cusco – Page 8 – Pirwa Hostels BLOG

The Via Ferrata: Rock Climbing, Rapelling & Ziplines in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

October 20, 2014 Pirwa

For an active adventure in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, consider the Vía Ferrata, the Iron Way. You’ll find it in Urubamba, near the town of Ollantaytambo.

Along the Vía Ferrata, with the help of a system of steel-enforced horizontal cables and vertical iron ladders, even beginners with zero climbing experience can tackle a 300m sheer rock face! The return trip can either be by a series of six ziplines or by rappel. All in all, it’s a jam-packed day trip that boasts both excitement and scenic views.

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Pros & Cons: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu vs the Salkantay Trek

October 9, 2014 Pirwa

The Inca Trail is iconic thanks to its history as part of the Royal Road system that connected the Inca Empire. This history is shown through various remains (especially Inca paving) along parts of the trail. Thanks to this, combined with the natural setting and the stunning finish at Machu Picchu, it is considered the number one trek in South America. For those who don’t have 4 days free to complete the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, there’s also a truncated 2-day version which skips the grueling Dead Women’s Pass but includes the highlights of Wiñay Wayna and the Inti Punku Sun Gate.

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ATV Quadbiking in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

July 14, 2014 Pirwa

Renting some quad bikes or ATVs marries the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the excitement of off-roading. During the ride, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the tiny green fields which each family relies on for sustenance, picturesque communities with adobe mud-brick homes and colorfully dressed locals, small springs and Puyoc Lake, and the Andean mountains surrounding the valley. At some points, we’ll even be able to look over the city of Cusco.

The exciting terrain of winding dirt paths and frequent hills allows the bravest to jump their bikes in the air. You’ll have the space and time to exceed 4^th gear.

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Getting Your Laundry Washed in Cusco

June 11, 2014 Pirwa

For all of its colonial and pre-Columbian charm, many of travelers will attest that the city of Cusco seems to be covered in a fine layer of dust… Add in a trek or two in the mountains or along the Inca trail, and you’ve got a recipe for some pretty dirty clothing and gear. Luckily, laundry services tend to be cheaper in Cusco than in Lima, Aguas Calientes, and other tourist destinations.

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The Official Program for the Anniversary Month of Cusco

May 28, 2014 Pirwa

As noted in our earlier post, there’ll be daily events in Cusco all throughout June- concerts, fireworks, food fairs, and more. We’re the only site offering the detailed program in English, although we did remove some events (these were tours offered to Cusco locals only, academic conferences, speeches, and other events that are not of great interest to travelers). The biggest events, the ones we think you shouldn’t miss, are in red, including the parades of Corpus Cristi and the Float Parade, the Inti Raymi reenactments, the Night of Light and Sound in the Plaza. Art shows have been removed and included below the program, as these tend to last for weeks. Where included, links will take you to more info about certain festivals. Here’s all you need to know have an unforgettable time in Cusco!: