Alternative tourism in Cusco: 7 little known places you must visit
The Cusco region offers countless attractions to ensure that every day in this incredible city is filled with excitement. Beyond Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and popular archaeological sites, today we’ll recommend seven lesser-known tourist destinations where you can enjoy a tranquil yet equally majestic adventure. Learn more about these places and schedule them for your next visit to Cusco.
Tourist visiting the rainbow mountain of Palcoyo
Little-known tourist spots in Cusco
Your stay in Cusco can extend for weeks, months, or even for some people to live there. Because the region is so diverse, peaceful, and rich in activities, you’ll likely find it one of the best destinations to travel to. Cusco isn’t just about its archaeological sites; it’s also about its geography and culture, which make each destination worthy of a visit. Discover seven little-known places in Cusco that you must visit.
Huasao Wetlands
One of the most amazing natural areas of Cusco is the Huasao wetlands, an ideal destination to appreciate landscapes and rest in the middle of nature. During your visit, you’ll also be able to see immense sculptures of popular fictional characters like Groot and the Ents, both of which represent trees and the environment, conveying a message of preservation and care for spaces like this one.
The Huasao Wetlands are located just 30 minutes from the city of Cusco, in the district of the same name, where we can learn more about the region’s Southern Valley. This area boasts a wide diversity of flora and fauna thanks to its geographical location, and we may even spot Andean ducks, herons, and many other birds on our tour.
Huasao Wetland
Palcoyo Mountain
Known as the sister of the famous Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo is a much lighter adventure that will take us through the southern valley to discover a less crowded, but equally impressive, mountainous destination filled with colorful scenery.
Palcoyo Mountain is located in the province of Canchis, on the same route that takes us to Rainbow Mountain, but on this tour we’ll travel for a longer time, approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from the city. The hike is much easier, just 20 minutes, through mountainous landscapes and multicolored valleys.
It’s a quiet and easy adventure, with fewer tourists, ideal for discovering natural viewpoints and even exploring a rock forest. There are many tours that take you on this journey, but it’s also possible to do it on your own.
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
If you’re looking for a day trip without the tourist crowds on a tour that isn’t too physically demanding, the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is for you. On this tour, you’ll discover the magical landscapes of Cusco’s Southern Valley. Everything is included, from transportation, food, a guide, and admission fees. The tour starts around 4:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. It’s a totally enriching adventure that will allow you to experience the region’s natural wonders from a different perspective.
Apukunaq Tianan: The abode of the gods
The abode of the gods is a contemporary tourist attraction that features many sculptures reminiscent of Inca culture and the Andean worldview. It features artwork depicting the puma (a very important spiritual animal), Pachamama (Mother Earth), a three-dimensional door, Andean man, and jungle man, among others.
To reach Apukunaq Tianan, we’ll need to take a short 30-minute trip from the city of Cusco. It’s located in the Poroy district, near Tica Tica. You can reach the abode of the gods on an affordable tour or on your own, as some public transportation services even take you there.
The abode of the gods
Inkariy Museum
Called an experiential museum, Inkariy exhibits dioramas, images, infographics and models of the most important cultures of Peru through nine rooms , including: Caral, Chavín, Paracas, Moche, Nazca, Wari, Lambayeque, Chimú and Inca.
You’ll recognize the Inkariy Museum by its immense sculpture of the god Wiracocha on the road from Calca to Arín, an essential stop on any journey through the Sacred Valley. It’s approximately 55 kilometers from Cusco, and the travel time is almost 1 hour and 30 minutes.
To enter Inkariy, you must purchase your ticket at the museum’s ticket office. The museum’s opening hours are Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Perolniyoc Waterfall
One of the best natural tourist attractions in the Sacred Valley is the Perolniyoc waterfall, an immense waterfall of approximately 45 meters that is surrounded by vast nature and is also next to the Raqaypata archaeological site , an Inca settlement that will add much more value to your trip.
To reach the Perolniyoc waterfall, we’ll have to travel to the village of Socma, located near Ollantaytambo. The trip can take almost an hour and 30 minutes. From this point, a gentle one-hour hike begins, crossing landscapes filled with typical valley flora.
Admission is completely free, and there are also tour options. It’s a natural adventure that will show you another side of the diversity of the Cusco region.
Perolniyoc Waterfall
Inti Punku (Ollantatambo)
Visiting Inti Punku, or the Gate of the Sun, is one of the best adventures in Cusco. While the most popular is the one located in Machu Picchu, the Gate of the Sun in Ollantaytambo is equally, if not more, magnificent. To reach Inti Punku, we must embark on a trek of approximately seven hours (round trip).
The tour begins in the town of Ollantaytambo, crossing paths on mountain slopes, allowing us to glimpse incredible landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Although the hike is of moderate difficulty, with sections of constant ascent, the destination will make it completely worthwhile. Upon reaching the Sun Gate, we will see the rays of light pass through this magical structure, granting us a magical moment.
From its summit, you’ll also be able to admire snow-capped mountains and the surrounding valleys, an ideal place to take a break and appreciate the biodiversity of the surrounding area. The hike to Inti Punku is free and can be done at any time, although we recommend setting off early for a leisurely stroll.
Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol – Ollantatambo
Temple of the Moon (Cusco)
The Temple of the Moon is another destination that also has a ceremonial counterpart in Machu Picchu. But this one is much closer and involves a completely free adventure, ideal for broadening your understanding of Inca culture.
