Best day trips from Cusco
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After spending some time in the ancient Peruvian city of Cusco, you’re probably wondering: what else is there to do around here? Lucky for you, I’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from Cusco based on my personal experience in the Andes.
Here is a guide to the best day trips from Cusco
Chinchero
Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. In the main plaza, you will find a colonial church built in the 17th century. When I visited Chinchero, I took park in a weaving demonstration to learn firsthand how weavers turn alpaca and sheep wool into fine textiles. I got to see the tricks they used to spin it, clean it, and dye it.
Moray
Moray is a small community famous for its embedded amphitheater that is formed by circular terraces which seem to disappear into the ground. Scientists think that Moray played an important role in the Incas’ agricultural research, but no one knows for sure! As for me, I think it looks like alien crop circles from some old sci-fi movie… what do you think?
The Salt pans of Maras
The Salt pans of Maras were first created sometime in the 1400s by the Incas, and proprietors have been passing down ownership for hundreds of years. Salt is harvested from the patchwork of shallow pools via an evaporation process.
Today there are about 3,000 pools that are still harvested by local families who control the salt pans. This site is so fascinating because it’s practically the same as it was all those years ago, so it’s truly a glimpse into the past.
I love the salt pans because it’s a very photogenic place, especially if you hike around for different viewpoints. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the chocolate! Yep, they make chocolate with THIS SALT, and you can buy it right there, so you know you’re getting the good stuff! There’s a bunch of vendors selling all kinds of trinkets, but if you do nothing else PLEASE treat yourself to some of the delicious chocolate!
Moray and Maras are so close that they can easily both be seen in one day, leaving more time for these other awesome day trips from Cusco!
Ollantaytambo Ruins
Unfortunately, Ollantaytambo is often overlooked, seen as nothing more than a stop on the way to Machu Picchu. But it is so much more than just a place to catch a train. It’s worth spending a few hours in this small ancient village to explore the some of the most impressive Incan ruins. Keep hiking upwards and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views the Sacred Valley has to offer.
There’s a lot of history behind this place, too. Its named after Ollanta, a Peruvian politician intertwined in a love story with Inca Princess Coyllur Cusi, the daughter of Inca leader Pachacutec. Talk about a scandal!
You can also visit Hana Huacaypata (the second picture), which is one of the best-preserved parts of this Inca territory with it’s elegantly crafted stone walkways. See, Machu Picchu isn’t the only worthwhile Incan adventure!
Pisac
People typically come here for two things: the Pisac Ruins and the Pisac Market. Whether you want to admire some of Peru’s best Incan ruins or shop ’til you drop, Pisac is one of the best day trips from Cusco because it’s only 45 minutes away.
The market attracts thousands of visitors, and it is a colorful event that offers you deeper insights into the local culture, while enjoying the colorful traditional clothing of the native people.
Sasquayhuman
Sacsayhuaman (also spelled Saqsaywaman) is the largest and most impressive of all the archaeological ruins on the outskirts of Cusco. It was built by the Incas from massive stones weighing as much as 300 tons. In the past, it was used as a military site in the battle with the Spanish for the Inca empire in 1536. Now, the ruins offer impressive views over the city below. It’s quite a long hike to the top, though. Bring water, and wear your walking shoes!
There is a theory that from an aerial view, Cusco is shaped like a puma. Assuming that theory is true, then Sacsayhuaman is the head of that puma. Legend also has it that the walls fit together so perfectly that you can’t fit a single piece of paper between them. Give it a try!
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was only rediscovered in 1911 by an explorer named Hiram Bingham. It was later declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
What makes Machu Picchu so unique isn’t the ancient ruins, but the ambience and mystique of it’s location. It’s nestled on the side of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River, surrounded by lush tropical forest. It’s like entering a whole new ancient world up in the clouds.
Rainbow Mountain
Anyone who grew up on Lucky Charms and The Wizard of Oz has probably wanted to go somewhere over the rainbow at one point or another. Well, this is probably the closest you’ll ever get.
Rainbow Mountain has a couple names, like Vinicunca and Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors). It’s located in the Andes, and it’s about a three hour drive from Cusco.
But what makes it so colorful? Well, it’s because it used to be covered in ice! The ice eventually melted, and the water mixed with the minerals in the ground. This produced the beautiful myriad of colors we see today.
A couple of these trips can easily be combined, like Moray and Maras. For others, you might decide you want more time than just one day, like if you choose to hike the Inca trail to get to Machu Picchu instead of just taking the train. Whatever works for you! Just don’t forget that Cusco itself has a lot to offer, which you can read about in my post One Day in Cusco: Perfect Itinerary.
