There are a lot of things you should know before coming to Peru. In this post we will present you another set of common questions regarding this country. Read our article. For sure many unknowns will disappear and it will simplify travelling in this country!
Cusco region is the most popular region that tourist visit in Peru. Everything because of Machu Picchu. So in this article more topics connected with those places. We encourage you to take part in extending the biggest, available online, list of questions related to this country. We hope by the end of 2017 to have complete summary where you will be able to find all answers. Remember that is our common task, so we need your cooperation. If you have any questions, send them below our articles.
What do you need to know before trip to Peru?
We are answering our readers’ questions.
Do I need “boleto turistico” during my stay in Cusco and places around?
First of all let’s explain what is boleto turistico. This is special ticket which entitles you to visit multiple attractions in Cusco and around. There are 4 types:
- General ticket
It is valid for 10 days. Cost 130 soles (around 43 – 45 USD). Included places: Saqsayhuaman, Quenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay, Qoricancha Museum, Regional Historical Museum, Art Museum, Pachaqutec monument, Tipon, Piquillacta, Ollantaytambo ruins, Pisac, Chinchero, Moray - One day ticket
It is valid for 1 day. Cost 70 soles (around 22 – 23 USD). Included places: Saqsayhuaman, Quenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay - Two days ticket
It is valid for 2 days. Cost 70 soles (around 22 – 23 USD). Included places: Qoricancha Museum, Regional Historical Museum, Art Museum, Pachaqutec monument, Tipon, Piquillacta - Two days ticket
It is valid for 2 days. Cost 70 soles (around 22 – 23 USD). Included places:
Ollantaytambo ruins, Pisac, Chinchero, Moray
Unfortunately in order to visit one of the places mentioned above, you need to buy proper ticket version. It is not possible to buy ticket to a single attraction. Without boleto turistico it is not possible to see many places in Cusco and close by. If you are interested in seining one or few mentioned attractions you need to be prepared to pay 70 sols or 130 sols (which is better option).
All details can be found here.
Are there any luggage storage places in Cusco? Where is it possible to leave things when you go for trekking or a trip to Machu Picchu?
All over the world hostels and hotels have luggage storage service. In many cases they are for free. It is very practical and allows to travel light on selected trip sections. Of course you need to be careful in case cheap accommodation – then there is a risk that something might get stolen!
Is it possible to get small nominals from ATM’s or just big?
We need to remember that there is maximum limit for withdrawal and it is 300 USD. The smallest nominals are up to 20 USD, but very often there will be only 100 USD. Similar is in case withdrawing money in sols. In most of the cases you will get 100 sols, which you need to change to smaller ones later to be able to pay for some small services or meals. In Peru it is difficult to buy something with 50, 100 or 200 sols. The same is with dollars. Some people are very irritated with this fact, but you need to remember that it is not to cause problems to a tourist. There are a lot of bad, false money on the market and they simply are afraid to get such. In most of the cases they will accept from tourist or Peruvian only 10 and 20 sols nominals. You can change bigger ones at the supermarkets or bigger restaurants!
Do kinds in Andean villages ask for gifts? Is there anything we can bring for them?
Outside the big cities, children do not go on the street to ask for money or presents. It is very rare. It is different on touristy areas, where you can see such situation.
If you want to support local people, including kids, it is good idea to buy them some school supplies like colorful pens which the love.
What to do in order to see Machu Picchu at sunrise?
In order to see ruins Machu Picchu at sunrise, you need to get there very early from Inti Punku side. This is only possible if you take part in the Inca Trail tour.
How much time is needed to climb Huayna Picchu and back?
Everything depends on personal preferences, physical condition and body reaction on high elevation. Normally it takes between 1.5 -–2 hours both ways, but somebody who is fit can do that in less than an hour!
Is it possible to climb Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu during sightseeing Machu Picchu ruins?
There is such a chance if you are very fit and you will start sightseeing at 6:00am. But you need to remember that in such situation you need to buy double ticket. One for Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu and other one for Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain. Entrance tickets to additional peaks are being sold only together with main ticket. It is not possible to buy them separately. Cost of this kind of trip will be in this case double!
Is it possible to take any luggage while travelling by train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo? Are there any limitations?
In case travelling to Mach Picchu (Aguas Calientes to be precise) it is wort to remember that there are limitations. You can take only 1 purse or backpack (luggage) not more than 5 kg and 157 cm (length + height + width). Also that information can be found on the ticket as well. Read it carefully in order not to have any problems when boarding the train. This train has strict rules and they are not possible to change!
On what routes it is possible to travel in Peru by train?
Peru does not have big rail network. There are only few lines available:
1. Cusco – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
2. Ollantaytambo (Inca’s Sacred Valley) – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
3. Poroy – Aguas Calientes – Poroy
4. Cusco – Puno – Arequipa
5. Lima – Huancayo – Lima
Is it warm during the day while trekking in Andes, do I need short sleeves?
It is very warm in Andes during the day. From June to August almost the whole day there are no clouds. You need to keep in mind that having uncovered parts of the body is very risky in this case. Sun is very strong here, so you need to be careful. I always recommend long, light sleeve, warm sweater and jacket if you plan to be at more than 3000 m. above sea level. Starting from 4:00 – 5:00 pm it is getting cold.
We have covered many other topics in our other article Questions about Peru – continuation and in FAQ section.
Before the trip to Peru it is worth to dispel all doubts. If you have any questions, leave them in the comment :). We will answer them as soon as possible!
