Cusco is 3,400 meters above sea level in the Andes and a beautiful city, but also the starting point for visits to the world famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Arriving at these altitudes, nearly everybody feels mild to severe symptoms of the altitude sickness.

The Cocaproducts cannot be missed in Cusco. But contrary to all expectations, the tea, biscuits or chocolate don’t have a noticeable intoxicating effect.

Around Cusco there are many Inca ruins and beautiful viewpoints.

From the Estación Poroy outside of Cusco, it goes slowly by train from 3,486 meters above sea level down to 2,038 meters along the Urubamba River to the town Aguas Calientes, the starting point of the visits of the ruins of Machu Picchu. The railway track begins in the open plateau and goes deeper and deeper into the canyon of the Río Urubamba.

Starting point for the multiday hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a suspension bridge over the Rio Urubamba.

Aguas Calientes with its big tourist market is the base camp for tourist trips to Machu Picchu in the mountains above the city.

From Aguas Calientes, the buses go on an unpaved winding road up to Machu Picchu. And there it is, the world famous and impressive city of Machu Picchu.