The city of Cusco is surrounded by beautiful landscapes thanks to its abundant green spaces and abundant nature. Exploring the outskirts of the city allows you to experience a different perspective on your trip, taking a break from the crowds by visiting magical places full of tranquility and silence. If you want to explore Cusco and immerse yourself in nature hikes or walks, this is the blog for you. Discover the best places to visit in its natural surroundings.

• Natural Attractions of Cusco
• What are the best tours in Cusco?
  • The Devil’s Balcony
  • The X Zone
  • The Temple of the Moon
  • The Qenqo Forest
  • The Queuñas Forest of Sacsayhuamán
• Comparative table of the best tours in Cusco
• Recommendations to enrich your experience in Cusco
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist observing the landscape on his walk

Natural Attractions of Cusco

Visiting Cusco means taking home one of the best experiences of your life. Visiting Machu Picchu, the Inca citadels of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, or Sacsayhuamán will give you unique satisfaction. But sometimes, we need a moment to relax, get away from the crowds, and enjoy the scenery in silence, or simply moments surrounded by nature, which seem to reconnect us and bring us great satisfaction.

Finding those moments of tranquility is very easy in Cusco. Just outside the city, just beyond Sacsayhuamán, about 25 minutes from the center, you’ll find places full of green spaces and plenty of nature. From here, you can explore a host of hidden spots waiting to be discovered.

From places surrounded by trees and plants to natural attractions, walking through the forests and fields of Cusco is an unforgettable experience for reflecting or relaxing amid beautiful views.

Tourist enjoying nature

Private Tours in Cusco
If you want to experience any of the following Cusco tours, such as the Devil’s Balcony, the Qenqo Forest, or the Temple of the Moon, and add them to other destinations you’d like to visit, you can organize a private tour through Boletomachupicchu , where our advisors will be able to provide you with all the available options. You’ll also find unforgettable experiences, such as tours of Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley, and many more, from simple visits to multi-day treks. Don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at all the experiences Cusco has to offer.

What are the best tours in Cusco?

While you can explore Cusco’s natural landscapes without a guide, simply exploring them is easy. There are destinations known by very few people that can enhance your experience. The best places to walk in Cusco’s nature are:

The Devil’s Balcony

One of the most recommended places for a short hike near Cusco is the Devil’s Balcony. A place made of natural formations that offers a journey filled with green fields and many rewards.

On the Devil’s Balcony, we’ll find a rock formation that allows you to enter, perched on a small peak that offers a spectacular view. If you’re not afraid of heights, this spot is ideal for a memorable photo. We’ll also find places immersed in nature to take a break or have a picnic.

The hike to the Devil’s Balcony from Cusco can take around 3 hours, but there is the option to take a car to the back of Sacsayhuamán, from where you will embark on an unforgettable hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Extra tip: During the tour of the Devil’s Balcony, we’ll also have the opportunity to enter a huge cave with small waterfalls during the rainy season (November – March). Inside the cave, we’ll see a rocky path with a small trail filled with water. If you’re brave enough to make your visit more memorable, you can walk through it and exit the cave to discover a much more beautiful view.

Devil’s Balcony

The X Zone

Its name already hints at the mystery that awaits us on this tour. Zone X is a must-see if you want to delve into the landscapes and enigmas of Cusco. Located a 30-minute drive from the city, it allows us to explore paths through flat and diverse countryside.

The territory encompassing Zone X is vast, so as you explore it, you’ll discover a variety of surprising places. You can discover everything from high peaks with panoramic views, resting places amidst trees or large rock formations, to mysterious little caves that seem to tell an ancient story.

Zone X is perfect for escaping the usual noise of the city and going on walks that seem to lead you nowhere, but that give you the satisfaction of going and discovering as you rest from the routine.

• Extra fact: Some of the places we’ll see on the tour date back to the Inca era, with small monuments filled with energy.

Sunset in Zone X

The Temple of the Moon

Although it bears its name as the destination of the hike, the Temple of the Moon offers a perfect place to spend a day in the countryside, enjoying everyday activities. Nearby, you can play ball, roll around in its grass, or simply climb up to admire the diversity of natural landscapes that Cusco offers.

To reach the Temple of the Moon, we must travel 25 minutes by car outside the city and then embark on a walk of about 20 minutes. The path is well signposted, making it one of the safest places.

Upon reaching the start of the hike, you’ll find the option to do the tour on horseback. This is a great option if you want to explore the entire area.

• Extra information: At the Temple of the Moon, we can see an important Inca vestige that worshipped the moon, as well as resting places immersed in nature. If we walk a little further along the trail, we can glimpse part of the Qhapac Ñan (Inca trails), which offers a new route to discover the best nature walks in Cusco.

