Keep exploring

Before we continue, here are a few more incredible places around Cusco that couldn’t quite fit into our itinerary. If breathtaking views are your thing, this region is a paradise for hikers. There’s no need to mention Machu Picchu again—it’s almost certainly already on your list.

You’ve probably also heard of Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain, but for a quieter experience, consider Palccoyo instead. The climb is gentler, and you’ll discover three colorful mountains along with an impressive stone forest. If you’d rather see snowcapped peaks reflected in opal-blue water, head for Humantay Lake, nestled beneath its glacier at more than 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level.

It’s a mystical setting, especially for an unforgettable sunrise. If mysteries and ancient ruins away from the crowds are more your style, make your way to Ñaupa Iglesia. Hidden inside a cave near Pachar, this Inca sanctuary contains an altar carved directly into the dark rock and an enigmatic blind doorway.

Just as fascinating—but requiring a little more effort—is Huchuy Qosqo, or “Little Cusco,” a palace reached by a beautiful hike overlooking the Sacred Valley. For something from an entirely different era, explore Pikillacta. This enormous pre-Inca site from the Wari culture stands out for its geometric urban layout, so different from the Inca architecture you’ve been seeing.

Need a proper break after all that high-altitude hiking? Head to the Lares hot springs, where several natural mineral-rich thermal pools surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery are perfect for soothing tired muscles. To experience the cultural and spiritual richness of Andean villages, don’t miss Chinchero.

This hilltop village is known for its colonial church built over an Inca palace, and even more so for its women’s weaving cooperatives, where you can discover the secrets of natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques. A little farther away in the South Valley, the peaceful village of Andahuaylillas is home to the remarkable San Pedro Apóstol Church, deservedly nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” for the astonishing richness of its gilded ceilings and frescoes. And no tour of the region would be complete without its spectacular engineering.

Nearby, the extraordinary Maras salt pans spread more than 3,000 salt pools across the mountainside. Finally, marvel at the agricultural ingenuity of Moray, an amphitheater of concentric terraces that served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. There you have it—more than enough to extend your adventure and discover the remarkable variety of places surrounding the former Inca capital.