5 lesser-known places that you can visit on a day trip from Cusco

One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Peru is Cusco. Even if Cusco has a lot to offer, if you intend to stay longer than two days there, you can visit the places nearby. So, let us take a look at 5 lesser-known places that you can visit on a day trip from Cusco.

Inkilltambo

Inkilltambo, which has an elevation of 3700 meters and is close to the Pukapukara ruins, is approximately 20 minutes from Cusco city. There are three ways to reach Inkilltambo, with the most popular one beginning close to Cusco’s main square. You will pass through the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, which is home to two attractions.

These are “The Temple of the Monkeys” and “The Temple of the Moon.” The views are spectacular as you trek up. The Temple of the Monkeys is covered with hundreds of monkeys  carvings. On the other hand, the Temple of the Moon attracts people every year who come to pray for fertility problems. The entrance to Inkilltambo is free of charge.

Farallones de Tecsecocha

The stunning waterfall that cascades down the Tecsecocha cliffs in the shape of an Andean cross is a major attraction here. Go to the Entrada bus station on Antonio Lorena avenue first if you want to get to Farallones de Tecsecocha. Collective taxis are available from there to the Tecsecocha cliffs entrance.

To get to the waterfall, though, you must hike for more than an hour. The beautiful view of the Cocora Valley can be seen as you hike. The cave paintings, dating back to the 2nd century BC, which the Man of Qorqa left behind are another attraction. The entrance to Farallones de Tecsecocha is free of charge. Without a doubt, Tecsecocha is worth visiting during your day trip from Cusco.

Qeswachaka Inca Bridge

Qeswachaka Inca Bridge is one of the culturally important lesser-known places that you can visit on a day trip from Cusco. Take a bus from Cusco to Combapata and then take collective taxis to Quehue town. This bridge is situated on the Apurmac River in Quehue town, which is 3700 meters above sea level.

The crafted nature of the 30-meter-long bridge is what draws visitors. To maintain the bridge, locals gather each year to renovate it using q’oya ichu straws and stones. The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge does not have a specific entrance fee, but the cost of entry will depend on the tour company you are travelling with and may range from USD 80 to 120 or less.

2 Colors Canyon Urcos

The 2 colors canyon Urcos is one of the newest additions to the list of must-see places outside Cusco city. Depending on your tour, it will take you between one and two hours to reach the 2 Colors Canyon in Urcos. The vibrant rock formations and the pools with colours like copper red, orange, blue, white, and green are especially mesmerizing.

While most group tours start at USD 35, there is no specific ticket that must be bought at the gate for the hike to the Two Colors Canyon in Urcos. Instead, there are three different ways to do the hike: half-day, one-day, or two-day tours.

Cataratas de Poc Poc – Chinchero

Cataratas de Poc Poc or simply the Poc Poc Waterfall is another one of the lesser-known places that you can visit on a day trip from Cusco. The Poc Poc waterfall is more than 30 km from Cusco. The hike to get there should start in Chinchero. This stunning waterfall, which is around 35 meters high is surrounded by lush green vegetation.

Additionally, the 100-year-old  nearby Inca trails are a sight not to be missed. Currently, there is no entrance fee to the Cataratas de Poc Poc, although there are combo trips available (Inca Chinchero Trail – Poc Poc Waterfall – Urquillos) that can cost about USD 120 or less.