Solo Travel Destinations in Cusco, Cusco, Peru

Cusco, Peru, Cusco, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Solo Travel Destinations

Solo Travel Destinations in Cusco, Cusco, Peru

1. Sacsayhuaman

Incredible Incan ruins overlooking Cusco city, offering a glimpse into the past with its massive stones.
  • Historical Significance: An important Incan military and religious site, showcasing advanced stonework techniques.
  • Panoramic Views: Offers stunning vistas of Cusco and the surrounding valley.
  • Accessibility: Easy to reach by bus from downtown Cusco, making it a great destination for solo travelers.

2. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

Fascinating Incan temple dedicated to the sun god Inti, featuring impressive stonework and religious artifacts.
  • Architectural Marvel: Showcases the Incan mastery of architectural and engineering techniques.
  • Religious Significance: Once covered in gold, this temple was the most important religious site for the Incas.
  • Location: Centrally located in Cusco city, making it easily accessible for solo travelers.

3. Machu Picchu

Iconic Incan citadel nestled high in the Andes, featuring terraces, temples, and palaces.
  • Archaeological Wonders: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history dating back to the 15th century.
  • Hiking Opportunities: The Inca Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding multi-day hike for solo travelers.
  • Photography Opportunities: Stunning sunrises and panoramic views make it perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.

4. Llactapata

Less crowded Incan ruins offering a more secluded and peaceful experience.
  • Seclusion: Offers a quieter, less-crowded alternative to Machu Picchu.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush cloud forest and spectacular mountain scenery.
  • Accessibility: Can be reached via a challenging yet rewarding trek, making it ideal for more adventurous solo travelers.

5. Ollantaytambo

Well-preserved Incan town with impressive fortress and agricultural terraces.
  • Architectural Wonder: Features a well-preserved Incan fortress and agricultural terraces.
  • Historical Significance: Ollantaytambo served as an administrative center during Incan times and is one of the few places that successfully repelled the Spanish conquest.
  • Location: Ideal location for exploring the Sacred Valley and serving as a base for trips to Machu Picchu.

6. Pisac Market

Colorful market offering traditional Peruvian textiles, handicrafts, and local produce.
  • Shopping Experience: Offers a unique shopping experience for traditional Peruvian goods.
  • Cultural Immersion: Allows solo travelers to interact with locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by bus from Cusco, making it a great destination for solo travelers.

7. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Stunning multi-colored mountain offering breathtaking views and challenging hike.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases an amazing natural spectacle of colorful mountains.
  • Photography Opportunities: Offers unique photo opportunities against a backdrop of the Andes.
  • Challenging Hike: Requires a challenging hike but rewards solo travelers with unforgettable views.

8. Llaqtapata Trek

Less crowded trek offering breathtaking views and a closer look at Machu Picchu's lesser-known sister site.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Andes and cloud forest.
  • Seclusion: A quieter, less-crowded alternative to the Inca Trail.
  • Historical Significance: Allows solo travelers to explore a lesser-known Incan site and gain insights into the Incan civilization.

9. Salinas de Maras

Fascinating salt mines with over 3,000 pools of salt water.
  • Cultural Experience: Provides a unique insight into traditional salt mining techniques.
  • Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning photo opportunities against a backdrop of the Andes.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car or bus from Cusco, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers.

10. Moray Inca Terraces

Impressive agricultural terraces believed to have served as an experimental farm for the Incas.
  • Architectural Wonder: Features a unique design of concentric circles of agricultural terraces.
  • Historical Significance: Offers insights into Incan agriculture and their innovative farming techniques.
  • Accessibility: Located near the town of Maras, making it easily accessible for solo travelers.

11. Chinchero Market

Colorful market offering traditional Peruvian textiles, handicrafts, and local produce.
  • Shopping Experience: Offers a unique shopping experience for traditional Peruvian goods.
  • Cultural Immersion: Allows solo travelers to interact with locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by bus from Cusco, making it a great destination for solo travelers.

12. Urubamba Valley

Idyllic valley offering stunning views of the Andes and home to several Incan ruins.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Andes.
  • Historical Significance: Home to several Incan ruins, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by car or bus from Cusco, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers.

13. Tambomachay

Incan water temple featuring intricate stonework and beautiful gardens.
  • Architectural Wonder: Showcases the Incan mastery of hydraulic engineering.
  • Historical Significance: Offers insights into Incan religious practices and their reverence for water.
  • Accessibility: Located near the city of Cusco, making it easily accessible for solo travelers.

14. Q'eswachaka Inca Bridge

Incan rope bridge rebuilt annually by local communities using traditional techniques.
  • Cultural Experience: Allows solo travelers to witness and participate in a living tradition.
  • Historical Significance: Offers insights into Incan engineering and their transportation methods.
  • Accessibility: Located near the town of Cusco, making it easily accessible for solo travelers.

15. Coricancha Museum

Museum featuring artifacts and exhibits on the history of the Incas and their religious practices.
  • Historical Knowledge: Offers a deeper understanding of Incan culture, religion, and their way of life.
  • Accessibility: Located in the heart of Cusco city, making it easily accessible for solo travelers.
  • Architectural Wonder: Housed in a former Incan temple, showcasing the mastery of Incan architecture.