What Not to Do in Cusco: 15 Mistakes That Mark You as a Tourist (And How to Avoid Them)
I watched from a café balcony in Plaza de Armas as the American couple made all the classic mistakes. First, they stumbled from their taxi looking pale—no acclimatization day. Then, they snapped photos of an elderly Quechua woman without asking, her weathered face tightening in silent reproach. Finally, they haggled viciously over a hand-woven textile, arguing about five soles ($1.30) with an artisan whose family had woven that pattern for generations.
As a travel journalist who has spent months in the former Inca capital, I’ve witnessed how small missteps can alienate locals, ruin experiences, and even endanger health. Cusco isn’t Disneyland—it’s a living, breathing city at 11,152 feet where ancient traditions coexist with modern tourism. Here’s what not to do in Cusco, learned through cringe-worthy observation and local confessions.
Mistake #1: Rushing to Machu Picchu on Day One
The Consequence: Altitude sickness will steal $300+ and your Sacred Valley day.
I met Sarah from Colorado at the Clinica San Jose in San Blas—Cusco’s unofficial «tourist altitude clinic.» She’d flown from Lima straight to Ollantaytambo and attempted the Inca Trail on her second day. «I spent what should have been my summit day hooked to an oxygen tank,» she confessed, pointing to the $285 bill.
What to do instead: The 48-Hour Rule. Your first two days should look like this:
- Day 1: Light walking only. Coca tea. Early bed.
- Day 2: Gentle exploration of Cusco’s historic center, nothing above 12,000 feet.
- Day 3: Now consider Sacred Valley tours or higher elevations.
Mistake #2: Calling Archaeological Sites «Ruins»
The Consequence: You’ll offend guides and miss the spiritual significance.
«Ruins imply something dead,» explained Miguel, a Quechua guide at Sacsayhuamán. «These are living ceremonial sites. My ancestors still perform rituals here during Inti Raymi.» The language you use shapes your perception. Machu Picchu is a sanctuary. Moray is an agricultural laboratory. Pisac is a complex citadel.
Mistake #3: The Disrespectful Photo (The Biggest Social Faux Pas)
The Consequence: You become «just another disrespectful gringo.»
The rule is simple: Always ask. This applies to:
- People in traditional dress (especially women with llamas)
- Children (their parents are often nearby)
- Ceremonies or rituals
- Inside smaller colonial churches (where photography is often prohibited)
A better approach: «¿Una foto, por favor?» followed by a genuine conversation. Many will ask for a small tip (2-5 soles), which is fair compensation.
Mistake #4: Haggling Like It’s Cairo
The Consequence: You’ll embarrass yourself and shortchange artisans.
There are two Cusco markets:
- The Commercial Markets (Mercado San Pedro food section, some artisanal corridors): Polite bargaining expected. Start at 60% of asking.
- The Artisan Markets (Centro Artesanal, smaller village markets): Fixed prices or minimal negotiation. That textile represents weeks of work.
Pro tip: If you’re debating over less than 10 soles ($2.60), just pay it. That money means exponentially more to them than to you.
Mistake #5: Booking the Cheapest Inca Trail Operator
The Consequence: You support unethical porter treatment.
The $500 trek isn’t a bargain—it’s a red flag. Legitimate operators pay porters fair wages (at least 80 soles/day), provide proper equipment, and carry weight limits. Ask three questions before booking:
- «What’s your porter-to-tourist ratio?» (Should be at least 1:2)
- «Can I see photos of porter sleeping quarters and meals?»
- «Are porters insured?»
Mistake #6: Ignoring Contemporary Quechua Culture
The Consequence: You’ll view Cusco as a museum rather than a living city.
While you’re admiring Inca walls, remember that Quechua language and traditions thrive today. Attend a local festival (not just the tourist-oriented ones). Visit the Museo de Arte Popular for contemporary indigenous art. Learn three phrases:
- Allianchu (Hello, how are you?)
- Yusulpayki (Thank you)
- Manam intindinichu (I don’t understand)
Mistake #7: Wearing Slippery Shoes on Cobblestones
The Consequence: A twisted ankle on San Blas’s steep, slippery streets.
Cusco’s streets are original colonial cobblestones, polished smooth by centuries and treacherously slick when wet. Leave your fashion sneakers at home. Pack:
- Trail runners or hiking shoes with grip
- Waterproof boots for rainy season (Nov-Mar)
- No flip-flops except in your hotel
Mistake #8: Drinking Tap Water (Including Brushing Teeth)
The Consequence: Traveler’s diarrhea at altitude is brutal.
