Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
1. Salkantay Trek
A challenging five-day trek to Machu Picchu with breathtaking views of Salkantay Peak.
- Varied Landscapes: Experience rainforest, cloud forest, and alpine tundra in a single trek.
- Incan Sites: Discover several ancient Inca sites along the way, including Llactapata.
- Shorter Crowds: Avoid the bustling crowds on the classic Inca Trail.
2. Llactapata Trek
A less crowded alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering stunning views of Machu Picchu from above.
- Remote Experience: Explore a remote area with fewer tourists.
- Incan Ruins: Visit the less-explored Inca site of Llactapata.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley.
3. Laguna Humantay Day Hike
A day hike to a stunning turquoise lagoon nestled in the Andes at approximately 4,200 meters elevation.
- Scenic Views: Admire panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and valleys.
- Accessibility: A day hike that can be completed in a single day from Cusco.
- Cultural Experience: Interact with local Andean communities along the trail.
4. Huchuy Qosqo Trek
A short trek to an ancient Inca site overlooking modern Cusco with beautiful vistas.
- Historical Significance: Visit the largely intact and lesser-known Inca city of Huchuy Qosqo.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in breathtaking views of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the surrounding Andes.
- Easy Access: A short trek that can be completed in a single day from Cusco.
5. Salcantaypampa Trek
An off-the-beaten-path trek that takes you to the base of Salkantay Peak and offers a unique perspective on the mountain.
- Alpine Scenery: Hike through alpine landscapes and enjoy close-up views of Salkantay Peak.
- Remote Experience: Experience a remote and less crowded trekking route.
- Challenging Terrain: Test your hiking skills on steep, rugged terrain.
6. Ancascocha Trek
A three-day trek to the beautiful Ancascocha Lagoon and beyond, offering an authentic Andean experience.
- Scenic Beauty: Admire stunning vistas of glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and the Salkantay Range.
- Local Interaction: Engage with traditional Andean communities along the trail.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Discover a less-visited trekking route in the Peruvian Andes.
7. Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Hike
A day hike to the multicolored Vinicunca mountain, boasting vibrant hues of red, purple, and gold.
- Stunning Landscapes: Be awestruck by the breathtaking rainbow-colored mountains.
- Cultural Experience: Visit traditional Andean communities and learn about their customs and way of life.
- Day Trip: A one-day hike that can be easily incorporated into your itinerary.
8. Llactapata to Machu Picchu Trek
A challenging three-day trek from Llactapata to Machu Picchu with stunning views of the Andes.
- Remote Experience: Hike a remote and less crowded route to Machu Picchu.
- Scenic Beauty: Admire breathtaking vistas of the Andes, cloud forest, and valleys.
- Incan Ruins: Visit several Inca sites along the way, including Llactapata.
9. Palccoyo Mountain Hike
A challenging day hike to a lesser-known rainbow mountain with fewer tourists and stunning landscapes.
- Stunning Landscapes: Be awestruck by the breathtaking multicolored mountains.
- Cultural Experience: Visit traditional Andean communities and learn about their customs and way of life.
- Day Trip: A one-day hike that can be easily incorporated into your itinerary.
10. Lares Trek
A four-day trek through the traditional Andean highlands, showcasing local customs and stunning landscapes.
- Authentic Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich Andean culture and interact with locals.
- Scenic Beauty: Admire breathtaking vistas of glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and valleys.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Discover a less-visited trekking route in the Peruvian Andes.
11. Choquequirao Trek
A challenging four- to six-day trek to the ancient city of Choquequirao, known as the 'Cradle of Gold'.
- Historical Significance: Explore one of the largest and most important Inca cities yet discovered.
- Scenic Beauty: Admire breathtaking vistas of the Apurimac Canyon, snow-capped mountains, and cloud forest.
- Challenging Terrain: Test your hiking skills on steep, rugged terrain.
12. Santiago Prado Trek
A three-day trek to the remote Inca site of Santiago Prado, boasting stunning views of the Andes.
- Historical Significance: Visit a less-explored Inca site and learn about its history.
- Scenic Beauty: Admire breathtaking vistas of the Andes, cloud forest, and valleys.
- Remote Experience: Hike a remote and less crowded route to an Inca site.
13. Salkantay Pass and Humantay Lake Hike
A challenging one-day hike that takes you over Salkantay Pass with stunning views of Humantay Lake.
- Scenic Beauty: Admire breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and valleys.
- Alpine Experience: Hike through alpine landscapes and experience the crisp mountain air.
- Day Trip: A one-day hike that can be easily incorporated into your itinerary.
14. Tour de las Siete Lagunas (Tour of the Seven Lakes)
A day tour to visit seven stunning glacial lakes in the Ausangate region, showcasing beautiful Andean landscapes.
- Scenic Beauty: Admire breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
- Cultural Experience: Visit traditional Andean communities and learn about their customs and way of life.
- Day Trip: A one-day tour that can be easily incorporated into your itinerary.
15. Ausangate Trek
A four- to six-day trek through the stunning Ausangate Range, showcasing beautiful Andean landscapes and traditional culture.
- Scenic Beauty: Admire breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
- Cultural Experience: Visit traditional Andean communities and learn about their customs and way of life.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Discover a less-visited trekking route in the Peruvian Andes.