Category: Tips Cusco

Sleeping on 15th-century Inca walls, waking up to oxygen-enriched air, and enjoying a breakfast menu crafted by one of the world’s best chefs. This is no ordinary hotel: this is Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel, the most exclusive luxury stay in Cusco.

Quick Facts

• 3,400 Meters Elevation: Your suite features an oxygen-enrichment system so you can forget about altitude sickness (soroche).
• 100% Personalized Experience: You are assigned a private butler upon arrival to prepare fresh herbal infusions or pack and unpack your luggage.
• 1 Legendary Pool: The only outdoor heated pool in Cusco’s entire historic center.

Three Eras in One Place

• Imperial Foundations (15th Century – Inca Empire): The site originally housed an Inca palace. You can still touch the ancient monolithic stones in the corridors and main suites.
• Nazarenas Convent (16th–17th Century – Colonial Era): The property became an aristocratic residence and later a cloistered convent, featuring religious frescoes that still adorn the hotel walls.
• Ultra-Luxury Restoration (Present Day – Belmond): The complex underwent a meticulous multi-year restoration, integrating modern technology without disturbing a single ancient stone.

Mauka: Culinary Craftsmanship by Pía León

The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Mauka, operates in collaboration with Peruvian chef Pía León (voted World’s Best Female Chef in 2021).

Dish / Concept	Star Ingredients	What Makes It Special?
Andean Tubers	Native potatoes, olluco, and oca from local communities	Showcases high-altitude biodiversity thousands of meters above sea level.
Seafood & Jungle	Amazonian paiche and fresh Pacific catch	Connects Peru’s three major ecosystems into a single tasting experience.
Craft Cocktails	Pisco infused with muña and home-grown herbs	Expertly crafted cocktails paired for the high-mountain climate.

Why Choose Palacio Nazarenas?

The Verdict: If you want living history without compromising on top-tier modern comfort, this hotel is unmatched in Cusco. It serves as the ultimate luxurious stopover before setting off to Machu Picchu.

Palacio Nazarenas Belmond Hotel, Cusco

Traveling from Arequipa (2,325 m / 7,628 ft above sea level) to Puno (3,855 m / 12,647 ft above sea level) is one of the most popular routes in southern Peru. Instead of taking a direct 6-hour bus, the best alternative is booking a 2-day tour that connects both cities through the landscapes of the Colca Valley and Canyon.

Here is what you need to know:

Part 1: The 2 in 1 Logistics

Travelers often make the mistake of taking a round-trip tour (Arequipa–Colca–Arequipa) and then taking a separate bus to Puno. Doing this doubles your budget and wastes almost two days in transit.

How does the Colca – Puno connection work?

• DAY 1: Arequipa ➔ Salinas and Aguada Blanca ➔ Patapampa (4,800 m) ➔ Chivay ➔ La Calera Thermal Baths
• DAY 2: Chivay ➔ Cruz del Cóndor ➔ Valley Towns ➔ Lagunillas ➔ Puno

Travel hack

• Travel with your luggage: Tourist transport carries all your luggage (allowing up to 20 kg / 44 lbs per person). You board in Arequipa and get off the next day in Puno, ready for the next leg of your trip (Lake Titicaca).
• Zero backtracking: Instead of returning 4 hours back to Arequipa on the second day, the bus takes the high-Andean detour toward Puno after lunch in Chivay.
• Make the most of route stops: The final stretch to Puno is not a boring transfer; it includes strategic photo stops like the Lagunillas Viewpoint, a visual spectacle featuring high-altitude lagoons and flamingos.

Part 2: Altitude and Weather

Keep in mind that this route involves ascending quickly into the Andes Mountains. You will go from Arequipa’s 2,325 m to a maximum peak of 4,800 m (15,748 ft) at the Patapampa Viewpoint, spend the night in Chivay (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), and finish in Puno (3,855 m).

To enjoy the journey, take note of these tips:

1. Altitude Sickness (Soroche) Tips

• The night before in Arequipa: Eat a light dinner (avoid red meat and heavy fats) and refrain from drinking alcohol.
• At the highest point (Patapampa – 4,800 m): The stop lasts about 15–20 minutes. Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and avoid sudden movements.
• Key herbal teas: Coca tea gives you an energy boost, but muña (Andean mint) tea is the real hero for settling your stomach and easing dizziness. You can buy them in Chivay.

