Explore Cusco Day Hikes
Visit some unique places unseen by many tourists.
Cusco and its surroundings are some of the most picturesque in the world, and it’s no surprise that visitors come from across the globe to enjoy it. One of the best ways to see as much of the natural beauty as possible is to head out of the city on some day hikes.
It’s perfect for getting away from the city, soaking up the wonderful landscapes, and enjoying some days out that you’ll remember for a lifetime. We’ve put together our top one day hikes in Cusco for you to make a part of your itinerary when you visit this amazing place.
Cusco and its surroundings are some of the most picturesque in the world, and it’s no surprise that visitors come from across the globe to enjoy it. One of the best ways to see as much of the natural beauty as possible is to head out of the city on some day hikes.
Locally Owned & Operated
We are the operators! We are a licensed Tour Company. There is no middleman on a trip with us!
Expert Local Guides
Chosen for great knowledge of their country, and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.
Fantastic Meals
Our owner and all of our staff are local to Peru and care about its environment, people and culture.
Eco-Friendly Tours
Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.
Small Groups
Average groups of 10; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.
Our Best Seller
If you have a love for adventure and enjoying some of the best hiking routes in the world, our Humnatay Lake 1 Day is for you. It combines the most exciting trekking trails with the most incredible scenery you can imagine. Join us on your own, in a couple, or as part of a group.
Our Best Seller
Humnatay Lake hike
The immense mountains of Peru hide innumerable precious stones in their basins: Blue, turquoise, green, yellow, and red lagoons. Among them, one of the most dazzling jewels that’s located in the Cusco region stands out—Humantay Lake. Its emerald waters and the imposing presence of the whiter than white glacier come together in dazzling harmony at over 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.
The immense mountains of Peru hide innumerable precious stones in their basins: Blue, turquoise, green, yellow, and red lagoons. Among them, one of the most dazzling jewels that’s located in the Cusco region stands out—Humantay Lake. Its emerald waters and the imposing presence of the whiter than white glacier come together in dazzling harmony at over 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.
No photograph can do justice to this absolutely stunning natural wonder. So don’t miss the opportunity to visit this gorgeous lake when you come to Cusco. Take a day away from the city and head out with nature to visit Humantay Lake on the ultimate trip with Salkantay Trekking. It’s the perfect respite from busy Cusco and is a must when in the region.
Experience Cusco With Day Hikes
With all the incredible mountainous landscapes, there are plenty of trips to choose from. Some attract more visitors and some are off the beaten path and visited by very few. Take a look at the programmes we have to offer for one day hikes.
Experience Cusco With Day Hikes
With all the incredible mountainous landscapes, there are plenty of trips to choose from. Some attract more visitors and some are off the beaten path and visited by very few. Take a look at the programmes we have to offer for one day hikes.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1 Day
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![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,900 m / 16,070 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate Difficulty
What's better than just a rainbow mountain? The three rainbow mountains of Palccoyo. This new alternative route is lighter, less strenuous, and with no crowds battling for a picture. If you are hungry for spectacular and remote scenery, come join us on this one-day tour to merge a wide smile with the colors of Palccoyo on a hike that will make you feel like the only one on the planet!
What's better than just a rainbow mountain? The three rainbow mountains of Palccoyo. This new alternative route is lighter, less strenuous, and with no crowds battling for a picture. If you are hungry for spectacular and remote scenery, come join us on this one-day tour to merge a wide smile with the colors of Palccoyo on a hike that will make you feel like the only one on the planet!
Waqrapukara Trek 1 Day
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![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,140 m / 13,583 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty
How does the idea of escaping the city and large crowds to visit a unique off-the-beaten-path site sound? The Waqrapukara One-Day Trek is the ultimate choice for some peace and quiet and to discover an incredible site that very few people get to visit—locals and tourists!
Join us on an epic hike to the majestic pre-Inca construction of Waqrapukara, or Fortress of Horns, located in the mighty Apurímac canyon. This beautiful sacred place combines advanced architecture and impressive natural formations in a wonderful landscape—almost like something from a dream—surrounded by small crystalline lagoons. The gigantic horns rise as high as 4,140 m / 13,583 ft.
