Wellness in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Massage, Yoga and Rest at Altitude

After walking over cobblestones and climbing stairs at more than 3,000 meters, a massage or a gentle yoga class is a common plan. This guide summarizes what kinds of services there are by area, how to adapt your body to the altitude, and what to ask before booking. It is not medical advice: if you have health concerns, consult a professional.

First, the altitude

Cusco is at about 3,400 m. The CDC recommends doing only light activity and avoiding alcohol during the first 48 hours at altitude. Symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue) usually appear 2 to 12 hours after arrival and, if you don’t go higher, improve within 12 to 48 hours. Don’t sleep at a higher altitude if you have symptoms, and descend if they get worse. If you have heart or lung disease or sleep apnea, or are pregnant, see a doctor before traveling.

What this means for wellness: in your first days, choose gentle activities. A restorative yoga class or a relaxing massage fits better than a demanding session. Always tell the therapist or teacher that you have just arrived at altitude.

What there is by area

• Central Cusco and San Blas: massage spas near the Plaza de Armas, yoga studios with daily classes and, in some cases, yoga inside a boutique hotel. This is the area with the most variety within a small radius.
• Pisac (2,972 m): more focused on retreats, yoga schools and alternative therapies.
• Urubamba (an hour from Cusco): massage centers, physical rehabilitation and therapies, plus yoga classes. It is considered a good place to acclimatize before going up to Cusco.
• Ollantaytambo (2,792 m): small spas in the center.

What kinds of services you will see

According to the websites of several spas in the area, the usual menu includes relaxing, deep-tissue, hot-stone or Thai-style massages, as well as facials, exfoliations, sauna and reflexology. There are also massages called “Andean” or “Inca,” which are usually presented as rituals. Ask what each one includes before booking.

What to ask before booking

• Who gives the massage and what training do they have? Some centers state that their therapists are physiotherapists; ask them to explain.
• Are there contraindications for me (pregnancy, injuries, high blood pressure, medication)? Tell them before starting.
• How long is the session and what is the cancellation policy?
• Are the treatment room and bathroom heated? From June to August, nights drop to 4 or 5 °C.
• Are the oils or plants they use the ones listed on their menu? Let them know if you have allergies.
• Do they give a proof of payment?

Be wary of anyone who promises to cure serious illnesses, or who asks you to stop your medical treatment.

Yoga and rest

There are studios with daily schedules in Cusco and training schools in Pisac. Ask about the language of the class and the level. At altitude, breathe calmly, take breaks and don’t force postures. If you feel dizzy, stop and drink water.

In short

• During your first 48 hours: light activity, no alcohol.
• Say that you have just arrived at altitude, and mention any medical condition.
• Cusco has more variety; Pisac, retreats; Urubamba, therapies; Ollantaytambo, small spas.
• Ask about training, duration, contraindications and cancellation.
• Be wary of promises of healing.

When PuroCusco has businesses listed, you will see them at /categoria/bienestar; for now, use this guide to know what to ask.