Explore South America in 15 Days: Visit Cusco on an Unforgettable Tour of Peru, Bolivia and Chile

Acclimatization: Cusco is at a high altitude, so it is important to acclimatize properly. Drink plenty of water and take it easy for the first few days.

Clothing: Wear comfortable, layered clothing to adapt to temperature changes. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the intense sun.

Cultural Respect: Show respect for local traditions and archaeological sites. Learn about local customs and try to integrate into the community in a respectful manner.

For the adventurous, Cusco offers unforgettable excursions, such as the hike to the Mountain of Seven Colors (Vinicunca), known for its vibrant bands of color formed by minerals. This challenging hike, which can be completed in one day, is rewarded with stunning views of the Andes and the feeling of having conquered one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes.

Another option is the hike to the Humantay Lagoon, a spectacular destination with turquoise waters surrounded by imposing snow-capped peaks. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for a deeper connection with nature and a more relaxed trekking experience.

Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned, and Cusco is one of the best places to enjoy it. A food tour will allow you to try traditional dishes such as baked guinea pig, grilled trout, and ají de gallina. In addition, you will be able to visit local markets, such as the San Pedro Market, to get a close-up look at the fresh ingredients used in Andean cuisine.

This type of tour also includes cooking classes, where you will learn how to prepare typical dishes with the help of local chefs, and tastings of pisco, the emblematic Peruvian liquor.

For those interested in Cusco’s history and mysteries, guided night tours are an excellent option. Walk along cobbled streets illuminated by lanterns, exploring iconic sites such as Koricancha or the San Blas neighborhood, while listening to fascinating stories about the city’s Inca and colonial past.

Depending on the time of year, Cusco hosts various nighttime festivals that fill the city with music, dance, and fireworks. Inti Raymi, the celebration of the winter solstice, and Holy Week are just a few examples of how the city celebrates its rich cultural heritage with events that light up the night.

Cusco is not only the starting point to discover the wonders of South America, but also a destination in itself that offers unforgettable experiences. Whether exploring its rich cultural heritage, venturing into its natural landscapes or delighting in its gastronomy, Cusco promises you a stay full of surprises and unforgettable moments.

After enjoying the best that Cusco has to offer, you will be ready to continue your journey to Bolivia and Chile, completing a fascinating 15-day trip through South America that will allow you to see the best of each country. Get ready to live a unique adventure!

For those who want to immerse themselves in Cusco’s culinary culture from the ground up, a tour that combines a visit to the local market with a cooking class is an ideal experience. The tour begins at the San Pedro Market, Cusco’s most famous market, where you’ll be accompanied by a local chef who will guide you through the stalls of exotic fruits, Andean herbs, root vegetables, and other fresh ingredients used in local cuisine.

During the tour, you’ll learn about typical ingredients from the region, such as quinoa, maca, purple corn, and coca leaf, and how they have been used in Peruvian cuisine for centuries. Then, you’ll head to a professional kitchen or a nearby restaurant, where you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class. Here, you’ll be able to prepare some traditional Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche, pachamanca, or lomo saltado, under the guidance of experts.

An Andean tapas tour is perfect for those who want to try a variety of dishes in one tour. This tour takes you to different restaurants and bars in Cusco, where you can sample a selection of tapas including local delicacies such as anticuchos (marinated and grilled beef heart skewers), papas a la huancaína (potatoes topped with a creamy cheese and yellow chili sauce), and chupe de quinua (a nutritious quinoa, vegetable, and cheese soup).

As you sample these delicious tapas, you’ll have the chance to learn about the history and origins of each dish, as well as the importance of local ingredients in Cusco cuisine. This tour also includes drink pairings such as pisco sour and chilcano, perfect to accompany each bite.

For lovers of sweets and liquor, a chocolate and pisco tasting tour in Cusco is a must-do experience. Start your tour at a chocolate museum, where you can learn about cocoa production in Peru, one of the countries with the greatest diversity of cocoa in the world. You’ll participate in a tasting of different types of artisanal chocolate, discovering the differences in flavor depending on the region of origin of the cocoa.

Next, you’ll head to a local distillery for a tasting session of pisco, Peru’s national liquor. Here, you’ll learn about the distillation process, the varieties of grapes used, and how to prepare the famous pisco sour. This experience will allow you to enjoy the contrasts between the sweet flavors of chocolate and the unique taste of pisco, while learning about the cultural heritage and craftsmanship behind each product.

Pachamanca is an ancient Peruvian cooking method that uses hot stones to cook meat, root vegetables, corn, and other ingredients underground. This tour will take you to a local community near Cusco, where you will be welcomed by the villagers to participate in the preparation of an authentic pachamanca.

