Cusco, Peru - Info Sheets

Places to Stay BUDGET (US$10 or less per person) Hostal Nuñez Jerusalén 528 Tel: (51-54) 218-648 *10% discount for SAE Members Colonial House Inn Puente Grau 114 Tel/Fax: (51-54) 223-533 E-mail: colonialhouseinn@hotmail.com...

HOMESTAYS Host Family in Peru Web: www.hostfamilyinperu.com/English/index.asp This company works with over 200 families in Cusco, Arequipa and Lima. Homestay (weekly rates and per person): Single $100, Double $95 (includes 3 meals/ day)...

HOTELS AND HOSTALS IN CUSCO We have compiled a list of hotels in the Cusco Area. The places below have a good reputation and most of them have been recommended by SAE members in the past. Members also receive discounts in many of these...

ROOMS / APARTMENTS FOR LONG TERM VISITS AND HOMESTAYS General Suggestions: • Stay with us! • Ask at the Clubhouse and check our Members’ Board • Buy the Cusco daily newspaper, El Sol or “La Rueda de Negocios” •...

AGENCIES IN AREQUIPA & COLCA CANYON Pablo Tour Jerusalen 400 – AB-1 Arequipa Tel: (51-54) 203737 Email : info@pablotour.com www.pablotour.com Cabanaconde (in the Colca Canyon) - Tel: (51-54) 280-637-----Email:...

CHURCHES Catedral Plaza de Armas de Cusco Open. Monday - Saturday 8am – 6pm and Sundays 2pm-6pm Entrance: 18 Soles and 2 Soles for students. Built in 1539, This cathedral is one of the most important attractions in Cusco. Constructed...

HORSE RIDING SACRED VALLEY Perol Chico Urubamba Telef : (51-84) 213-386 Cel: (51-84) 962-4475 E-mail: info@perolchico.com; Web: www.perolchico.com Prices from $ 80 to $ 2,400 for the 12 day tour, all meals, drinks and accommodation...

INCA WALLS Walking from the Plaza de Armas down to Calle Loreto there are Inca Walls on both sides of you. The wall on the right is part of the ¨Courtyard of the Serpant¨ or Amarucancha, which is now part of the Church of La Compania. On...

GUIDE TO MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE CUSCO AREA Cusco is an exciting place for mountain biking with lots of single tracks and paths through the mountains, which offer spectacular views. Many of the agencies in Cusco offer Mountain Biking tours in...

MUSEUMS AND TEMPLES *Museo Histórico Regional (Casa Garcilaso) Calle Garcilaso y Calle Heladeros. Open: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Entrance free with tourist ticket. In the colonial period this house was occupied by Inca...

BUNGEE JUMPING Action Valley Calle Santa Teresa # 325 ( Plaza Regocijo) Telef : (51-84) 240-835 Cel: (51-84) 96-740-51 / 96-740-54 E-mail: info@actionvalley.com / actionvalley@hotmail.com; Web: www.actionvalleycusco.com $ 59 Bungee...

RAFTING Rafting is an exhilarating and exciting sport, but it is not without dangers. If you decide to go rafting in South America you must be aware of the dangers. In some of the budget companies guides may not be trained or experienced to...

Sports in Cusco Swimming Pool Piscina Municipal Wanchaq Av. Pachacutec, Wanchaq Telef : (51-84) 257-110 This swimming pool is close to the Wanchaq Station. The pool is warm and clean. You should go at 7am or later in the evening to enjoy...

THINGS TO SEE & DO IN CUSCO When travelling to Peru, almost everyone will travel through Cusco. Many come to see Machu Picchu, but Cusco can hold its own against these ruins and it is worth spending time exploring the city. It was the most...

The telephone dial code for Iquitos is 094. Getting there: As Iquitos is a jungle city without highways connecting it to other cities, the only way to reach it is by plane or boat. By air: There are daily flights from Lima (1 h and 45...

PHONES The area code for Cusco is 84, the country code for Peru is 51, and to dial out of the United States the code is 011 and from Europe 00. For example, to call the SAE Clubhouse 245-484 from the United States, you would dial (011) (51)...

