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Information

There are two useful information offices in Cusco:
InfoPeru (this is the National Tourism Information Service) located on Avenida Sol. When you are walking from the Plaza de Armas, it is in the first block on the left hand side. If you arrive at the bank BCP (Banco de Credito de Peru) with its ATM machines you have gone too far.

DIRTUR (This is the Regional Tourism Office) is located in Calle Mantas. Walking from the Plaza de Armas towards Plaza San Francisco, you cross Avenida Sol and it is on the right hand side, stuck in beside a shoe shop and a supermarket.

Both tourism offices are able to provide good information, especially on the common inquiries. If you are asking about off the beaten track information, they are worth a try – but it depends who is working that day!!!!

Health and Safety

"Soroche", altitude sickness
Soroche affects many people during their first few days in Cusco. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia and shortness of breath.

To avoid "soroche", take it easy the first day: avoid physical efforts, only have light meals, reduce smoking and alcohol intake and drink plenty of mate de coca (tea made out of coca leaves). Direct reactions to altitude sickness can last a few days, and if it is serious, we recommend that you see a doctor.

Stomach problems
Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Avoid uncooked vegetables or drinking tap water to prevent this condition. Some people like to eat at “tourist” restaurants while others eat from street food stalls and are OK. It depends on your personal decision. If you want to be very careful, it’s suggested that you clean your teeth using purified water.

Despite precautions, more than half of visitors get an upset stomach. If affected, get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are available from pharmacists and can help replace the lost fluids. If symptoms last more than a couple of days, you should probably go to the doctor!

Sunburn
Keep in mind that the sun is stronger at high altitudes than at sea level. Since Cusco is located at 3, 400 meters (10 500 feet) it is easy to get a sunburn, even when it is cloudy! Take extra precautions to avoid harmful sunrays: wear a hat and use sunburn cream. Try not to spend too much time under direct sunlight.

Safety issues
Like every major tourist city, Cusco has problems with thieves. Don't feel frightened, but take certain precautions and be aware of things going on around you. If something strange happens (eg something wet on your face, food on you, or a group of strange people greeting you like a long lost friend) secure your belongings first! Don’t be paranoid, but please BE AWARE! Try not to carry purses, backpacks or large amounts of money. Some people prefer to carry a photocopy of their passport and leave the original in the safe of their accommodation. If possible, go with one or more people.

Don’t walk in the city after 9:30pm. Ride in registered taxis only (phone number; 222222 e.g.). Despite these precautions, if you or a friend are robbed, you should report it to the police.

Money

You can exchange cash at one of the banks on Avenida El Sol or in a “Casa de Cambio” (of which there are several around the Plaza de Armas or on Avenida El Sol). To change traveler's checks go to a Casa de Cambio or the Banco de Crédito.

The ATM machines on Avenida El Sol will generally give cash advances against major credit cards, but check for your logo first! Banco Latino and Banco Sur are the only banks that accept MasterCard or cards with the Cirrus-logo (They are on Avenida El Sol, as you are walking from the Plaza de Armas on your left hand side, just before the Temple of the Sun).

Try to get small bills (S/10 or S/20), as it's very hard to get change. On the other hand, make sure the dollar bills are impeccable, otherwise they will not be accepted anywhere. American Express is located at Lima Tours (phone 228431) Machu Picchu D24, it is a bit far so you may want to go by taxi.

Communication

The post office is at the end of Avenida El Sol, but many of the shops near the Plaza de Armas also sell stamps and have post boxes. Letters cost S/6.00 to Europe or Australia and S/5.00 to the United States. Mail usually arrives within 10-12 days.

Students can make long distance phone calls and send faxes from the Telser office on Calle Del Medio (near the Plaza de Armas) or from Telefónica del Peru on Av El Sol.. Faxes can be sent from a number of places around town for about S/10.00 per page.

Cusco Public Transport

Cusco has a wild and inexpensive public transport system that consists of a combination of taxis and combis (minivans). A ride in a taxi within town will cost you just S/2.00, or S/3.00 after 10pm and a ride in a combi S/0.60. Students can hail them anywhere at just about anytime, and you can ask them to let you off at frequent paraderos (bus stops) en route. The route for the combi should be displayed in the front window, but do not hesitate to ask if they will be going your direction.

Costs in Cusco

The following list gives you some indication of what you may wish to plan for during your stay in Cusco. Taxis $0.75; local transport $0.20; a set meal/menu in restaurant $ 2.50; a beer in a nightclub $1.75; a cappuccino in a trendy café/bar $0.75; international phone call $3.00 per minute; laundry service $1.00 per kilo; email service $1.00/hr.