In this article we present alternative destinations to Machu Picchu in the city of Cusco has many other archaeological treasures that are worth visiting, we know that Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the main attraction of the city, however this time we want to show you the other options that you can also visit during your trip to the archaeological capital of Peru.
Here are the 6 alternatives to Machupicchu that you must visit if you are in Cusco: Maras and Moray, Choquequirao, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Waqrapukara, Mountain of Colors and Humantay Lagoon.
7 Alternatives Tours to Machu Picchu
Maras and Moray
A magnificent site where you can see the circular terraces that served as a center for agricultural experimentation, a fine example of Inca engineering.
Then visit the salt mines of Maras, one of the few salt mines still in operation.
The salt extracted from these ponds has additional nutritional value which makes it a highly sought after product in national and international markets. During this excursion you will also visit the village of Chincheros, where you can see an exhibition on Andean looms and how they maintain the natural herbal dyeing traditions of the region.
Choquequirao Trekking
The archaeological complex of Choquequirao, called by the local population "the sister of Machu Picchu", was an Inca urban center, located at 3050 meters above sea level.
It is a beautiful tourist destination which, unlike Machu Picchu, is almost always empty or with a low influx of tourists and visitors.
To reach Choquequirao, you have to do a 4-day trek with camps in the surrounding forests. The difficulty level is medium-high. It is therefore not recommended for young children.
This tour is for all adventurous spirits looking to live new experiences away from the stress of the city and find themselves surrounded by nature.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley is a complete tourist circuit including different archaeological sites not to be missed.
Most of them are included in the general tourist ticket, a special ticket that gives access to different archaeological sites such as museums, the most important places to visit in the Sacred Valley are:
Ollantaytambo
The village of Ollantaytambo is a picturesque place that still preserves Inca town planning, with a colorful local market where you can buy souvenirs and handicrafts made by the villagers themselves.
On the other hand, the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo is an imposing work of Inca engineering and architecture, whose highlights are undoubtedly its wide terraces and the Temple of the Sun.
The climb may be a little steep, but the view from the top of the mountain is a treat not to be missed.
Pisac
Pisac is one of the most remarkable villages on this circuit. Located just 33 km from the city of Cusco, it offers magnificent viewpoints to appreciate the Sacred Valley.
The archaeological site of Pisac is also a marvel to visit. The strategic location of Pisac makes it a place of fertile land where the agricultural production of some of the most remarkable products of the region takes place.
Waqrapukara
Waqrapukara is located in the province of Acomayo, a pre-colonial religious shrine, which still does not receive a large number of visitors, so it is very common to find it empty.
There are different routes to get to Waqrapukara, with trekking being one of the most notable activities for travelers who love long walks. However, to get to Waqrapukara just takes a day trip, a destination that will undoubtedly give an extra touch to your visit to Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain
The Cordillera del Vilcanota has different natural attractions among its colorful mountains. Two tourist sites stand out and currently receive many visitors from different places. If you are looking for a new challenge without straying too far from the city, these options may interest you.
The mountain of colors - Vinicunca, is an adventure trekking, a hike that lasts about 2 hours, through the cold mountains of Cusco.
This natural attraction has become one of the most outstanding in the city due to the presence of various minerals in the earth, which give new tones to the mountain, offering a view of pink, fuchsia and turquoise colors, accompanied by vast landscapes surrounded by llamas and alpacas.
The height of this colorful Vinicunca mountain is about 5.200 m.a.s.l. therefore it is not recommended for the elderly and/or children, it is necessary to have a good physical condition to do the tour, in the same way here you can find the horse service offered by the local people, which will help you in part of the way, but you must take into account that to get to the top of the mountain horses are not allowed access.
Palccoyo colorful mountain
Palccoyo Mountain is located in the same mountain range as Rainbow Mountain, the difference is mainly that it is 20 km further away, but in compensation the physical demand of the excursion is less, because the walking time and the inclination of the mountain are less. In addition, Mount Palccoyo receives fewer tourist flows than the previous one.
Humantay Lake
The Humantay lake is in the same adventure tourism classification as the Vinicunca and Palcoyo mountains, this beautiful natural attraction is a glacier lagoon with beautiful turquoise tones in its waters, to visit this cold paradise you can hike about 1 hour and a half.
On the other hand, if you want a more comfortable alternative, you will find that the local people offer the service of horses. We therefore recommend that you bring cash and local currency (soles) to be able to purchase the horses.
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