Cusco PeruCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
As there is no direct cruise port in the Sacred Valley, transport details are framed from Cusco, the main gateway city. From Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), you would take a taxi to your accommodation or directly to the Sacred Valley.
- Taxis: Readily available in Cusco. Ensure you agree on a price before starting the journey or use a ride-hailing app (like Uber or InDriver, though availability can be spotty outside Cusco center).
- Cusco Airport to Cusco City Center: Approx. S/15-25 (USD $4-7), 15-20 minutes.
- Cusco City Center to Pisac: Approx. S/50-70 (USD $14-20), 1-1.5 hours.
- Cusco City Center to Ollantaytambo: Approx. S/100-150 (USD $28-40), 1.5-2 hours.
- Colectivos (Shared Vans/Minibuses): A more economical option, frequently departing from specific terminals in Cusco. They are slower and less direct but offer a local experience.
- Cusco to Pisac: Approx. S/5-10 (USD $1-3).
- Cusco to Urubamba (central Sacred Valley): Approx. S/10 (USD $3). From Urubamba, you can connect to other towns via local colectivos or taxis.
- Private Drivers/Tours: For an 8-10 hour day, hiring a private driver for a customized Sacred Valley tour from Cusco is highly recommended. This allows flexibility and covers multiple sites efficiently. A full-day private driver for the Sacred Valley typically costs S/200-350 (USD $55-95), excluding entrance fees. Many tour operators in Cusco offer organized full-day Sacred Valley tours, often including transport, guide, and sometimes lunch, ranging from USD $30-70 per person (excluding entrance fees).
Attractions and Activities
Most Sacred Valley sites require a Boleto Turístico (Cusco Tourist Ticket). For an 8-10 hour visit focusing on the Sacred Valley, the Partial Ticket (Circuit 3, valid for 1 day) is most appropriate, covering Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray. Cost: S/70 (approx. USD $20). It can be purchased at the first site you visit or at the COSITUC office in Cusco.
- Pisac Market & Inca Ruins:
- Description: Pisac is renowned for its vibrant traditional market, especially on Sundays, where local artisans sell textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Above the town are impressive Inca agricultural terraces and a fortress with panoramic views.
- Travel Time/Distance from Cusco: Approx. 1-1.5 hours by car/taxi (35 km / 22 miles).
- Fees: Included in the Boleto Turístico.
- Ollantaytambo Fortress & Town:
- Description: A spectacular Inca fortress and a living Inca town, Ollantaytambo is one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning. Its massive terraces and temples offer a glimpse into Inca engineering. It's also the main boarding point for trains to Machu Picchu.
- Travel Time/Distance from Cusco: Approx. 1.5-2 hours by car/taxi (75 km / 47 miles).
- Fees: Included in the Boleto Turístico.
- Moray Agricultural Terraces & Maras Salt Pans:
- Description: Moray features unique circular agricultural terraces, believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory. Nearby are the Maras Salt Pans, thousands of terraced salt pools that have been harvested since Inca times.
- Travel Time/Distance from Cusco: Approx. 1.5 hours to Moray, then 20 minutes to Maras (approx. 50 km / 31 miles total).
- Fees: Moray is included in the Boleto Turístico. Maras Salt Pans require a separate entrance fee of S/10 (approx. USD $3).
- Chinchero Weaving Village & Ruins:
- Description: Chinchero is a picturesque Andean village known for its traditional hand-woven textiles and an Inca ruin complex with a colonial church built on its foundations. You can observe traditional weaving demonstrations.
- Travel Time/Distance from Cusco: Approx. 45 minutes by car/taxi (30 km / 19 miles).
- Fees: Included in the Boleto Turístico.
Dining
- Cusco: Offers a wide array of restaurants, from fine dining to budget-friendly options, especially around the Plaza de Armas and San Blas neighborhood.
- Local Specialties: Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef), Aji de Gallina (creamy chicken dish), Cuy (roasted guinea pig - a traditional delicacy), Alpaca steak, causa (layered potato dish), and various Andean soups.
- Price Ranges: A meal at a casual restaurant can cost S/20-40 (USD $5-11), while mid-range options are S/40-80 (USD $11-22).
- Sacred Valley Towns: Restaurants are generally more casual, focusing on traditional Peruvian cuisine. Look for "menú del día" (set lunch menus) for good value.
- Price Ranges: Set lunch menus typically S/15-30 (USD $4-8).
Shopping
- Cusco: Many shops selling souvenirs, alpaca clothing, jewelry, and art, especially near the Plaza de Armas and along Avenida El Sol.
- Pisac Market: (Best on Sundays, but smaller versions daily) Excellent for local textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, and handicrafts. Bargaining is common.
- Ollantaytambo: Smaller craft stalls near the ruins and along the main streets offer textiles, wood carvings, and souvenirs.
- Local Souvenirs: Alpaca wool products (sweaters, scarves, hats), traditional woven textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, handmade leather goods, and coca leaf products.
Weather
Cusco sits at 11,150 feet (3,400 m) altitude, giving it a cool highland climate year-round with temperatures between 37°F and 68°F (3°C to 20°C) — warm during the day but cold at night. The dry season from May through October is the peak cruise and tourist season, offering clear skies and dry trails to Machu Picchu. Pack layers including a warm fleece or jacket for evenings, sunscreen for the high-altitude sun, and comfortable walking shoes.
Safety
While generally safe for tourists, visitors to Cusco and the Sacred Valley should be aware of a few safety considerations:
- Altitude Sickness (Soroche): As noted in the overview, the high altitude can affect some individuals. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Take it easy the first day, hydrate well, and consider mild pain relievers or coca tea/leaves. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
- Petty Theft: Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas like markets, bus stations, and busy streets, especially in Cusco. Be vigilant, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid displaying expensive electronics.
- Taxis: Use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Avoid unmarked cars. Always confirm the fare before starting the journey.
- Food and Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Be cautious with street food; stick to busy restaurants with good hygiene ratings.
- Nighttime: Exercise caution when walking alone at night, especially in less-trafficked areas.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in Cusco hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. In smaller towns and markets in the Sacred Valley, cash is preferred or necessary. ATMs are readily available in Cusco and major Sacred Valley towns like Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. It's advisable to carry a mix of small Sol denominations for purchases, transport, and entrance fees.
The official language is Spanish. Quechua is also widely spoken in rural areas. English proficiency varies; staff in tourist-oriented businesses in Cusco and the Sacred Valley generally speak some English, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases is always helpful.