The Best Day Trips From Cusco: 16 Places To Visit

Last Updated: January 13 2024

Cusco is undeniably one of the most magical cities in South America. Located high in the Andes mountain range, this incredible destination is a must for any Peru itinerary!

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Cusco so you won’t get bored during your stay. However, if you have some extra time, you’ll find lots of day trip opportunities from this city too.

From the iconic world wonder of Machu Picchu to the jaw-dropping Rainbow Mountain, there are tons of options. In this guide, we’re going to cover the absolute best day trips from Cusco!

Whether you’ve only got an hour or two, or a whole day, there’s something for everyone, so make sure you stick around.

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The Best Day Trips From Cusco, Peru

1. Machu Picchu

• Distance from Cusco: N/A
• Travel Time: Around 4-4.5 hours

Machu Picchu has to be right at the top of this guide as it’s one of the best day trips from Cusco (and the most famous landmark in Peru). You’ll find plenty of operators that offer day tours to this iconic site.

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel that dates back to the 15th century. Set in a lush tropical rainforest, the views here will take your breath away. In fact, it’s one of the world’s new seven wonders!

Due to its remote location, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was only discovered in 1911. Although you can easily visit this epic destination by yourself, a tour is the perfect option for those short on time.

This day trip from Cusco includes roundtrip transportation, a shuttle bus ticket up to Machu Picchu, and your admission ticket. You’ll also have an expert guide with you throughout the trip!

However, in all honesty, we’d highly recommend allowing some time to head to Aguas Calientes. This beautiful mountain town has so much to offer, and from there, it’s just a short bus ride to Machu Picchu.

2. Sacsayhuaman

• Distance: 2.9 km (1.8 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 10 minutes

If you’ve only got an hour or two free, then we recommend heading to Sacsayhuaman. It’s just a short drive from the main plaza and you can easily take an Uber there, or even walk if you wish.

Saqsaywaman is an impressive archaeological site that dates back to the 1400s. It was thought to be an important military base under Pachacuti’s reign, but unfortunately, the Spanish destroyed part of the site after the Incan empire was destroyed.

From Cusco, you can take a tour to visit the surrounding archaeological sites including Sacsayhuaman. There are plenty of operators offering these tours so shop around for the best deals!

Just make sure you opt for a tour that will allow you enough time to visit, as there’s a lot to see at this archaeological site. There’s also a fantastic viewpoint here where you’ll get breathtaking vistas of Cusco, making it one of the best places to visit in Peru.

3. Q’enco Archaeological Complex

• Distance: 6.6 km (4 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 20 minutes

Q’enco Archaeological Complex is under a 20-minute drive from Cusco’s main plaza. Also known as ‘Kenko’ or ‘Qenqo’, this site was used for Incan religious ceremonies, so it played an important role in the area’s history!

Unfortunately, the Spaniards destroyed most of the Q’enco Archaeological Complex so there’s not too much left. However, it’s certainly still worth a visit, as what’s left is very impressive!

While at Kenko, there are a couple of notable things you’ll want to see. This includes The Hall of Sacrifice, the Astronomical Observatory, The Zigzagging Canaleta, and El Anfiteatro. You’ll also find some carved rocks throughout the complex.

Q’enco Archaeological Complex is one of the sites that is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. It’s also a place that you should prioritise as it has so much to offer! This private tour is a great option and includes a visit to Sacsayhuaman.

4. Puka Pukara

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 25 minutes

Puka Pukara is another impressive archaeological site located just outside of Cusco. It’s often included in tours along with Sacsayhuaman, Q’enco Archaeological Complex, and Tambomachay, so you can visit all of them on the same day!

Often referred to as the ‘Red Fortress’, due to its red granite, this site is another must-visit. Not much is known about Puka Pukara, but it’s thought to have been built during the reign of Pachacutec. That means this is one of the later Incan sites.

As not a lot is known about this place, the purpose of Puka Pukara is unclear. However, it’s thought that the site did have some sort of military purpose due to its location. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of Cusco City.

This half-day tour will take you to Puka Pukara along with some of the other surrounding sites!

