Machu Picchu Travel Guide: Tips for Cusco and Altitude Sickness

Here’s the English translation of your text, crafted for an English-speaking audience on a travel blog. I’ve kept it conversational, informative, and engaging, while ensuring the tips and experiences are clear for readers planning a trip to Peru.

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Hello, Fellow Travelers!

After my recent trip to Peru, I wanted to share a neat summary of my journey from Lima Airport to Cusco, and finally to the dream destination, Machu Picchu.

I’ve included everything Korean travelers (and others!) might be curious about—how to deal with altitude sickness, Machu Picchu pro tips, and local food highlights—so feel free to use this as a reference when planning your trip!

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From Lima to Cusco: Domestic Flights & Airport Tips

The domestic flight from Lima to Cusco was surprisingly smooth. Airport security didn’t take long, which was a relief, but traffic around Lima Airport can get pretty bad, so leave with some extra time. I gave myself 1-2 hours of buffer and boarded stress-free.
Major South American airlines like Latam or Avianca operate these routes, so check them out when booking. Personally, I didn’t find much to see in Lima—it felt more like a stopover for Cusco and Machu Picchu!

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First Day in Cusco: Battling Altitude Sickness

The first night in Cusco was rough—I barely slept because of altitude sickness. At 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, it’s not easy to adjust right away. Thankfully, my hotel offered an oxygen breathing service, which was a lifesaver. I ended up buying a small oxygen canister to carry around.
A local tip: eat lightly on the first day and avoid alcohol—it’s worth following! Altitude sickness hit me hardest that first day, but it got better from day two onward.

Pro Tip: You can easily buy oxygen canisters in Cusco’s city center at pharmacies or hotels—stock up in advance!

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Machu Picchu: Exploring the Dream Destination

Finally, the big moment—Machu Picchu! Our guide picked us up from the hotel in the morning, and we took a bus up. We spent about three hours inside the Citadel with detailed explanations, which I really enjoyed. Having a guide made it so much better than when I went solo years ago.
The winding bus ride up, surrounded by stunning mountains, was a sight to behold. We skipped extra climbs like Huayna Picchu and focused on the Citadel. For day-trippers (not doing the 4-day Inca Trail), I recommend the round-trip bus—it’s the easiest option.
Side note: I once hiked up with a Canadian friend years ago, and if you love trekking, that’s an experience worth trying!

Getting Out: Returning to Cusco is straightforward—there’s pretty much only one route back!

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Peruvian Food: Ceviche Is a Must!

Among Peruvian dishes, ceviche was a standout! Sure, Chile and Mexico have their versions, but I think Peru’s takes the crown. The fresh seafood mixed with lime and onions was unforgettable.
Try it in Cusco or near Machu Picchu. I ate lightly on the first day due to altitude sickness, but once I adjusted, I couldn’t get enough of the local flavors. That said, Lima’s ceviche was the best of the trip!

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Machu Picchu Travel Tips & Packing List

Here are some tips to make your Machu Picchu adventure even better:

• Long Sleeves & Pants Are Essential: Even in the wet/summer season (Nov-Mar), it’s not cold, but watch out for “sand flies”—small black bugs that bite and leave itchy marks for days. I squashed one once, and blood splattered out—yikes! I still have scars from bites years ago. Bring bug spray and sunscreen!
• Weather Prep: Cusco was chilly, but Machu Picchu felt like a humid jungle. The weather flip-flops between sun and rain, so layer lightweight clothes.
• Altitude Sickness: If Day 1 is tough, use oxygen canisters or hotel services—I wouldn’t have survived without mine.
• Tipping Culture: For tour guides, cash tips are appreciated. At fancy restaurants, 10% is standard, but at casual spots, I didn’t tip extra with card payments. Have small cash ready!
• Transportation: Taxis and Uber are cheap and convenient. For airport transfers, I used a pre-booked service like Taxidatum—no haggling, total peace of mind.

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Wrap-Up

With good prep for altitude sickness and weather, a trip to Machu Picchu and Cusco will be unforgettable. Wear long sleeves, pack oxygen, and savor some ceviche to soak in Peru’s charm! Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help. Stay tuned for my next travel post. See you soon! 😊