Peru has so much to offer that you will never find a dull moment. Find out the 5 best Day Trips From Cusco to add to your Peru travel itinerary.
1. Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain is a must-do day trip from Cusco. It is famous for its natural multi-colored beauty. I also loved seeing the contrast with the snow-capped mountains here too.
I have to admit this was a challenging walk up, and I really struggled with my breathing as it reached an altitude of 17,000ft above sea level.
However what really helped me was this little yellow liquid called Agua de Florida, also known as llama pee amongst the local tour guides, as a joke which I found very funny. A couple of drops into the hand and some deep breaths get you back on track again. I was literally addicted to this stuff.
Rainbow Mountain is around 3 hours from Cusco City, so it’s an extremely early start if you want to get there early.
I chose to book with Rainbow Mountain Travels as they pride themselves on getting to the top first. This, in fact, was true. The company picks you up between 3 and 3:30 a.m. You drive for a couple hours before stopping off for some delicious breakfast, then continue to Rainbow Mountain starting point.
When the tour group and I reached the top of the mountain, there were not many tourists around, which meant we got amazing photos and time to relax and enjoy the mountain before the others arrived.
Location
Located 3 hours from Cusco City. Tour with Rainbow Mountain Travels includes hotel pickup and drop off, all entry fees and taxes, breakfast, and lunch.
2. Adrenaline 4 Course Lunch At Skylodge
The Skylodge adventure lunch day trip from Cusco is perfect if you love food and adventure.
Can you imagine climbing 13,000 ft via Ferrata and walking across a suspension bridge to indulge in a delicious 4-course Peruvian meal overlooking the Sacred Valley in a transparent dining capsule hanging on a mountain?
Well, that is what I got up to on my trip to Peru, which was terrific. The food, combined with the views, was absolutely phenomenal. Then, just when you think the adrenaline rush is over, you must take 5 ziplines back down to the ground.
This experience was one of my highlights while in Peru and should be on every traveller’s bucket list. I also opted to do the one night stay which you can click below to find out more.
However, I must warn you that this experience is not for the faint-hearted.
Location
This experience is located around 1hour from Cusco City and includes hotel pickup and drop off via a shared minibus included in the price.
3. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a symbol of the Incan Empire and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
This magnificent site stands 7900ft above sea level in the Andes mountains, and I had the pleasure of completing the 4-day classic Inca Trail with Trexperience.
I trekked through the most breathtaking landscapes in the sunshine and rain and walked through the jaw-dropping cloud forests to reach the top of the mountain on my 32nd birthday. The moment was magical.
However, for those of you who are on a tight time frame or don’t fancy walking for 4 days, lucky for you, you can take a day trip from Cusco via train.
After my 4-day hike, I took a panoramic train ride on Peru Rail, booked as part of my tour back to Cusco. This experience was fun, with onboard entertainment, food, and drink services. The train views are stunning as you pass through the Cloud Forest region, the beautiful mountains, and the Urubamba River.
Whether it is a 4-day, 2-day, or 1-day trip to Machu Picchu, find your perfect Machu Picchu trip with TreXperience Here.
Location
2-4 Hour Train Ride each way depending on which train is booked. I got on the 2 hour train.
4. Cooking Experience In Adean Mountains
Pasitos Andinos is an association that strives to empower local Andean women by connecting them with tourists to learn about Quechua culture and traditions.
I am all about empowering women, and this experience was very eye-opening into the Quechua life and how hardworking and talented these women are.
As many of you already know, I love embarking on culinary experiences while travelling. So, for my time in the Quechua village, I chose the cooking experience. I learned about dehydrated potatoes, made a stone oven by hand, and learned how to prepare soup and cook potatoes in the oven I built.
Along with all the cooking fun, I also learned about the Quechua clothing, hairstyles, and textiles.
If you are in Cusco and looking for a unique experience, this is a must-do day trip.
Location
Quechua Village located 1 hour from Cusco City
5. Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley is filled with things to see and do, and somewhere I wish I had more time to explore. You can take to the valley on horseback for breathtaking mountain views. Explore the Moray ruins, an archeological site with several terraced circular depressions.
Or discover how salt is created and harvested at the Inca salt pans or take up a water activity on the Urubamba River.
Location
Located 1 hour 30 minutes from Cusco City