Temple of the Moon – Cusco

The Qenqo Forest

If you’re looking for a place closer to the city without long walks, but still offering a place to relax immersed in nature, the Qenqo eucalyptus forest is an ideal option.

Located a 25-minute drive from the city of Cusco, it offers a glimpse into the gateway to Cusco’s countryside and nature. The walk isn’t very long; it can take you around 10 minutes, depending on how far you want to explore the area.

From the Qenqo Forest, we can relax amidst impressive trees that offer shelter. There’s also a spot on a huge rock from which we can appreciate the immensity of the city of Cusco, offering a unique panorama. An ideal place for a picnic or a day out with friends, the site offers almost perfect tranquility.

• Extra Fact: You can combine your tour with a visit to the Qenqo archaeological park, enriching your picnic.

Qenqo eucalyptus forest

The Queuñas Forest of Sacsayhuamán

Another shorter but absolutely beautiful hike is the one you can take through the Queuñas Forest in Sacsayhuamán. While it’s located in a heavily landscaped area, it’s a space free of crowds, allowing you a break from the usual treks.

To reach the Queuña Forest, you must first reach Sacsayhuamán and take the nearby roads with free entry. It’s located a 20-minute drive from the city of Cusco, and a complete tour can take approximately 15 minutes. It’s important in places like this to stop and take a breath, appreciating the diversity you find in so few places and feeling grateful for it.

• Extra information: At the end of the Queuñas de Sacsayhuamán forest trail, we can find the Cruzmoqo viewpoint, a place that offers one of the best views of the entire city of Cusco, accompanied by a huge cross that accompanies you on your journey.

Path in the forest of Sacsayhuamán

Comparative table of the best tours in Cusco

Recommendations to enrich your experience in Cusco

• Spending your first few days on short nature walks can help you acclimatize to Cusco, making your next trips even better.
• Remember to stop on your walks to fully appreciate every angle of the buildings and nature you see to feel more present in your journey.
• Stay hydrated at all times. Carrying a water bottle on your trips will help you avoid altitude sickness and make your experience worry-free.
• Exploring Cusco’s natural diversity gives you a different perspective on the city, exploring less-traveled but awe-inspiring paths.
• Short tours of Cusco are a must-do because they only take a few hours and offer invaluable experiences.
• If you have a free morning on your trip, visit the Devil’s Balcony. It’s a surprising destination with beautiful places. You can rest and get a boost for your next adventures in Cusco.
• Spending a day surrounded by nature will give you the peace you don’t find in everyday life, and going without a guide will make you feel freer to explore.
• Remember to check out detailed maps of each of the Cusco tours so you don’t have to worry about finding them. Plus, many of them are signposted, making them safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Why choose nature walks in Cusco?

  Because they are spaces of silence, clean air, and unique views. It’s another way to connect with Cusco and the destinations it offers, far from the hustle and bustle and close to oneself.

• 2) What are the best walking destinations near the city?

  Places like the Devil’s Balcony, Zone X, the Temple of the Moon, or the forests of Qenqo and Queuñas. All are very close to Cusco and are perfect for a short but unforgettable getaway.

• 3) Do I need a guide to do these hikes?

  It’s not necessary, although it can enrich your experience. Many of the trails are marked and safe, so if you prefer to go at your own pace, you can do so without a problem.

• 4) How long does each ride take?

  It varies by location. Some tours take only an hour, while others can last up to half a day if you choose to explore at your leisure and enjoy every corner.

• 5) What do I need to bring for these hikes?

  A good pair of sneakers, water, something light to eat, sunscreen, and a rain jacket in case the weather changes. The essential thing is to be comfortable and prepared to enjoy.

• 6) Are these walks physically demanding?

  In general, no. Most are of easy or moderate difficulty. They’re ideal for acclimatizing during your first few days in Cusco or for a relaxing break between trips.

• 7) Is it safe to visit these places on your own?

  Yes, as long as you follow marked trails and check ahead if you’re unfamiliar with the area. It’s also a good idea to have a good signal on your cell phone or let someone know your route.

• 8) What is the best time of day to take these walks?

  In the morning or early afternoon, this way you can avoid the strong sun and take advantage of the best light to admire the landscape or take good photographs.

• 9) Why visit the Devil’s Balcony?

  The Devil’s Balcony offers a unique perspective on Cusco, packed with activities, making it an ideal destination if you have a few hours to spare.

• 10) What will I find in Zone X?

  In Zone X you will find many natural attractions, as well as some small monuments from the Inca era. It is a place full of surprises on tours that can last several hours.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Alejandro G.

“Adventure in nature“

“I had a free morning in my trip through Cusco and decided to go to the Devil's Balcony, since I arrived I noticed an area full of mystery with lots of nature around, I took an amazing picture from the stone balcony. At the end I was able to go through the huge cave and found a small paradise, really one of the best natural places I visited in Cusco.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 10, 2025