18 Iconic & Unique Day Trips from Cusco
Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu; it’s a treasure trove of hidden gems and unique adventures waiting to be explored. From breathtaking natural wonders to lesser-known archaeological sites, the region offers incredible opportunities for unique day trips from Cusco.
Whether you’re looking to marvel at the vibrant hues of the Rainbow Mountain, explore the ancient salt terraces of Maras, or wander through quaint Andean villages, there’s no shortage of remarkable destinations near Cusco. These special experiences allow travelers to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and beauty of the Peruvian Andes.
Each trip offers its own charm, from serene nature escapes to fascinating cultural encounters. Step off the beaten path and discover a side of Cusco that will surprise and delight you, making your journey unforgettable with our list of both iconic and unique day trips from Cusco.
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The Most Iconic Day Trips from Cusco
Before diving into some of the most unique day trips from Cusco, and lesser-known gems, let's go over the top attractions outside Cusco that you can't miss!
1. Humantay Lake
Nestled in the shadow of the Salkantay Mountain, Humantay Lake is one of the most beautiful attractions with its vivid turquoise hue and serene atmosphere.
The moderate trek to the lake offers stunning views of the Andes and is often included as part of acclimatization for more strenuous hikes outside of Cusco.
Humantay Lake is about 3 hours from Cusco, and we were pretty unlucky that have low clouds, pouring rain, and near-freezing temperatures when we went, so it's on our re-bucket list for our next visit to Peru!
2. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Rainbow Mountain’s striking, multicolored bands of mineral deposits is one of the most iconic day trips from Cusco. While challenging, the trek to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain rewards you with unparalleled views of the Andes, and one of the most unique landscapes outside of Cusco.
3. Maras Salt Mines and Moray
Maras' thousands of salt evaporation ponds have been used since pre-Incan times, creating a patchwork of glistening white against the Andes.
Combine this visit with a trip to Moray’s mysterious circular terraces, thought to be an agricultural laboratory, and head into town to explore the main square, have a bite to eat, or maybe even come across a festival like we did!
The two locations of Maras Salt Mines and Moray make them the perfect combination for a unique day trip from Cusco, and are typically sold together on most organized tours.
4. Ollaytantambo
Ollantaytambo is a historic town and archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of Peru, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Cusco. This picturesque town is one of the last remaining examples of a living Inca settlement, with its original Inca urban layout still intact.
The main attraction here is the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, a massive Inca fortress and ceremonial center perched on a hill overlooking the town.
The site features impressive terraces, finely crafted stone structures, and the unfinished Temple of the Sun, which showcases the Inca's incredible stonework and engineering skills. The views from the top of the ruins are spectacular, offering a panoramic look at the Sacred Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Other than being one of the most unique day trips from Cusco, Ollantaytambo is also a popular stop on the way to Machu Picchu, as it serves as the starting point for many trains heading to Aguas Calientes.
Beyond its historical significance, the town offers a cobblestone streets, stone buildings, a bustling market, cozy accommodations, and easy access to hiking trails, making it a perfect blend of cultural and natural experiences.
5. Machu Picchu
While many people do either a two-day trip or a 4 day trek to Machu Picchu, While a day trip to Machu Picchu is actually possible!
Take a scenic train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride to the site. This World Wonder is truly a bucket list item making it an unforgettable experience to do, even if you just have one day to escape from Cusco.
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Unique Day Trips from Cusco
Now that you know the top day trips from Cusco, it's time to explore a bit deeper and see all of the unique day trips from Cusco! From hidden lakes to alternative rainbow mountains, there are an endless amount of gems to discover outside the Inca capital for you to enjoy.
6. Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
An excellent alternative to Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain features multiple colorful peaks with easier access and less crowded trails. Not only that, but a scenic drive offers you unique landscapes, adorable alpacas, and even a red river!
7. Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain
Another excellent alternative to Rainbow Mountain, Wilcacunca is the least well-known of all of the four rainbow mountains, and unfortunately the only one we haven't had the pleasure of doing.
The four hour trip has an array of colors, and due to it flying under the radar, it truly is one of the most unique day trips from Cusco you can do.
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8. Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain
Pallay Punchu has to be one of the most wildly beautiful places we have ever been!
Unlike the other rainbow mountains of Peru, Pallay Punchu has a series of jagged peaks with vibrant colors, and has 360 degrees of stunning views around it. From vibrant hues on the mountain to snow-capped mountain tops and a gorgeous lake surrounded by rolling green hills, every moment spent here is simply breathtaking.
Not only is this place incredibly gorgeous, but if you have a car you can skip the majority of the hike and spend more time enjoying the views at the top.
Pallay Punchu iso ne of the most underrated day trips from Cusco.
9. Pisac
Just an hour outside Cusco, we stumbled upon this town and didn't realize it's actually one of the most unique day trips from Cusco!
With cobblestone streets, skilled artisans, and a small-town vibe, Pisac is the perfect place to enjoy a more authentic Peruvian experience.
