1.- INTRODUCTION TO DAY TRIPS FROM CUSCO
Known worldwide as the ancient capital of the Inca culture, the city of Cusco is located in the southeastern side of Peru, with an altitude of 3400 m above sea level this city is strategically located in the heart of the Andean region being the main starting point of multiple activities and tourist destinations among natural, archaeological, cultural and striking landscapes for the thousands of travelers who come to this city each year. Of course, planning varies greatly between travelers who have many or few days, however, a great alternative are the Day Trips from Cusco that allow travelers to enjoy nearby destinations with easy access.
2.- Geographical context
It is considered that the city of Cusco is the entry point for the region of Andean landscapes, considering mountainous places, extensive valleys and a great proximity to the Amazon jungle. Essentially the city is characterized by having a very strong link with history and thanks to this is surrounded by multiple archaeological sites such as the ruins of Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, of course these are not only the only destinations you can visit during the Day Trips from Cusco, in fact the city itself has varied alternatives for all tastes whether you prefer hiking, adventure, nature and even more specific activities such as astronomy or bird watching, among the Day Trips from Cusco you will find a suitable option for you.
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3.- ACCESSIBILITY OF DESTINATIONS
One of the essential aspects that stand out of the Day Trips from Cusco is undoubtedly the great accessibility they have, in fact all Cusco Day Trips are characterized by considering destinations quite close to the city considering short trips by transport, some of the clearest examples that can be considered in this option are undoubtedly the Sacred Valley, the rainbow mountain, the sector of Maras Moray and other destinations. The peculiarity of this is that the average distance of transportation can vary between two to three hours only which is quite comfortable for travelers who choose to choose one of the Day Trips from Cusco and at the end of the day to return to their chosen accommodation in the city of Cusco.
For this type of trips there are several options although essentially they are based on land transportation, either privately as vehicles contracted with the travel agency of your choice or with local transportation that in a way serve as an economical but less glamorous option. There is also the option of shared services, which are essentially used during the realization of a tour contracted with a travel agency. This type of transportation allows you to reach the destination of your choice, however you must take into consideration that there is the limitation of being governed by an established schedule.
4.- BEST DAY TRIPS FROM CUSCO
The Day Trips from Cusco are possible to do because the destinations that are considered are quite close to the same city so the transportation is short and the experience is more prolonged, as we have seen before there is an alternative for all tastes so they become a great alternative that you can share with family or friends.
4.1.- Sacred Valley Destinations
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is considered one of the most popular Day Trips from Cusco, it is an immersion in the Andes, considering traditional and artisanal villages that are full of historical and cultural load. The valley is essentially known for the great natural beauty it presents in addition to the rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the daily life of the people who live there. Of course, the sacred valley also has an extensive historical aspect that is naturally reflected in its traditional villages that are full of archaeological richness and authenticity due to the traditions inherited for generations.
4.1.1.- Pisac
Pisac is known as one of the most emblematic destinations that you can visit during your tour in the sacred valley, it stands out for containing two important spaces. The first is located in the high part of the mountain also known as archaeological zone of Pisac and is where the historical record of the people who inhabited this place during the time of the Inca culture is praised by the impressive amount of architectural structures found in addition to the extensive amount of terraces that can be seen from the first moment. Something that has also called much attention is undoubtedly that on the mountainside we can locate an extensive Inca cemetery that has been recognized as the largest in the region.
The second sector is located at the base of the same mountain, popularly known also as the Pisac market or Pisac town. It is considered one of the most traditional places in the entire region and shows its splendor on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays where local people have created a space where they exhibit local handicrafts such as textiles, ceramics, jewelry, food and many other aspects that visitors can enjoy.
4.1.2.- Ollantaytambo
Considered as another of the great attractions that can be visited during the tour of the sacred valley, the town of Ollantaytambo is also popularly known in history as the “last bastion of resistance” because during the Spanish conquest this place was used as a point of support and resistance to the oppression that existed. The archaeological complex is also located on top of a mountain which gives us to understand that this was a pattern that was used for important constructions in addition to having a strategic aspect by the control point for all people seeking to reach this access to the city of Cusco, also contain its interior spacious terraces, temples, enclosures and ceremonial fountains that have been essentially intended for religious ceremonies and purification. The main highlight of this point in the sacred valley is undoubtedly the incredible view it offers of the beautiful Urubamba valley and when you choose it as a destination you will enjoy a passive and comfortable environment. Something that many people do not know is that this town is also considered as a point or nexus for travelers seeking to get to know the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
4.1.3.- Chinchero
A small town that contains the charm of the Andes is located northeast of the city of Cusco and is part of the traditional villages found in the Sacred Valley. It contains two essential attractions for which it is considered as one of the places that is necessarily the reason why you should visit it, first by the large and beautiful colonial church of San Juan Bautista which is built on an ancient Inca temple and also for the great archaeological center that has in which are located in an incredible amount of terraces that are visible from the first moment. There is also a third element that makes it unique in its kind and that is that the town of Chincheros for generations has preserved the tradition and legacy of handicrafts, essentially in textiles and highlighting in alpaca fabrics and creating unique items such as sweaters, shawls and other items for everyday use, not to mention others such as tablecloths where a little of the culture that is kept alive.
