Best Day Trips from Cusco, Peru

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, serves as an excellent base for exploring some of Peru’s most stunning destinations. Here are some unmissable day trips from this magical city.

1. Machu Picchu

Probably the most famous archaeological site in the world, Machu Picchu is a must-visit for any traveler. Although it requires an overnight stay to reach, you can embark on various day tours that combine train and bus rides to get you there and back within a day. The awe-inspiring ruins nestled amidst the Andean peaks will leave you speechless.

2. Sacred Valley of the Incas

Just an hour’s drive from Cusco, the Sacred Valley offers a glimpse into Incan life and architecture. Visit Pisac, with its vibrant market and impressive ruins; Ollantaytambo, a living Incan town that still retains its traditional layout; and Chinchero, known for its beautiful textiles and colonial church.

3. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

A relatively new attraction, Rainbow Mountain offers breathtaking views of multi-colored Andean peaks. The trek can be challenging, but the panorama at the top is worth every step. Day tours from Cusco include transportation, a guide, and lunch.

4. Maras Salt Mines and Moray

Located about an hour from Urubamba in the Sacred Valley, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray are well worth a visit. The salt ponds date back to Incan times, and the circular terraces of Moray are believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory.

5. Raqchi Temple

A short trip from Cusco, the Raqchi Temple is a stunning example of Incan architecture. Built to honor the sun god Inti, it features 14 enormous stone columns and a large central tower. Nearby are the ruins of the Incan city of Ollantaytambo and the picturesque town of Andahuaylillas, home to the beautiful Baroque-style San Pedro Church.

6. Tipon and Pikillacta

These well-preserved archaeological sites showcase Incan urban planning and agriculture. Tipon features intricate terracing and a complex network of underground passages, while Pikillacta is one of the earliest known Incan settlements, dating back to the 10th century. Both are located about an hour from Cusco.