8 Incredible Day Trips from Cusco: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and More

If you're organizing your trip and still aren't sure when to go, how to get there or where to stay, we recommend reading our complete guide to Cusco first. There you'll find all the practical information to plan your visit step by step.

👉 Cusco guide: when to go, how to get there and where to stay

Based on our own experience, we put together this list of the best day trips from Cusco to help you plan your adventure, along with all the essential information you'll need.

Keep in mind that several of these day trips are hikes high in the mountains. That's why we recommend being acclimatized and having spent at least 48 hours in Cusco. Here's a complete guide to things to do in Cusco.

1. Laguna Humantay

One of the treasures hidden in the Peruvian Andes is this emerald-colored lake at the foot of Humantay mountain. It's a moderate hike that climbs to 4,200 m (13,780 ft). The walk is short, only 3 km (1.9 miles), but it's all uphill and at a very high altitude (it takes 1 and a half to 2 hours to go up). Here's a complete guide to the Laguna Humantay hike

The hike starts at Soraypampa, about 3 and a half hours by car from Cusco. Tours usually leave in the early hours of the morning and get back around 18:00.

You can see and book the Laguna Humantay tour here.

2. Rainbow Mountain, the Mountain of 7 Colors (Vinicunca)

One of the most iconic mountains in Peru, famous for its stripes of mineral colors. The altitude is a challenge, so it's essential to be well acclimatized before taking on this hike.

It's 3 hours by car from Cusco, and from the parking lot it's almost 1 and a half hours of hiking (you climb to 5,036 m / 16,522 ft). The hike is hard because of the altitude. After seeing the mountain, you can walk through the beautiful Red Valley. Here we tell you about our experience.

You can book your tour to Vinicunca here.

3. Machu Picchu

One of the 7 wonders of the world! To visit Machu Picchu, it's ideal to stay at least one night in Aguas Calientes (the town you reach Machu Picchu from), but if you're short on time you can book a tour or go on your own in a day and sleep back in Cusco. Just know it will take up your ENTIRE day. In this post we tell you more to make your Machu Picchu experience unforgettable!

You can book the day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco here. It includes entrance tickets, a Spanish-speaking guide and the train ticket on the Vistadome 360.

4. The 7 Lakes of Ausangate

This hike takes you past the 7 green and turquoise lakes of Ausangate, the highest mountain in Cusco. It's a hard hike of about 14 km (8.7 miles), which takes 5 hours and reaches 4,700 m (15,420 ft). It was our first hike in the Peruvian Andes and we found it incredibly beautiful. You can read more about this hike here.

The trail to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate starts in the small village of Pacchanta, 3 hours by car from Cusco. The best and simplest thing is to book a tour like this one, which includes transportation plus a guide, breakfast and lunch.

5. Waqrapukara

This is an archaeological site in the Cusco region. The name "Waqrapukara" comes from Quechua and means "horn-shaped fortress", a reference to the peculiar shape of the mountain it sits on. It's a moderate hike of 5 km (3.1 miles) in total. You can see more about the tour here.

6. Q'eswachaka – The Last Inca Bridge

The Q'eswachaka Bridge is one of the last Inca rope bridges still in use, renewed every year by local communities. This tour is perfect if you're looking for a quieter day full of history.

You can book the tour here

7. Palcoyo Mountain

This rainbow mountain is less touristy and just as mind-blowing. It's 4 hours by car from Cusco and the hike is shorter, about 30 minutes. It's rated hard because it's at 4,900 m (16,076 ft). You can book the tour here.

8. Pallay Punchu Mountain

This is another rainbow mountain, but much less known than the others (it was discovered during the pandemic). It's 3 hours from Cusco, and the 2-hour hike reaches an altitude of 4,700 m (15,420 ft). It's less demanding than Vinicunca. Since it's the least touristy, not many tour agencies offer it. In fact, we couldn't get anyone to take us, since they only go a few days a week. If you want to visit, we recommend asking ahead of time. You can now book your tour to Pallay Punchu from here

9. Ollantaytambo

This ancient Inca town is one of the most important places in the Sacred Valley. It's usually visited as part of a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, but if you have time it's a good choice for a day visit, or even for spending the night in this picturesque town. Its impressive terraces, the Temple of the Sun and its cobbled streets will take you back in time. It's easy to get there from Cusco by train or bus.

For a guided visit around the town, you can book this tour in Spanish.

10. Pisac

Pisac is famous for its ruins and its handicraft market. The archaeological site has impressive views of the Sacred Valley and a fascinating Inca history. The local market is ideal for buying handicrafts and unique souvenirs. You can get to Pisac by bus from Cusco in about an hour.

11. Maras and Moray

The Salineras de Maras (the Maras salt pans) and the circular terraces of Moray are two places you shouldn't miss. Maras is known for its thousands of salt ponds, while Moray is an archaeological site with concentric terraces the Incas used for farming. You can visit both on a single day trip from Cusco.

A fun way to see the Salineras de Maras and Moray is on an ATV tour

12. Mountain View Hotel

This boutique hotel offers a unique experience, since its rooms sit on a cliff with impressive views of the Sacred Valley. It's perfect for a day trip if you're looking for peace and quiet and panoramic views.

13. Skylodge Adventure Suites

For adventure lovers, spending the day (or the night) in a hanging capsule high above the Sacred Valley is an unforgettable experience. Skylodge offers activities like climbing and ziplining, and it's one of the most exciting options for a day trip from Cusco.