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As I use to say, Peru is the Egypt of Latin America. And the Cusco region is central to it, a really unforgettable place for visitors. Who would have thought that there are still hidden gems around here, places which offer plenty of adventure, beauty, history, archaeology, natural energy and more?
Places which are little known or even unknown, which can provide an amazing travel experience. Top. This is what we’re going to show next: six magical destinations in Cusco which aren’t famous or trendy yet, but nevertheless are totally worthy of a try!
Waqrapukara
This is a new destination, which is becoming trendy and being promoted by travel agencies. It is located south of Cusco City, in Acomayo county, around 4,140 meters above sea level (about 13,582 feet). It is an Inca ancient archaeological remain, with splendid design: it depicts the ears of a llama, just like king Minos’ palace in Crete shows the horns of a bull. Also, from there we have priceless landscapes of high mountains, snowies and lakes. And the cherry on top is that you can get there hiking (upwards, big challenge…), on treks that can take from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the route. Among our six magical destinations, another challenge on the Andean heights of Cusco! Additionally, there are other adrenaline adventures available: 4-wheel motor biking, kayaking on the lakes and mountain biking.
Pallay Punchu
Until very recently, the Vinicunca/Rainbow Mountain was thought to be the only multicolored mountain in Cusco and Peru! Turns out there are some others, newly discovered and unknown for most people: it is called the Pallay Punchu (for the poncho, the typical garment of Andean people; villagers also call it “the place where the condor lands” ). It is located in Canas county, south of Cusco City, close to the beautiful Langui lagoon, up at 4,700 meters altitude (15,420 feet approx.). This is a wonderful, demanding hiking tour, of around 10 kilometers (about 6.21 miles). Upwards again… for all those who are waiting to find a new place to battle Nature. You will experience clean, fresh air, see snowies and lagoons, be filled with reviving natural energy flow, exercise body and mind. The way I would describe this experience is hiking on planet Mars before it became completely dry!
Pallcoyo
Another colored mountain in these six magical destinations in Cusco! Although not as impressive as the Vinicunca and the Pallay Punchu, this rainbow hill is also a very good hike. Indeed, there are 3 mountains in one, and the trek is not very inclined, so it is a lighter, easier walk. There is a plus: the amazing Stone Forest, which is a natural formation of big, tall rocks, where you can arrive after a more steeped walk. This site offers unforgettable views, perfect for spectacular pictures, videos and memories. It’s an absolutely peaceful place, located at a thrilling altitude of 4,900 meters (16,076 feet approx.), so it is quite a unique experience! The Pallcoyo colored mountain is on the way to the much elevated region of the High Plateau (Altiplano), which continues into Bolivia.
The Raqchi Village
Back in the day, one more of our six magical destinations was a very important Inca settlement in the Cusco area. First, it was home for a mighty temple in reverence of Wiracocha, the Creator God in Andean religion. This temple was large, and originally covered by a big straw roof. There, everyday Inca priests worshiped the Creator God, asking for good harvests, protection from natural disasters, peace and prosperity for the empire. Second, Raqchi was a central place for agricultural planning: we can still find there around 156 barns (colcas in Quechua, the Inca language), where food surplus was stored and from there sent to all directions of the empire, via the Qapac Nan, the network of paved roads which interconnected its regions. It is a perfect place to spend a weekend, enjoying the natural energy, landscapes, archaeological remains, peaceful environment and delicious typical food.
Qeswachaka
Another one among our six magical destinations in Cusco. It is the only remaining bridge from Inca times, which crosses the beautiful Apurimac river. It is a straw bridge, 33 meters long and 1.20 meters wide (that is, 108 feet long and 3.93 feet wide). It stands in the middle of a breathtaking Andean natural, wilderness landscape, at 3,600 meters elevation (11,811 feet approx.). The Qeswachaka bridge receives maintenance works once a year, done by local people; this takes three days and on the fourth there is a typical, communal celebration.
Huchuy Cusco
Last but not least among these six magical destinations, heading north from Cusco City towards the warm, sunny Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the top of a mountain, we find this wonderful spot, which means “Little Cusco”. According to historians, it was a small settlement built originally to be the retirement estate of old king Huiracocha; however, a war against the powerful Chanca kingdom began, and the old king fled from Cusco City, hiding in Huchuy Cusco with many people from his court. Nowadays, it is a great tour, because there is a 5-hour hike uphill to the citadel, walking among beautiful trees, plants, lush vegetation and with majestic landscapes at sight. Once at the top of the mountain, you will be literally in the middle of the clouds, with a breathtaking view of the valley below and visiting the place where one of the Inca kings spent his final days.
So, here you have six magical destinations in Cusco which are not very known or popular yet, but are indeed hidden wonders which can give amazing, unforgettable travel experiences!
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