikki
Reply to this Hi,
There are a lot of hotels in Cusco and I am sure you can leave your luggage until you return to your trekking.
You can take a city tour visitn the Koricancha, San Blas, and the nearby archaeological sites or maybe go to the Sacred Valley.
I found this web page with information about Peru
. It can help you.
Have fun!!! Reply to this You are probably there now, but... Hostal Los Ninos is a great spot to stay. Is a little more expensive, but they do store your bags for as long as you need. I stayed here a few years back... make sure to ask for a room at the front and you get a view of the street. Some of your $$ you pay will go to a fund to help homeless street children. Enjoy!
Reply to this Hi,
The main sites in Cusco you should not miss are:
1. Koricancha Temple,
2. Sacsayhuaman, Pisac and Ollantaytambo archeological sites
3. "Machu Picchu" Historic Sanctuary,
4. Chinchero Traditional Andean Village, "Maras" Natural Salt Mines and "Moray" advance agricultural system
5. Inca Trails (Machu Picchu, Salcantay, Lares Valley, Choquequirao, Ausangate)
6. Restaurants: excellent Peruvian gastronomy
Good luck!
Reply to this Thanks Everyone,
I had a fabulous time. I did a day tour of the Sacred Valley and visited Pisac, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman. All amazing places. I decided to stay at a hotel and paid more, sort of regret it now but it was comfortable and safe. The Inca Trail is a must do for anyone who likes the outdoors. MP was obviously the highlight of the trip.
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