SHOPPING Art, Craft & Antiques Alpaca 21 Jerusalén 115 Claustros de la Compañía Store 15 Tel: (51-4) 213-425 Tel: (51-54) 239-624 Alpaca 2000 Zela 207 - Cercado Tel: (51-54) 971-811 Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12.30...

CERAMICS Pablo Seminario Workshop: Calle Berriozabal cuadra 1, No. 111 - Urubamba, Provincia Tel: (51-84) 201-086 or 201-002 Fax: (51-84) 201-177 E-mail: kupa@terra.com.pe Website: www.ceramicaseminario.com Since 1980, the...

CUSCO NIGHTLIFE GENERAL ADVICE Cusco has everything from excellent restaurants, live music, raging discos and great bars. While visiting, at some point you may decide to take part in Cusco´s famed nightlife. Here is some advice we here at...

SCULPTURES Mendívil Family Museum: Plazoleta San Blas 634 (free entry) Tel. (51 84) 240-527 / Cell: (51 84) 974 0037/ 974 1404 Email: amautajuana@latinmail.com juanamendivil4@hotmail.com Store: Plazoleta San Blas 615-619 (No phone)...

CUSCO HISTORY According to Inca legend, the spot where Manco Capac, son of the Sun, plunged his golden staff into the earth was named Cusco, or the navel of the universe. Inca legend states that the city of Cusco was founded around 1100 A.D.,...

LOCAL, TRADITIONAL DANCES *Qosqo Folklore Group Avenida el Sol 604 Tel: (51-84) 227-901 Folklore dances with native music and colourful costumes. Every night from 19.00-20.00pm A really great deal, very authentic and energetic, costs 15...

SHAMANISM Ancient Wizardry in Modern Peru Bearing in mind the country's poverty and the fact that almost half the population is still pure Amerindian, it isn't altogether surprising to discover that the ancient shamanic healing arts are still...

TEXTILES The Textile Market in Cusco Weavers today weave to clothe themselves and their families and they weave to sell to the market to make money. Their weaving output is split into two types of products: very fine textiles woven for...

Extra Tips TOURIST TICKET Do not forget that to visit the main tourist attractions in Cusco you need to buy the tourist ticket. This works out cheaper than buying the partial tickets if you want to visit all the sites. IT INCLUDES •...

Money and Comunication Banks The listed Banks are all located within two blocks of the main Plaza and are equiped with ATMs. ATMs accept American Express, Visa and Master Card. Most banks in Arequipa keep their ATMs inside the bank, and...

PLACES TO EAT Antojitos de Arequipa Gral. Morán 125 – 129 - Mercaderes 327 - Portal de Flores 109 Tel (51-54) 282-599 / 264-981 Delicious, unforgettable “Dulces Tradicionales” *8% discount for SAE members La Quinta de...

RESTAURANTS HIGH END RESTAURANTS. Meals 30-40 soles or more but these are the best of the best for luxury eats in Cusco!!! The best value meals are “menus” served at lunchtime, they usually include a starter, main course, and a drink....

Do you have…? Tiene…? Menu - La carta I´d like… Querría… Lunch - Almuerzo Dinner - Cena Food/meal - Comida Vegetarian food - Comida vegetariana Starter - Entrada Plate - plato Main course - Plato fondo Knife/fork/spoon -...

AREQUIPA The vibrant city of Arequipa is set in a beautiful valley at the foot of the “El Misti” Volcano (5822m). With a population well over 400 000, Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru. It enjoys an idyllic climate; sunny and...

What’s Involved in Adopting a Child From Peru? A Peruvian child must be abandoned in order to be eligible for international adoption. A Peruvian court must make a legal finding of abandonment before the child is assigned to prospective...

This information is intended to be educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. You should consult your physician regarding any specific medical conditions or questions and before taking any medications Altitude...

