Nearly every person who visits Peru will stop in Cusco. It’s the historic capital city of the Inca Empire and it’s the current gateway to Machu Picchu. Since Cusco sits at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, it’s typically recommended to spend a few days in the city acclimatizing before heading out on your treks. …
Pisac can make a fantastic day trip from Cusco. Rather than joining a group tour, you can take a cheap colectivo to the town of Pisac and explore the Inca ruins at the Pisac Archeological Park yourself. After days and days of guided tours around the Cusco region, it can be nice to go at …
There are numerous day trip options from Cusco, Peru, but one of my favorites was a hike through the Ausangate 7 Lakes. Along the way you’ll get views of mountains and glaciers, but the highlight is the walk around the lakes. They are picturesque and each lake is just slightly different, giving you ever changing …
Rainbow Mountain has become famous for its colorful mineral deposits, making it a popular place for people to take that perfect photo for Instagram. While Rainbow Mountain and the surrounding scenery is beautiful, it’s also important to know what you’re getting into. The hike to Rainbow Mountain is at high elevation and because of its …
If you’re hiking the Salkantay Trek from Challacancha to Aguas Calientes, your route will likely include a stop at the gorgeous Huamantay Lake. For those who aren’t hiking the full Salkantay Trek (like me), you can do a day trip to Laguna Huamantay to see it for yourself. Surrounded by towering mountains and gorgeous views, …