5. Tambomachay

• Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 25 minutes

Just a short distance from Puka Pukara is the site of Tambomachay. In fact, they’re located on opposite sides of the road, so it’s easy to visit both at the same time!

Like many of the archaeological sites surrounding Cusco, the purpose of Tambomachay is unknown. Some people believe it was an Incan bathhouse or spa due to the name’s translation of ‘Place of Rest’.

However, it’s also believed that water played an important role in Incan ceremonies, so this site could also have had religious purposes. The not knowing is part of what makes this place so magical.

For the best experience, allow at least an hour for your visit although longer is preferable. This gives you a good amount of time to wander around the site.

There are plenty of day trips from Cusco, but Tambomachay is a great option if you don’t have much time! This half-day tour will take you there as well as to a variety of other sites!

6. Chinchero

• Distance: 28 km (17 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 50 minutes

If you’ve got a bit more time then we’d recommend heading to Chinchero. This picturesque town is located in the Sacred Valley, and it’s a typical Andean Village. Just be mindful of the high altitude, as this town is located at 3,762 metres (12,342 feet) above sea level.

Chinchero is most famous for its crafts, with a highlight being the Chinchero weavers. If you visit one of these textile centres, you’ll get to witness first-hand how the local people create clothing and other items, through natural products and old traditions.

Better yet, many of the textile centres have their own products for sale, and these make the perfect souvenirs!

This Sacred Valley Tour is the one we chose, and we couldn’t have been happier with the experience! Not only did we get to visit the weavers of Chinchero but this tour also took us to Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines.

7. Pisac

• Distance: 33.6 km (21 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 55 minutes

There are plenty of day trips from Cusco that you can do, but why not head to Pisac? This Peruvian town will offer you insight into a more traditional way of life so is certainly worth a visit.

The town’s Sunday market is a big hit with travellers as you can purchase some fantastic souvenirs. This is also a great place to pick up some local specialities including empanadas!

While here, you’ll also want to visit the Pisac Ruins. It’s believed these ruins had military purposes and were used as a defence to protect the city of Cusco. Considering how ancient these ruins are, they’re surprisingly intact.

Here is another Sacred Valley Tour which includes a visit to Pisac. On this tour, you’ll get to visit the town’s archaeological site and agricultural terraces, as well as Incan cemeteries. You’ll also head to Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.

8. Huchuy Qosqo

• Distance: 47 km (29 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 1 hr 15 minutes

If you don’t mind a hike, then you’ll want to visit Huchuy Qosqo. There are plenty of awesome Cusco day trips to choose from, but Huchuy Qosqo is one of the lesser-known Incan sites in the area.

Also known as ‘Little Cusco’, this archaeological site is located at an impressive 3,600 metres (11,811 feet) above sea level. As such, be mindful of the altitude while exploring!

Huchuy Qosqo can only be accessed via foot or horseback and is a popular day trip option. However, some people also hike this route as an alternative to reach Machu Picchu, so the decision is up to you!

If you decide to do the day hike, you’ll cover an area of around 13 km (8 miles), which will take about 7 hours. Along the way, you’ll get striking views of the local area!

Some people choose to hike solo, but we’d recommend opting for a guided tour.

9. Moray

• Distance: 47 km (29 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours

If you have some extra time then we’d recommend including a day trip to Moray on your Cusco itinerary! These incredible Incan ruins are some of the most visited in the region and it’s not hard to see why.

Home to three circular terraces and surrounded by the Andes Mountains, the beauty of this place is unparalleled. As such, try to allow at least an hour here so you can take it all in.

Although still a mystery, it’s strongly believed that the purpose of this site was agricultural. It’s thought that the terraces were used to grow a variety of crops, with the higher terraces being located at a different temperature.

As Moray is located in the Sacred Valley, we opted for this half-day tour. Not only will you get to visit Moray, but this tour also includes a visit to Maras Salt Flats and Chinchero.

10. Maras

• Distance: 49 km (30 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours

Maras is a charming town located in the Sacred Valley, but there’s one attraction that stands out above the rest – the salt flats!

