Cuzco
Overview
Cuzco was the capital of the Inca empire and can be considered Peru's tourist capital today because of the rich Inca heritage. Many of the streets in the city center are lined with buildings containing whole parts of ancient Inca walls. The streets are often stepped, narrow and crowded and probably don't look that different from those in earlier days.
The heart of Cuzco is on the plaza de armas. The Avenida de Sol, leading roughly speaking south-east from the plaza is the main business street. To the north and the east of the Plaza de Armas you find the old quarters of Cuzco.
Many of the sights in Cuzco itself stem from Colonial Times, there are quite a few interesting churches and old mansions. The main Inca sights are to be found at the Coricancha - the golden courtyard. And of course Machu Picchu is close by and an ideal excursion from Cuzco.
Cuzco houses three reasonably good museums that are worth a visit.
The markets of Cuzco are great for getting Indian craftwork. The Plaza San Blas is one of the best places to see it made. The street leading up to it have a lot of shops.
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General Health and Safety
Drugs - Drug law enforcement is very severe in Peru - that is, years in prison and no pleasure. Consider that many "long resident tourists" are part of the scene. It is already a felony that you "consider to maybe accept" an offer to buy. Keep this in mind, but know that locals have been seen smoking pot in the streets of Huanchacho, Ayacucho and other places. Although Cuzco is, in general, relatively safe, as in any urban area, muggings and petty thefts do occur. Use common sense and you should be fine. Don't wander alone away from the Plaza de Armas late at night. Don't flaunt your valuables around. Be conscious of what is going on around you. For example, be wary if you are approached by people trying to sell you stuff in the streets and try to strike up a long conversation. It's possible that they are distracting you while someone else is pickpocketing you. Only take taxis that are well marked, and if you are taking a taxi alone at night, write down the number and call a friend (or pretend to call a friend if you don't have a phone) saying, so the...more
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General Shopping
If you want cheap cheap touristy stuff, go to one of the two Saturday and Sunday morning markets in Juliaca (about 5 hours away by bus), Puno (about 6 hours away by bus). They are about 1/3 the price of Cuzco. If you don't want to go so far away, but still want touristy stuff, go to the Artisan Market at the intersection of la Avenida del Sol and Tullumayo. It's the big red building near the fountain. Also, Pisac, a town outside Cuzco, has a very big market. It is about 30 minutes from Cuzco by bus. The bus station is on Tullumayo street a couple blocks from Limacpampas. The fare is very cheap, and you can see the Incan ruins at Pisac. Also in Aguas Calientes and Machu Pichu prices can be the double of what they are in Cuzco. The further away you get from the main square, they cheaper things become, although there is a mini-mart next to the big church in the main square that is cheaper than in my hotel, then there is the San-Pedro market where bread...more
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