The Best Day Hikes from Cusco

Our Best Day Hikes from Cusco guide is here to help you explore the Cusco region. Peru is famous for being the gateway to Machu Picchu, and many people use the Inca capital as a base to explore the region and acclimatize before setting out to go hiking in Peru. Cusco is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and ancient Inca ruins, making it the perfect base for exploring the Andean countryside on Cusco day hikes. Whether you are getting used to the altitude, enjoying a free day on your Cusco day tours, or simply with time to spare on your Peru vacation package.  Here is our pick of the best day hikes from Cusco. Read on for the best Cusco one-day trekking tours that combine awe-inspiring scenery, fascinating history, and a real Peruvian adventure for when you come hiking in Peru.

Why go on a day hike from Cusco?

Many people come to Peru to hike a multi-day trek such as the iconic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, or even a trek to the Rainbow Mountain. If this is the case, you will more than likely need to do a little hiking at altitude before the multi-day trek. Luckily, there are a number of acclimatization hikes in Cusco. Day hikes from Cusco are the best preparation for a longer adventure in the Andes! If you are visiting Cusco in dry season and high season, the best way to avoid the crowds is to go on a day hike from Cusco and into the countryside.  If you come to Cusco in the rainy season, which runs from December to March, it rains a lot at night. So a day hike is probably a better option than overnight camping expeditions. Here are some of our recommended Cusco day hikes!

Best Day Hikes From Cusco City

From Cusco City to Sacsayhuaman

Another one of the best Cusco one-day trekking tours is the hike from San Blas in Cusco up to Sacsayhuaman. You will stop by San Cristobal (The white Christ on the hill) along the way! As you stand on the corner of the plaza, if you look uphill, you can see the San Cristobal church next to the white Jesus statue. The close by terraces are Sacsayhuamán, yes, (pronounced sexy woman !). One of the best ways, if you are still acclimatizing, is to take a taxi up and walk back down. This will help you save your energy by getting you up the hill and saving your strength for the sights above!

Temple of the Moon

At the end of the Hatunrumiyoc, where the 12 Angles stone is found, you’re at the bottom of Choquechaka and the Cuesta de San Blas. Go up the Cuesta de San Blas till you get to the Plaza San Blas. Pause here if you need to catch your breath. If you just keep walking, you can do this in under an hour.  Keep going up from San Blas, up Calle Suytuccato. The flat street in front of you is called Jardines del Inka, but you’re going up the trail on the left side of the road. In another ten to fifteen minutes, you’ll cross a major road. Be careful here because pedestrians do not have the right of way in Peru. Do not expect vehicles to stop for you. Once you cross the road, there’s a very steep street that heads uphill. Go as far as the bridge on the right, next to a row of cypress trees, about 140m/460ft. Cross the bridge, pass the trees, and then you’re on the right track.

The Monkey Temple

Once you get up past the groves of eucalyptus,  you will pass a small temple called Templo de Los Monos (Monkey temple). From here, you can already see the Temple of the Moon up ahead.  This is your view of Inkilltambo from the trail above, before you go down through the eucalyptus groves. You will see the ruins with spectacular views across the city of Cusco.

Inkilltambo (Our Pick of The Day Hikes From Cusco)

If you make it to the Temple of the Moon and want to continue hiking, you can keep going to Inkilltambo. This is one of the best excavated Inca cities near Cusco!

From the Temple of the Moon, go down to the stream below, where there are carved boulders that clearly had some ceremonial purpose in centuries past. Two trails head uphill; take the lower one for Inkilltambo. The higher one goes to the bouldering area called Los Techos, which is where you should go if you want to meet Cusco’s rock climbers! Past the area with steep rocky cliffs on your right, you’ll see Inkilltambo below you and another eucalyptus forest. There are dozens of trails down through that forest because people graze herds of sheep here, and the sheep make trails every which way. Some are more of a scramble than others, so choose wisely!

Huchuy Qosqo Hike

Private hiking guides in Cusco will take you on the Huchuy Qosqo Trek. This is a scenic hike that takes you through the Andean countryside to the ancient Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. This Cusco day trip starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and a drive to the trailhead. From there, you’ll embark on a moderate trek through picturesque villages and stunning mountain landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass by ancient Inca ruins and learn about the history and culture of the region from your guide. The highlight of the trek is reaching the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the site and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

You will be hiking along a defined trail for about 6 hours with undulating ascents and descents, but this is a moderate trek, as long as you are well acclimatized. The best time to do this Cusco day trip is from April to October, so that there is a lower chance of rain. You should also arrange an organized tour due to the high elevation and so that you do not stray from the trail.

Make sure you take sunscreen, sunhat, camera, sunglasses, rain poncho, warm layers, comfortable trekking boots, walking sticks, water, and plenty of positivity on this Cusco one-day trekking tour.

One-Day Hikes that Include a Car Drive to The Trailhead

Tipon

Tipon is a masterpiece of Inca engineering that contains one of the most intact irrigation systems in the Inca world, with canals and even a working fountain fed by water melting from the ice far above the complex. Tipon is thought to have been a royal garden commissioned by the Inca Wiracocha. These terraces extend through the narrow valley and are fed by springs coming from the Apu (mountain) Pachatusan. The archaeological site is composed of a complex of temples, irrigation canals, and aqueducts. Tipon is also famous for its crispy fried guinea pig (cuy al horno) and proudly boasts the title of the cuy capital of the Andes. You can even see freshly roasted guinea pigs on display at the “cuyerias” along the roadsides on the visit to the South Valley.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Hike

One of the most famous Cusco day hikes is The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. This natural Peruvian wonder that has gained popularity in recent years as one of the most sought-after Cusco day trips. The 1-day hike to Rainbow Mountain is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views of colorful striped mountains. The trail takes you through picturesque Andean villages and stunning high-altitude landscapes, culminating in panoramic views from the summit of Rainbow Mountain itself. Due to its high elevation, reaching over 5000m, we recommend doing this day hike after you have been at high altitude for a considerable time. The spectacular Andean vistas are worth every effort. However, they offer unparalleled views and unique geological formations that are a rarity anywhere in the world. In this region of the high Andes, you can be guaranteed some of the best hiking in Peru. This includes the Ausangate, the Red Valley, and the 7 lagoons, and our next destination, Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Day Hike

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains (yes, there are more than 1!) offer a stunning and less-crowded alternative to the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Vinicunca has gained worldwide attention in recent years; Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain remains a hidden gem, a geological wonder that’s equally vibrant, photogenic, and ready to be explored. Join us on an unforgettable journey to The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains, where you’ll witness nature’s artistic masterpiece at its finest and why you should visit this unique destination… It’s an easier hike and without the crowds!! Find out more here.

A Guided Day Hike From Cusco to Humantay Lake

The Humantay Lake Trek is a popular day hike that takes you to the stunning Humantay Lake, located at the base of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. The hike starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and a drive to the trailhead. From there, you’ll begin to hike on a challenging but rewarding trek to the lake, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of the turquoise waters against the backdrop of the towering mountains.

Even though it is one of the longer Cusco one-day trekking tours, the stunning views are worth all the effort for that first magnificent view of the pristine lake. Remember, you can do the Humantay day trip. Alternatively, you can hike there on the first day of the 5-day Salkantay trek, if you happen to be trekking that route. The lake itself is found at an elevation of 4200m. So there is a gradual 300m elevation gain along the route.

These are just some of our favourite day hikes from Cusco… there are so many more to explore in this incredible part of the world. Cusco is genuinely one of those places where you feel like you can discover new things with every trip. You will never feel like you have seen it all.  Allow us to assist you in exploring the wonders of Cusco, and contact us here!