After 6 days and over 30 miles of trekking both Rainbow Mountain, Lares, and Machu Picchu, I was in dire need of some serious relaxation. You can count on sore legs from all the walking, tight shoulders from schlepping a backpack full of gear around, and overall exhaustion from the altitude (over 17,000ft at Rainbow Mountain). In your desperation, and with women constantly approaching you for massages, it will be easy to give in and just go with whatever offer comes your way. Lucky for you, I did a little field research and took the tough job of experiencing different spa treatments so that you know where to find the best forms of recovery. Here are 4 spa recommendations that are sure to help you recover from a Cusco trek in no time!
1. Experience hydromassage therapy at Palacio Del Inka Spa
Although staying at Palacio Del Inka may be out of your budget (about $250USD per night), non-guests are free to book in spa treatments at their luxury spa. I booked a one hour Thermal Circuit session which includes use of the hydromassage pool, jacuzzi, dry sauna, steam room, therapeutic showers and relaxation room with heated chairs for two. The cost for this treatment for two is about $50USD.
A friendly staff member led me to the luxurious changing room and waited for me in the spa so she could show me around and let me know how everything worked. The Thermal Circuit hydromassage pool was a first for me, and was such a rejuvenating experience. It’s broken up into 5 sections:
- The massaging jets that work out any issues in your lower back
- The waterfall that is meant to work on your shoulders
- The water-jet that works wonders on your neck
- The massage chairs (in the water!) work on the whole body
- The jacuzzi which is a nice relaxing end to the treatment.
After you go through the circuit (a staff member times each treatment for you) you have the option of enjoying the sauna, steam room, therapeutic showers or the relaxation room – whatever you feel like. I tried everything out, and finished my hour in the relaxation room with a nice hot cup of coca tea.
The overall experience was so luxurious and it definitely helped me recover from a long and tiresome trek in Cusco. I was treated like a queen from the moment I walked in and left feeling incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated.
To make a reservation: thespaatcusco@libertador.com.pe
For more info: http://www.palaciodelinkahotel.com/es/qori-spa
2. Unwind with a hot stone massage at Relaxing Time Massage
I’ve had a lot of massages in my life, from all over the world, and this was one of the most relaxing massages I’ve ever had. Karina, who is also the owner and has 10 years of Physio Therapy experience, made me feel so comfortable and so relaxed and I basically never wanted it to end. It was the perfect balance of relaxation, while also working out some knots and kinks in my back and legs. It was also my first time getting a hot stone massage, and I’m not sure if anything can top it!
And with all massage options ranging from just $10-$35USD, it’s incredible value for your money. They are located above a market which may sound a little strange, but they have nice quiet rooms you can relax in.
Skip all of the ladies on the street handing out flyers and offering massages, and head straight to Relaxing Time. I can assure you that you’re getting high quality massage therapy for an incredibly affordable price.
To make a reservation you can visit their website: http://www.relaxingtimemassage.com/es/
3. Revitalize your muscles with a Maqhurki massage at Inca Spa Paracas
I arrived to Inca Spa in the Paracas about a week after all the trekking in Cusco, and wanted to give my muscles one last revitalization treatment. A staff member suggested a Maqhurki massage which is specifically geared towards muscle revitalizing. It’s meant to be a relieving massage that will ease muscle fatigue and tension from your entire body, making you feel completely renewed, by using the healing components of Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Thyme, Mint and Lavender.
I was sold. And the treatment itself was magnificent. My massage therapist asked multiple times if the pressure was okay, and when I asked for “mas fuerte” she immediately adjusted and it was perfect.
The spa is small with relatively simply rooms, but it’s really pretty, with a gorgeous changing room and super relaxing showers. This spa was a bit pricer than I would like with most 1-hour treatments costing 220 Soles ($67USD), but it was a high quality treatment.
I walked out of this spa feeling so rejuvenated and would recommend it to anyone still looking to recover from a trek even after they’ve left Cusco. (They also have a spa in Cusco, but I only visited the one in the Paracas)
To make a reservation you can visit their website: http://www.incaspa.com/
4. Relax with a classic Swedish massage at Samana Spa
I should start by saying that although I was booked in for a massage, I had to cancel last minute after plans changed and I found out that all but the last train was sold out from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco. I can vouch for the property itself, as I did stay a night here and absolutely loved it, but I never actually experienced a spa treatment. I had a peek at the spa, but it was very dark by the time we got in. It has a very romantic, medieval feel to it, and I would have loved to have a massage here!
I did have a chat with the owner, Juanmanuel Leon who has trained and worked as a massage therapist all over the world, and he recommended the 1.5 hour relaxing Swedish massage. They combine Swedish massage strokes with warm essential oil blends to reduce tension, settle the nerves and relax the body. I found the price tag of 170 Soles ($52USD) to be extremely reasonable for a 90 minute massage. Like I said, I unfortunately didn’t actually receive a massage at this spa, but am hoping to the next time I make my way to Cusco!
To make a reservation: info@samana-spa.com
For more info: http://www.samana-spa.com/treatment.php
Have you ever gotten a spa treatment after a multi-day trek? Tell me in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I received complimentary treatments from the above spas in exchange for my opinions, but all opinions are my own. I only recommend places that I love!
Wander On,
Wanderluluu xx