Also known as Salineras de Maras, this place is home to over 3,000 salt ponds. These ‘ponds’ are shared by hundreds of local families, who extract the salt using traditional methods. This salt is then shipped all over the world!

The history of this place is crazy too, as it’s believed these salt flats were built by the Wari civilization between 500 to 1100 AD.

There are two main viewpoints that you should visit; one is located right by the salt flats themselves, while the other is a layby that’s found on the way down to Salineras de Maras.

There are plenty of tours from Cusco that include a visit to Maras, but we’d recommend this Sacred Valley tour as it’s the one we chose!

11. Sacred Valley

• Distance: N/A
• Travel Time: N/A

There’s no shortage of day trips from Cusco, and many of the places we’ve mentioned in this guide are located in the Sacred Valley, Peru. However, there are plenty of other awesome destinations to visit in this area!

The Sacred Valley extends from Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu, so there are endless places to explore. Moray, Moras, and Ollantaytambo are popular options, while lesser-known destinations include Pisac, Urubamba, and Chinchero.

Better yet, there are ample outdoor activities available in this region, including paragliding, white-water rafting, mountain biking, and horseback riding. No matter what you’re after, the Sacred Valley has something for everyone.

This Sacred Valley tour from Cusco is a great option if you’re looking to explore this area, as you’ll get to visit the town of Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero! It’s a full-day tour, so you won’t be rushing around either, and a buffet lunch is included.

12. Ollantaytambo

• Distance: 59 km (37 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours

Ollantaytambo is one of the most charming towns near Cusco, Peru. Also known as Ollanta, this place is home to two Incan ruins so is a must-visit for any itinerary!

As well as the iconic terraces, you’ll also want to explore the ‘Temple of the Sun’. Not to mention, the town itself has so much to offer, so allow enough time to wander around before heading back to Cusco.

Known for its fantastic architecture, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere, Ollantaytambo is also a great place to visit after Cusco, if you’re planning to spend longer here!

This full-day tour from Cusco includes a guided tour of Ollantaytambo and the Temple of the Sun. You’ll also get to visit the town of Pisac and its local market, and your lunch will be included.

If you’d prefer to visit solo, then you can use public transport to reach Ollantaytambo from Cusco!

13. Lares

• Distance: 108 km (67 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 3 hours

There are tons of awesome Cusco day tours to choose from, and many of them will take you to popular touristy spots. However, the Lares Trek is one of the area’s more off-the-beaten-path destinations!

Typically, the Lares trek takes between 4-5 days and is quite a formidable challenge. It’s an alternative to the Inca trail and is a far less popular route, so is perfect for those after a unique experience.

If you’re short of time, then you can always just spend a day hiking in the Lares Valley. This area is home to epic landscapes and authentic Peruvian villages, but it’s located at a high altitude, so you’ll want to take your time.

Just keep in mind that this will be a full-day experience, as you’ll need to allow a couple of hours on each side for transport, as well as plenty of time for the hike.

14. Rainbow Mountain

• Distance: 141 km (88 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 3.5 hours

Rainbow Mountain is one of the most popular day trips from Cusco. Also known as Vinicunca, this colourful mountain is made up of several different colours including red, green, purple, and yellow.

Vinicunca is located within the Andes Mountain Range and is made up of a wide variety of minerals. Even on a rainy day, these minerals shine through, which is why the colours are so vibrant.

Sitting at 5,200m (17,060 feet) above sea level, the altitude here can be an issue, like many of the other destinations in this guide. As such, take your time when walking up the top.

Luckily, there are lots of Rainbow Mountain tours from Cusco to choose from!

This full-day tour will take you to Rainbow Mountain, where you’ll then have to undertake a 1.5-hour hike. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, as well as a professional guide.

15. Lake Humantay

• Distance: 120 km (75 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 3.5 hours + a hike

When it comes to Cusco day trips, we’d recommend heading out to Humantay Lake. Famous for its turquoise waters, imposing glaciers, and jagged peaks, this amazing destination has so much to offer.

