Cuzco Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

While most travelers will experience few problems in Cuzco, it’s a fact that more tourists are robbed here than in any other Peruvian city. Take special care going to and from the train stations and central market, as these are prime areas for pickpockets and bag slashers.

Ruthless robberies in taxis have been on the rise. When taking cabs, use only official taxis – look for the company’s lit telephone number on top of the taxi. Lock your doors from the inside, and never allow the driver to admit a second passenger.

Avoid walking by yourself late at night or very early in the morning. Revelers returning late from bars or setting off for the Inca Trail before sunrise are particularly vulnerable to ‘choke and grab’ attacks.

Don’t buy drugs. Dealers and police often work together, and Procuradores is one of several areas in which you can make a drug deal and get busted all within a couple of minutes. Women especially should try not to let go of their glass or accept drinks from strangers; spiking drinks with drugs has been frequently reported.

Take care not to overexert yourself during your first few days if you’ve flown in from lower elevations, such as Lima. You may find yourself quickly becoming winded while traipsing up and down Cuzco’s narrow streets. A few luxury hotels offer in-room oxygen supplements, which may ease some of the headaches and insomnia that are common ailments at high elevations.

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While you're there

Medical services

Cuzco’s medical facilities are limited; head back to Lima for serious procedures.

Clínica Panamericana (27 0000, 65 1888; www.cuscohealth.com; Urb Larape Grapple C-17 San Jerónimo; 24hr) Medical care specifically for tourists, including visits with a doctor, nurse and ambulance at your hotel.

Clínica Pardo (24 0387; Av de la Cultura 710; 24hr) Consultation US$10.50.

Clínica Paredes (22 5265; Lechugal 405; 24hr) Consultation US$30.

Hospital Regional (23 9792, emergencies 22 3691; Av de la Cultura s/n; 24hr) Cheaper than private clinics, but not as consistently good. Consultation is US$7.50. Yellow-fever vaccinations available 9am to 1pm Saturday.

InkaFarma (24 2967; Av El Sol 214; 24hr) A well-stocked pharmacy.

Tourist Medical Assistance (TMA; 26 0101; Heladeros 157; 24hr) Offers emergency medical services, health information and legal assistance.

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