"Formerly a Viscount's residence, the photogenic Costa Del Sol Cusco sits in a great location, walkably close to the center of a beautiful city. Meals in the hotel restaurant and at the breakfast buffet were fantastic. Staff were very helpful.
Our room had uncomfortably overstuffed pillows that might have been designed by the Spanish Inquisition, so thick they threaten to break your neck. In fairness, my body was getting used to the thin air in Cusco and that also played a role in my restless night.
The bathroom exhaust fan rattled noisily, but the air conditioner's rattle was far worse, indicating a low standard of maintenance, which was surprising for a hotel of this caliber.
Local attractions: We hiked around an amazing Incan ruin called SAQSAYWAMAN, elevation 12,139 feet (3701 meters), and later, back in Cusco (elevation 11,150 feet) my wife suffered a severe bout of altitude sickness. With the dry air, maybe dehydration also factored in, but suddenly at dinner she was hammered hard when a massive headache and multiple attacks of nausea struck.
I have three suggestions to help you avoid altitude sickness: 1) don't fly to Cusco directly from Lima. First visit Arequipa at around 7000 feet so your body can gradually acclimate to Andes' elevations, especially if you live near sea level as we do; 2) you can buy little bottles of oxygen at any pharmacy, and those really help when you're struggling for breath; and 3) they sell altitude sickness drugs at every pharmacy."
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