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All
flights from the US and Canada fly into Lima, Peru. You will then
need to get a connection flight to Cusco.
1) What’s the best way to get to Cusco?
Before I left the US, I had purchased an airline ticket to go from
Lima to Cusco. On this day there were no coach tickets available, so
I purchased a one way first class ticket. In 1997 it was $100. The
other alternative was a 30 hour bus ride from Lima to Cusco. To me,
I didn’t want to ride the bus this long. The train doesn’t go from
Lima to Cusco.
2)Will I experience altitude sickness in Cusco?
Cusco is 3,326 meters above sea level (10,909 feet). Drink plenty of
liquids. The Peruvian mate de coca tea, available at most hotels, is
very good in helping you acclimatize to the altitude.
3)Can I use my USA ATM card in Cusco?
Cusco and most of Peru accepts mostly Visa cards to withdraw cash
and now regular ATM cards as you know them. Once you take a cash
withdrawal on your Visa credit card you might start paying interest
immediately. You are better off bringing a Visa debit card so you
don't have to pay any interest or using American Express Travelers
checks.
4) What clothes should I bring?
Think layers. I brought a polar fleece jacket, and it worked nicely.
I also had a cortex hooded parka for the rain. Each day I hiked in
short pants, which was fine. After the sun went down, it got cold
and long pants were necessary.You might want to keep some clean
clothes for final day in Machu Pichu and the train ride back. You
will be more comfortable and your fellow train passengers might
thank you.
5)Is the water fit to drink?
Try to drink bottled water when in Peru . Tap water is not safe; it
may cause mild abdominal upset. On camping trips the water is
purified with tablets or boiled.
6)Where to I keep my luggage while I am hiking?
When you finish hiking the Inca Trail, you must return to Cusco by
train. You will arrive late – about 9 or 10 at night. You will need
a hotel that night. Make reservations for this night, and arrange
with the hotel to keep your non-hiking luggage with them in their
storage room. Most hotels offer this service for their guests.
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