Soraypampa village is the closest settlement to Lake Humantay, so you’ll stop here to grab yourself something to eat. Afterwards, you’ll hike for around 1.5 hours to reach the lake, so prepare yourself for a challenge.

You can easily access Lake Humantay by hiking the Salkantay Trek. However, places for this hike often sell out months in advance, which is why many people choose to visit on a day trip.

Now, it is entirely possible to reach Humantay independently, however, a tour offers much more convenience. This Humantay Lake day trip lasts for 12-14 hours and includes hotel pickup (and dropoff) in Cusco, transport, breakfast, and your guide.

16. Ausangate

• Distance: N/A
• Travel Time: N/A

Last but certainly not least, there’s the Seven Lakes of Ausangate. Some of the most popular lakes you’ll get to visit include Azulcocha, China Otorongo, Comercocha, and Patacocha.

To visit these lakes, you’ll need to hike for a fair distance so just keep that in mind. Luckily, many of the tours will stop off at the hot springs of Pacchanta along the way, so you can relax your tired muscles.

For the best experience, you’ll want to visit Ausangate on a day tour. Just keep in mind that some of the tours can be pricey, so they may not be suitable for those on a budget.

This full-day tour from Cusco lasts for around 12 hours. You’ll get to marvel at the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, visit Indigenous communities, and enjoy some of the best scenery in this area!

The Best time to visit Cusco

In our experience, the best time to visit the city of Cusco is in June. This month is the city’s anniversary, so you’ll find a whole host of events taking place.

We visited Cusco during the month of June and found it to be a great time for appreciating the local culture. So during your time here, ensure you have some free time to enjoy the festivities.

May-October is the most popular time to visit the city. During this time, precipitation levels are at their lowest, and the weather is pleasant. Just be aware, that Cusco will be at its busiest at this time of year, so you’ll likely encounter crowds.

May and October are at the end of peak season so they will be quieter. November is also a great time to visit, as accommodation may be cheaper. December to April is the cheapest time to visit, although expect plenty of rainfall.

Where to Stay in Cusco

As you can see, there are ample day trips from Cusco. However, you’ll still need the perfect base for your trip. We’d suggest staying near the main plaza so you’re close to the city’s attractions. You’ll find that many of the day tours leave from this area too.

Here are some of our best recommendations!

Budget: Hostal Qolqampata

We stayed in two different places in Cusco, and Hostal Qolqampata was one of them. First of all, this low-cost property is just a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas so it is in a great location.

Boasting lovely hosts, a rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the city, and cosy rooms, this place has so much to offer. You’ll also be close to popular attractions such as Saqsaywaman.

Mid-range: Cozy Room Cusco

Cozy Room Cusco is the other hotel we stayed in and is another that we’d recommend. This property also offers a stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.

Cozy Room Cusco is just a 15-minute walk from Plaza de Armas so it’s in a great location. During your stay, you’ll have a fantastic buffet breakfast and the hotel offers free bag storage.

Luxury: JW Marriott El Convento

If you’d prefer a more luxurious option then check out JW Marriott El Convento. This gorgeous 5* hotel is located in the centre of Cusco, just three blocks from Plaza de Armas.

With a charming colonial courtyard, parquet floors, and sculpted archways, you won’t find anywhere as beautiful. On-site, there’s also a heated pool, spa, two restaurants, and two exhibition halls, which feature Peruvian artefacts.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Cusco

As you can see there are so many awesome Cusco day trips! Honestly, you won’t run out of things to do in the city itself, but there are lots of places to visit if you do find yourself with a free day or two!

Whether you’re looking to visit the iconic Machu Picchu or you’d prefer to explore the Sacred Valley, there are so many options! Some you can easily visit independently, while others will require a tour, so just make sure you do a bit of research to find the best option for you.

If you have further questions about day trips from Cusco then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

Here are some other Peru guides that you may find helpful:

• Things To Do In Paracas, Peru
• Things To Do In Huacachina, Peru
• 2 Days In Lima – The Ultimate Itinerary
• Chuncho Lodge Review: Where To Stay In Tambopata