Cusco sits at roughly 11,152ft (3,399m), which puts it among the highest cities most travellers will ever reach. It’s also the launch pad for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley — so for most trips, Cusco is where you land first and where the altitude hits first.
Altitude sickness is the usual problem. Headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath are common on the first 24 hours. The fix is boring: slow pace, extra water, light meals, no alcohol on arrival day. Coca tea works for most people. If you can, spend a day in the Sacred Valley at 2,800m before coming back up to Cusco.
The payoff is substantial. From Cusco’s ridges — Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Cristo Blanco — the view runs across the old Inca capital and out to the surrounding peaks. The dry Andean climate gives you long sunny days and sharp cold nights year-round.
For an itinerary that paces Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with altitude in mind, Peruways builds the whole loop as a single booking rather than three separate ones.