Health Private clinics Clínica San Juan de Dios Avenida ejercito 1020 Tel: (51-54) 272 740 Open 24 hours Clínica San Miguel Avenida Mariscal Castila 320 Tel: (51-54) 283 330 Open 24 hours Public hospitals Hospital Goyeneche...

DRUG STORES (Farmacias) INKAFARMA Address: Av. El Sol # 210 Telephone: (51-84) 240-167 Hours: 24h and delivery service available Part of a large chain of pharmacies throughout Peru. Stocks some malaria pills, insect repellent and western...

FOOD AND DRINK: Drink only bottled or boiled (at least 5min) water. Pasteurised milk is widely available. Avoid dairy products that are likely to contain unboiled milk, unless you have an iron stomach. Avoid street food vendors and the cheaper...

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE JUNGLE MALARIA Cf. Malaria part in the HEALTH section. LEISHMANIASIS This is potentially one of the nastiest diseases you could encounter in the jungle, and has a much higher incidence in this area than malaria....

MALARIA & YELLOW FEVER Malaria Malaria In Manu, Tambopata and the surrounding Madre de Dios area, malaria is not currently prevalent. Taking a malarial prophylactic is a good idea as a precautionary measure, but many people make an...

OTHER HEATLH RISKS: Doctors Dr . Maria Elena Farfan Procuradores # 50 - 2nd Floor Telef : (51-84) 65-01-22 (W) (51-84) 227-385 (H) Will visit at home, hotel or at her clinic. Good for non-emergency attention. Consultation in her...

JUNGLE LODGES IN THE CULTURAL ZONE Amazonia Lodge US Office: 9 Heights Road Barrington, NH 03825 Tel: 1-866-SEE-MANU; Fax: 603-664-2867 Email: jsurban@metrocast.net Peru Contact: Yaber – Calderon & Family Tel: (51 84) 231-370...

TOUR OPERATORS If you use a tour operator, all arrangements of transport, lodging, food, permits, etc. should be taken care of by the operator. However, please obtain something in writing. This is often the surest, safest, and most comfortable...

TAMBOPATA Rainforest Expeditions Portal de Carnes 236 Tel: (51 84) 246 243 Email: kholle@rainforest.com.pe; Website: www.perunature.com Rainforest Expeditions run tours to two lodges in the Tambopata area, the Posada Amazonas Lodge and...

Spanish Schools in Arequipa Centro de ideomas UNSA San Agustín No 106 Office houres : Mon to Fri 8 am-12 pm Phone 247524 Offers courses in the following languages: English, French, Italian, Portugese, Spanish and Quechua CC Peruano...

SPANISH SCHOOLS IN CUSCO ACADEMIA LATINOAMERICANA DE ESPAÑOL Plaza Limacpampa # 565 TelFax : (51-84) 243-364; Cel. (51-84) 96-902-93 Web: www.latinoschools.com E-mail: info@latinoschools.com Prices per week, including homestay:...

LANGUAGE SURVIVAL - Spanish We’re assuming that you know the days of the week, numbers and how to introduce yourself at least as you’ve made it this far into Peru successfully! This session is for the advanced beginner who needs to get...

AGUAS CALIENTES Aguas Calientes sprang up to provide Machu Picchu pilgrims and visitors with a place to eat and sleep. It is often referred to as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Everyone who goes to Machu Picchu will pass through this town of some 3,000...

NIGHTLIFE Aguas Calientes seems to get quiet around 9pm, then livens up around midnight. Check out the bar Big Brother at the top of Calle Pachacutec and small bar-disco, Wasachea, which is located at the bottom behind Indio Feliz, Calle Lloque...

PLACES TO EAT About the only local foods available are bread, some fruit and vegetables, and trout. The trout is delicious, served in a variety of ways and costing from S/.5 in the local indoor market to S/.30+ in the better quality restaurants...

PLACES TO STAY BUDGET Hospedaje Jairito Av. Pachactec # 130 Tel: (084 984) 770053 New hostel in classic style. Very nice. Rooms from s/25 including private bathrooms. 10 % discount for SAE members Hostal Imperio de los Incas Av....

ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAILS This is a brief description of the most popular Alternative Inca trails in the Cusco area. For more detailed information please consult the SAE Alternative Inca Trails Information Packet, available for sale through...

TOUR OPERATORS IN CUSCO THAT OFFER ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAILS Since many of the treks are new we do not have extensive feedback on tour operators. If you use one, please let us know and write a trip report! If you would like a private trek, ask...

Chinchero (3762 meters – 12,342 Feet) As the Inca empire grew in the Andean Region, Chinchero was an important center, perhaps the capital of a small state and the royal estate of Topa Inca, son of Pachacuteq. However, under Spanish rule,...

INCA TRAIL REGULATIONS In order to properly reserve a permit for the Inca Trail, you must to book your trip with a licensed agency. For a trip in low season one should book at least 30 days in advance, but during the high season a...

Ollantaytambo (2,846 meters – 9,335 feet) Said to be the most “authentic” Inca settlement still populated today. One can still wander the back streets and see the old Incan doorways, canals and houses - still inhabited by the Quechua...

PISAQ (2,972 meters – 9,748 feet) HOW TO GET THERE: Pisaq is an ideal place to start your Sacred Valley tour or for a lovely day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of Cusco. To get from Cusco to Pisaq, take the bus from the Terminal...

URUBAMBA/YUCAY (2,871 meters – 9,416 feet) The town of Urubamba has approximately 5,000 inhabitants and is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Because of its location and relatively low altitude (2800m compared to 3300m for Cusco),...

INCA TRAIL REGULATIONS In order to properly reserve a permit for the Inca Trail, you must to book your trip with a licensed agency. For a trip in low season one should book at least 30 days in advance, but during the high season a...

MACHU PICCHU AND AGUAS CALIENTES MACHU PICCHU INFORMATION The mysterious and elegant city of Machu Picchu was accidentally discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 while he was searching for the ruins of Vilcabamba. Its temples, palaces,...

Transport to Machu Picchu from Cusco TRAINS TO MACCHU PICHU Trains leave from the San Pedro Station on Ccascaparo, about 6 blocks from the Plaza de Armas down Marquez Mantas (also known as Santa Clara). There are a range of train...

MORAY Moray is a Pre-Incan agricultural site consisting of deep earth depressions with concentric circular terracing. It consists of three bowls, 2 large and one small. These depressions are also known as the “Greenhouse of the Incas”, even...

PLACES TO EAT La Esquina Plaza de Armas, Calle Comercio # 407 Telef : (51-84) 201-554 E-mail: lusabo605@hotmail.com Creole food, pizzas, buffet. they can adapt the menu if you call ahead. *10% SAE Member Discount El Maizal Cabo...

PLACES TO STAY IN OLLANTAYTAMBO BUDGET KB Tambo Hotel & Tours Calle Ventiderio s/n Tel: (51 84) 204091 Web: www.kbperu.com Email: kbperu@hotmail.com Great place at a reasonable price from s/ 15. Owner offers biking and rafting tours....

PLACES TO STAY IN PISAQ BUDGET Hospedaje Samana Wasi Plaza de Armas 509 Tel: (51-84) 203-018 S/.35 single room with shared bathroom; S/.40 single room with private bathroom S/.40 double room with shared bathroom; S/.50 double room with...

PLACES TO STAY IN URUBAMBA BUDGET Hostal Urubamba Bolognesi # 605 Telef : (51-84) 201-400 S/ 12 single w/o bath (S/25 w/ bath), S/ 25 double w/o bath (S/40 w/bath) Nice hostal near the main plaza with basic clean facilities and a good...

THE SACRED VALLEY GENERAL The fertile Vilcanota/Urubamba river valley, or Sacred Valley of the Incas starts, about 15km northwest of Cusco and offers the visitor a variety of activities, including local markets, ruins, trekking and rafting....

HORSEBACK RIDING Posada del Chalan Sector Rumichaca, Km. 75 Telef : (51-84) 201-541 Several horseback trips are offered to sites such as “La zona ecologica de Pumahuanca” in 6 hours, or Moray in 7 hours. You can also do a 5 day...

