CUSCO ARCHAEOLOGICAL CAPITAL OF AMERICA
Shopping: Cusco has a wide variety of silver items, alpaca wool and pima cotton. Our crafts are highly esteemed worldwide. In our artisan markets it is possible to haggle over the price. Normally the discount one gets is 15%.

Electricity: The electrical system in Peru and Cusco is 220 volts (60 centuries old). In most places all plugs are ambivalent, for round plugs (as in Spain) or flat (as in America).

Tips: Normally a 10% service charge is included in all restaurant prices. It is customary to leave a 10% tip for the waiter. In the case of tourist guides and drivers, the tip is voluntary; taxi drivers are almost never tipped since the price is agreed upon in advance.

Internet and Telephone: In Cusco there are public booths and cyber cafes with very affordable prices from where one can access the Internet. Telefónica del Perú and AT&T sell telephone cards with various denominations, which can be easily purchased in bookstores, minimarkets and newsstands.

Currency: The unit of currency in Peru is the Sol (s/). Most hotels, inns, restaurants and stores accept U.S. dollars, but if you want to change dollars into local currency, we recommend that you do so at exchange offices or at a bank.

Mail: A letter or postcard takes about a week to reach its destination. Mailboxes and stamps are available in most bookstores, stores, hotels and at the central post office.

Local Time: Peru is located in the GMT-5 time zone, thus being close to the tropics, so take into account that people here have a more relaxed sense of time. Of course we avoid any type of delay.

Public Transportation: There are no taximeters in Peru, therefore before taking a taxi you must agree on the fare with the driver. Remember to carry low denomination coins to pay for the service.

Security measures: Police. We recommend that you carry your money or credit cards in non-visible places, it is not advisable to carry handbags unless they are completely essential. You can walk with a small backpack, carry your camera and video recorder, but be cautious and careful in public places such as markets, train stations and public squares.

Health Precautions: Before leaving your country, do not forget to take the necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness (Cusco 3400 meters above sea level). Upon arrival in the city, try to try coca tea, it will help you adapt to the altitude. , rest a few hours and eat lightly.

Those travelers with heart problems or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before traveling to Cusco.
If you are going to visit the jungle, do not forget that it is a prerequisite to be vaccinated against yellow fever about 10 days before starting your trip to this natural region.

Water and Food: To avoid problems when drinking tap water, we recommend that you always try to use bottled water. Peruvian culinary cuisine is one of the best in the world with a wide variety of dishes. Take advantage of your visit to enjoy and taste local and international dishes prepared in Cusco.

Clothing and Weather: The weather here can vary considerably in a day. It is generally cold in the early mornings and at night and hot at midday. Therefore, it is advisable to wear clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Sweaters, jackets and long pants are necessary.

Pets: The dog is the favorite pet in Cusco, you will see dogs everywhere. The cat is present but in lower percentages. Don’t be afraid if one day when you check the menus in different restaurants you find guinea pig as the main dish. Here the Cuy or guinea pig is not a pet. This little animal constitutes one of the most traditional dishes in Cusco cuisine.

Family houses: They are a different and warm type of accommodation offered by some Cusco families. Within this type of accommodation you can find single and double rooms. Being in a family home is a great advantage for those who want to know a little more about the habits and customs of the Cuzco resident.