Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Cusco 🇵🇪 Backpacking Peru
Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Cusco 🇵🇪 Backpacking Peru
Notable moments
- 03:40 Exploring Machu Picchu Citadel
The video shows panoramic views of the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu shrouded in mountain mist as travelers walk through stone pathways and terraces. Christianne explains that entry tickets sell out weeks in advance and advises avoiding Circuit 4 because it does not grant access to the classic upper viewpoint.
Machu Picchu, Peru - 04:14 Hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain
Hikers climb the steep stone steps along the cliffside trail of Huayna Picchu mountain. From the summit ledge, visitors take in expansive view looking down over the Machu Picchu citadel and surrounding valley.
Huayna Picchu, Peru - 04:35 Hiking the Classic Inca Trail
The video outlines the iconic 4-day Inca Trail trek showing elevation maps, trail passes, and hikers gathering outside stone shelters along the route. Christianne emphasizes that permits must be reserved roughly six months in advance and typically cost around $600 USD.
Inca Trail, Peru - 05:02 Trekking the Salkantay Route
Hikers traverse scenic mountain passes alongside snow-capped peaks and the vibrant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. Christianne highlights this 5-day, 70-kilometer trek as a popular $300 USD alternative to the Inca Trail that can be booked closer to travel dates.
Salkantay Trek, Peru - 06:00 Visiting Pisac Archaeological Site
Ancient Incan stone buildings and terraced agriculture fields overlook the Sacred Valley landscape near Pisac. Christianne mentions that travelers can easily take a local colectivo bus from Cusco in the morning to explore the site independently.
Pisac, Peru - 06:08 Hiking Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Hikers follow a high-altitude trail leading to the distinctive multi-colored mineral stripes of Rainbow Mountain at over 5,000 meters above sea level. The video also shows the adjacent rust-red mountain scenery of the Red Valley, which visitors can walk through on the return route for a small extra fee.
Vinicunca, Peru - 07:16 Exploring Saqsaywaman Archaeological Site
Visitors walk up stone stairs past the prominent Cristo Blanco statue towards the massive zigzagging stone walls of Saqsaywaman overlooking Cusco. Christianne notes that this impressive Incan site is located just a 20-minute uphill walk from central Cusco.
Saqsaywaman, Peru - 08:22 Chocolate Making at ChocoMuseo
Participants wear aprons while grinding cocoa beans with a mortar and pestle and pouring melted chocolate into bar molds. Christianne recommends taking a chocolate workshop at ChocoMuseo as a fun indoor activity in Cusco.
ChocoMuseo, Cusco, Peru - 08:57 Dining at Morena Peruvian Kitchen
The restaurant displays modern boho decor with woven pendant lighting while serving elevated Peruvian dishes such as alpaca risotto, seafood rice, bruschetta, and dessert churros. Christianne rates this as her favorite restaurant in Cusco despite its higher price point.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen, Cusco, Peru - 11:15 Eating Roasted Guinea Pig at CuyerÃa
A whole roasted guinea pig (cuy) is served on a platter alongside baked potatoes and stuffed pepper at CuyerÃa Sabor Moqueguano. Christianne samples the traditional local delicacy and compares its flavor and texture to rich roasted duck.
Cuyeria Sabor Moqueguano, Cusco, Peru - 11:43 Vegan Dining at Green Point
Artfully arranged plant-based dishes including vegan ceviche served in stone bowls and fresh pasta are presented in a lush outdoor garden courtyard. Christianne calls Green Point the top vegan restaurant in Cusco for fresh and creative lunch options.
Green Point, Cusco, Peru - 14:04 Crepes at La Casa de los Crepes
A chef spreads chocolate hazelnut cream over a thin crepe on a round hot griddle before topping it with sliced strawberries, bananas, and crushed Oreos. Christianne recommends this small shop as a cozy spot for sweet desserts in Cusco.
La Casa de los Crepes Orgánicos, Cusco, Peru - 14:38 Pisco Sours at República del Pisco
A live band performs lively music on stage in a venue filled with purple lighting while patrons enjoy classic pisco sour cocktails. Christianne notes it is one of the best spots in Cusco for authentic pisco sours and vibrant evening entertainment.
República del Pisco, Cusco, Peru - 14:52 Drinking Shots at La Chupiteria
Friends take shots simultaneously off a long wooden ski board inside La Chupiteria shot bar in Cusco. Christianne praises the lively venue for its fun music, strong drinks, and energetic social environment.
La Chupiteria, Cusco, Peru
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