Just because a hike isn’t the official Inca Trail doesn’t mean it’s not epic (or Incan). The big names like Salkantay and Lares are worthy of the worldwide attention they receive. But before you take on a multiday excursion (or in lieu of one), you should acclimate to the altitude with a solid one-day hike.
Certainly, picking just one isn’t easy. After all, the region of Cusco abounds in epic hikes of all durations and difficulties. But these five stand out for having the cultural and natural beauty that pull in tourists from thousands of miles, all packed into one day.
General Tips
Acclimatize: First of all, spend a full day in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before embarking on a day hike. Stay hydrated (avoid caffeine and alcohol), and remember that coca tea is your friend!
Pack: Cash (Peruvian nuevo soles) and plenty of water and snacks. You’re close to the sun at over 11,000 feet, so sunblock and a good hat are necessities. Clothes-wise, layers are the general guide since temperatures range greatly between chilly mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. And a basic first aid kit is essential.
Weather: Expect rainy afternoons in the wet season (November through April). Short afternoon showers are not uncommon the rest of the year.
Best Day Hikes Near Cusco
Huchuy Qosqo: The Royal Estate
Distance: 12 miles/20 km
Elevation Change: 2,198 feet (670 meters)
Highlight: A visit to this impressive Incan royal estate will bring you to the beautiful Sacred Valley. While hiking you’ll take in views of both the Valley and the Vilcabamba mountain range. Huchuy Qosqo means “Little Cusco” in Quechua, and surprisingly few tourists visit its well-preserved buildings.
Difficulty: Medium to medium-hard. This depends on how acclimatized you are to the altitude. The highest point is 14,173 feet (4,230 meters). Compare that with Cusco at 11,023 feet (3,360 meters)!
Tips: To arrive, take a 45 minute shared car (colectivo) going to Chinchero from Cusco. A short taxi ride from the Chinchero stop will get you to the trailhead. Expect to pay about S/25 ($7-8) per person for the colectivo plus taxi. Be prepared to pay the S/7 entrance fee (about $2.50) as well.
Pisac Archaeological Site: Explorer’s Dream
Distance: 6.7 miles/10.8km
Elevation Change: 1,755 feet/535meters
Highlights: This and the famous (and now less traditional) artesian market put Pisac on the travel map years ago. The architecture rivals that of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo. You’ll also witness fabulously-well-maintained Incan terraces and one of the few intihuatanas outside of Machu Picchu.
Difficulty: Medium-Hard. This is a steep climb, but being in the Sacred Valley, the starting point is at a lower altitude (10,827 feet/3,300 meters) than Cusco.
Tips: The trailhead starts near the plaza in Pisac, which is a 1 hr – 1 hr 15 minute car ride from Cusco. To visit the site you need a Cusco tourist ticket (boleto turistico), and make sure to buy one that includes Pisac. A tourist ticket will cost a minimum of S/70 (about $20); there are multiple options.
Siete Lagunas: The Wildlife Route
Distance: 9.9 miles/16km
Elevation Change: 2,297 feet/700 meters. This trail starts at 13,451 feet/4,100 meters above sea level.
Highlights: Wildlife and nature! Andean animals abound, from soaring condors and wooly alpacas to the rabbit’s mountain-inclined cousin, the vizcacha. Seven glacial lakes for which this trek is named provide prime viewpoints for the sacred snowcap, Ausangate. This mountain is considered a diety (apu) to locals.
Difficulty: Medium
Tips: Dress for cold and wet weather. It’s also not a bad idea to go with a local guide or at least a group of fellow hikers because of this hike’s isolated location. It starts in Pacchanta, a 3-4 hours’ car ride from Cusco. Bring swimming clothes and enjoy Paccchanta’s natural hot springs for a post-hike warmup.
Sacsayhuaman-Q’enko-Puka Pukara-Tambomachay: A Walk from Your Hotel
Distance: 3.2 miles/5.2km
Elevation Change: 709 feet/216meters from Cusco.
Highlights: Explore these four archaeological sites while enjoying wonderful views of Cusco below. Each has its own calling card: Tambomachay’s centuries-old water features, Puka Pukara’s valley views, Q’enko’s mystery, and Sacsayhuaman’s cultural and historical importance.
Difficulty: Easy-medium
Tips: Ask how to get to Sacsayhuaman or use an online map to get started from your hotel in Cusco. Once in Sacsayhuaman, the path to each following site is well-marked. You need a tourist ticket (boleto turistico) to visit each one. Consider hiring a guide at Sacsayhuaman, the largest and most impressive of the four. You can retrace your steps back to Cusco or take a car.
Waqra Pukara: Newly “Discovered”
Distance: 7.8 miles/12.5km
Elevation: The trail starts at 13,274 feet/4,046 meters above sea level and ends at Waqra Pukara, an elevation of 13,800 feet/4,206 meters.
Highlights: An uncrowded site with Incan and pre-Incan characteristics. And that’s not to mention spectacular views of the valley, mountains, and Apurimac River below.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Tips: It’s best to go with a guide or a group, since this is a little-used, isolated trek. There are multiple paths to Waqra Pukara; the Rinconada to Waqra Pukara, then to Santa Lucia is our recommended option. That’s because it is a loop and not an out-and -back, meaning you’ll get more stunning views of the valley and mountains.
Best Day Hikes Near Cusco- Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with any hike in the Cusco area, but hopefully this list will help you decide which to choose. From the nature route (Siete Lagunas) to the archaeology lesson (Pisac), each stands out for its uniqueness.
You may have noticed we didn’t include the short Inca Trail. That’s because while this is sold as a day hike, it’s truly a two-day experience. Day 2 is a visit to Machu Picchu, often with another short hike involved.
We also didn’t mention Vinicunca (“Rainbow Mountain”). That’s our own personal prejudice; in our opinion, any day trip to Vinicunca involves way too much time in a car. It’s definitely a better multiday experience.
Thanks for reading!
