Must-Do Day Trips from Cusco: Discover the Sacred Valley and Beyond
Cusco is far more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu. Its strategic location gives you access to incredible landscapes, ancient sites, and living cultures. Here are the top day trips and excursions you can take to make the most of your time in the Andes.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
This fertile valley was both a spiritual and agricultural hub for the Inca Empire. Highlights include:
- Pisac: Impressive ruins high in the mountains and a colorful traditional market.
- Ollantaytambo: A well-preserved Inca fortress and living town. Also a main train station for Machu Picchu.
- Chinchero: A textile village where local artisans demonstrate traditional dyeing and weaving techniques using alpaca wool.
Maras & Moray
Moray: A unique Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces. Maras: Thousands of salt pools used since pre-Inca times—still harvested by hand today!
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) or Palccoyo
Vinicunca is perfect for adventurous travelers up for a challenging hike. Want a more relaxed option? Palccoyo offers equally stunning views with a shorter, easier trek and fewer crowds.
Q’eswachaka: The Last Inca Rope Bridge
Located in southern Cusco, this handwoven bridge is rebuilt every year in a traditional ceremony. Crossing it is like walking through living history.
Humantay Lake
This turquoise alpine lake, surrounded by snowy peaks, is one of the most photogenic spots in the region. A moderate 3- to 4-hour hike leads you there—well worth the effort for nature lovers.
Why book these trips with a local agency?
Exploring beyond Cusco is easier and safer with experienced local guides who provide transportation, cultural insight, and access to hidden gems you might miss on your own.
The Sacred Valley and its surroundings are full of unforgettable adventures. Don’t just stay in the city—venture out and experience the magic that makes this region one of the world’s top travel destinations.