The 10 Best Day Trips from Cusco
Planning a trip to Peru? The Incas had it right: You can't visit Peru without allowing yourself some time to explore the Sacred Valley of Cusco. So you might be wondering what the best day trips from the ancient Inca capital are.
No worries, we've got you covered! There's a plethora of incredible destinations that can be reached on a half-day or full-day excursion from Cusco. Whether it's Machu Picchu or any other number of ancient ruins and natural wonders - We'll show you the best day trips from Cusco and give out some insider tips to make your stay in Peru one to remember! Get ready for adventure!
1. Rainbow Mountain
The multi-colored "rainbow mountain" (Vinicunca) full-day tour from Cusco is one of the most popular and highly requested day trips from Cusco. Hiking or riding a horse through the stunning Andean valley to the top viewpoint is an option.
Along the way, you will see snow-capped peaks, herds of alpaca, glaciers, and birds of prey, all set within this incredibly stunning mountain range at 5,200m above sea level. Sediments of minerals give the mountains its distinctive turquoise, lavender, gold colors.
We recommend doing this trek in the dry season (April - October) to see the colors at their best. See our Blog: Rainbow Mountain - A Traveler's Guide to find out all about this beautiful mountain range and our recommendations.
2. Pisac Market and Archaeological Site
If you're into ancient sites and want to grab some traditional Peru handcrafts, then a visit to the Pisac market and the stunning Inca fortress in Pisac is a must.
As one of Peru's most intact remains, and a perfect example of ingenious Inca architecture, you'll learn all about the history and culture of the Incas with your guide while exploring the temples, altars, carvings, tunnels, and more together.
At the traditional and colorful market of Pisac you will have the opportunity to browse or buy beautiful handicrafts, souvenirs, local fruits, vegetables, and other natural products. This is the perfect option for those that want to explore Peru's history and culture while also getting some shopping done.
3. Ollantaytambo Inca Complex
Another must-see site nearby Cusco, especially if you're an architecture or engineering buff, is Ollantaytambo (pronounced "oy-yahn-tie-tahm-bo"). Located in the Sacred Valley, this town still has its original Inca layout and design and today consists mostly of traditional stone houses with beautiful terraces full of flowers and vegetables. Above the village lies the fortress by the same name - an impressive Inca structure consisting of amazing stonework and built from huge boulders that can be seen from almost anywhere in the village.
Today it's one of Peru's most important archaeological sites that was once used as a fortress by the Incas against invading Spaniards during their expansion into the Andes. Its original purpose is still a mystery, however. Climb 200 steps up to the top of the fortress and you will find a temple to the sun and several other remains of fountains and temples. The Incas performed astronomical observations at this location, as your guide will reveal to you on a tour of this impressive archaeological complex.
4. Chinchero Textile Demonstrations
Chinchero is a nice little colonial-era village with a traditional Peru vibe, offering plenty of Inca and pre-Inca history and living culture.
Here you will be welcomed by the local artisans who live and work according to traditions and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. It's the perfect place to learn about Inca textile techniques, from weaving to coloring using natural ingredients. You'll be fully immersed in this friendly Andean community and their simple way of life. And maybe you'll pick up a beautifully handcrafted souvenir or two, as this is where you'll find the best quality and prices.
A full one-day tour of the Sacred Valley from Cusco would typically be complemented by stops at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
5. Maras and Moray
At about a two-hour drive away from Cusco, Maras and Moray are among Peru's most beautiful though not so well-known attractions. A half-day tour combines these two hidden gems in the Sacred Valley. Visitors will be amazed at how well the Incas understood and respected the environment, and intelligently managed natural resources.
At Maras you'll find these surreal salt formations consisting of spiraling terraces that go on as far as the eye can see. This is where communities would once come to harvest salt from the ground during the Inca period. Afterward, they used the salty brine for their crops before taking it back to Cusco to trade with other cities for even more valuable goods such as gold and spices. The site has been well preserved over time and today offers a fascinating insight into Peru's rich history. You’ll learn all about this and more from your expert guide and will have the opportunity to taste some different flavored salt.
At the striking site of Moray, you'll find hundreds of pan-shaped depressions carved into the earth that are believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory. Scientists believe they were most likely used for experiments to determine which crops would grow best at different altitudes. These days visitors can walk down steps, next to these ancient crop fields, and imagine what it must have been like during those times.
6. Humantay Lagoon
One of Peru's best-kept secrets, this full-day tour from Cusco to the Humantay lagoon includes travel time of approximately 3 hours by car, and a total of 3 hours hiking. We might take longer with stops to fully experience the exotic flora and fauna and to marvel at beautiful valleys and mountains sacred to the Incas. The path at the end until the base of the glacier is steep but rewarding!
