Cusco Action
Description:
In addition to Inca ruins, colonial architecture and traditional Andean villages, the Sacred Valley is also host to countless not-so-sacred adventure activities, including some of the best trekking options in the world, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and whitewater rafting. The truly adventurous (and those with the necessary skills, expertise, equipment and insurance policy) can pack their crampons and climbing ropes for mountaineering expeditions, and some foolhardy visitors have been known to ski down the un-groomed, wild mountain sides. Cusco is full of agencies offering a whole range of adventure excursions. You'll find that most of them are offering the same services, but it's always wise to shop around, both for quality and safety. If planning a long, complex or expensive trip, it's always advisable to ask the agency to put all the details in writing before you hand over the cash.
Author: Matthew Barker
Day 1 - Cusco
How you spend your first day in Cusco should depend on whether or not you're acclimatised to the altitude. If you've come directly from sea level you should spend at least one day getting used to the high altitude as this can affect all visitors, no matter their age or level of fitness. If this is the case, spend the first day walking through Cusco on foot, starting with the historical buildings around the Plaza de Armas followed by the interesting neighborhood of San Blas. If you're already used to the altitude however, don't wait around, and get cracking with one of the many exhilarating activities on offer in the Sacred Valley. Mountain bikes can be hired for around $10 a day and there are a growing number of outlets in the city. Follow a route out ofCusco either towards Pisac or to Moray, both approximately 20 miles out of town. Your rental outlet should have maps available and can recommend off road tracks for you to follow. Alternatively, let someone else do the hard work and go on a horseback trip to one of the many sites outside of Cusco . Be selective in your choice however, not all outlets are reputable and standards of welfare may not be high. Choose only outlets with healthy looking, well groomed animals and insist on not following paved routes that take in many steep inclines or descents, which are ruinous on the horses knees. Have dinner in Andes Grill, a great value Peruvian restaurant and spend the night at the lively and busy Loki hostel.
1
Sacred Valley of the Incas (The)
Location:
view in google mapsSacred Valley of the Incas
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 8426 3176 (Tourist Information)2
Plaza de Armas
Location:
view in google mapsPlaza de Armas
Cusco, Peru
2
Huacatay
Location:
view in google mapsJr Arica 600
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2017902
Mandela's Bar
Location:
view in google mapsCalle Palacio 121
3do Piso
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 222 4242
Tunupa
Location:
view in google mapsPortal de Confituria 233
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
84 252 9362
Norton Rat's Tavern
Location:
view in google mapsCalle Santa Catalina Angosta 116, 2nd floor
(Plaza de Armas)
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
84 246 2042
Greens
Location:
view in google mapsTandapata 700
2nd floor
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 24 38202
Chezz Maggi La Antigua
Location:
view in google mapsProcuradores 365
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 23 48612
Truco (El)
Location:
view in google mapsPlaza Regocijo 261
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2324413
Catedral (La)
Location:
view in google mapsTriunfo
Plaza de Armas (north side)
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 842227814
Compañía de Jesús
Location:
view in google mapsPlaza de Armas
Cusco, Peru
5
San Blas District
Location:
view in google maps5 blocks north of Plaza de Armas
Begins roughly at Calle Choquechaca, as the neighborhood climbs into the hills
Cusco, Peru
6
Andes Grill
Location:
view in google mapsPortal de Panes 147
2do. piso
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2434227
The Cross Keys
Location:
view in google mapsPortal Confiturías 233, 2do. piso
(Plaza de Armas)
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2338658
Loki Backpacker's Hostel
Location:
view in google mapsCuesta Santa Ana 601
Centro Historico
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
84 243 705Day 2 - Cusco
After breakfast head to either Amazonas Adventure or Inca Adventure tour agencies, the latter of which helps to fund social projects for disadvantaged youngsters in the Sacred Valley area. These tour outfitters can send you out on a white knuckle adventure in the Sacred Valley, in particular a river rafting trip down the Urubamba river. Ask for a trip that includes the Canon Hyaran section, which boasts class three plus rapids. For those with more time on their hands, a 12 day trip down the Tambopata river is available, ask at any one of the rafting agencies in town but be sure to check your travel insurance policy first! Rosie O'Grady's is a fun place to kick back in the evening and recount your tales of whitewater daring over a glass or two of the local beer.
1
Amazonas Adventure
Location:
view in google mapsAv. Collasuyo 910
Urb. Miravalle
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2528462
The Inca Adventure
Location:
view in google mapsPasaje Sinchiroca N' 110
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2337424
Rosie O 'Gradys
Location:
view in google mapsSanta Catalina Ancha 360
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2435145
Ukuku's Bar
Location:
view in google mapsCalle Plateros 316, 2nd floor
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
84 254 911; 984 759 686Day 3 - Cusco
Begin the trek of a lifetime with the Inca trail to Machu Picchu! The following trek follows the official Inca Trail, and should be booked at least two months in advance, as demand is high and the number of tourists is restricted to prevent excessive erosion and damage to the route. There are however a number of alternative treks that are often more demanding and exhilarating. Shop around in Cusco for the right deal, or contact the South American Explorers ( www.saexplorers.org) before you arrive for up-to-date impartial advice on what treks are available. Most treks begin with a bus journey from Cusco to the start of the trail after which you will begin climbing on a trail that runs parallel to the Urubamba river. Passing the archaeological site of Llactapata you will continue to the small village of Wayllabamba where some treks stop for the night.
1
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Location:
Cusco, PeruDay 7 - Machu Picchu
On the final day of the trek you will rise early and make the final two hour descent to the Sun Gate, the last stop on the Inca Trail. You will leave your backpacks at the guard house and enter the lost city itself, with several hours to spare before hundreds of day-trippers arrive by the train load. You will catch the sunrise over the cloud-topped city and have a chance to replicate all those famous postcard scenes from a spot overlooking the entire site. You will spend a full day exploring the ruins which will captivate you for hours. There is an expensive snack bar at the entrance to the ruins and if you bring your own lunch you will have to leave this with your backpack at the guard house. Organized treks will have a return journey to Cusco pre-arranged, alternatively you can catch a bus to the nearby Aguas Calientes and a train to Cusco.
1
Macchu Picchu
Location:
Machu Picchu, Peru