If you’re thinking about spending your next vacation in Peru, there are two places you can’t miss: Cusco and Machu Picchu. These two destinations are part of the perfect itinerary and, without a doubt, will be two places you will never forget.
Although they are both incredible, these destinations are located at very high altitudes, so preparing for the altitude will make a big difference in how much you enjoy your trip. Here are some tips that will help you organize your next adventure.
HOW TO AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN CUSCO
Cusco sits at 11,152 feet above sea level, and altitude sickness can really affect your trip if you are not well prepared. Avoid headaches, exhaustion, and nausea with the following tips.
First and foremost, take your first day at a slow pace. Don’t rush into doing too many activities or try to walk around the entire city on your first day. Use this day to rest, hydrate, and avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
Many hotels offer coca tea, a traditional infusion that helps your body adjust to the altitude. You can also consult your doctor before your trip in order to get medication that may help prevent altitude sickness if you know you are sensitive to changes in altitude.
Another practical tip is to start your trip in the Sacred Valley, as it has a lower altitude than Cusco and will help you acclimate more easily. This is a very popular travel strategy and, besides visiting another beautiful destination, it can help you avoid feeling sick.
Most importantly, listen to your body. If you need to rest, take a break and allow your body to adjust.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR MACHU PICCHU IN 2026
A trip to Peru includes long walks, excursions, and weather changes, especially from day to night. Remember to bring a light jacket for layering, a raincoat, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
It’s also important to bring comfortable footwear, a backpack, and a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated at all times. Don’t forget to double-check that your travel insurance covers assistance in case of altitude sickness.
For those already planning their trip to Machu Picchu in 2026, we recommend making all your reservations ahead of time, as entrance tickets and train rides tend to have limited availability. Another special destination: Cartagena, learn more here.
THINGS YOU CAN’T MISS IN CUSCO
Cusco is much more than the gateway to Machu Picchu; it is a beautiful city with strong Inca and colonial history in every corner.
Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, explore the San Blas neighborhood, and get lost in the charming streets of the city while discovering local shops and art workshops.
You should also visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán and admire its impressive stone walls, which are a testament to the engineering skills of the Inca civilization.
If you want to explore nearby towns, consider visiting the Sacred Valley and the charming towns of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Including these destinations in your trip will help make your experience smoother and richer.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR MACHU PICCHU
We know you are very excited about your trip to Peru, but we would still like to share some essential travel tips:
- Plan your itinerary ahead of time and make all your reservations in advance.
- Respect the entry time on your tickets.
- Only pack what is allowed, especially in archaeological areas, as regulations tend to be very strict.
- Hire a local tour guide to fully understand the history of the site.
- Consider traveling during April, May, September, or October to avoid heavy rain and large crowds.
You can use your Royal Holiday membership to stay at Hotel Midori in Cusco and relax comfortably while you adjust to the altitude. If you want to explore more travel options, TravelXtra is a great ally for finding the perfect accommodations and complementary services for your vacation.