Cusco phone code
The Cusco city phone code is 084.
Communications
Internet
There are plenty of Internet cafés in the centre of Cusco . Most are on or around the Plaza de Armas and on Procuradores.
Post
The post office is on the 7 th block of Av. El Sol, down from Qorikancha.
Crime and safety
Cusco is generally safe. However, the presence of so many tourists and their relative wealth is bound to attract some attention. Be careful with flashing cameras, etc around, especially in areas away from the centre. Also, be careful when walking back to hotels at night. Attacks on tourists leaving clubs have been reported. Also, be careful when taking taxis, especially to the airport. There have been reports of taxi drivers taking passengers to a quiet location and removing all their possessions. Use a reputable taxi firm if possible. The Santa Ana market is quite dangerous, so do not walk there with valuables.
Tourist police
The tourist police station is at Saphi 510, 2 blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
Health
The EsSalud hospital is at Anselmo Alverez s/n, and the Hospital Regional is at Av. de la Cultura s/n. The best private clinics are the Clinica Pardo at Av. de la Cultura 710 and the Clinica Paredes at Lechugal 405.
Laundry services
Most hostels and hotels have a laundry service. There are also plenty of places on Av. Saphi. These charge less than $1 per kilo.
Local transport
Combis and buses
Combis are not allowed into the centre of Cusco , although many run along Av. de la Cultura. All attractions in the city are within walking distance of the centre.
Taxis
Taxis are cheap in Cusco , with local journeys costing just over $0.50. Trips to Sacsayhuaman or the airport will cost around $1.50.
Money
Banks
Most banks have branches on Av. El Sol close to the Plaza de Armas. These include Banco Santander (Visa cash machine), Interbank (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus cash machine), Banco de Crédito (Visa cash machine) and Banco Continental (Visa cash machine).
Moneychangers
There are plenty of money changing offices on Av. El Sol, close to the banks, and on the Plaza de Armas.
Money transfers
Western Union is at Av. El Sol 627-A.
South American Explorers Club
The South American Explorers Club has a clubhouse at Av. El Sol 930.
Sport and activities
Football
Cusco has a good football team, Ciencianos, in the Peruvian first division. Matches are played at the stadium in the south of the city.
Toilets
There are public toilets on Calle Plateros one block from the Plaza de Armas.
Travel services
Tourist information
The tourist information office, on Mantas, is very helpful with general information on attractions in the Cusco area. The INC office, on San Bernardo , also has some useful leaflets on the major attractions.
Tourist Protection
Indecopi, where complaints can be made, is at Portal Carrizos 250 on the Plaza de Armas.
Private guides
Private guides can usually be hired at each site visited to give a private tour. However, in some locations there are few guides and they can be occupied. A private tour, including guide, can be hired from most agencies in Cusco . However, a significant premium is usually charged for such a service.
Travel agencies
There are scores of travel agencies in Cusco offering tours to the surrounding attractions. Most of these offer the same tours, e.g. city tour, the Sacred Valley , Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail, Ausangate, rafting, etc. A few also offer other options, such as tours to the Pongo de Mainique, Vilcabamba or Choquequirau. However, as these are less popular, prices tend to be high. There are different classes of agencies in Cusco , ranging from the cheapest and most basic to the quite luxurious and expensive. When choosing an agency, budget is often a primary consideration. However, if you can spend a bit more it is often worth doing so as the quality of the tour can be considerably higher. For example, the more expensive tours of the Inca Trail have better the equipment and food, smaller groups and more experienced guides. The most expensive tours usually include a porter to carry your rucksack, meaning that you only have to carry a daypack. The cheapest can often have very large groups with poor guides and the food can be unappealing.
If you have had a good or a bad experience with an agency, please let other travellers know.
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