To get to the Temple of the Moon we will have to leave Cusco in the direction of Qenqo, it is only 25 minutes away, and also involves a short excursion through Zone X. It is in the middle of a large green area that we can later use to have a picnic, or simply relax.
The Temple of the Moon is one of the most important Inca temples . It is also an energetic area that had a ceremonial and ritualistic function . Today, visitors say they can sense a sacred aura emanating from it, given the importance that this structure had in the times of Tahuantinsuyu.
| Comparative table of little-known tourist spots in Cusco | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | Type of tourism | Distance from Cusco | Difficulty | Ideal for |
| Huasao Wetlands | Natural / Recreational | 30 minutes | Easy | Families, nature lovers. |
| Palcoyo Mountain | Natural / Light Adventure | 3 hours 30 minutes + 20 minutes walk | Easy | Quiet tourism, nature lovers. |
| Apukunaq Tianan | Cultural / Contemporary | 30 minutes | Easy | Cultural tourism, quick tours. |
| Inkariy Museum | Educational / Cultural | 1 hour 30 minutes | Easy | History lovers, cultural tourism. |
| Perolniyoc Waterfall | Natural / Archaeological | 1 hour 30 minutes + 1 hour walk | Average | Adventurers, nature lovers. |
| Inti Punku (Ollantaytambo) | Adventure / Archaeological | 1 hour 30 minutes + 7 hours walk | High | Adventurers, nature lovers. |
| Temple of the Moon | Natural / Archaeological | 25 minutes + 10 walk | Easy | Nature lovers, cultural tourism. |
Tips for your visit to Cusco
If you’d like to discover these seven must-see destinations in Cusco, we’ll provide you with a series of tips and recommendations to help you have a better experience. Discover them.
- If you’re willing to hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), remember to be physically and mentally prepared, as it may be a bit difficult. Remember that you’ll be climbing up to 3,900 meters above sea level.
- During your first few days in Cusco, you should plan your itineraries to avoid altitude sickness. Plans like visiting the Huasao Wetland and the Temple of the Moon are ideal.
- Visit Palcoyo Mountain on the same tour as Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, so you can get a much broader view of the landscapes of the southern Cusco Valley.
- On all your tours in Cusco during the rainy season (November–March), you should prepare with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as the weather can be drizzled at any time.
- During the dry season (April to October), Cusco offers more stable and clear weather, ideal for any tour.
- Visiting the Temple of the Moon in Cusco will give you the opportunity to have a quiet picnic, just a few minutes from the city (25 minutes).
- Visiting museums like Inkariy allows us to learn more about the ancient culture of this region. Also, visiting places like Machu Picchu will give you a much better understanding of what you’re seeing.
- Visiting historical sites in Cusco with a tour adds much more value to your trip, as you’ll be better informed and safe at all times.
- Cusco stands out for its natural landscapes, which are a great time to take a break and recap everything you’ve seen, making your visit even more worthwhile.
- Remember that along with Boletomachu Picchu, you can book experiences in Cusco. Ask our advisors about all the options available to enhance your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best place if I just arrived in Cusco?
It’s best to start with light hikes to acclimatize, such as the Huasao Wetlands or the Temple of the Moon, which are ideal options for your first few days, as they’re close to the city.
2) Do I need to book a tour to visit all these places?
Not necessarily. Some places, such as the abode of the gods, the Temple of the Moon, or the Huasao Wetlands, can be visited on your own, even using public transportation.
3) What is the best time of year to visit these destinations?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, between April and October. During these months, the weather is more stable, and you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery without worrying about rain.
4) How difficult is it to get to Palcoyo Mountain?
It is a more accessible route than the mountain of 7 colors, although the drive takes about 3 and a half hours from Cusco, the walk is quite short (20 minutes) and of low difficulty.
5) What free places can I visit in Cusco?
There are several destinations on this list, such as the Temple of the Moon, the hike to Inti Punku, or the Perolniyoc waterfall.
6) Is the Inkariy Museum worth visiting?
The Inkariy Museum will definitely help you better understand the context of Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites you visit.
7) How demanding is the hike to Inti Punku in Ollantaytambo?
This is a medium-to-hard hike, taking approximately seven hours round trip. It’s recommended to be in good physical condition and leave early.
8) Is it safe to travel alone to these places?
In general, Cusco is a safe region for tourism, but if you plan to visit remote areas like Perolniyoc or Inti Punku on your own, do your research beforehand and try not to walk at night.
9) Is there public transportation to any of these destinations?
Yes, to places like the Abode of the Gods and the Huasao Wetlands you can take local public transportation.
10) What is the difference between Palcoyo mountain and Vinicunca mountain?
The difference is that Palcoyo Mountain is less demanding and less crowded. Vinicunca requires a longer hike and is located at a higher altitude. Palcoyo is ideal if you want a similar experience, but at a more peaceful pace.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Francisco A.“Short climb, but you need to be acclimatized.“
“We arrive by car as far as we can, and from there it is a 20 to 30 minute hike. It is not difficult, but you can feel the altitude. I took my time, resting. It is worth it for the scenery. I took coca tea with me and that helped me a lot. I also recommend to dress warmly, the wind up there is strong even if it is sunny.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 8, 2025