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5 Day trips from Cusco, Peru: Nobody Knows About

1. Singrenacocha Lake Day Trip:

Singrenacocha Blue Lake Day Hike is located about 3 hours away from Cusco City. This stunning lake offers up a great day trip option for those looking for amazing mountain views and gatorade blue water without much effort. The drive takes you right to the lake where you can walk small trails exploring different vantage points with the company of local farmers and their alpacas and llamas that rome the nearby mountain sides. 

2. Waqrapukara Hike:

Waqrapukara is considered by some to be “the other Machu Picchu”. This mountain impressive fortress is seldom visited as people flock to the most popular sites near the city, little do they know there are equally spectacular sites that lie just off the tourist radar scattered throughout the nearby lands. 

This trek to the mysterious Waqrapukara arqeological site can be done in a day trip from Cusco with a knowledgeable guide.

The ruins of Waqrapukara are located near the Apurímac River in Cusco’s Acomayo province putting it at around 4,000m (13,123ft). The hike to Waqrapukara usually begins in a location about two and half hours from Cusco by car. The hike up to the top takes around 2-3 hours, along the way you’ll pass through the quechua, suni and puna communities. Given a little luck you also have the opportunity to see some local species of native Andean wildlife such as vicuñas, guanacos or condors. The scenery along the way is extraordinary, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

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3. Zebra Rocks Hike:

Little is currently known about this place, but it is an extremely unique geological formation, likely not seen anywhere else in the world. The zebra like patterns in the rocks make for some great photography opportunities. Located 2 hours drive from Cusco City, and then 1.5 hours of hiking to reach this site.

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4. The Red River & Mountains of Palccoyo:

Located near the community of Palccoyo a 3 hour drive from Cusco City. Timing is everything to witness this river in its full colors. You must visit during the rainy season from December-February when the heavy rains pull the red soils and sediments off the mountains into the river. 

5. Suyckutambo Gorge & Incan Sites

Located in the Suyckutambo district about 4-5 hours drive from Cusco City. Given the distance this location is best visited over 2 days, with a local homestay in the community. The Gorge offers up some great hiking opportunities, and the remote cultures add a lot of rich history. The location is also the site of numerous impressive Inca ruins not yet seen by tourists.

Looking to book one of these off the beaten track trips? Send us an email and we can arrange any of these options for you! info@flashpackerconnect.com