Weekend & Day Trips from Cusco, Peru

Boasting some of the most picturesque landscapes around Cusco, the Anta Valley is dotted with charming villages and fascinating archaeological sites. A major highlight of the valley is the Quillarumiyoq archaeological complex, which was formerly an important site of worship to the moon, but other points of interest include the Incan terraces and a eucalyptus forest. The valley is only 45 minutes outside of Cusco, and once you're here, one of the most popular ways to get around is by taking an ATV tour, which can easily be arranged with one of the many local tour operators.

Sitting on a windswept plain at an altitude of more than 12,000 feet, Chinchero is a traditional Andean village best known for its rich tradition of weaving and its lively Sunday market. The best time to come is on Sunday, when you can admire the mountains of produce at the market and perhaps purchase some textiles to take home, but it's worth coming during the rest of the week as well. Many of the local workshops offer weaving demonstrations, and you can also spend some time exploring the town's historic district, which features a massive stone wall and an old colonial church. Map

Home to dozens of majestic Andean condors, Chonta Canyon is one of the most unique places you can visit on a day trip from Cusco. The canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the U.S., and it's located just outside the Andean community of Chonta. The best way to enjoy the area's incredible beauty is to hike from Chonta to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon, where you can relax and watch the condors soaring through their natural habitat. Most tours that operate out of Cusco include a picnic lunch for you to enjoy at the viewpoint. Map

Constructed as a royal estate for an Incan emperor in the early 1400s, Huchuy Qosqo is a stunning archaeological ruin that showcases the Incan's ingenuity and engineering skills. The name translates into English as "Little Cusco", and the site makes a wonderful alternative for visitors who want to avoid the lines and the crowds at Machu Picchu. The typical one-day hike to get here begins in the town of Lamay and follows a 7.5-mile portion of the original Inca Trail, and although most visitors choose to take a guide, it's possible for experienced hikers to do the route on their own. Map

Known for its spectacularly blue waters and its cultural significance as a sacred place for the Incans, Humantay Lake is a magical lake that can only be reached on foot. The trail is moderately difficult, but because of its high altitude, even hikers with a high level of fitness should give themselves two or three days to acclimatize in Cusco before attempting the trek.

The snow-covered mountains that surround the lake make for some truly excellent photo opportunities, and aside from simply admiring the views, you can go for a swim or honor the Incan tradition of leaving a small offering for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Map

Nestled in the beautiful Lares Valley, the Lares Hot Springs are filled with naturally mineral-rich water that flows down from the Andean mountains, and they're a wonderful place to go if you simply want to spend the day relaxing. The therapeutic waters are said to help with rheumatic disorders and other ailments, and there are four pools of varying temperatures to soak in, with the hottest pool being 105 degrees Fahrenheit. There are plenty of lounge chairs to relax on while you're not in the water, and if you get hungry, there are several small food stands. Map

As one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is a place that's on many travelers' bucket lists, and it certainly lives up to its big reputation. The train ride between Cusco and the Machu Picchu town is an adventure in and of itself, and once you arrive, you can explore the mystical ruins on your own or with a guide. There are two optional hiking areas within the ruins that require separate tickets, and if you have more time, you can also get to the ruins by taking a multi-day hike through the mountains. Map

Located in the Sacred Valley, Maras is a small town home to thousands of ancient salt pans that have been used to produce salt since before the time of the Incas. Each of the salt pans is owned and operated by a different local family, and there are plenty of small stalls where visitors can purchase salt and salt-containing products. As of June 2019, visitors are no longer permitted into the crystallization pond area, but you can still see the pans from a viewpoint and learn about the salt mining process from a local guide.