Cusco Via Ferrata Tour: Is This Sacred Valley Climb Worth It?
If you’re headed to Cusco, Peru, and thinking about spicing up your trip with a dash of adrenaline, that Via Ferrata tour to the Sacred Valley just might be something to look at. We’re talking about climbing a mountain using a steel cable, after all! The “Cusco Guided 7 Hour Via Ferrata Tour to Sacred Valley” sounds kind of intense, I know, but is it truly a worthwhile addition to your travel itinerary? I recently tried it, and here’s what I think.
What is Via Ferrata? Understanding the basics before you go
OK, so, before we go any further, that “Via Ferrata” part requires a bit of looking at, too it’s almost like we need to grasp the fundamentals of what exactly it is before deciding if this specific trip suits us. Essentially, the name means “iron path” in Italian, it’s almost a system of fixed cables, rungs, and ladders that allow climbers to ascend rock faces which may otherwise require more specialized rock climbing skills, that you probably don’t have (I sure don’t!). Via Ferratas are something like a middle ground between hiking and rock climbing, where you’re securely clipped into the mountain using a harness and carabiners.
Now, what you can expect on this particular tour, that starts from Cusco, is basically, a thrilling climb in the Peruvian Sacred Valley. You see amazing views while hanging off the side of a mountain—very Indiana Jones, very exciting, but hopefully safer. But, there’s something else to remember! You want to determine whether or not you really appreciate the sound of that plan, or in the event you like your feet to be more, uh, grounded.
Booking the tour: Logistics, costs, and considerations
So, let’s move on to some practical aspects. Now, to book this tour, there are various providers you could find on line, or even in Cusco itself, which typically makes you feel relieved, doesn’t it? What to look for in a good tour operator is mainly: reliable safety records, excellent reviews (check TripAdvisor, etc.), plus clear details about what’s included (transport, gear, guides, meals, etc.). Costs generally hover around $150-$250 USD, yet it tends to be so conditional with the company and group size.
If you’re thinking about signing up, something worth bearing in mind involves the altitude of Cusco (roughly 11,000 feet) , too it’s almost important to factor in the possibility that, well, you could require a couple days to acclimatize prior to embarking on any physically stressful action, or even before getting very drunk one night. Also, you might like to check the tour’s difficulty level and any physical prerequisites that could give you some worry. Are you relatively healthy and reasonably fit? If your response to that is yes, that should be great, generally. Finally, remember to check the weather forecast closer to the date; climbing during poor weather conditions isn’t advised.
The experience: What to expect during the 7-hour tour
You’ll start early, it’s very much possible, maybe around 7 AM or so, with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. The drive to the Sacred Valley, it’s about a couple of hours; typically is picturesque, something like the landscape starts shifting dramatically and the air thins. If you can just manage to sleep throughout most of the way that’s okay, or observe small towns which whizz by, it should be something that takes up the time. Once you arrive, the guides typically provide an introduction to Via Ferrata techniques, explain how to use the equipment, and emphasize the rules regarding safety.
There are few activities, generally, before launching on the mountain itself; you will likely go through a bit of a training session close to the bottom, practicing using the carabiners on a smaller part of the course and growing much more acquainted to, and happy with, that hardware and process. When everyone feels safe to do it, and has been trained properly, you begin the real climb!
The actual climb, really, can vary according to the particular Via Ferrata route, however, typically includes sections of vertical climbing, traversing narrow ledges, and potentially navigating a suspended bridge, that appears in the pictures that I noticed. You may not be aware, perhaps, of that but I actually do not think I can do a suspended bridge. What helps you is that you are going to always be clipped right into a steel cable, this kind of keeps you protected. At times it seems tricky, plus it’s strenuous in spots. Despite doing exercises regularly, it challenged me.
Having a good thing, the scenery across the Sacred Valley is extremely stunning. Imagine yourself seeing those amazing mountain panoramas and the patchwork fields down underneath! Plus, the feeling of personal accomplishment the minute you actually finish that climb makes all of it incredibly more fulfilling.
