Cusco Outdoor Activities: Top 5 Adventures

Cusco, frequently a location filled with old history and a doorway to Machu Picchu, is really so far more than just ancient ruins. As a matter of fact, this Peruvian treasure offers a great number of chances for adrenaline-pumping adventures and mind-blowing experiences in the great outdoors. You might just be astonished by the wide variety of landscapes surrounding the city, beginning from snow-capped mountains all the way down to lush, tropical jungles. So, forget everything you know, grab your hiking boots, and prepare to check out my hand-picked set of the most exciting open-air activities that Cusco provides.

1. Hiking the Iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

First, no trip to Cusco is actually complete without facing the test of hiking Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. Usually, I won’t oversell it. Very, this place is one of the very most breathtaking places I’ve honestly seen, maybe very in my life. Arguably, the mountain gets its own name from the striking stripes of color running over its slopes, as a result of various mineral deposits. In fact, trust you me, witnessing it is just a bit like stepping into an actual painter’s palette.

As I was saying, the hike itself is certainly challenging, to begin with due to the elevation exceeding 16,000 feet (4,876 meters). Usually, it can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to attain the summit, and very trust me, you are going to feel every inch of it! To be honest, yet the panoramic views available at the very top are just definitely worthwhile. Literally, the sensation of being above the clouds, taking in the great, multicolored landscape, is basically just unparalleled. You should keep in mind, the weather conditions can alter very quickly, too it’s almost, but ensure that to wear layers and take along loads of water if you plan to go.

2. Exploring the Sacred Valley by Bike

If perhaps you are searching for anything very a bit less strenuous, though nonetheless providing amazing views, why not check out the Sacred Valley on two wheels? Okay, that valley, often nestled amongst Cusco and Machu Picchu, is known to have a gentler climate and lower elevation. Instead, you can get many tour companies in Cusco that provide cycling tours suiting various fitness amounts. Frankly, from light rides through farmlands to rather more difficult downhill trails, there’s just literally something for all people. Basically, the bike tours frequently include visits to small villages, old ruins, and community marketplaces. So you’ll certainly experience both adventure and also some culture!

Seemingly, pedaling your way through this fertile valley offers you an authentic feel for its charm. Really, you will pass chicha breweries, agricultural terraces, and neighborhood children waving along your way. Often, a highlight is typically the journey to the Pisac Market, known to have vibrant textiles and crafts. In addition, remember to test a few of the local specialties. In other words, maybe corn on the cob from the barbecue and empanadas. Very trust you me, it’s honestly all worth it and also so quite good! That said, if you want to experience this landscape like your actually riding it, plan a head so you can visit in optimal condition.

3. White Water Rafting on the Urubamba River

As I was saying, for the ones looking for a thrill, and of course white water rafting to the Urubamba River is just an absolute must-do! After all, this mighty river slices straight through the Sacred Valley, also just providing both mild and also tricky rapids, depending on the bit you select. Well I mean, there are so numerous trip companies that have a bunch of rafting excursions for everyone from novices to skilled rafters.

Anyway, I just suggest that you book a tour with a well-known operator ensuring good gear, and maybe that professional guides lead it. As a matter of fact, just be ready to obtain drenched as you negotiate class III and IV rapids, that are some intense fun for those looking for the adrenaline. Yet in other words, between the excitement and the splashing waves, you’ll be enclosed by magnificent canyon walls and the local wildlife. More or less, remember, that you observe the bright birds overhead and the chance of a timid Andean fox scurrying along the banks, while at the same time your paddling very carefully. To be honest, just do this tour when you visit. Seriously!

4. Ziplining Through the Andes

Clearly, in case you have ever desired to seem like Superman (or Superwoman!), here is your chance. Well I mean, picture yourself flying across the Andes on a zipline, with the air racing using your hair and also mind-blowing mountain landscapes unfolding beneath. As I was saying, numerous places just near Cusco offer ziplining encounters which will perhaps provide you with that precise sensation. That, so frequently, these courses vary in length and even the level of adrenaline, therefore choose what just feels the comfortable and then exciting just for you.

Likely, one pretty good ziplining location is actually the Sacred Valley, specifically around Ollantaytambo or perhaps Urubamba. In other words, these programs frequently entail a number of zip lines connected through short hikes, permitting one to just genuinely admire the region through many different angles. Obviously, ziplining might be really the very best approach, after all, so it is to basically overcome the fear of heights and view these kind of awe-inspiring surroundings almost, too it’s almost simultaneously! Be sure to plan well enough in advance, just so your adrenaline has cooled down enough when you book your flight, you know?

5. Horseback Riding to Local Villages

Very for a much more slow-paced and culturally immersive experience, why do not go for horseback riding and so check out the local villages that basically are spread across the hills nearby Cusco. Usually, these trips just offer you a different way to be in contact with the Peruvian Andes as well as let you simply have a glimpse of their way of life off the beaten trail.

After all, very lots of of the local communities available through horseback present possibilities just to discover standard weaving, conventional agriculture, and also neighborhood cuisine. Just picture one of the most awesome things! After all, galloping to remote parts, you’re in fact sustained via scenic splendor as very, almost it has almost basically stood for years and also almost really never basically seen, I would personally presume by visitors, just because simply they don’t go basically off the beaten path to discover these towns! In reality, maybe talk with your guide or even tour agency when booking this specific task: they will have even very, nearly insight inside locations actually worth taking the ride to basically view!