After four days in Lima, we hopped on the short flight over to Cusco, where we would spend the next 1.5 days (not long enough!).
Upon arrival, we were met by another Adventure Life guide and driver who took us to our centrally located downtown hotel, Los Portales. Our guide gave us about 20 minutes or so to settle in, change clothes and grab anything we needed before we left for lunch and our afternoon city walking tour. I truly appreciated our guide, Edwin, as the entire afternoon was customized to what we wanted to do and how we felt.
Cusco is located at about 11,000 feet, and that high of elevation can impact each person differently. Fortunately, we felt fine upon arrival, but my husband, Lars, was experiencing headaches and shortness of breath throughout the afternoon. Since we were just walking around the city, relatively close to the hotel, travelers could have the option to head back to their hotel to rest and relax should they feel bad. But, Lars felt good enough to continue our travels to explore the Basilica Cathedral and Saqsaywaman. I would recommend a visit to Saqsaywaman to anyone and everyone who has time to spare in Cusco - it will not disappoint! The rest of the evening was ours to enjoy independently, which we spent at a local theater highlighting traditional dances and music from South America.
The following morning, we woke up around 3:30am to head to Rainbow Mountain, which is a three hour drive one-way from Cusco. I will say that this was a beautiful site to explore, but it was extremely crowded. Edwin took us to an entrance that is not nearly as crowded as the other main entrance, but that didn't seem to matter when everyone was at the top. Rainbow Mountain is at 17,000 feet, and Lars felt it. He had a terrible headache the entire time and felt dizzy throughout the day, but a bottle of Coke saved him - apparently caffeine helped cure his side effects of the high altitude.
I would recommend that travelers stay in Cusco for two full days to experience all that it has to offer. I would also recommend that most travelers stay in Cusco for more than 12 hours before heading to Rainbow Mountain, as having more time to acclimatize would be advantageous.
Having done a trip in the past with Adventure Life, I found picking a trip and customizing it was a breeze and fit everything I wanted
Scott Drayer
2 weeks ago
Arvin has been very responsive and professional.
Carlotta Diaz
1 month ago
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
carole therisod
1 month ago
Jess is very explicit, professional and always there when i have a question
Carlotta Diaz
1 month ago
i have now booked five trips through Adventure Life, and each experience has been perfect from start to finish. The agents are outstanding at truly listening to what the client is searching for and making it happen impeccably. From the initial planning to the final trip execution, Adventure Life handled every aspect flawlessly. They are an amazing company, and I have recommended them to friends and family with always stellar results!