With these awesome day trips from Cusco, I know you’ll fall in love with Peru just like I did!
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Lenore | The Nitty Gritty Travel OT
Great blog post! I’d love to see the Rainbow Mountain, visit the embedded amphitheater in Moray, and taste chocolate at the Salt Pans of Maras.
Sightseeing Señorita
Lenore | The Nitty Gritty Travel OTThanks! I haven’t been to Rainbow Mountain yet, either, but I definitely want to go back to Peru to see it. The chocolate is SO good, some of the best I’ve had, especially if you like that salty/sweet combo.
Ellie (@travelsfarfaraway)
Wow! I didn’t know about many of these places! Great photos 🙂
Sightseeing Señorita
Ellie (@travelsfarfaraway)That’s what I’m here for! Thank you. 🙂
Suvarna Arora
All those places look so amazing. I never heard about Moore and Chinchero.
Sightseeing Señorita
Suvarna AroraExactly, some of the best places are the least known.
Deborah Patterson
What a useful post. These all look like amazing places to visit. We’re hoping to spend time in Cusco in 2021 and would love to day trip from the city.
Sightseeing Señorita
Deborah PattersonThank you! I’m so glad you’re planning a trip to Cusco. I was there less than a week and saw all of this, except for Rainbow Mountain. If you give yourself about a week then you can definitely fit all this in because a few of the trips can be combined. Good luck!
Amy Aed
Cusco is number one on my travel bucket list and I absolutely cannot wait to go when this is all over. It looks truly beautiful.
Sightseeing Señorita
Amy AedAs it should be! It’s a really incredible place, and it has so much more to offer than most people realize!
Iemexploring
Wow what an amazing read! My suitcases are packed and ready to visit all of these sights 😍😍😍 also that gat photo is just to cute 💖
Sightseeing Señorita
IemexploringI’m so glad you liked it! Maybe I’ll have to tag along with you because I’d love to be back there!
Tyra seguin
Peru is so high on my bucket list! Looks breathtaking!
Sightseeing Señorita
Tyra seguinYes, and it should be! I hope you get the chance to visit soon.
Erin
I’ve been dreaming forever of going to Peru, especially Cusco. Thanks for sharing this! I’m adding lots of these day trip ideas (especially Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain) to my list for when I finally get to Peru.
Sightseeing Señorita
ErinI’m really glad that my list was able to help you. I hope you get to go soon!
Raksha
I have been to Cusco and I loved going to the Rainbow mountain and Machu Picchu. I could not go to the others. I will bookmark this post so I can use it for future reference.
Sightseeing Señorita
RakshaThat’s awesome that you’ve already hit what are probably considered the “big two” of Peru! But yes, these other sites aren’t as high profile, but they’re definitely worth a visit.
Lekha C
You have made me fall in love with Peru. It is so unique.. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Sightseeing Señorita
Lekha CThat’s music to my ears, thanks for reading!
Josy A
Gorgeous! Okay, so I might spend too much time on travel blogs because I already wanted to visit all of these beautiful places… BUT I had never heard about the chocolate at the Salt pans of Maras! That is good to know. It’d be the perfect present to bring home for friends/ colleagues too (if you manage to avoid eating it all!)
Sightseeing Señorita
Josy AHahah you can never spend too much time on travel blogs! But yay I’m glad you learned about something new from me! I had the same idea about bringing it home, but I fell victim to it’s deliciousness and ate it before I got home! Oops.
Jiayi Wang
I volunteered in Cusco for a month and miss it to bits. Would love to go back and see rainbow mountain!
Sightseeing Señorita
Jiayi WangThat’s awesome! I was only there for about a week. Rainbow Mountain is a must see for me next time, too.
Taylor
These all look so amazing! I totally have to go back to Cusco and do these amazing day trips. Definitely keeping this handy!
Sightseeing Señorita
TaylorThanks, I hope this can help you on your next trip! 🙂
April
One of my biggest regrets of when I visited Peru was not spending more time exploring the Sacred Valley. The Inca ruins are amazing as is the landscape. I can’t wait to get back!
Sightseeing Señorita
AprilI know how you feel, sometimes it’s just so hard to fit everything in! I was just in Peru a few months ago, but I’m already itching to go back.
Hailey
Oh my gosh so many great day trips to chose from! Rainbow Mountain has been on my list forever.
Sightseeing Señorita
HaileySame! It’s a must see for sure.