How does the idea of escaping the city and large crowds to visit a unique off-the-beaten-path site sound? The Waqrapukara One-Day Trek is the ultimate choice for some peace and quiet and to discover an incredible site that very few people get to visit—locals and tourists!
Join us on an epic hike to the majestic pre-Inca construction of Waqrapukara, or Fortress of Horns, located in the mighty Apurímac canyon. This beautiful sacred place combines advanced architecture and impressive natural formations in a wonderful landscape—almost like something from a dream—surrounded by small crystalline lagoons. The gigantic horns rise as high as 4,140 m / 13,583 ft.
Pallay Punchu 1 Day
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![Trek Highest Altitude]()
4,650 m / 15,256 ft Max. altitude -
![Hiking Level Peru]()
Moderate Difficulty
Pallay Punchu is the third Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, after Vinicunca and Palcoyo, that’s been made popular on social media. It’s made up of spectacular, sharp edges and is still uncrowded, so don’t miss taking at least one day to explore this new and exceptional place southeast of the imperial city.
Pallay Punchu is the third Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, after Vinicunca and Palcoyo, that’s been made popular on social media. It’s made up of spectacular, sharp edges and is still uncrowded, so don’t miss taking at least one day to explore this new and exceptional place southeast of the imperial city.
You’ll pass by the beautiful blue lagoon of Langui as you walk about two hours to the top. Feel privileged to appreciate the breathtaking views in the area as you walk along the mountain’s perfect lines with shades of cyan, brown, and magenta. You’ll also learn about authentic Andean traditions and geology while flanked by staggering red mountains and pastures. Join us, and don’t forget to bring your Andean poncho for the best photos!
Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike 1 Day
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![Highest altitudes in Peru]()
4,800 meters / 15,748 feet Max. altitude -
![Trekking Difficulty Level]()
Moderate Difficulty
The 7 Lakes Hike is one of the most beautiful routes in all of the Vilcanota Mountain Range; you’ll stand before the imposing Ausangate, one of the 5 highest snowcaps in Peru. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with the purest of nature and gaze upon a gorgeous place in the Andes of Cusco surrounding these multi-colored lakes.
On top of that, you’ll take a dip in the hot springs of Pacchanta to relax before enjoying a traditional lunch prepared by a local family who will cordially receive us in their home. This is a one-day excursion, within which you’ll discover indigenous communities who still keep their cultures and traditions alive today. Are you ready to live this experience?
The 7 Lakes Hike is one of the most beautiful routes in all of the Vilcanota Mountain Range; you’ll stand before the imposing Ausangate, one of the 5 highest snowcaps in Peru. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with the purest of nature and gaze upon a gorgeous place in the Andes of Cusco surrounding these multi-colored lakes.
On top of that, you’ll take a dip in the hot springs of Pacchanta to relax before enjoying a traditional lunch prepared by a local family who will cordially receive us in their home. This is a one-day excursion, within which you’ll discover indigenous communities who still keep their cultures and traditions alive today. Are you ready to live this experience?
Why Travel With Us?
We are dedicated and commited to our clients, to the environment, and to our fellow compatriots
Knowledgeable Tour Guides
Salkantay Trekking relies on an extensive network of highly trained guides and expert ambassadors as a premise to guarantee excellence in our services. We are fully conscious that an excellent guide is key to making your trip a memorable experience, which is why we are extremely demanding when recruiting and regularly training our guides.
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Find the Perfect Destination in Peru
With astonishingly varied landscapes, stunning scenery, compelling history, and a legacy of fascinating cultures, there is truly something for everyone. Our expeditions in Peru are designed to showcase all that this country has to offer.
Our expeditions in Peru are designed to showcase all that this country has to offer.
Full Day Hikes Guide
Before You Go, What You Should Know
We hope that this Peru & Full Day Hikes Guide will serve as a reference for you to prepare for and undertake an exceptional and seamless journey through this “Empire of Hidden Treasures.”
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Day Hikes Highlights
- Escape the city and get out into the fresh air.
- Enjoy all the beautiful flora and fauna that the Cusco countryside has to offer.
