The nature surrounding Cusco, Peru is some of the most astounding in the World. Complete with snowcapped peaks, deep sprawling valleys, roaring rivers, ancient buildings, and colorful sunsets and sunrises. These magical landscapes in and around Cusco are ones you’ll want to explore close up, walk through, and take a day or two to slow down to soak it all in. The perfect way to do this is by one of many half-day, day, or two-day hikes in the area. Travel to the Sacred Valley to experience astonishing ruins or stay close by and enjoy remarkable views of Cusco from the nearby mountains. Continue on to find more information on the top 10 hikes in Cusco that we offer. All of our hikes include transportation (if necessary), a bilingual guide, and some include meals.
10 Must-Do Hikes Around Cusco PART 1
1) Hiking Cusco’s Backyard
2) Hike to the Unknown Ruins of Cusco
3) Hike to Huchuy Qosco (2D/1N)
4) Hike through Moray, Maras, and Pichingoto
10 Must-Do Hikes Around Cusco PART 2
5) Pumamarca to Ollantaytambo
6) Quillarumiyoc to Zurite Terraces
7) Chinchero to Urquillos
10 Must-Do Hikes Around Cusco PART 3
8) Hike Palccoyo
9) The Vinicunca Experience
10) The Vinicunca Experience and Red Canyon
5) Pumamarca to Ollantaytambo
- Duration transportation (RT): Cusco: 4 hours
- Hiking distance: 7.2 km / 4.5 mi
- Duration of the hike: 2:30 – 3:00 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Fun for the whole family! This half-day adventure and trek will allow you to explore the Sacred Valley. It gives a glimpse into the local culture and communities in the area and visits archaeological sites. Travel from Cusco, past the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, to Palata where we will begin our trek. The trail inclines to reach the stunning Pumamarca, an Inca treasure. Once again the Inca chose a remarkable site to build. This high vista point overlooks the Patacancha Valley and nearby rivers. Explore the archaeological compound of Pumamarca, where you can observe the impressive Inca stonework. From stairs to buildings to storage units, observe the diverse ability of the ancient civilization. After discovering all that Pumamarca has to offer, we continue trekking through phenomenal Andean landscapes to Musqa Pukyo. These farmed terraces make for a stunning sight against the backdrop of the panoramic view of the Sacred Valley. Our day comes to a close in the village of Ollantaytambo, where we drive back to Cusco.
6) Quillarumiyoc to Zurite Terraces
- Duration transportation (RT): Cusco: 2:15 hours
- Hiking distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 mi
- Duration of the hike: 3:00 – 4:00 hours
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Take in the vision that is Quillarumiyoc on this half-day, but undemanding trek. Quillarumiyoc is a pre-Inca temple built over 3000 years ago. Erected to honor Mama Quilla, which is the Goddess of the Moon and one of the most important of all the ancient gods. Although partially buried by an avalanche, you can still see the ancient stonework, engravings, and symmetrical carvings of this site. After having to time to explore this area, we stroll down to Qapac Ñan, the most important road running through the Andes. Wander through eucalyptus forests, vast potato farms, and ending at the village of Zurite. In Zurite we will enjoy a lunch in a beautifully restored colonial house before heading to the nearby terraced farms. This trip is a perfect melody of nature, Inca and pre-Inca ruins, and cultural education.
7) Chinchero to Urquillos
- Duration transportation (RT): Cusco: 2:30 hours
- Hiking distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 mi
- Duration of the hike: 4:00 – 5:00 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Enjoy a half day of adventure in the Sacred Valley! This easy hike is comprised of mostly downhill trekking complete with incredible scenery and wildlife. We begin by driving to Chinchero, a small, traditional Inca town known for its colonial buildings and skilled weavers. We will spend some time in the town, observing its archaeological complex before proceeding on our hike. Feel the history as we hike down a reconstructed, but original cobblestone Inca trail. Pause to drink in the staggeringly beautiful views from a lookout before descending a zigzag trail to the Urquillos Canal. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will point out the blooming flora and abundant birdlife and wildlife. Our day comes to a close when we reach the Urquillos Bridge, suspended over the Urubamba River. Enjoy the sounds of the flowing river before hopping in the private car back to Cusco.
See All Cusco Day Hikes >>
Want to add one or more of these to your next Peru adventure? Contact us!
Your friendly Peru expert,
Gretchen