Even locals drink bottled or boiled water. Your hotel might say it’s filtered, but travelers’ stomachs lack immunity. Use bottled water for:
- Brushing teeth
- Rinsing toothbrush
- Taking medication
Exception: High-end hotels with certified purification systems.
Mistake #9: Using «Cuzco» Instead of «Cusco»
The Consequence: You immediately date yourself and your research.
The spelling officially changed from «Cuzco» to «Cusco« in 1976 to better reflect the Quechua pronunciation («Qosqo»). Seeing «Cuzco» in your guidebook or mouth indicates outdated information. This matters when discussing transportation, as bus stations and official documents use «Cusco.»
Mistake #10: Only Eating at Tourist Restaurants
The Consequence: You’ll pay triple for less authentic food.
The restaurants around Plaza de Armas cater to foreign palates. Walk 4-5 blocks in any direction for the real deal:
- Local favorite: Try Pollerías for Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken
- Street food gem: The empanada stall inside San Pedro Market (look for the line)
- Culinary adventure: Cuy (guinea pig) is best tried in the Sacred Valley, not in Cusco’s tourist traps
Mistake #11: Assuming Everyone Speaks English
The Consequence: You’ll miss connections and opportunities.
While tourism workers speak English, venture beyond the center and you’ll need Spanish. Download Google Translate’s offline Spanish pack. Better yet, learn these essential phrases:
- «La cuenta, por favor» (The check, please)
- «¿Dónde está el baño?» (Where is the bathroom?)
- «¿Cuánto cuesta?» (How much does it cost?)
Mistake #12: Taking Unregistered Taxis at Night
The Consequence: «Express kidnappings» still occasionally occur.
Registered taxis have company logos, license numbers, and sometimes yellow tops. Unregistered taxis are plain sedans. At night:
- Have your hotel/restaurant call a taxi
- Use Uber or Beat (works well in Cusco)
- Look for the official taxi stands near Plaza de Armas
Mistake #13: Touching or Climbing on Inca Walls
The Consequence: You damage 500-year-old heritage and face fines.
Those perfect stone walls without mortar have survived earthquakes because of their precise engineering. Your oils and pressure degrade them. You’ll see signs saying «No tocar» (don’t touch)—heed them. The best photos come from respectfully observing, not leaning.
Mistake #14: Skipping the Boleto Turístico
The Consequence: You’ll pay more for less access.
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (130 soles/$35) seems expensive but includes 16 sites over 10 days. Buying individual entries to Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay alone costs nearly as much. Purchase it at COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol—not from touts.
Mistake #15: Only Seeing the Postcard Views
The Consequence: You experience a sanitized version of Cusco.
Beyond the plazas and ruins lies a complex, vibrant city. Spend time in:
- San Blas: The artisan neighborhood with steep streets
- San Pedro Market: The overwhelming, authentic market
- Avenida El Sol: The modern commercial heart
- A local futbol match: Experience Peruvian passion
FAQ: Your Cusco Etiquette Questions Answered
Q: Is it safe to walk around Cusco at night?
A: In the historic center, yes—until about 10 PM. Stick to well-lit main streets, avoid empty alleys, and don’t flash expensive cameras or jewelry. Beyond the center, take registered taxis.
Q: Should I give money to child street vendors?
A: This is complex. Many organizations recommend against it, as it can keep children out of school. Instead, support families by purchasing from adult artisans or donating to reputable local NGOs.
Q: Can I use US dollars everywhere in Cusco?
A: Most tourist businesses accept dollars, but you’ll get a poor exchange rate. Use soles for better value. ATMs dispense soles, and currency exchange houses on Avenida El Sol offer fair rates.
Q: What’s the one thing I should definitely pack for Cusco?
A: Beyond layers and altitude medication—a headlamp. Power outages happen, and early morning treks begin in darkness.
Q: Is the altitude sickness medication Diamox necessary?
A: Consult your doctor. Many travelers use it preventatively with great success. Start taking it 24 hours before arrival. Side effects include tingling fingers—this is normal.
The Mindset Shift: From Tourist to Temporary Guest
Cusco reveals itself to those who approach with humility. It’s not about checking off sights; it’s about understanding that you’re walking through someone’s home, history, and spiritual landscape.
The most memorable moment of my last visit wasn’t Machu Picchu—it was sharing a bench with an elderly Quechua man in a tiny plaza in San Blas. We didn’t speak the same language, but we sat in comfortable silence watching the same sunset paint the same cathedral spire. He nodded when I left. That silent connection was worth more than any photograph.
Author biography:
Alexandra Grossman and Julian Hüllstrunk, a couple traveling through Latin America for 9 months.
Headline: Ready for the Real Cusco?
Your packing list is checked. Your respect guide is downloaded. Now, experience Cusco as it’s meant to be seen.