Once the Via Ferrata has been successfully climbed, you typically may either hike back off the mountain or occasionally, maybe, participate in an included zip-line trip all the way back down. What follows then happens is you will be taken returning back again to Cusco, to consider a few of those experiences that you are more or less sure, now that they have grown significantly better than yesterday’s experiences after your body screams. It’s 7 hours but seems far faster, that is actually if you appreciate experiencing and appreciating the whole thing instead of just looking at it in concern or terror.
Safety considerations and physical requirements
Speaking of keeping protected, it’s vital. Generally, trust in your guides as these guys have experience, in reality, plus are certified at offering these things properly and protecting clients, or at least those that do something in the proper way. It’s very essential that you carefully listen, plus you may follow all their instructions as to equipment plus processes in all of your length. Check your own harness clips as well and that the gear is doing okay. It isn’t simply all the operators, that can be reliable.
Being realistic about ones personal physical condition is as well important. The Via Ferrata will test not merely power however stamina plus strength, really. When you are really scared to face vertical altitudes you ought to be prepared in advance with managing some emotional anxieties. It would always be a good plan with doing a practice run with climbing a smaller thing, you may do this only a couple times as well as perhaps you can check how to proceed! You may appreciate taking lots of h2o combined with snacks, in order to stay fully energized as well as hydrated around you as being that sun will give it to you pretty seriously while moving upwards (plus do you need a great deal of sun block)?
The views and the Valley: Is the scenery worth it?
If it offers unforgettable sceneries this one factor, after all, becomes that big selling point! That Sacred Valley spreads it really out into these panorama’s made of mountains which are imposing together with patchwork farmland’s. At altitude and at high elevations you have an extraordinary vantage point which will highlight one’s own trip as far as photographic things is related, right away.
The cultural relevance behind these Valley contributes an excess layer of goodness. While seeing locations off mountain tops is one great thing nevertheless being well known on those rich records as well as ancient farming communities, could boost one’s knowledge even to higher tiers. Do you not picture oneself consuming ones meal on elevated levels or getting excellent sights while experiencing nature during probably one’s the majority bold undertakings. That aspect by myself warrants considering and joining which unique excursion.
Other Activities: Combining Via Ferrata With Your Travel Plans
I want to say, if you’re already headed toward Sacred Valley and Cusco area, you can always look for a couple of other adventurous activities nearby that provide something worthwhile while still blending. Possibly to go on touring the traditional archeological sites such as Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo at same time? To get additional excitement and adrenalin that would cause one to visit by experiencing all the amazing trekking trips together?
And probably why do you devote someday taking part locally or visiting small communities closeby there, what gives and shows something worthwhile on knowing tradition, history as well and also way’s concerning life within Peruvian lifestyle? Try something new by building one’s own journey – the balance involving experiences, leisure and excitement- that all creates unique along trip from beginning to end so to make it be all you dreamt of!
Perhaps incorporate cycling outings inside landscape settings, or why do not try water rafting outings when streams become exciting? Your choice really does determine what would you prefer during adventures and that helps that trip into having the one for everyone.
My Verdict: Is the Cusco Via Ferrata Tour worth it?
And as someone, when you really are after thrill- seeking adventures by using unbelievable surroundings? Following doing which adventure throughout the Peruvian, Sacred Valley after this I cannot only confirm that will the one that’s a great escapade although a great opportunity as far more seeing environment or pushing limits too far within reason together with safety rules being obeyed appropriately! But bear one thing in one’s heart – your choice will definitely count upon personalized inclinations.
Just about all degrees concerning fitnesses- get careful together. If it’s your concern being worried regards towards peak (similar myself though We conquered!) that ensure ones planning really does gets underway on levels when comfortable plus go for it simply if wanting- there should absolutely not remain many stress through anybody really especially upon getaways.
Eventually- one trip makes outstanding incorporation if seeing destinations outside busy areas found only from Cusco; providing breathtaking view besides one wonderful lifetime stories while back throughout houses after getting there itself. Is it is worthwhile thing the one can do or rather it might all seems too bold based? Now this can be only from one; however you should consider on having chances plus go forth discover just about how much ones boundaries lets go on, okay!!