- Visit some unique places unseen by many tourists.
- Experience the rural Andean culture first-hand by visiting and passing through small communities.
- Learn all about the wonderful nature and the history of the area.
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Places to Visit
To help you decide which tours you want to include in your trip, read our brief descriptions below. If you have time, we recommend trying them all.
Rainbow Mountain Peru
This is a truly once in a lifetime trip that takes you to the incredible imposing mountain Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain. The place got its name due to the spectacularly colorful hillsides that resemble a rainbow. The colors have appeared over the years due to the different minerals that can be found there.
During the hike, you’ll walk through dreamy landscapes where you’ll see flocks of sheep, llamas, and alpacas. You’ll also get to see some small Andean communities on your way to the starting point. Make sure you acclimate in the city of Cusco for at least 2-3 days beforehand, however, as you’ll be hiking up to a height of 5,200 masl.
Humantay Lake Trek
Amongst the snowy mountain peaks of the Andes and in front of the giant Apu Salkantay, sits the turquoise gem that is Humantay Lake. It’s one of the most beautiful sights to see in the area and the contrast of colors from the lake and the snow is truly stunning. It’s an excellent place to take some gorgeous photos.
The trek isn’t too far from Cusco and can be done in a morning or an afternoon. It’s a good idea to spend a day or two in the city before, though. On this hike you’ll get up to 4,221 masl at the lake itself. It’s a great way to witness a small Andean community that live in a very rural part of Cusco.
Huchuy Qosqo
One of the lesser-visited Inca archaeological sites is Huchuy Qosqo. If you aren’t a fan of big crowds, this is a great option. It’s located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and sits high up on a hillside. The Spaniards called it Little Cusco because a lot of the buildings looked similar to those in the city itself.
This is an extremely picturesque hike through the rolling hills and small communities that ends up at this site. It served as an administrative and military center hundreds of years ago. This day trip is a great way to learn more about the history surrounding Cusco in the age of the Incas.
Pallay Punchu
Pallay Punchu is the latest of the colorful mountains in Cusco to be attracting visitors. When thinking of Cusco and Peru, many of you probably conjure images of ponchos. Many believe the mountain resembles one of the colorful garments.
It’s a stunning, peaceful hike through beautiful landscapes that takes you to this site. You’ll pass through local communities as well as agricultural areas and see plenty of livestock. You’ll walk with sharp mountains on one side and a dark lake on the other up to an altitude of 4,700 masl, so preparation is essential.
Palcoyo Trek
Palcoyo is another mountain full of colors and isn’t known by many, making it another great option for those looking to stay away from the crowds. As with most of the hikes, you’ll be heading up high again to 4,900 masl. You get to see 3 mountains full of color that look stunning in the middle of the Andes.
This is a relatively easy hike compared to Rainbow Mountain. You’ll walk just one and a half hours there and back and most of it is flat terrain. You don’t need a high fitness level for this one. It does get very chilly up this high, though, so make sure you’re prepared.
Waqrapukara
This day hike will take you to an Inca temple high in the Andean mountains. It’s a fantastic day out and far away from any crowds. You’ll see some wonderful flora and fauna, including the famous llamas and alpacas, as well as enjoy beautiful surroundings.
You’ll pass some incredible rock formations and small lagoons before you reach the main site. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more of Cusco’s history. Enjoy this off the beaten path hike by starting early in the morning to make the most of it.
Quality Service
For us quality of experience is only second to safety
We are committed to providing world-class trekking experiences for our guests that go way above and beyond the mass-produced tours so common today.
Salktanay Trekking was definitely the right choice. Before the trip they were incredibly fast to respond to questions and concerns. Every detail of our trip was addressed. Our guide, Carlos the Mountain King, was nothing less than amazing. He was able to guide and lead thriyghhis expertise and patience. He shown each person how much they were cared for on an individual level.
Having a bed at the end of each day was greatly appreciated. The food was great.
We added Rainbow Mountain at the last minute and they accommodated all our transportation and food needs.
I would absolutely recommend Salktanay Trekking to anyone looking to do anything around Cusco.
JANAGEE
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