THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CUSCO

• Prepare to be winded all the time! - the elevation is a game changer

• Guinea pigs are served on a platter and are expensive!!

• Coca leaves are consumed by locals for religious reasons and the tourist use them for altitude sickness

• You'll see traditional woman carrying baby labs on their backs or walking an alpaca

• The water shuts off every night- plan accordingly!

• Cusco can be hot during the day and so cold at night (altitude problems)

• Taxis are the main form of transportation. There are city buses that will take you around town

• Most tour agencies have currency exchange options

• Spanish is the common language but you can get by with English

PACKING LIST

• WARM clothes - it's best to layer since the weather changes often - bring warm gear for sleeping

• Comfortable trekking gear - athletic/quick drying

• Walking shoes- you will be doing lots of walking

• Umbrella - rain jacket - and poncho (especially rainy season)

• Student ID for discounts on tours

• Altitude sickness medicine - can be purchased OTC or prescribed by a doctor

• Travel day bag