Cusco has some of the most visited tourist attractions in Peru. Some of them are the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Humantay lagoon, the mountain of the 7 colors and, of course, Machu Picchu (one of the 7 wonders of the modern world). However, this Andean region also offers tourist attractions little known and, therefore, little visited. Even so, it is advisable to visit them because they offer adventure, history and incredible landscapes. Andino Peru Tours recommends you to visit these wonderful places.
In the town of Santa Teresa -province of La Convención- are the best thermal baths of all Cusco. Cocalmayo is on the banks of the Vilcanota River. It has 3 large pools of crystalline waters that vary between 38ºC. and 44ºC. These hot waters come from the high mountains and lagoons such as Uripata.
Cocalmayo stands out for being surrounded by a natural landscape of high jungle. The site has showers, bathrooms, tents, chairs, dressing rooms and even spaces for camping or spending the night in their hotel rooms. It is recommended to visit between April and November. From December to March the rains are more intense, which can be dangerous.
On the border of the Andean valleys of Cusco and the jungle plains of Manu is the viewpoint Tres Cruces de Oro from where, they say, you can see the most beautiful sunrise in the world. Although beautiful sunrises can be seen there all year round, on June 20, 21 or 22, the "White Lightning" phenomenon takes place. The rising sun resembles three golden crosses on the horizon.
This viewpoint is also called 'the balcony of the east'. From here you can see part of the immense Manu National Park. To appreciate the sunrises it is necessary to camp. At around 5 or 6 in the morning, if the sky is not cloudy, you can see this natural spectacle.
Palcoyo is a natural tourist attraction that presents a scenic beauty similar to the famous Vinicunca, the 7-color mountain. Like Vinicunca, it is located in the group of mountains near the snow-capped Ausangate. Palcoyo is located at 4,900 meters above sea level. Getting there is quite a challenge due to its extreme geography.
Unlike the hike to Vinicunca (2 hour hike), Palcoyo is only a 1 hour hike. There are some tourist services that include the visit to both places. The views of Palcoyo are also full of colors. There are still not many visitors who dare to go.
One of the best landscapes and natural spectacles of Cusco can be seen in the community of Chonta, province of Anta. From there you can appreciate the flight of the condor, the largest and most important bird of the Andes. This spectacle is surrounded by a chain of mountains and the Apurimac Canyon, an unforgettable landscape.
Chonta has three viewpoints located approximately 3,400 meters above sea level. The third and highest of all is the one that shows the flight of the condors. This spectacle can be observed on sunny days, at about 3:00 in the afternoon. This spectacle resembles the famous flight of the condor in the Colca Canyon - Arequipa.
The pongo de Mainique is a geographical formation where the Vilcanota River leaves the high Andean mountains to enter the jungle. This pass of torrential waters is famous for its historical importance that even became a myth. The Incas and Amazonian cultures worshipped this site. It is located in the province of La Convención, in the jungle of Cusco.
The pongo of Mainique is located within the Megantoni National Sanctuary, a protected area for its flora, fauna and cultural diversity (native peoples live there). The climate there varies from 17ºC. to 32ºC. The pongo becomes dangerous during the rainy season (January, February and March). For greater security it is recommended to go with an all-inclusive tour.
The Apukunaq Tianan is one of the most recent tourist attractions in Cusco. Its name comes from the Quechua language. It means 'Abode of the gods'. It is a space where there are several giant sculptures with Andean-religious motifs. These sculptures were created by the Cusquenian artist Michael de Titán Monteagudo Mejía in 2020.
The abode of the gods is very close to the city of Cusco, only 8 kilometers away. It is progressively becoming one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the region. It stands out for monuments such as: the puma, the pachamama, the Andean man, the three-dimensional door, the man of the jungle and more.
Inkilltambo was a sacred Inca huaca. Research suggests that it was ordered to be built by the Inca Wiracocha. Then the emperor Pachacutec ordered its expansion and improvement. In 2015 its restoration began. Today the entrance to Inkilltambo is free. It is located only 7.3 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
In Inkilltambo the tourist will be able to observe Inca roads, water channels, minor enclosures, terraces, temples and more. Research suggests that it was a huaca where water was worshiped. It is one of the few archaeological sites with free admission for everyone. It is part of the immense Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park.
The Waqrapukara fortress is one of the least known Inca archaeological sites. However, its architectural beauty, landscape and historical importance make it a site that should be visited. It was built by the Canchis culture. It was later remodeled by the Incas during the rule of Tupac Yupanqui (1471 - 1493).
Its name comes from a Quechua word that means 'fortress in the shape of a horn'. The site resembles a tall stone castle with two horns on top. In spite of this, the place was a temple where the gods were worshipped. The walk there was a pilgrimage. Most visitors arrive there with a tour. However, it is also possible to go on your own.
¿WHY TRAVEL WITH ANDINO PERU TOURS?
We are a Peruvian Agency with Cusco roots, committed to providing you with unique tourism experiences. With our own transportation and a team of dedicated professionals, we aim to show you the best of Peru.
Striving to provide freedom in your travels, through specialized and quality service that ensures a worry-free experience. We take care of every aspect of your journey organization so you can fully enjoy.
We focus on creating unforgettable experiences through an expert team and carefully selected providers. We keep small groups to ensure exceptional service and that you make the most of each tour.
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