2. What to Wear? Weather in the Andes is extreme and changes radically throughout the day:

• Midday in the Canyon: Bright sun and warm temperatures. You will need a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Late afternoon at the thermal baths: Keep your swimsuit and towel handy to relax in La Calera’s hot springs.
• Early morning and night (Chivay / Puno): Temperatures hover near or drop below 0 °C (32 °F). You need a warm jacket, a chullo (Andean beanie), and a windbreaker.

3. Cash Budget You must bring cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) for:

• Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC): Mandatory entry fee paid at the valley checkpoint.(70 soles)
• Entrance to La Calera Thermal Baths.(15 soles)
• Lunches and dinners: There are buffet-style tourist restaurants in Chivay where you can choose your meals.

Is it worth doing it this way?

Absolutely. It is the most efficient, scenic, and budget-friendly way to connect the “White City” with Peru’s folklore capital. You get to marvel at one of the world’s deepest canyons, witness the flight of the condor, and wake up at the gateway to Lake Titicaca while optimizing your travel time to the fullest.

2 Days Arequipa / Colca Canyon / Puno Tour(Daily Departures, Prices US$75 American Dollars per person)

When planning a trip to Cusco, most travelers immediately think of Machu Picchu or gentle walking tours around ancient Inca ruins. But if you are looking to step off the crowded tourist paths, feel the rush of Peruvian whitewater, and witness one of the planet’s most surreal geological wonders all in one seamless weekend there is a hidden gem combo you shouldn’t miss.

Combining Class III whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River with an early morning trek to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) transforms two standalone excursions into an immersive 2 day Andean escape.

Day 1: Whitewater, Ziplining, and Sleeping by the River

The adventure kicks off heading south from Cusco toward the Chuquicahuana section of the Urubamba River. What makes starting your journey with river rafting so special?

• Pure Adrenaline on Class III & III+ Rapids: Over two hours on the water, you’ll navigate splashing waves and technical turns guided by professional river experts and safety kayakers.
• More Than Just Rafting: After conquering the river, the action continues back at the riverside lodge base, where you can fly across the valley on a zipline or relax your muscles in a traditional sauna.
• Night Under the Andean Stars: Instead of returning to the noisy city center, you stay overnight in comfortable lodge rooms surrounded by nature, falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the river.

Day 2: Vinicunca Before the Crowds Arrive

One of the biggest complaints travelers have about visiting Rainbow Mountain is the brutal 3:00 AM wake-up call in Cusco and the heavy crowds at the summit.

Overnighting at the lodge in Cusipata gives you a huge strategic advantage:

1. Shorter Drive in the Morning: You are already at the doorstep of the Vilcanota mountain range, saving hours of early-morning transit.
2. Beat the Rush: Reaching the trail early allows you to hike at a comfortable pace and experience Vinicunca’s vibrant mineral stripes (reds, golds, and purples) before the peak tourist rush arrives.
3. Proper Acclimatization & Warm-up: Spending Day 1 on the river and sleeping at a slightly lower elevation helps prepare your lungs and legs for the high altitude trek up to 5,200 meters (17,060 feet).

🎒 Quick Packing Tips for this 2-Day Escape

• For the River (Day 1): Swimsuit, quick dry shorts, a towel, river sandals or old sneakers, and plenty of eco-friendly sunscreen.
• For the Mountain (Day 2): Thermal layers, a windproof/waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots with good grip, a warm beanie, and gloves.
• Essentials: A power bank for your phone/camera, reusable water bottle, and local cash in Soles (PEN) for personal snacks or souvenirs.

Ready to Level Up Your Cusco Itinerary?

Why settle for standard day tours when you can experience the Andes from the water to the clouds? Combining whitewater thrills, ziplining, lodge relaxation, and high-altitude hiking creates an unforgettable 48-hour story to tell back home.

👉Discover full details, inclusions,and book your 2D Rafting & Rainbow Mountain here!

2D Rafting And Rainbow Mountain