THE LOCATION
The city of Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire and is located in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 3,326 m (11,200 ft). Cusco is the mecca of South America and is one of the most sought-out travel destinations in the world!

The Cusco area offers some of the richest collections of architecture, ceramics, and textiles known to humankind. Program participants can experience the history and culture still alive in the city today. The highlight of any trip to Cusco is a visit to the lost city of Machu Picchu or a hike along the Inca Trail.

Due to Cusco’s elevation, temperatures range from a low of 1°C (34°F) at night to a high of 21°C (70°F) during the day. ‘Green season’ is from November to April, and ‘dry season’ is from May to October with June being the coldest month of the year.

TRANSPORTATION
Cusco’s city center is easy to navigate on foot and everything is within a 15-20 minute walk. Public buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services are all available at very low prices. Taxis and ‘colectivos’ are commonly used when traveling outside of Cusco to the Sacred Valley. Private transportation and buses are available for travel to Arequipa and Lima, the Amazon, the Pacific Coast, or even to Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. Rental cars are available on a limited basis.

FOOD
Peruvian cuisine is probably the most internationally recognized of all Latin American gastronomy. It is very diverse in taste, includes a variety of ingredients, and is highly seasoned. Some of the best dishes that you should be sure and try include ceviche, anticuchos, chicharon, seco, aji de gallina, lomo saltado, pollo a la brasa, and arroz chaufa. Peruvians are very proud of their cuisine and as a visitor it is important to try their food and to react positively no matter how you really feel about it!

CULTURE
Peruvian culture is unique, especially in the Cusco area. Traditional customs and indigenous rituals are still present in daily life, and should always be respected. Most Peruvians are Catholic and it is the official government religion. Peruvians are generally conservative and even somewhat formal until they know you, after which they are quite fun loving and very friendly. Some cultural recommendations include:

– Dress conservatively
– Speak politely even if you are angry
– Ask before taking someone’s picture; tip people wearing traditional dress
– Do not take long showers—it is considered rude as it uses lots of electricity
– Wear shoes or sandals at your family-stay
– Understand that “Cusco time” is often flexible
– Avoid topics such as pre-marital sex and teen pregnancy

SHOPPING
Cusco has an abundance of markets and shops where you can buy souvenirs, world-class alpaca products (sweaters, blankets, etc.), and traditional hand-made textiles. The entire Cusco area and the surrounding villages are famous for their handicraft markets. There are also great open-air markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. In recent years, a modern mall was built in the suburbs of Cusco where you can find a movie cinema, clothes, hiking equipment, and anything else you might need.

EATING OUT
Cusco has excellent food—much of it is very inexpensive, though Cusco also has excellent higher-end restaurants. By eating in local restaurants, visitors can enjoy good food at very low prices. For example, you can get a 3-course lunch plus drink for as little as $2.00 (USD). At tourist level restaurants and hotels, you can find fine dining, casual bistros and cafes, and excellent wood-fired pizza and pollo a la brasa.

NIGHTLIFE
Most clubs and bars in Cusco are concentrated around the Plaza de Armas and in the San Blas district. Cusco has a lively nightlife with a wide variety of clubs and bars; Cusco also has some good places to relax and listen to live traditional and modern music. Cusco is a very safe city, but it pays to be vigilant. You should never walk alone at night, and you should be very careful with your valuables.