Plaza de Armas
Cusco: The Original Capital of the Ancient Incan Civilization. This is one of the coolest cities in all of South America and is the jumping off point for world famous Machu Picchu. Plan on 7-10 days here.
Hostels:
Periwana: 7/10 on party/crazy scale; chill spot; free basic bfast; bad WiFi in bedrooms; open site courtyard with pingpong and sappo; computers for use
Wild Rover: 10/10 on party/crazy scale; slightly out of town and not close to plaza de armas; great beds; good food; excellent view of city; smoking in bar after 10pm; computers for use
Kokopelli: 5/10 on party/crazy scale; wasn’t great for single guys; better for couples; nice private rooms; free basic bfast; computers for use
Loki: 9/10 on party/crazy scale; great in house tour company (ask to go with Sam); good theme nights
Trekking:
Asungate. Not for the faint of heart.
Asungate Trek: hardcore, 4 night five day trek around Peru’s second highest peak. the sights (mountains, colors, Laguna, wildlife) are absolutely mindblowing. You can add an addtl day if you want to hit Rainbow Mountain (strongly suggested). Rent gear from Rosly (see below; mention Chasqui), contact me for a rational, and then hire a guide and pack horse. No need for a tour.
Machu Picchu Jungle Trek: 3nights, 4days culminating in MP. $300USD/person with Loki Travel. Zip lining, white water rafting, downhill biking, three nights hostels, all transport, food and MP entrance fee included. Ask for Sam the guide (English speaker who trains all Loki’s other guides). Honestly, you save very little stitching these options together yourself. This is great quality and price. Only one day of actual 6 hours trekking.
Rainbow Mountain. Surreal.
Rainbow Mountain: Google it and go. It’s beautiful. Worth the small price. Hike isn’t too hard despite rumors.
Rosly Camping Equipment (FB: camping Rosly Cusco); owner’s a guy named Ever. Best prices and quality (i checked all over). S/288 for 5 days rental of: 2-person tent, 2 inflatable sleeping pads, full cooking set with 2 large gas canisters and two igniters and one down jacket. Roughly came to 7–9 USD/day. Mention Chasqui and get 10% discount.
South American Explorers’ Club: a partner of ours who will help you plan and execute trips on your own (without expensive tours). Happy to connect you for whatever is needed (membership needed so go thru me).
Food:
Supayshi Sushi: one room sushi start up opened in September 2016 by some cool dudes from Lima. S/20 for 10 pieces. smaller rolls so a little pricey. 5 different options. Good micro brews (S/15) to wash it down. Supay is a semi spicy roll (trout, avocado, something else). The Lomo Saltado roll is delicious (trout and avo) topped with beef lomo saltado and it’s juice on the side.
Museo del Cafe: hidden gem of a coffee shop just off plaza de armas. They have great lunch options at reasonable prices, portions are big.
Jack’s Cafe: popular gringo restaurant; busy for brunch and lunch; brunch served all day; large portions; pricey. Recommended: chicken Caesar salad (ask for light dressing); Special Scramble (creamy garlic mushroom, bacon and tomato); Staff’s fave cheeseburger.
Tacomania. Food is outstanding!
Tacomania: don’t miss this spot. The enchiladas are delicious. Both chicken with mole sauce and the chicken all horno are DELISH. Plates are filling and S/ 23. La
Sangucheria: nice little boutique sandwich shop. The steak sandwich was good (S/15). Good selections of beers, nice atmosphere. Have WiFi
Pizzeria Trattoria Casa Grande: great pizza place with good prices; family owned; packed so service can be slow but worth it if you’re patient; the lasagna is good, vegetarian pizza was delicious; good sized portions.
Los Angeles Chicken: standard Peruvian quick service chicken restaurant. S/12 for 1/4 chicken + fries. S/24 for 1/2 chicken + fries.
L’Atelier Cafe & Boutique: hidden gem of a coffee shop and clothing store near San Blas. Loaded with boutique designs and jewelry. Perfect for a day doing work on a computer, a few hours reading a book or relaxing over an espresso.
Cholos Bar. Little outdoor patio space is nice too.
Cholo’s: microbrew bar hidden in a side alleyway. Cool ambiance and great little place to grab a few drinks. Pints are S/15.
Clubs:
Chango.
Chango: best club in Cusco; free entry from Wild Rover frequently; Latin, salsa, house and hip hop. Good looking crowd. Pricey drinks.
Temple Bar.
The Temple: down the road from Chango. Two floors and good drinks specials. Again, try and find a promoter and you get hooked up.