LACES TO STAY IN PUNO Hotels Less Than $20 Los Pinos Inn Jr. Tarapaca 182 Email: hostalpinos@hotmail.com Tel: (051) 367 398 With private bathroom- s/. 40 single, s/. 60 double, s/. 80 triple (All including breakfast) Other...

Agencies All Agencies offer trips to the islands on the lake. Kollasuyo Tours Jr.Teodoro Valcárcel 155 Tel : (051) 368 642. E-mail: kollasuyos@hotmail.com Website : www.geocities.com/kollasuyotours Tours to Sillustani : (3 hours), Uros...

Puno and Lake Titikaka INTRODUCTIONPuno is situated on the edge of Lake Titikaka, the highest navigable lake in the world. The city is known as the folkloric capital of Peru and is an important agricultural center. Puno was established...

Festvals Feb 2 - Feast of the Virgin de la Candelaria. Important religious festval involving processions, dancing competitions and lots of musicians. May 3, 4 - Feast of Alacitas and Las Cruces Small stalls are set up on the streets where...

Places To Eat Cafes And Bars Classic Bar Calle Tarapacá 330-A Tel: (051) 363 596 Email: classicbar2003@yahoo.com Funky bar with a good ambience. *10% SAE Discount Kintu Jr. Lima 401 Tel: 365566 Email: cocakintu@mail.com A new...

Getting To Puno There are three ways that you can get to Puno from Cusco, by train, bus or plane. Bus Services There are a range of bus companies that provide a service from Cusco and Puno and vice versa, Puno to Cusco, with a range of...

Safety Police Reports regarding asault or theft should be reported to the tourist police either in the office in the center of Arequipa or at the offices at the airport or bus station. Complaints about agencies should also be directed to the...

The following is designed to educate the traveler, not to cause paranoia! You are unlikely to become a victim if you take simple and obvious precautions as well as avoid certain situations. General Advice: Even for experienced travelers, Peru...

SAUNA / MASSAGES Siluet Sauna Spa Calle Quera 253 (3 blocks from Plaza de Armas), Int:4 Tel/Fax: 231-504 Open Monday - Friday 12am to 10pm Saturday & Sunday 10am to 10pm A pleasant environment providing a full body massage with...

BOOKSHOPS LIBRERÍA CBC Address : Av. Tullumayu # 465 Telephone : (51-84) 233-472 / (51-84) 241-314 Hours : 9:30am – 1pm / 3 – 5pm E-mail for enquiries : cbclibrerias@apu.cbc.org.pe Good selection of Spanish and English language...

CONSULATES IN CUSCO CONSULATES IN CUSCO Oficina de Inmigraciones (Immigration Office) Av. El Sol s/n (next to the Prefecture). Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4.30pm Tel: (51 84) 222 741. Germany Calle San Agustín 307...

EMERGENCY SERVICES Police emergency no: 105 Fire emergency: 116 National Police Avenida Grau Tel: (51-84) 221 271 All branches of the Peruvian police force are part of the National Police. They investigate all types of crimes, from...

FILM DEVELOPING LABORATORIO FOTOGRAFICO “NISHIYAMA” Address: Calle Triunfo # 346 Telephone : (51-84) 242-922 Hours: 9am- 10pm / Mon - Sat Highest quality film developing in Cusco, matt or gloss paper, or have your photos saved onto CD....

JEWELLERS Aldo & Co Jewellery Several locations in the Cusco area: o Libertador Hotel, Plaza Santo Domingo 259, Tel: (51-84) 225 870 o Plaza de Armas in Portal de Panes 101 , Tel: (51-84) 239 044 o Velasco Astete Airport, Tel: (51-84) 225...

LAUNDRIES Taqana Wasi Address: Santa Catalina Ancha # 345 Telephone : (51-84) 226-651. Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm/ Sun 8-2pm The service and cost is: Same day service S/ 5.00 per kg Next day service S/...

