Cusco is a beautiful city, full of historical and natural attractions. It is home to the ancient Inca capital and is the city where the famous Inca Trail is located. But there are other attractions in Cusco you may not know about yet. 

Hike the Salkantay Pass

One of the most exciting and not so popular attractions is the Salkantay Pass. It is a stunning high mountain pass located in the Andes Mountains. It is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging treks in South America. The views from this  place are unbelievably beautiful, with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The trek takes about 5 days and it is not for the faint of heart. The Salkantay trek is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Cusco's natural treasures, and It is also a great way to see up close the Vilcabamba mountain range peaks and the snow-capped Apu Salkantay, which is the highest peak of this group of mountains.

Climb the Palcoyo Mountain

Palcoyo Mountain is a stunningly beautiful mountain that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who come to the region to explore its natural beauty and love adventure. Palcoyo Mountain is home to a variety of different ecosystems, including the cloud forest, the puna grassland, and the montane shrubland. Palcoyo Mountain is also home to a large number of native plants, including orchids and other rare species. The mountain’s summit is an ideal spot for camping and hikers can also enjoy bird watching, horseback riding, and visiting nearby lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. The mountain offers an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and it is a magical experience for anyone who visits. 

Palcoyo Mountain is a great destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and culture seekers alike. With its stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and ancient ruins, Palcoyo Mountain is a destination you must visit if you are coming to Cusco.

Discover the Sayacmarca ruins

Another amazing attraction is the Sayacmarca ruins. This is an ancient Inca site located on the slopes of the Salkantay mountain range, consisting of three terraces, two of which are connected by a stone staircase. The terraces feature a combination  of Inca and pre-Inca structures, including a temple, an Inca bath and two towers. The most important one is the Temple of the Sun, which is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies and sacrifices. The ruins are in excellent condition and are a great example of Inca architecture and engineering. You can explore the ruins, learn about the history of the site, and enjoy the beauty of the valley.

Visit the Phuyupatamarca ruins

The other less popular attractions in Cusco you may not know about include the Phuyupatamarca ruins, a place with a privileged view of the landscape. The ruins of Phuyupatamarca show a variety of buildings, including a temple, terraces, and storehouses. The temple is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies, while the terraces were used to grow crops. The storehouses were used to store food, clothing, and other supplies. The ruins are very well preserved and many Inca artifacts, such as pottery, tools and jewelry, were discovered inside long ago.

Explore the Puma Punku ruins

Finally, there's Puma Punku ruins, another attraction in Cusco you may not know about. The archaeological site is, among other reasons, extremely important for the understanding and unveiling of information about the Tiwanaku culture.  The site features a variety of structures, including walls, platforms and other buildings, as well as an ancient irrigation system. There it is possible to see a variety of artifacts, such as pottery, jewelry and tools, providing a valuable insight into the Tiwanaku culture and its technological achievements. This is one of the most mysterious sites in the world, with mysterious stone structures and intricate carvings. It is believed to have been built by an advanced civilization over two thousand years ago.It is a fascinating site to explore, with many theories about its origins and purpose. Puma Punku is an incredible archaeological site that will captivate anyone who visits it. Its precise stonework and artifacts make it a must-see for anyone interested in ancient cultures and civilizations.

These are just a few of the attractions in Cusco you may not know about. Whether you're looking for a challenging trek, some ancient ruins, or a mysterious site, Cusco has something to offer for any type of traveler. So, if you're looking to explore something new and exciting, check out some of these attractions in Cusco.