Peru is one of the most fascinating destinations in South America. The Andean country offers important places like the city of Lima, the Colca Canyon, the Nazca Lines, the Amazon, and, above all, Machu Picchu. Travelers can explore the country with luxury and excellent quality services, but also with an economic plan without spending too much. Cusco, the archaeological capital of America and its most famous place, offers excellent accessible alternatives. Discover them here!
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Machu Picchu by Hidroeléctrica
Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive destinations in the world. The entrance cost is not very affordable, ranging from 20 to 50 dollars per visitor. However, if you’re looking to save on the journey, without a doubt, the Hidroeléctrica route is the best option. The bus trip from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica costs just about 15 dollars (a 5-hour journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Cusco jungle).
Once at the Hidroeléctrica station, the visitor must hike 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) (2 hours on average) to Aguas Calientes. The visit to Machu Picchu is made the following day. On the Hidroeléctrica route, you can see beautiful landscapes and it’s possible to relax in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo or visit the Mandorpampa waterfalls. This route is recommended for people of all ages.
The 7 Color Mountain (Rainbow Mountain)
Vinicunca, also known as the 7 Color Mountain, is one of the most popular sites in Cusco. It stands out for its incredible mountainous landscape stained with various colors due to its mineral-rich soil formed millions of years ago. Furthermore, it is located over 5,000 meters (approx. 16,404 feet) above sea level. To get there, you need to do a demanding hike of about 3 kilometers (about 1.8 miles).
The tour to the 7 Color Mountain is one of the most affordable in Cusco. It includes pickup at your hotel in Cusco, complete round-trip transportation, a tourist guide, breakfast, lunch, and, in some cases, the entrance fee. The entrance ticket costs 15 soles (about 5 dollars). Due to the altitude, it is recommended to do it at the end of your trip to acclimatize better.
Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake is one of the most spectacular natural settings in Peru. It is located at the foot of the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain in Cusco. This lake features crystal clear waters below the snows of Humantay mountain, from which its name originates. To access it, you need to walk almost 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles) on steep trails. It can be visited with a 1-day tour or on the 5-day trekking to Machu Picchu called the Salkantay trek.
The 1-day tour to Humantay Lake is one of the most economical in Cusco. The service includes transfer from the hotel, complete transportation, a professional guide, buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and, depending on the agency, the entrance fee. This costs 10 soles for foreigners and 5 soles for Peruvians. You can also rent a horse to make the climb easier.
The Coricancha
The Coricancha is the temple of the sun, the most sacred religious center of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo). Its name, translated from Quechua, means ‘Temple of Gold’ as its walls were covered with sheets of gold, silver, and valuable stones. Highlights include the altars dedicated to the god of the rainbow, of the stars, of thunder, the sacrifice enclosure, and, of course, to the god Inti, the sun and father of the Inca.
The Coricancha can be visited within the City Tour or on your own. The tour includes other historical sites such as the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay. However, going independently is the most accessible way, as the entrance costs only 15 soles. It is reached by walking 600 meters (about 0.37 miles) from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
The Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)
The Maras Salt Mines are one of the most curious tourist spots in Cusco. They are located in the Sacred Valley, 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) from the town of Maras. They consist of hundreds of natural salt ponds formed thousands of years ago. This salt was used by the Incas and by locals for centuries. Today it is sold in the main markets of Cusco.
They can be visited independently or on a half-day tour that also includes the circular terraces of Moray. The most convenient option is to go without a tour. The entrance to the salt mines costs just 15 soles. From the viewpoints, visitors can contemplate the Andean surroundings. Visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Cocalmayo Thermal Baths
Cocalmayo is considered one of the best thermal centers in Cusco. It is located in the town of Santa Teresa, in the province of La Convención, right in the high jungle (about 202 kilometers / 125 miles from Cusco). It is visited on the Salkantay trek route or the alternative route via Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu. This site is only 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) from the Inca citadel.
Cocalmayo is a very accessible place in Cusco, as the entrance costs 10 soles for foreigners and 5 soles for Peruvians. The site has three pools with thermal waters ranging between 38°C and 44°C (100°F and 111°F). It is surrounded by mountains, the Vilcanota River, and tropical vegetation. It can be reached independently or as part of the trek or alternative route to Machu Picchu.
The Abode of the Gods (La Morada de los Dioses)
The Abode of the Gods is one of the new tourist spots in Cusco. Its original name in Quechua is Apukunaq Tianan. It is a space with enormous hand-carved stone sculptures. Figures such as the puma, the Pachamama, the three-dimensional door, the Andean man, the jungle guardian, and more stand out. It is one of the most photogenic sites in Cusco. It is located just 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) from the city.
It is one of the most accessible attractions of a trip to Cusco. The entrance costs only 5 soles. It can be reached by public transport (3 soles) or by taxi. There are also tours, including quad bike options. But going independently remains the most economical alternative. Its popularity is growing rapidly.
The 12-Angled Stone (La Piedra de los 12 Ángulos)
The 12-Angled Stone is one of the most famous architectural examples in Cusco. It is a perfectly sculpted rock inserted into an Inca wall that belonged to the palace of Inca Roca. It is only 300 meters (about 0.18 miles) from the Plaza de Armas, on Hatun Rumiyoc street. As its name indicates, the stone is recognized for its twelve perfectly fitted angles.
It is an attraction located right in the street of the historic center, so visiting it is completely free. It is not allowed to touch it or damage it. At the site, a character dressed as an Inca watches over the area and takes photos with visitors. It is one of the most photographed works by tourists in the city.