The Humantay lagoon at 4,200m altitude is Peru’s second-largest glacial lake and therefore offers some of Peru’s most spectacular scenery with its turquoise waters, snowcapped mountains in the background, and its untouched natural beauty all around you.
The area can be explored on foot or by horseback, but if you're still feeling energetic after your journey to this awe-inspiring place then maybe just go for a refreshing swim!
7. Machu Picchu
We obviously can't leave out the most famous and most requested tour from Cusco. Brilliantly perched on top of a mountain ridge, Machu Picchu is one New Seven Wonders of the World Peru is proud to possess. This is the highlight of most Peru visits and rightly so! Peru’s top attraction will take your breath away, if not for its beauty then certainly for the sheer magnitude of it all - this wasn't just some Inca hut settlement, it was an entire city in itself.
The history behind Machu Picchu is equally impressive; the site has only recently been discovered by historians after lying hidden in plain sight for centuries. You'll marvel at how well this ancient city has survived over time.
It is possible to catch a very early train to visit Machu Picchu, and then return to Cusco by train on a very long day tour, but we do recommend staying one night at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The one-way train journey takes 3 hours, and train timetables always changing. There are different tour options to get to Machu Picchu including the Classic Inca Trail and the Short Inca Trail. It's also good to be aware that train tickets and Machu Picchu entry tickets are limited and subject to availability. Entry into Machu Picchu is timed and there are several other Machu Picchu regulations to keep in mind. Book your visit well in advance to avoid disappointment!
Want more on Machu Picchu? Check out our 10 fascinating facts about Machu Picchu and our month-by-month Machu Picchu visitor planning guide with info on the best times to visit.
8. Apukunaq Tianan “Abode of the Gods”
The latest and newest attraction and half-day tour from Cusco, the Apukunaq Tianan “Abode of the Gods” sculpture park located at a high altitude offers incredible views of the Urubamba Valley. The park itself contains a beautiful collection of contemporary, giant stone sculptures carved directly into the side of the mountain.
Each sculpture created by Cusco sculptor Michael de Titan ranges between 49 and 56 feet (15 and 17 meters) in height and represents Andean gods and figures from various Inca creation myths. The park aims to represent a celebration of Andean culture, a place to connect to the ancient Apus and to merge art and nature, inspired by the ancient Incas. Here you will learn more about the symbolism and mythology behind each sculpture piece including Tupac Amaru, the Puma, the God Wiracocha, the Pachamama, and more.
9. Sacred Valley Paragliding
The ultimate reward for brave tourists is our wildcard full-day paragliding excursion! Paragliding in Cusco provides unparalleled views of the Sacred Valley and is one of the most exciting and adrenaline-filled experiences that you won’t soon forget!
We work with a partner that offers tandem flights with trained, experienced, and professionally certified pilots. There is no prior experience necessary and all ages are welcome (though minors must be accompanied by an adult). The Sacred Valley conditions allow for daily departures all year round, it is rare that we cannot fly.
The flight itself will last about 20 minutes, and you’ll be picked up where you land to be taken back to the office (for viewing any pictures or video, and a celebratory drink) before heading back to Cusco. It will be difficult to predict at what time you’ll leave and arrive back as this is heavily dependent on the weather and wind conditions so it’s better not to make any other concrete plans for that day.
10. Cusco City Tour
If you need a break from moving around too much, Cusco itself has plenty to offer. A guided half day tour through the vibrant streets and plazas of our beloved Cusco will have you get to know the cultural capital of Peru like a local.
In the center, we first visit the Plaza de Armas to explore the beautiful cathedral in the vibrant heart of the city. Take some time to soak up the unique atmosphere at the main square, learn about the city’s local history, and admire its beautiful architecture.
We continue walking the ancient cobbled streets of the Inca historic capital to the twelve-angled stone and then the Coricancha, where we will visit the Temple of the Sun. Impressive examples of Inca construction and engineering!
Next, we visit the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, and Q’enqo on the outskirts of the city. Admire the perfect constructions, designs, and shapes built by the Incas and the symbolism behind them.
Where next is up to you! Why not sample some delicious street food? Continue on your own to experience the city. We'll happily advise you on the best museums to visit, where to get a relaxing massage or do some shopping, where to eat, sample Pisco Sours or enjoy some live music in the evening. The possibilities don’t end here, they are endless. You might never want to leave!
Papi’s Treks
The perfect way to plan your Peru journey is with us! Trust Papi’s Treks as your travel experts to make your experience in Cusco and beyond an unforgettable one. Our package Peru tours combine the highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley with other not to be missed locations around Peru, but we are also happy to put together a custom tour for you to suit your needs and budgets - just get in touch. And if you plan on visiting Peru, don't forget to check out our Peru Packing List tips for what you should pack before going to Peru!
