THE BEST HIKES IN CUSCO
The department of Cusco located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, is a region rich in history and culture, exploring it on foot offers a unique experience. Nowadays there is a wide variety of hiking options. The best hikes in Cusco is an interesting article, created to let the visitor know about the different options, these can take from a couple of hours to a few days and even involve camping logistics.
This is a summary of the best hikes in Cusco highlighted by their level of attraction, landscape quality, difficulty and popularity.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 Day
Currently requested by those visitors short on time and at the same time intrepid, since it involves taking a 12 km hike along the old Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu and immediately visiting the Inca Citadel. The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 Day tour takes at least 16 hours, including the drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, train transportation, explanation, and the hike itself.
Rainbow Mountain
This tour is considered the third most requested attraction in the Cusco region; its naturalness and landscape surroundings make each visitor marveled. The tour consists of 12 hours of development including the tourist transportation, food stops, explanation and the demanding hike to the Rainbow Mountain.
Humantay Lake
A highly sought-after attraction because of its peculiarity. Humantay is a turquoise lake during the sunny periods or green during cloudy days, this changing environment makes this very attractive and searched by visitors, the tour consists of 12 hours of development including the medium level hike.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas Hike
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the main places where all visitors can enjoy magnificent views and learn history, it is the composition of colorful agricultural lands, craft and traditional people, the valley itself and the steep mountain range. The tour takes at least 10 hours and basically consists of a 6 hours hike, explanation, tourist transportation and food time.
Walk to the Viewpoints of Cusco City
Without leaving the city and without needing to take any type of transportation, the Walk to the Viewpoints of Cusco City is a great option for those who want to have a relaxing moment, as well as for those who love photography. Walk the streets of the city and visit the main viewpoints like Santa Ana, San Cristobal, White Christ Statue and San Blas.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2d/1n
This is a highly recommended tour; it does not require effort or physical preparation. Visit ancient archaeological centers and enjoy the natural environment. The Short Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu consists of 2 days of development, you can take the option of camping or hotel accommodation as an overnight stay.
Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu 3d/2n or 4d/3n
This is a very little know tour but highly recommended, the Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu in any of its versions is one of the best alternatives to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Mountain Biking, River Rafting, Hiking along the subtropical forest, Zip Lining and swimming the best Hot spring in Cusco, are activities part of this wonderful tour.
Salkantay 4d/3n or 5d/4n
Salkantay trek in any of its versions is another option towards Machu Picchu, it is quite demanding due to the terrain and the altitude where it is located, more than 70 km of route until reaching the ancient Inca citadel, magnificent views and unique moments are what you experience when you take this tour.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4d/3n
Undoubtedly, the Classic Inca Trail 4d/3n is the best option on the way to Machu Picchu, a mix of tradition, culture and history is part of this adventure. Hike part of the authentic Inca trail, visit magnificent archaeological sites, share unforgettable moments next to the staff (Guides, Cooks and Porters) and enjoy the natural environment in its maximum splendor. The Classic Inca Trail is quite requested; therefore, its capacity is limited and booking far in advance is required.
Lares Trek 4d/3n
The Lares Trek includes a mix of adventure and relax, it involves 2 and a half days of arduous hiking, followed by transportation by tourist train to the town of Machu Picchu “Aguas Calientes” and finally the visit of the world wonder. Magnificent landscapes are what the visitors can enjoy whether during the hike and the trip by train. It is not so commercial, so you and your travel friends could be the only ones during the hike.
Ausangate Trek
One of the most recommended tourist destinations for those who love pure nature and professional photography, magnificent mountains covered in snow and ice, as well as a set of pigmented lakes are part of this impressive environment. The Ausangate Trek has many versions, from 1 day to more than 20 days, the altitude level where it is located does not drop below 4,500 meters above sea level; therefore, an acclimatization period is recommended before getting immersed in the environment.
Remember, the Cusco region is at high altitude, so it is advisable to take it easy to acclimatize properly; additionally, it’s always helpful to check a local map and get up-to-date recommendations on places to visit. Enjoy your exploration on foot in this fascinating region!