Spend the day browsing Pisac’s renowned market, filled with handmade crafts, textiles, and ceramics, or head over to the notable Inca archaeological site, which are the two top highlights of this picturesque city.
10. Perolniyoc Waterfall
This is another one of the most unique day trips from Cusco, as it truly is an adventure off-the-beaten-path. This stunning waterfall is tucked away in the Sacred Valley of Peru, near the village of Socma, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Cusco.
Cascading down from a height of approximately 100 meters (328 feet), this waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs, and also boasts an incredible set of ruins above it, making it a fascinating combination of history and nature.
The hike to Perolniyoc is a moderately challenging journey, taking around 2–3 hours round trip. Along the way, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, charming Andean villages, and opportunities to experience the tranquility of the Peruvian highlands.
11. Inti Punku Sun Gate
This is the ultimate hidden gem, and one of the most unique day trips from Cusco when it comes to hiking adventures.
Known as the Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo, this fascinating archaeological site is perched high above the Sacred Valley. The site offers incredible panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, the snow-capped Veronica Mountain (Wakay Willka), and the surrounding Andean landscapes.
The structure itself consists of finely crafted stonework, and is believed to have had spiritual and astronomical significance, similar to its counterpart at Machu Picchu.
Reaching the Ollantaytambo Inti Punku requires a challenging hike of about 3–4 hours from the town of Ollantaytambo. This remote and serene site is perfect for those looking to explore a hidden gem of the Sacred Valley away from the crowds.
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12. South Valley Tour (Andahuaylillas, Tipón, and Pikillacta)
We've included these 3 stops as part of one unique day trip from Cusco, as they can all be easily reached from one another, and can all fit in one day.
- Andahuaylillas: known for its Church of San Pedro Apóstol, which is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes”
- Tipon: an impressive archaeological site known for its sophisticated Inca hydraulic engineering and beautifully preserved agricultural terraces
- Pikillacta: a pre-Inca archaeological site built by the Wari civilization, which predated the Inca by several centuries (around 600–900 AD), it served as a major administrative and ceremonial center, and is known for its vast layout of well-organized streets, plazas, and multi-story adobe buildings,
- Mirador Cielo Punku: a little bonus we've included, this giant hand towers over the valley for an incredible photo opportunity.
This tour combines history, engineering, and art, and can be found as an arranged tour, or you can easily rent a car and go on your own.
13. Chinchero
Chinchero is a charming Andean village located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Cusco, and is often referred to as the “Birthplace of the Rainbow” in Quechua tradition. It sits at an altitude of 3,762 meters (12,343 feet), and offers breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
This village is best known for its traditional weaving culture, where local artisans use ancient techniques to create intricate textiles.
Many visitors enjoy stopping at weaving cooperatives to watch demonstrations and learn about natural dyeing methods, along with exploring the Inca terraces, and making a stop at the colonial church, for the ultimate village visit.
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13. Q’eswachaka Inca Rope Bridge
The Q'eswachaka rope bridge is the last remaining Inca rope bridge is one of the most unique day trips from Cusco, as it offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient engineering feats of the Inca civilization.
As you explore the region, you’ll learn about the Inca road system, visit the picturesque village of Yanaoca, as well as the nearby Pabellones volcano. During your trip, you’ll also enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant and a delicious breakfast, adding a culinary delight to your adventure.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see beautiful lagoons, including Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopía, and Pomacanchi, each offering stunning landscapes and unique natural beauty.
This unique tour offers the best of history and nature combined, making it one of the most unique day trips from Cusco.
15. Waqrapukara
This hidden gem offers dramatic landscapes and fewer tourists than most other archaeological sites around Cusco, and is also one of the most impressive ones.
The hike to this remote archaeological site rewards adventurers with stunning rock formations and an ancient fortress perched atop a hill, which is one of the most unique day trips from Cusco.
16. Ausangate 7 Lagunas Trek
Looking for one of the most unique day trips from Cusco that offers endless beauty?
Well, just as the name suggests, this incredible trek offers views of 7 different lakes surrounded by mountains, and there is even one that is red!
Not only that, but there are nearby hot springs you can soak in after, for the ultimate combo of adventure and relaxation. You can do a full day Ausangate trek, or you can opt for one of the multi-day treks.
17. Abra Malaga
Cycling enthusiasts can take a guided mountain biking tour in this region that sits along the route between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. The thrilling road starts from the high-altitude pass of Abra Malaga and descends through cloud forests for the ultimate adventure.
Keep in mind that most tours that include Abra Malaga are part of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, so it's best to rent your own bike (only if you are an expert), or ask around inside Cusco to see if there are locals that run day trips from the city to Abra Malaga.
18. Lares Hot Springs
Unwind in the thermal waters of Lares after a short hike or scenic drive. Surrounded by mountains, this is a relaxing way to experience the Andes' natural beauty after many of the intense adventures surrounding Cusco.
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So are you ready to experience some of these unique day trips from Cusco? There is so much incredible history and stunning nature to explore in this area of Peru, that you truly can never get bored!
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