MONEY MONEY Most banks and casas de cambio, or bureaus de change, are open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm, and Sat 9am-1pm. Many banks can be found on Avenida El Sol, and at various other locations throughout town. Most ATM machines accept VISA...

Renting Equipment in Cusco Liz’s Explorer Calle del Medio 114B Phone :(51-84 246 -619 Yomira’s Travel Calle plateros # 349 Phone : (51-84)232-664 / Cel (51-84) 96-828-62 Mañay Wasy Calle Plateros # 341 Phone (51-84) 234-632...

ALPACA Fine and beautiful alpaca wool clothing. Not always cheap........ but you get what you pay for: Excellent quality. ALPACA III Has several locations in the Cusco area: o Calle Plaza Regocijo 202, Tel: (51-84) 243-233 o Aeropuerto...

SHOPPING CENTERS Sotomayor Shopping Center Address: Calle Márquez 227-231. Telephone: 22-2281. Clothes, shoes and football paraphenelia. Cusco Shopping Center Address: Av. El Sol 224. Ollanta Shopping Center Address: Av. El...

SOUVENIR SHOPS / MARKETS Pedazo Arte Plateros 334-B Tel: (51-84) 242-967 Fax: (51-84) 242-967 Open from 10am-9pm Mon-Sat; 4pm-9pm Sun http://www.cbc.org.pe/pedazodearte/ Handmade and original handicrafts Feria Artesanal Tesoros del...

SUPERMARKETS SUPERMARKETS Mega Supermarket The biggest supermarket in Cusco, stocks some dried food such as noodles, useful for buying food for trekking.  Av. Garcilaso in front of Plaza Tupac Amaru  Calle Matará...

TOURIST ASSISTANCE Dirección Regional de Industria y Turismo (Regional Industry & Tourism Office) Address: Avenida de la Cultura 734, 3 third floor Telephone: 22-3701 / 22-3761 / 22-2032 / 22-7147. Oficina de Información Turística...

Hot Spots in Peru Airports Arequipa Airport loading room Chiclayo Airport loading room Jorge Chávez Airport VIP Room International loading room (room 4, room 5, room 6) National loading room (room 1) Av. Elmer Faucett s/n -...

The only way to get to Machu Picchu is by walking the Inca trail or from Aguas Calientes and the only way to get to Aguas Calientes is by train. Beware of alternative treks advertised as e.g. “Salcantay to Machu Picchu”, many people have...

The following are airline companies that fly within Peru with the appropriate phone and fax numbers. Flight schedules and prices are subject to change, so please contact a local travel agent or the airline for the most recent information, offers...

Regional Transport BUS COMPANIES *To Valle del Fuego & Colca Canyon* Cristo Rey (51-54) 254326 Of. Urubamba 190 – Yanahuara...

BORDER CROSSINGS FROM PERU TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES General Peru borders with five countries; Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and Brazil. Every time you enter or leave Peru, you must go to the Peruvian immigration office to get either an...

CAR HIRE IN CUSCO Car hire is available in Cusco and some of the operators are listed below. Be aware that they will offer insurance as part of the package but you should check its validity and cover. If necessary seek additional insurance...

HOW TO GET TO CUSCO AIR Tans, Taca, LanPeru, Star Peru all have regular flights to Cusco. Prices range from $76-$179 one way (within Peru), depending on the season. In low season it is not always necessary to reserve flights, but always in...

TAKING A BUS FROM CUSCO All departures are from the Terminal Terrestre (Main Bus Terminal). The best way to get there is by taxi – if you get dropped off outside the gates it costs S/.2, and if you get taken inside to the door its S/.3...

The railway services that are currently running include the following destinations: Cusco-Machu Picchu : Peru Rail: www.perurail.com, reservas@perurail.com Puno-Juliaca-Cusco : Peru Rail: www.perurail.com, reservas@perurail.com...

Visa extension in Cusco: The rules on this changed on June 25th, 2008. For the time being, you can still pay for a visa extension until the date of your departure provided: - You entered the country BEFORE June 25th - YOu have your ticket...