Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Top spas
Curated picks for treatments and day spas.
Spa at Belmond Hotel Monasterio
An award-winning spa within the monastery hotel offering Andean-inspired treatments using quinoa, maca, and high-altitude wildflowers. Signature oxygen-altitude adaptation therapy helps guests acclimatize while receiving luxury treatments.
Signature treatment: Oxygen-altitude adaptation body treatment with Andean botanical oils
Wayra Spa at Sumaq Hotel
A beautiful spa in the cloud forest of Aguas Calientes offering traditional Andean healing massages, hot stone therapy, and treatments using sacred Andean plants. The sound of the Urubamba River enhances the relaxation experience.
Signature treatment: Sacred Andean healing ceremony with hot stones and native herbs
Samana Spa Cusco
A dedicated day spa in the historic center offering a range of massage therapies, body treatments, and facials with locally sourced ingredients. Popular with travelers seeking recovery after Machu Picchu visits or trekking.
Signature treatment: Coca leaf body wrap and altitude recovery massage
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs (Baños Termales)
The town of Aguas Calientes owes its name to these natural thermal hot springs, featuring multiple pools at different temperatures. After the exertion of Machu Picchu, soaking in the mineral-rich waters is the perfect recovery treatment.
Signature treatment: Natural mineral thermal pools surrounded by cloud forest mountains
Wellness retreats
Multi-day immersive experiences.
Temple of the Way of Light
A world-renowned plant medicine retreat in the jungle near Iquitos offering traditional Shipibo ceremony with maestros (indigenous healers). Located 1.5 hours from Cusco via flight. One of the most respected ayahuasca retreat centers globally.
Willka T'ika Garden Retreat
An award-winning wellness retreat in the Sacred Valley incorporating Andean spiritual traditions, chakra garden meditations, yoga, and holistic healing treatments in a beautiful colonial hacienda setting at lower altitude.
Pisac Sacred Valley Yoga
Yoga and meditation retreats in the tranquil setting of the Sacred Valley, combining daily yoga practice with sacred site visits, Andean cosmology teachings, and healthy farm-to-table cuisine.
Signature treatments
Local specialties worth seeking out.
Massage
Traditional Andean massage (sobada) using coca leaves and warming herbs from $40. Hot stone massage from $60. Sports recovery massage from $50.
Hammam
Not traditional in the Andes, but several spas offer steam room treatments similar to hammam from $25
Body
Coca leaf body wrap from $60. Quinoa exfoliating scrub from $50. Andean mud wrap from $55.
Facial
Andean botanical facial from $45. Altitude hydration facial (anti-dryness) from $50.
Yoga & meditation
Studios, classes, and meditation centres.
Cusco Yoga Center
Daily drop-in classes in multiple yoga styles in the historic center. Suitable for all levels including beginners acclimatizing to altitude.
Sacred Valley Yoga Collective
Restorative and yin yoga classes in the Sacred Valley setting, specifically designed for altitude adaptation and recovery after trekking
Despacho Yoga and Ceremony
Combines yoga practice with traditional Andean Pachamama ceremony, integrating body movement with Andean spiritual connection to the land
Wellness travel tips
Get the most from your wellness experience.
Altitude adaptation is itself a wellness journey - embrace the slowness and rest the first 1-2 days
Coca tea is genuinely effective for mild altitude symptoms and is available everywhere
The Sacred Valley at 2,800m is significantly easier on the body for initial acclimatization before Cusco city at 3,400m
Many hotels offer oxygen therapy - worth asking about even at mid-range properties
Book massage treatments to aid muscle recovery after trekking - your legs will thank you
Stay extremely hydrated - drink 3+ liters of water daily. Altitude causes rapid dehydration.
Avoid alcohol for at least the first 48 hours - it accelerates dehydration and worsens altitude symptoms