7 places you should visit in Cusco – beyond Machu Picchu

7 places you should visit in Cusco - beyond Machu Picchu Cusco is the main tourist center of Peru and one of the main destinations in South America. The attractions begin in the same city and extend along its valleys and snowy mountains until you reach Machu Picchu the very wonder of the world. Here are 7 places you should not miss during your visit to the sacred lands of the Incas.

1.- Vinicunca – The Rainbow Mountain.

Vinicunca Hiking Rainbow Mountain has recently become one of Peru’s most popular things to do. The uniquely colored mountains were only discovered recently after melting snow revealed the breathtaking colors caused by different minerals in the rock. Seeing them for yourself is one of the best hikes in South America, and it is a unique experience that is accomplished on a day tour from Cusco.

2.- Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain.

Tour of Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, We recommend this day-trip hiking tour, where you’ll be in a small group to explore. The tour includes private transportation, where you’ll see the Andes Mountains and hundreds of alpacas and llamas along the drive. Then you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the gorgeous mountains with lots of time to take pictures.

3.- Inca Trail From Chinchero To Urquillos.

Many of the Cusco area towns and villages are still connected by a network of ancient Inca roads and trails. One of such trails connects the Inca village of Chinchero to Urquillos, close to the sacred Vilcanota river. The trek begins through the Inca agricultural terraces and takes us through marvelous landscape dominated by the snow-capped mountains and ushnus (lookouts). It´s an intimate and authentic trek that lets us connect with nature and history.

4.- Tipon: Inca aqueducts and agricultural terraces.

This is one of the few places where you can appreciate the Inca hydraulic technique with such clarity. Small artificial waterfalls still harness the force of water to give life to the agricultural terraces. This is also a place of worship of the power and energy of water and its connection to life. A small Inca trail takes us to the upper part where we can find an Intihuatana (a solar clock) and the aqueduct that used to bring water to Tipon from the snow-covered top of the Pachatusan mountain.

5.- Willoc, the heirs of the Inca legacy.

This ancestral community, very close to Ollantaytambo, is heir to the great Inca legacy which is present in its tapestry, traditions, and ways to cultivate the Pachamama (mother earth). The Willoc inhabitants are known for their colorful clothes, as well as life in harmony with their natural environment. Visiting this community and sharing experiences with its people will fill us with wisdom, joy, and energy. We will be reminded of the beauty of a peaceful life in close connection with nature.

6.- Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo.

One of those portals that teleport us into another time and dimension. The Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo (Inti “sun”, punku “gate”) welcomes us into places worth discovering. The beauty of the landscape and the snow-capped mountains that seem to want to cross its threshold make this a truly memorable visit. One you must not miss.

7.- Qeswachaca Inca Bridge.

This is an Incan style hanging bridge made out of ichu grass. It is 28 meters long and 1.2 meters in width. It hangs above the roiling waters of the Apurimac River. There has been a bridge of this type at this location since Incan times. It is part of the Incan Qhapaq Ñan road system. This bridge is renewed and maintained every year. It is the last of this authentic style Incan bridges and is over 500 years old. The renovation is thus an ancestral rite. Every year the communities of Winch’iri, Chaupibanda, Ccollana, Quehue, and Perccaro get together and do the renovation work.