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.
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.