The Massage Experience in Cusco

While going down many streets in Cusco, you will see women constantly calling out to you with cries of, “Massage, massage.” I am not sure how a massage industry got to be so prevalent in Cusco, but you will definitely notice it when you are there.

Since the masseuses advertise rock bottom prices of 20 or 30 soles for an hour (about $7 to $10), I got very curious over time to see how a massage from one of these places would play out. It seemed too good to be true, considering that a massage is several times more expensive in the US. But since it was so cheap, I figure it wouldn't hurt to try.

My first attempt to get a massage was going on the street at 9:30 PM, looking for one of the omnipresent street hawkers. I read online that theft was a possibility at massage parlors, so as a precaution, I only bought my clothes and the amount of money necessary for a massage.

However, I had no luck. It seemed a little strange to me how the places closed so early, considering most restaurants and mini-markets were still open. It turns out if you want a massage, it's better to start looking before 8 PM.

The next day, I started looking around 6 and quickly found a woman who was advertising massages less than five minutes away from my hotel. She was offering a massage for 30 soles for an hour, which I accepted.

I hadn't had a lot of experience getting massages in the US before, but the experience seemed rather typical. I had to take my clothes off and lay on a massage table. A female masseuse bought over a white noise fan and began the massage. In the background played relaxing music. I recognized one of the songs being the Sanskrit song “Om padme mani hum” which many people like to meditate to. Overall, I felt like I was in a safe environment where I could relax.

The next day, I sought a hot stone massage, which was slightly more expensive at 50 soles or $14. This massage involved extensive use of coca-infused cream, which is described on Esquire Magazine's website as being good for one's skin. The hot stones were then used to warm the cream.

Both times while I got a massage, I was the only customer. I'm not sure if it was the time, or if the massage parlors were generally not very popular.

Even though the massage trade in Cusco seems to have a shady reputation associated with the sex industry, I never felt unsafe either time I got a massage. I felt both times my masseuse was professional. However, since you will be separated from your belongings during the massage, I do think it is a good idea to not bring anything more than money.

I think got a good deal for my money on both occasions. However, I could see someone who is more of a massage connoisseur than me feel like they got a subpar massage. Still, I would recommend getting a massage to anyone who is interested in getting a massage for a good price. Just make sure to start looking before 8 PM and you're good.