Urubamba, Peru
Top Spots in and near Urubamba
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Urubamba, Peru
Photograph Salinas de Maras
Cascading down a hillside valley not far from Cusco, the nearly 3,000 salt pans at Salinas de Maras sit at an elevation of 3,380 m. Believed to have been created in the 1400s by the Inca, the historical site now operates like a co-op and preserves the ancient technique of harvesting salt by hand....Read more -
Ollantaytambo, Peru
The Pinkuylluna Granaries
This is a steep but short hike to see some beautiful terraces and granaries across from the main Ollantaytambo fortress. Depending on your level of fitness, the climb can take between 30 minutes to an hour. It'swell worth it for the spectacular views of Ollantaytambo town and views of the ruins o...Read more -
Ollantaytambo, Peru
Explore the Town of Ollantaytambo
Located at an altitude of 2,792 m (9,160 ft) above sea level, Ollantaytambo was once the home of Emperor Pachacuti. Built in the late 15th century, it has some of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in South America. The beautiful cobbled streets, irrigation channels, and stone foundation...Read more -
Ollantaytambo, Peru
The Ollantaytambo Fortress
Right from the entrance to the site, the ruins of Ollantaytambo climb up into the terraced heights of a temple district. It is often called a fortress, but only part of the site was dedicated to military purposes, while the very top is an unfinished temple. It was likely a Temple of the Sun, and ...Read more -
Qosqo, Peru
Hike to the Devil's Balcony
3.1 mi / 656.2 ft gainOf all the hikes within the proximity of the city of Cusco, this one is the coolest. Not only that, but no one knows about it. It is a local's only secret. The only reason I know about it was because I lived there for years.There are two approaches to the hike. One that is for beginners, and is a...Read more -
Cusco, Peru
Sacsayhuamán
Sacsayhuaman is located about 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas (by car) or 45 minutes walking. Another option is to take a ‘City Tour’, which includes transportation to this archaeological site. The entrance fee is included with the "Boleto Turistico" which is a ticket that gets you into the m...Read more -
Cusco, Peru
Temple of the Sun (Coricancha)
5.0The Temple of the Sun of the Incas (Coricancha) is believed to be the most important temple of the Incan empire, and the most revered temple in Cusco. Originally named Intikancha or Intiwasi, it was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. However, when the Spanish arrived, they razed most Inca temples a...Read more -
Cusco, Peru
Hiking Peru's Rainbow Mountain
9.25 mi / 2871 ft gainThe journey begins at about 3am on the streets of Cusco, where we pile into a minivan and drive a few hours to arrive at the foot of Vinicuna (Rainbow Mountain) as day breaks. It’s a crisp, sunny morning at the foot of the climb (14,189ft) and the local compañeras line the path with dozens of ho...Read more -
Urubamba, Peru
Backpack the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
26.5 mi / 6279 ft gainDay 1: Cusco to Ayapata (10 miles) The trail starts at 8,923 ft at the main gate operating the permit and passport check-ins at KM 82, Piscachucho. You'll cross the Urubamba River on a suspension bridge and proceed towards Ayapata at 10,829 ft. It's an easy day on the first day and should take ab...Read more -
Písac, Peru
Hike to the Pisac Ruins
5.02 mi / 2000 ft gainThe Pisac ruins bear a striking resemblance to Machu Picchu, just on a smaller scale. Fascinatingly, the drainage systems and agricultural terraces built in 1440 along with the rest of the ruins are still in use today. The Pisac ruins are believed to have defended the Southern entrance to the Sac...Read more -
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Hike Huayna Picchu at Machu Picchu
5.02.4 mi / 1000 ft gainThe 1,000ft climb up Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights of a visit to Machu Picchu. This diamond shaped mountain looms directly behind the site and provides a unique perspective of Machu Picchu, allowing you to see the amazing engineering that went into this site. You start the hike on the fa...Read more -
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Hike Machu Picchu Mountain
5.01.2 mi / 2000 ft gainGetting There: When you're purchasing your ticket for Machu Picchu, there is the option to add on "Machu Picchu Mountain". To do this hike, you need to purchase this add-on. Like Huayna Picchu, only a certain number of people are allowed up per day, so make sure you purchase your ticket ahead of ...Read more -
Anta, Peru
Backpack the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
4.844.5 miDay 1: Cusco to Soraypampa to Wayracpunku (9 miles)The trail starts at 12477 ft and proceeds towards Salkantay Pass at 15090 ft. It's a gradual climb and incredibly beautiful. From the pass, it's a short downhill to the campground in Huayracmachay at 12477 ft. Even if the weather is sunny and cle...Read more -
Anta, Peru
Hike to the Top of Cerro Yanaoaoa
6.8 mi / 4068.2 ft gainThe route is access fairly easily from Sorayapampa. You follow the trail to the west of town, towards the lake. as you work your way up the gully you get to south western trail. Take this upwards. You can follow the trail up to the Incan Cross, itself a marvelous view point. From the Incan cross ...Read more -
Mollepata District, Anta, Peru
Backpack the Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu
35 mi / 30000 ft gainSpanning just 4 days, but featuring 7 summits over 15,000 feet (and topping out at nearly 17,000'), this trail is not for the faint of heart. Since the trail is extremely remote, permission must be attained from the locals. This is most easily done through a local guide company (I went with Kill...Read more -
Santa Maria, Peru
Raft the Lower Urubamba River in Peru
The Urubamba River is 450 miles long, but don't worry - you only need a small section of the Lower Urubamba River to experience Class III and IV rapids. Take an excursion with any reputable rafting company like OARS (or others) which will bring you to the small town of Maranura known for its worl...Read more