Cusco, Peru
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What's Cusco Like?

Cusco is situated on the Southeastern side of Peru, crossing through the Andes mountains. The city of Cusco is known as the archaeological capital of the Americas. Walking through Cusco is like visiting is a living museum of the history of the Inca.

Not only does the city have many ancient, archaeologic, and historic buildings, such as the Cathedral, which has some of the major colonial art collections of Peru, the Monastery of San Francisco, the Catacombs, the Church of Santo Domingo at Qoricancha, and many museums of religious and historical art of region, the city also contains many artesan markets in the streets of San Andrés, along Avenida El Sol, in the Calle Triunfo, and in the Plaza de Armas. You are sure to find plenty to do and see on a daily basis in Cusco!

The city thrives with tourism, commerce, and activities, and many find the city incredibly friendly and walkable.

Many people who arrive in Cusco automatically notice the change in altitude (3,310m or almost 11,000 ft), along with a strong awareness of energy, a very unique experience. The climate does take some getting used to, and many Peruvians recommend drinking tea to help with the acclimitazation. It's very common for most new arrivals to experience moderate altitude sickness or "soroche". Please discuss with your doctors ways to prevent altitude sickness before you arrive, and if altitude will have an affect on any medication you are currently taking.
Many students aren't accustomed to the physical demands that living in the Andes requires. It's recommended that you eat lightly, drink lots of water and rest in your first days for a smoother transition to acclimitization.

Points of Interest in the City

Be sure not to miss:

-Cathedral and the Sun Temple of Qoricancha
-Inca Archeological ruins of Sacsahuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay
-Ollantaytambo, ancient Inca site
-Pisac market
-Theatre and dance shows throughout the city
-Iglesia y Monasterio de Santa Catalina
-Iglesia de San Blas
-Monument to the Inca Pachacútec
-Arzobispal Palace
-Palacio del Almirante
-Casa de los Cuatro Bustos
-Casa del Inca Garcilazo de la Vega
-Beatario de las Nazarenas
-Adventure tourism in and around Cusco

Helpful Phrases

Do you speak English? - ¿Hablas inglés?
I don't speak Spanish. - No hablo castellano.
How are you? - ¿Cómo estás? or ¿Cómo te va?
I'm fine. Thank you! - Bien. ¡Gracias!
You're welcome. - De nada or No hay de que.
Excuse me (when passing through a crowd). - Permicito.
Good morning. - Buenos días.
Good afternoon. - Buenas tardes.
Good evening/Good night. - Buenas noches.
Hello! - ¡Hola!
Good bye. - Chao.
How much does it cost? - ¿Cuánto cuesta? or ¿Cuánto vale?
What is your name? - ¿Cómo te llamas?
My name is...... - Me llamo.......
Where is the hotel? - ¿Dónde está el hotel?
Where is the telephone? - ¿Dónde está el teléfono?
Where is the bathroom? - ¿Dónde están los servicios? or ¿Dónde está el baño?
What time is it? - ¿Qué hora es?
I am a vegetarian. - Soy vegetariano/a.
I don't understand. - No entiendo.
Please speak slower. - Más despacio por favor.
Help! - ¡Ayuda!, ¡Ayúdame!, ¡Auxilo!
Be careful! - ¡Ten cuidado!