In this episode of the Travel Squad Podcast, we’re continuing our travels through Peru and diving into the beautiful and historic city of Cusco, Peru — a vibrant cultural hub, former Incan capital, and the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Nestled high in the Andes at over 11,000 feet, Cusco is bursting with rich history, stunning architecture, incredible views, and delicious food. We used Cusco as our home base before trekking the Inca Trail and filled our time with unforgettable experiences, spontaneous adventures, and more than a few hilariousmishaps.

Whether you're planning to acclimate here before hiking to Machu Picchu or visiting Cusco as its own destination, this episode is full of tips, insights, and laugh-out-loud moments from our very first squad trip together.

In this episode we talk about:

• Things to know for traveling to Cusco
• How to handle high altitude and avoid sickness
• Walking city tour with Free Walking Peru Tours
• Our first hostel experience at Pariwana Hostel
• Mule-back riding to Rainbow Mountain the beautiful Vinicunca Mountains in the Andes
• Drinking pisco sours
• The chocolate museum in Cusco
• Cristo Blanco and an “easy day” to get there
• $6 Peruvian massages
  

We absolutely LOVED Hotel Rojas Inn in Cusco, but we also considered staying at the gorgeous Novotel Cusco and Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel - all come with a free breakfast buffet!

We took a tour out to hike/horseback ride Rainbow Mountain and highly recommend it! You can see that tour and others we recommend in our Cusco Viator Shop.

You can't go to Peru without seeing the ruins so be sure to listen to our full episode about the 4 day/3 night Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu adventure we did, lots of good tips in here!

If you're looking for a flight deal to Peru, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

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