The experience begins with the construction of the earth oven, followed by the preparation of the food that will be slowly cooked underground. During the process, you will learn about Andean traditions related to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and how this cooking method reflects a deep connection with nature. Finally, you will enjoy a communal meal with local residents, experiencing Peruvian hospitality and customs firsthand.

Cusco is home to a number of Andean fusion restaurants that have elevated traditional Peruvian cuisine to gourmet levels. A gourmet dinner tour will take you to some of the city’s best restaurants, such as Cicciolina, Chicha by Gastón Acurio, or Morena Peruvian Kitchen, where chefs combine modern techniques with local ingredients to create innovative dishes.

You’ll be able to enjoy a multi-course dinner that can include everything from Andean trout with crispy quinoa to grilled alpaca with huacatay sauce. Each dish is presented with a contemporary twist, offering a unique culinary experience that highlights the best of tradition and modernity.

Cusco has seen a boom in craft beer production in recent years, and a craft beer tour is a great way to explore this emerging trend. You’ll visit some of the city’s best craft breweries, such as Sacred Valley Brewing Co. or Cerveza Zenith, where you’ll be able to sample beers made with local ingredients such as quinoa, purple corn, and chicha de jora.

During the tour, master brewers will guide you through the brewing process, from ingredient selection to fermentation, and explain how they combine traditional techniques with modern experimentation to create unique beers. This tour is ideal for those looking for a different gastronomic experience and who want to support local producers.

Cusco offers an impressive array of food tours that cater to all tastes, from hands-on cooking classes to luxury tastings. During your 15-day tour of South America, taking a day to enjoy Cusco’s culinary scene will allow you to deeply connect with the local culture through its unique flavors.

With every bite, you’ll get closer to the region’s rich history and tradition, preparing you to continue your journey to Bolivia and Chile with a richer and more complete understanding of the cultural and culinary heritage of the Andes. Get ready for an unforgettable journey full of discovery and delicious delights!

Cusco is at a high altitude, which can affect some people with altitude sickness (soroche). It is essential that you spend at least one or two days acclimatizing before embarking on intense activities. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and consume coca tea, a traditional infusion that helps combat the effects of altitude. Taking time to adjust will allow you to better enjoy the tours without feeling fatigued.

Cusco is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the high season (May to September). If you plan to visit iconic sites such as Machu Picchu, the Mountain of Seven Colors, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is advisable to book your tours at least two or three months in advance. Not only will this secure you a spot, but it can also save you money, as prices can increase when demand is high.

There are a variety of tours in Cusco, from guided visits to museums and archaeological sites to adventurous excursions like hiking and biking. Consider your interests and activity level before choosing a tour. For example, if you are a history buff, a tour to the Inka Museum and Qorikancha may be ideal. For the adventurous, a hike to the Humantay Lagoon or the Mountain of Seven Colors is a great option. Customizing your experience to your preferences will make your visit much more enriching.

Not only are local guides well-versed in Cusco’s history and culture, but they can also offer you a unique and authentic perspective on the city. Plus, many of them speak Quechua, the native language of the Andes, which adds an extra level of depth to your experience. Choosing local guides also supports the community’s economy, ensuring that your visit has a positive impact on the region.

To enjoy Cusco’s most popular sites without the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. For example, Machu Picchu is quieter in the early hours of the day, allowing you to explore the citadel in peace and enjoy unobstructed views. Likewise, local markets, such as the San Pedro Market, are typically less crowded early in the morning, giving you a more relaxed experience.

The weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, with rapid temperature changes between day and night. It’s advisable to pack layered clothing, including a waterproof and windproof jacket, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Mornings can be cool, while afternoons can be hot, and showers can strike at any time, especially during the rainy season (November through March).

There’s no better way to get to know a culture than through its food. Take advantage of your time in Cusco to try local dishes such as cuy al horno (roasted guinea pig), pachamanca (meat and vegetables cooked underground), and ají de gallina (chicken in yellow chili sauce). For a more immersive experience, consider a food tour that includes visits to local markets, tastings, and cooking classes.

Cusco is a city with a deep cultural and spiritual heritage. When visiting archaeological sites, churches, and local communities, respect the rules and customs. Avoid touching or climbing on the structures of historical sites, ask permission before photographing people, and follow the directions of the guides. Also, consider bringing a bag to collect your trash and contribute to the conservation of the natural and cultural environment.

Before traveling to Cusco, make sure you have all your documents in order, including your passport, visa (if necessary), and travel insurance. Always carry a copy of these documents with you in case you need them during tours. It’s also a good idea to have a contact card for your accommodation in case of emergencies or if you need guidance.

While it’s important to have an organized itinerary, it’s also valuable to leave some free time to explore Cusco at your own pace. Stroll through the San Blas neighborhood, discover local artisan shops, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many charming cafes you’ll find in the city. These moments of spontaneous exploration can offer some of the most memorable experiences of your trip.