Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 22-04-2024
Cusco, in Peru, is famous for being the gateway to Machu Picchu and many people use the Inca capital as a base to explore the region and acclimatize before setting out to go hiking in Peru. Cusco is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and ancient Inca ruins, making it the perfect base for exploring the Andean countryside on Cusco day trips. Whether you are getting used to the altitude, enjoying a free day on your Cusco Peru tours, or simply with time to spare on your Peru vacation package. Here is our pick of the best three hikes on your Cusco tours for a one-day adventure that combines awe-inspiring landscapes, fascinating history, and a real Peruvian adventure for when you come hiking in Peru.
Plaza de Armas, Cusco
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Colorful mountain landscapes, Andean villages
Departure Point: Cusco
One of the most famous Cusco, Peru tours is The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. This natural Peruvian wonder that has gained popularity in recent years as one o the most sought-after Cusco day trips. The 1 day hike to Rainbow Mountain is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views of colorful striped mountains. The trail takes you through picturesque Andean villages and stunning high-altitude landscapes, culminating in panoramic views from the summit of Rainbow Mountain itself. Due to its high elevation, reaching over 5000m, we recommend doing this day hike after you have been at high altitude for a considerable time. The spectacular Andean vistas are worth every effort, however, offering unparalleled views and unique geological formations that are a rarity anywhere in the world. Whether you visit on Cusco day trips or hike the Ausangate multi-day trek via Rainbow Mountain, you can be guaranteed some of the best hiking in Peru. This is what Maris had to say about our Rainbow Mountain Cusco day trips- Maris's Trip advisor comment and we have to agree!
Rainbow Mountain
Recommendations
We recommend that you do this Cusco day trip from April to October, due to the weather conditions in the wet season, which runs from December to March. Low cloud, rain, and even snow could impact your Cusco tours to Rainbow Mountain (It’s hard to see stripes if it is covered in snow!).
Due to the high altitude and the remoteness of Rainbow Mountain, we recommend that you travel to Rainbow Mountain on a guided tour for your safety. Weather conditions can change unexpectedly and you do not want to be stuck out there in a blizzard!
Bring Sunscreen, a sunhat, a camera, sunglasses, a rain poncho, warm layers, comfortable trekking boots, walking sticks, water, and plenty of positivity on this Cusco day trip.
If you are suffering from the high altitude on this Cusco Peru tour to The Rainbow Mountain, tell your guide. They will know what to do. He is also equipped with oxygen in the event of an emergency. We also recommend chewing coca leaves, drink plenty of water, and take it easy when you are walking. If you get out of breath, you are walking too fast so adjust your pace. There is also an option to rent mules on the trek if altitude is affecting you.
Pro Tips
Take extra batteries, Chargers, etc, equipment generally loses its charge a lot quicker at high altitudes and you need photos of the incredible Rainbow Mountain on this Cusco day trip!
Costs
The Rainbow Mountain Cusco day tour will vary in price depending on if you travel in a private service or on a group tour. A private tour will generally cost around $185 USD per person due to the distances involved.
Extra Information
You can find a list of additional information here and also a list of frequently asked questions about adventure activities here.
Light Snowfall on Rainbow Mountain
Humantay Lake Trek
Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Turquoise mountain lake, stunning mountain views
The Humantay Lake Trek is another one of our popular Cusco day trips if you want to go hiking in Peru. This epic trek takes you to the stunning Humantay Lake, located at the base of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. The hike starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and a drive to the trailhead. From there, you'll embark on a challenging but rewarding trek to the turquoise lake, where you'll be greeted by the sight of the stunning glacial waters against the backdrop of the towering mountains.
Even though it is a long Cusco day trip, the stunning views are worth all the effort for that first magnificent view of the pristine lake. Remember you can do the Humantay day trip or you can hike there on the first day of the 5 day Salkantay trek if you happen to trekking that route. The lake itself is found at an elevation of 4200m so there is a gradual 300m elevation gain along the route.
Humantay Lake
Recommendations
You will be hiking along a defined trail for about 2 hours with undulating ascents and descents but this is not a difficult trek, as long as you are well acclimatized. The best time to do this Cusco day trip is from April to October so that there is a lesser chance of rain. You should also arrange an organized tour due to the remoteness of the day trek and the high elevation.
Bring Sunscreen, a sunhat, a camera, sunglasses, a rain poncho, warm layers, comfortable trekking boots, walking sticks, water, and plenty of positivity on this Cusco day trip.
If you are suffering from the high altitude on this Cusco Peru tour to Humantay Lake, tell your guide. They will know what to do. He is also equipped with oxygen in the event of an emergency. We also recommend chewing coca leaves, drink plenty of water, and take it easy when you are walking. If you get out of breath, you are walking too fast so adjust your pace.
Pro Tips
Take extra batteries, Chargers, etc, equipment generally loses its charge a lot quicker at high altitudes and you need photos of the incredible turquoise Humantay Lake on this Cusco day trip!
Costs
The Humantay Lake Cusco day tour will vary in price depending on if you travel in a private service or on a group tour. A private tour will generally cost around $171 USD per person due to the distances involved.
Extra Information
You can find a list of additional information here and also a list of frequently asked questions about adventure activities here.
Humantay Lake
Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Duration: Approximately 8-10 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Inca ruins, local villages, stunning mountain views
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a scenic hike that takes you through the Andean countryside to the ancient Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. This Cusco day trip starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and a drive to the trailhead. From there, you'll embark on a moderate trek through picturesque villages and stunning mountain landscapes. Along the way, you'll pass by ancient Inca ruins and learn about the history and culture of the region from your guide. The highlight of the trek is reaching the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the site and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Huchuy Qosqo
Recommendations
You will be hiking along a defined trail for about 8 hours with undulating ascents and descents but this is a moderate trek, as long as you are well acclimatized. The best time to do this Cusco day trip is from April to October so that there is a lesser chance of rain. You should also arrange an organized tour due to the high elevation so that you do not stray from the trail.
Bring Sunscreen, a sunhat, a camera, sunglasses, a rain poncho, warm layers, comfortable trekking boots, walking sticks, water, and plenty of positivity on this Cusco day trip.
If you are suffering from the high altitude on this Cusco Peru tour to Huchuy Qosqo tell your guide. They will know what to do. He is also equipped with oxygen in the event of an emergency.
We also recommend chewing coca leaves, drink plenty of water, and take it easy when you are walking. If you get out of breath, you are walking too fast so adjust your pace.
Pro Tips
Take extra batteries, Chargers, etc, equipment generally loses its charge a lot quicker at high altitudes and you need photos of your hiking in Peru experience on this Cusco day trip!
Costs
The Huchuy Qosqo Cusco day tour will vary in price depending on whether you travel in a private service or on a group tour. A private tour will generally cost around $134 USD per person due to the remoteness of this day trek.
Extra Information
You can find a list of additional information here and also a list of frequently asked questions about adventure activities here.
Huchuy Qosqo
No matter which of these Cusco tours you choose, you're sure to be rewarded with unforgettable views, fascinating history, and a true sense of adventure while hiking in Peru. Lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of exploration, and get ready to experience the magic of the Andes on foot, on any of our picks for Cusco day trips.
