1. Molino. El Molino is like the "Walmart" of Cusco. While it may not necessarily treatyou to the same "eye candy" that you get there, this is a place to go if you need to furnish an appartament without travelling all over. Just tell the taxi driver you want to go to Molino.
2. El Paraíso. Closer into the town but without as much selection as Molino is El Paraiso.
3. Souvenir Shopping. There are a few different markets with multiple booths in them if you head down AAvenida del Sol. Here you can find many of the same things you will see else where but cheaper than nearer to the Plaza de Plaza de Armas or on the Sacred Valley Tour.
4. Baratillo Market. On Saturday mornings , ask a taxi to take you to Baratillo, where you will find just about everything for sale and at disconunt prices. You may even find your Ipod that "disappeared". Note that this is probably the most likely spot to encourer pickpockets so stow your money safely and leave your valuables at home.
5. There is an alternative way to get to Machupicchu other than the train or a multi-day hike. You can take a bus to Santa Maria and from there take a taxi to hidroelectrica. From there it's a 3 or 4 hour hike into Aguas Calientes. "Ampay" is the main bus company that goes to Santa Maria.
6. Safety. Cusco is a relatively safe city and actually, for the most part safer than many. That being said, it is a city. And it is assumed that anyone who looks like a tourist has more money than someone who lives there. Just be smart put your money someplace safe and keep a good grip on cameras and bags.
7. Taxi prices. Anywhere within the main part of the city, taxis should be 3 soles. To the Terminal Terrestre bus station, it is 4 soles if they take you inside the grounds. To the airport it is 5 soles; from the airport is 5 soles If you go out to the street to get one. Prices will go up 0.50 to 1 sol at nigth.
8. Collectivos to the Sacred Valley can be found on Pavitos, just off Avenida Grau. These are shared taxis or vans. In a car, it is 7 soles per person to Urubamba, 10 to Ollantaytambo. In a van, it's 6 to Urubamba. If you want a private taxi, you can just pay for whatever seats are unused. The last ones leaves around 7:30 at nigth.
9. Many guidebooks list the Tourist Police on calle Saphi. This is a normal police station. The Tourist Police are actually at Plaza Tupac Amaru.
10. Hiking on the Inca Trail requires a permit. These are a normally sold out a month or two ahead of time and cannot be transferred to another person. If you´re trying to book when you get there, check the official website first: http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/ . Clic on "consultas" and select the appropriate month. If there are no permits available then you won't be able to get one with any agency.
Source: QUEPASA
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