Traveling during the pandemic isn’t an easy decision for anyone. The good thing is that the imperial city of Cusco has taken strong security and safety measures and had obtained the stamp of «Safe Travels». Here I recommend some things to do in Cusco in these times:
¿How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Cusco is by plane. The frequencies of the flights has decreased, but from Lima there are still many flights and little by little more national and international routes are being retaken. Remember that if you travel during these times in Peru, you need to wear a mask and face shield. You will also have to fill out an affidavit that they give you at the airport. If you want to go by land, the buses also take security measures, but the trip takes about a full day from Lima.
¿Where to stay?
Cusco has an immense hotel offer and during the pandemic you can find many. The first days I stayed at La Estancia San Blas and the last days I stayed in a shared room at the Hotel Selina. Both hotels follow security protocols.
My first impression of Cusco in the pandemic
The city was definitely not the same as the one I have visited in the past. There were fewer tourists and fewer businesses operating. Cusco is a city that lives from tourism and the pandemic has affected it widely. Tourism resumed on November 1st and more and more travelers arrive, but there is still a long way to go to catch up.
The Market of San Pedro
The San Pedro Market is a classic in Cusco. The good thing is that in these times protocols have increased to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here you can find handicrafts, fresh products and delicious food. All businesses have implemented new sanitary measures, but fresh food businesses have made more of an effort so that diners can enjoy the delicious and affordable dishes they offer. The menu that I ordered was 14 soles, but there is food from 4 soles.
The Convent of San Francisco de Asis
I had not visited this Convent in the past, but it is well worth it. It stands out for having the largest canvas in America and because it is very likely that the remains of Tupac Amaru II are found in its catacombs.
Walk around the city.
Walking is one of the best activities these days, as long as you keep your distance. I walked from the Alameda Pachacutec to the Plaza de Armas, but there are many options to walk around the imperial city.
Convent of Santo Domingo – Qorikancha
This building is currently better known as Qorikancha, the original name of the Great Temple of the Incas. As it could not be destroyed by the Spanish, it was used as a foundation to build the Convent of Santo Domingo. Today it stands out as one of the best expressions of Inca and Spanish syncretism that can be seen throughout Cusco. Totally recommended.
The entry is 15 soles.
Dinner on a balcony in the Plaza de Armas.
The restaurants with balconies that surround the Plaza de Armas are classic for having a good meal with a privileged view. During the pandemic many restaurants have closed, but there were some open. I went up to Tunapa and ordered a trout. It was tasty, but nothing special. I feel that one goes there and pays for the view, which is spectacular.
Tour of Cusco by bicycle
During the pandemic the use of bicycles exploded and thanks to that a greater cycling culture is being formed in Cusco. In Wasicleta, rent a bicycle for 15 soles to tour Cusco. Take into account that in the historic center there are many cobbled streets where you will have to walk your bicycle.
A classic place to eat Picantería.
Every time I go to Cusco I try to go to picantería. They are the classic places to eat in Cusco. They got their name from the spicy food they served there, they are also called chicherías because Chicha de Jora is sold there. In Cusco, the frutillada is eaten a lot, which is the Chicha de Jora with strawberry. The plate of suckling pig with stuffed rocoto, moraya and a tamale cost S/30 soles. The glass of strawberry cost S/5 soles.
¿Visitar o no en Pandemia?
It is a personal decision that each one has to analyze. If you are in a risk group, avoid exposing yourself and if it is possible to get tested before you travel, do it. Take into account that many things are already being reactivated and many people live from tourism, but if you feel that your safety or that of your loved ones is in danger, do not expose yourself. This is the full video of my trip: