The best day Tours in Cusco – Unforgettable Adventures Await!

Cusco is the center of tourism in Peru and one of the most important cities in the country. Its vast array of natural and archaeological sites offers visitors from all over the world a unique perspective into the history of the region, and a lasting experience to take home for years to come. Cusco is full of natural charm, scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and ancient history that is still preserved in the customs and traditions of its people.

In addition to being the historical and culture center, Cusco is also the starting point for visitors hoping to explore some of Peru’s most impressive natural and archaeological wonders. If you plan to travel to Cusco, we have provided a list of some of the best day tours available from the city.

Sacred Valley of the Incas:

The Sacred Valley is a hub for some of the most important archaeological complexes in the region, and is the gateway to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu as it lies between the city of Cusco and the Lost city of the Incas. Its agricultural terraces, ancient Inca fortresses and native Quechua communities permeate the landscape, offering visitors an insight into the lives of the local inhabitants. The Sacred Valley is home to the towns of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, the tourist sites of Maras, Moray and Pisac, and the famous network of Inca Trails that once facilitated communication channels through the Inca messengers called ‘chasquis’.

The Rainbow Mountain:

The Mountain of 7 Colours, or Vinicunca as it is locally known, is one of Cusco’s most prized natural attractions. It is located in the Andes mountains, 3 hours’ drive from Cusco city, at an altitude of 5,000 m / 16,404 ft. To reach it, we advise visitors to acclimatize for at least one day in the city of Cusco, which has an altitude of 3,400 m / 11,155 ft. This will reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness and ensure you have the most fulfilling experience at the summit. The striking colours of the Rainbow Mountain and its surrounding Red Valley, brings thousands of visitors to its viewpoint every year.

Humantay Lagoon:

The Humantay Lagoon is one of the most picturesque tours you can find in the Cusco region. On the journey from Cusco city, you will get to know the lush valley of the Apurímac River, passing through Andean towns where the native Quechua people keep the Inca traditions alive. The hike up to the lagoon follows a mountain trail for 90 minutes to an altitude of 4,180 m / 13,714 ft. After which you’ll be treated to one of the most stunning views of an Andean valley that can be found in the area. On a clear day the breathtaking waters of the turquoise lake reflect the snow-capped peaks of its glacial mountain, Humantay. Filling your heart with joy and your camera full of jaw dropping souvenir photos to take home with you!

Moray and Salinas de Maras:

The Salineras de Maras and the circular terraces of Moray, are two of the most popular tourist attractions of the Sacred Valley.

The town of Maras is famed for its unique stepped ‘salt mines’, located at an altitude of 3,200 m / 10,500 ft. The ‘mines’ comprise of 4,500 small wells, formed into stepped terraces, fed by a natural water source coming from the mountains. Salt is obtained once a month by means of drying the salt water under the sun, evaporating the liquid and leaving behind crystallised layers of salt. The salt is then flavoured and packaged and sold to all corners of the Cusco region.

7km from Maras are the famous circular terraces of Moray, which are considered to be the agricultural laboratory of the Inca empire. It’s believed that the Inca culture brought products from all over the territory for the purpose of planting them in the fertile land of Moray. The complex is divided into groups of 4 terraces, each with its own microclimate. The individual stepped terraces boast different temperatures, heights, characteristics and respective irrigation canals. This unique set of conditions allowed the Incas to cultivate many different types of plants and grains in one controlled area. Andean culture also gives voice to the concentration of feminine energy at Moray, making it a magnetic center of mother earth Pachamama.

The Red Valley:

The mountains surrounding the ‘Mountain of 7 Colours’ comprise the breathtaking hills of the Red Valley. Visitors of the Rainbow Mountain can seek a fantastic photo opportunity at the Mirador del Valle Rojo by walking a further 30 minutes along the trail from the viewpoint. The mountains get their name from the distinct presence of iron oxide in the rock, giving the range a deep red colour. The Red Valley is much quieter than the trails of Rainbow Mountain, treating visitors to an exclusive experience amongst the Cordillera de los Andes.

South Valley:

25 kilometres southeast of the city of Cusco, on the way to the altiplano, the South Valley of Cusco is home to picturesque landscapes and impressive archaeological centers. As it is infrequently visited by tourists, the South Valley is an oasis of tranquillity compared to that of the Sacred Valley or Cusco City. Nonetheless, visitors will be treated to an abundance of indigenous communities, ancient churches and even pre inca archaeological sites. On a day tour from Cusco, tourists can visit the Sistine Chapel of America in the town of Andahuaylillas, the archaeological park of Piquillaqta and the agricultural ingenuity found amidst the stepped terraces of Tipon.

Waqrapukara:

The fortress of Waqrapukara is located a 4 hour drive from the city of Cusco, atop a peak overlooking the Apurimac canyon. It is an Inca sanctuary of the first order, denoting immense political and religious power that has not yet been deciphered by modern man. To access the site, you will need to hike for 2 hours from the trail head, following the ancient route of the Incas, to the viewpoint at 4,300 meters altitude. Not only is the rock formation of Waqrapukara a treat for the eyes, but so is the panoramic view from atop its famous horns.

Huchuy Qosqo:

The royal Inca estate of Huchuy Qosqo is perfect day tour for those seeking an adventure in the hills of the Sacred Valley. Huchuy Qosqo, means ‘little Cusco’ in Quechua, and is believed to be an important citadel during Inca times. It is located at an altitude of 3,500 meters, treating visitors to a spectacular panoramic view of the Sacred Valley from above.

The trail winds along an ancient Inca Trail, through mountainous grasslands, passed herds of grazing llamas and alpacas, sidestepping small Andean communities. The duration of the tour depends on the chosen travel agency, but usually visitors will drive for 1 hour from Cusco to the start of the trail, and then spend between 6-8 hours hiking to and from the site.

Seven Ausangate Lagoons:

On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of Ausangate can be seen from the city of Cusco. It is one of the most sacred mountains in all of Peru and is home to one of the country’s most picturesque landscapes. The most visited of which are the crystal-clear waters of its famous seven alpine lagoons.

To reach Ausangate on a 1 day tour, visitors will drive for 3 hours to the small mountain community of Pacchanta, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters. The hike thereafter is a 2 hour adventure around the breathtaking seven lagoons.

Another highlight of the seven lagoons tour is a chance to warm your bones during a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Pacchanta. Situated at the foot of the sacred peak of Ausangate, amidst the backdrop of the Cordillera del Vilcanota, the natural waters of the thermal baths range between 38ºC. and 44ºC.

Andenes de Zurite:

The terraces of Zurite, are an impressive set of Inca agricultural platforms, comprising of 40 stone steps, that span up to 1 kilometre in length and up to 3 meters high. The complex is divided into four sectors, each with its own complex irrigation system. It is said that the terraces were built by the Inca emperor Wiracocha and are still used by the local people today.

The terraces sit at an altitude of 3,300 meters and are located 42km west of the city of Cusco, in the town of Zurite in the province of Anta. The Anta Province is relatively untouched by tourism and therefore has retained an astonishing natural beauty.

The Abode of the Gods:

The abode of the Gods or the ‘Apukunaq Tiananis’ in Quechua, is a modern tourist attraction made up of several stone sculptures dedicated to the Inca and Andean gods. The stone monuments include representations of Pachamama (mother earth), the puma (symbolizing the earthly world) and the faces of famous Inca emperors. The magnificent works of art are made from local stone and reach up to 8 meters in height.

The Apukunaq Tiananis is located in the Poroy district, just 12 meters from the city of Cusco at an altitude of 3,850 meters.

Cusco is a hotspot for visitors from all over the world, thanks to its high mountains, abundance of ancient archaeological sites, and picturesque valleys. If you are seeking beautiful landscapes, a cultural experience or a connection with nature, the Andean region of Cusco has something for everyone!