4.2.- Rainbow Mountain
For those passionate about hiking and outdoor experiences, these undoubtedly become the perfect alternative to the Day Trips from Cusco in which you can enjoy an experience in one of the most remote points of the entire city. The rainbow mountain is also considered as the highest altitude destination in the whole region of Cusco with 5200 m of altitude becomes a challenge that many travelers hope to complete. Nowadays this experience is much easier since due to the works done in the access points the hike has been reduced to only one hour so any traveler can do it, you just have to take into consideration that due to the altitude you should give your body the opportunity to acclimatize properly a few days before doing it. Although the hiking experience is available all year round it is best to only opt for this during the dry season that occurs between May and October because the rest of the year the presence of rain is much more likely and in this sector to have a high altitude is common to have snowstorms.
4.3.- Humantay Lagoon
Considered one of the most popular natural destinations in the entire Andean region, among the Day Trips from Cusco this experience is the one that offers the most surprises for the incredible view it presents. Located at the base of the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain, the Humantay lagoon is a destination that for those passionate about hiking becomes a dream come true, it stands out essentially not only for the environment surrounded by snow-capped mountains but also for the peculiar turquoise color that has its waters for this reason many people have recognized it as a natural mirror and is the access point for those seeking a broader experience in the vast valley of Salkantay. It is located more than 4200 m above sea level and is also available to visit throughout the year, however it is also recommended to visit during the dry season because the presence of snowstorms is much higher during the rainy season.
4.4.- Moray Maras
Two unique and exclusive destinations that are possible to visit during the Day Trips from Cusco. Starting with the town of Maras which is a fairly small place but undoubtedly stands out at first sight by the impressive salt mines that has in one of its sectors, currently have been counted about 3000 wells that are in operation since the time of the Inca culture which has given it a special place among the most Instagrammable places in the world, In fact, the technique of salt collection is the same that was used in Inca times using as a base the salt water from a nearby spring and letting the sun can evaporate it to crystallize the salt and then collect it. Then we visit an archaeological center known as Moray, what stands out at first sight is that it contains terraces but with a circular shape which is quite curious unlike the others that are only straight, it is known today that these circular terraces were used especially as a center of agricultural acclimatization in which different seeds were used to adapt them to the various altitudinal floors that exist within the Andean region.
4.5.- Machu Picchu
Although it seems crazy, the reality is that within the Day Trips from Cusco, there is also the opportunity to get to know the world wonder of Machu Picchu although it has a certain degree of demand because you must wake up early enough to follow the proposed itinerary. From Cusco you take a transport to get to the Ollantaytambo station where you wait for the established time for the departure of the train, you can choose between the various categories of trains that exist, when you arrive to Aguas Calientes you will continue waiting and boarding a tourist bus that will take you to the top of the mountain where after passing a control you can get to know the incredible Inca citadel that is made entirely of stone, this view will be one of the most memorable memories you will have of your entire trip, at the end of the tour you can return by the same route to reach Cusco at night. All the planning is already organized with the intention that you live the experience in a comfortable and safe way so you don’t have to worry about anything. The best thing about this is that it is available for you all year round, of course you must take into consideration that there are times such as during the rainy season when the weather in the morning is not the most suitable so it is better to choose the later hours.
5.- A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE HISTORY OF CUSCO
“Millions of years ago the place where the city of Cusco is currently located was part of the historic lake Mollqui, which had a rupture on the south side where the water flowed and left behind hundreds of lagoons that we know today, the proof of this is that in archaeological sites have been found fossils of seashells that have their origin only on the coast.”
6.- FAQs:
- What is the best time of year for day trips?
All Day Trips from Cusco are available throughout the year, however, without a doubt the best time to enjoy them properly is during the dry season, this occurs between May and October and is the time of year that is best recommended to delight this kind of activity.
- How difficult are day trips?
There is an option for every traveler, the Day Trips from Cusco have the particularity that they adapt to the needs that a person has. For people who are not accustomed to a strong demand there are options even at noon which are much easier and accessible for them, however for those looking for a challenge there are also alternatives that involve hiking and other outdoor activities.
- What should I pack for different trips?
Each of the Day Trips from Cusco is different, essentially you are asked to bring appropriate clothing for the destination you are visiting, a portion of water, some snacks and identity documents for the necessary records, in the case of very particular activities such as hiking you are also asked to bring necessary equipment such as hiking poles or specialized shoes.
- Are day trips suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, as we have already anticipated, there is an option for all tastes. Of course there are options that are very particular and quite demanding and are intended only for people with previous experience, however most of the Day Trips from Cusco are for everyone.
Although most trips are planned, there is always room for improvisation, that’s why Day Trips from Cusco will be perfect for you. Auri Peru can help you to better organize your next vacation experience, contact us for more information.
“Not all who wander are lost, some are just finding themselves.”
