Best Day Hikes from Cusco

Cusco is one of the best bases for day hikes in Peru. When you land in Cusco, you are already pretty high up in the mountains, approximately 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level in the Peruvian Andes. Take the time to acclimatize by walking around and enjoying the views and make sure to try amazing Peruvian food along the way.

Within a moderate walk, you can explore Inca ruins, climb to panoramic viewpoints, or reach some of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the Andes.

Whether you’re looking for an easy acclimatization walk or a full‑day guided adventure, these are the best day hikes from Cusco for beginners and intermediate hikers.

Get ready to explore some of the most beautiful sights around Cusco.

Trail at a Glance

How to Prepare for Day Hikes from Cusco

What to Pack

A simple checklist of must-haves for your day hikes from Cusco:

• Water (1-2 liters) + electrolytes powder if you want
• Snacks (such as protein/granola bars, fruits)
• Layers (fleece + windbreaker)
• Sunscreen + lip balm
• Hat and sunglasses
• Good hiking shoes (especially for steep hills)
• Small backpack
• Power bank (in case you need to charge your phone)

Best Day Hikes from Cusco (By Difficulty)

Beginner‑Friendly Day Hikes

You can combine these 3 beginner-friendly day hikes for a beautiful half‑day loop to explore Cusco and its many impressive viewpoints.

Mirador de San Cristóbal

The Mirador de San Cristóbal is one of the easiest viewpoints to reach in Cusco and a great warm‑up walk.

Start by exploring the historic center (Centro Histórico) and the Main Square of Cusco (Plaza Mayor de Cuzco), it is a beautiful and must-visit place.

Then, it’s a short uphill stroll in the streets of Cusco to a terrace overlooking the city, the historic center, the cathedral, and the surrounding mountains.

This is a great starting point before continuing uphill toward Cristo Blanco or Sacsayhuamán.

Cristo Blanco

The Cristo Blanco statue sits on a hill above Cusco and offers one of the best panoramic views of the entire city. The walk is short but steady, following cobblestone streets and stairways.

Sacsayhuamán

This is one of the most popular easy day hikes in Cusco and a perfect introduction to hiking at altitude. The walk from the historic center takes you through narrow streets and stairways until you reach the impressive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán.

Note that you will need tickets to access the archaeological site.

There are city tours that include the visit to Sacsayhuamán or you have the option of purchasing the Tourist Ticket of Cusco (Boleto Turístico del Cusco), which I did. Depending on your travel plans, day tours can be great since they make the travel effortless, but if you feel like exploring a bit on your own, the tourist ticket includes the visit to many archeological sites and museums with various circuit options.

Intermediate Day Hikes

Humantay Lake (Humantay Lagoon)

This one was my favorite! The trail that leads to Humantay Lake is steep, but beautiful all along the way with streams and mountain scenery and offers stunning views of the turquoise lake sitting at the base of the Salkantay glacier.

Since the trail is located a bit farther from Cusco, I booked a guided day tour so the transportation was taken care of and breakfast and lunch were included, I recommend this option as it is much more convenient.

Note that you may have to wake up very early (like 4 am early) to catch the bus for guided tours that will take you there, but then you can sit back and relax until you get to breakfast and then to the trail start.

Advanced Day Hikes

Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is one of the most iconic hikes in Peru and a bucket‑list experience for many travelers.

I booked a guided day tour which made everything else much easier. We left early to start the hike early and have some time to enjoy the views at the top.

The trail itself is not technically difficult, but it is steep and the altitude is over 5,000 meters makes it a challenging day hike. The hike is gradual at first, then steep during the final push to the viewpoint. Once you reach the top, you’ll see the colorful stripes of Rainbow Mountain and the dramatic red valleys surrounding it.

Many surprises may wait for you at the top, there may be alpacas, dogs and horses

A Note on Horseback Riding at Rainbow Mountain: Horseback riding up to the rainbow mountain is offered at the beginning of the trail and as part of some tours. If you’re considering horseback riding, choose a responsible operator and only ride if the horse looks healthy, properly equipped, and not overworked. Ethical choices help support local families while ensuring the animals are treated with care.

BONUS HIKE (If You’re Staying in the Sacred Valley): Pinkuylluna Ruins – Ollantaytambo

This isn’t a full day hike from Cusco, but it’s a great bonus adventure if you’re already exploring the Sacred Valley.

It is a short but steep hike that offers surprisingly impressive views of the historic inca town of Ollantaytambo and various ruins in the Sacred Valley.

Also take the time to explore the town and check out local restaurants and try out pisco sour, Inka Cola or other specialty drinks!