Cusco Day Hikes | A Strenuous Climb up Stunning Cerro Picol
The Imperial City of Cusco is a hiker’s paradise. Within walking distance of the city, or a short bus ride, there are a plethora of day hikes. One of the more strenuous, yet stunning Cusco day hikes is Cerro Picol. This epic climb up Cerro Picol may just be one of Cusco’s most worthwhile climbs. Cerro Picol towers high above Cusco (like it’s over 14,500 feet).
The mountain goes by many names including: Cerro Pikol, Pillku Urqu, Wayna Piqul, just to name a few. Located in the San Jerónimo District of Cusco, the climb up Cerro Picol makes an appealing day trip for adventure seekers craving those ultimate city views of Cusco.
In this guide, find all the logistics to hike up Cerro Picol including: a downloadable map, multiple ways to reach the trailhead, and tips and tricks.
Here’s all you need to know about one of Cusco city’s best day hikes, Cerro Picol.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, be mindful of constantly changing trail conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Map & Overview of Cerro Picol
- Safety for Hiking Cerro Picol
- Ways to Reach the Trailhead Entrance
- Trailhead to Cerro Picol Cross
- Cerro Picol | Epic Cusco Day Hikes
- The Climb Down From Cerro Picol
- Return to Cusco
- Cusco Day Hikes: Stunning Cerro Picol
Map & Overview of Cerro Picol
- Distance Instructions
Pillku Urqu | Hike Cusco's Tallest Peak as a Full Day Hike in Cusco
- Distance 9 miles
- Time 3 h 44 min
- Speed 2 mph
- Min altitude 10653 ft
- Peak 14455 ft
- Climb 4209 ft
- Descent 4662 ft
⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail.
A Quick Overview of Cerro Picol: Cusco Day Hikes
Depending on how you choose to hike this mountain, the trail will take around 4 – 7 hours round-trip. For me, this included an hour break at the tallest peak. The trail passes through the Santa Maria Forest, climbs up a barren hill, and comes to a large cross with panoramic views of Cusco. From the cross, it’s an hour scramble to the towering peak. This section of the trail is a tad bit more technical, narrow, and “scrambley.”
Mileage distances are rounded to the nearest quarter of a mile.
- Out & Back Trail
- Total Mileage: 11 Miles
- One-Way Mileage: 5.5 Miles
- Note About Mileage: This includes a mile each way from the bus stop to the trailhead and the mile scramble each way to the peak viewpoint. Cut off mileage by taking a moto to the trailhead and stopping at the cross, which has equally impressive viewpoints.
- Difficulty: Moderately Challenging – Hard
- Ascent: 4,000 ft. +
- Trail Markers: There are no official trail markers
- There are multiple trails that run through the scenic Santa Maria Forest, but ultimately lead to the cross
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Safety for Hiking Cerro Picol
Cerro Picol is one of Cusco’s more challenging day hikes. The peak towers at over 14,500 feet. Make sure you are properly acclimated to the altitude before taking on this uphill climb.
This day hike can be attempted at any time of the year. Keep in mind Peru has a rainy and dry season. During the rainy season, expect the trail to be muddy, overgrown, and slippery. Take caution as there is a large fault crack on this mountain with a steep drop-off. Avoid walking Cerro Picol near dawn or dusk, so as to not loose footing or the trail.
Sadly, some hikers have died while hiking Cerro Picol. Please don’t hike alone and be mindful of the steep cliff drop offs.
Pro-Tip | Hike with a buddy! Don’t have one? Find one in the Cusco Hike Club! There are multiple posts a week for Cusco day hikes and for the surrounding Sacred Valley.
Ways to Reach the Cerro Picol Trailhead
It’s possible to reach the Cerro Picol trailhead entrance from Cusco by either walking, taking a public bus, or hopping taxi. Look for the AVA gas station, BBVA Banks, and the Colegio de Ingenieros. These three landmarks are the street which leads to the trailhead.
Walk to the Trailhead | Follow along the busy street of Avenida de la Cultura | Uneventful & unnecessary 5 miles | Plan on at least 2 hours
Public Transportation Logistics | Multiple buses run along Avenida de la Cultura | Fast, Cheap, and Efficient | 30 minutes | S/ 2-3 (under $1 USD)
- Popular Bus Routes to Catch:
- Los Leon’s to Tipón / Catch it in San Francisco Plaza
- Green & Orange Buses to Real Plaza / Route 8 / Catch it in Limacpampa Square
Taxi Logistics | Cusco to Avenue Uno (Los Sauces) | Fair price should be no more than 10 PEN ($3 USD) | 20 minutes
Cerro Picol Official Trailhead
First, turn on Avenue Uno (Los Sauces). Continue straight on this street until you reach a green traffic gate. Walkers can pass no problem. Continue on the street and eventually take a right. Soon, you’ll see a sign for the Santa Maria Forest. One you see the sign, take a left on Calle Los Anturios. Finally, reach the official trailhead to Cerro Picol.
Avenida de la Cultura to Trailhead: 1.25 miles | Duration: 35 minutes
Trailhead to Cerro Picol Cross
The trailhead to Cerro Picol begins next to a small brown building. Here, look to the right of the building to see a small footpath. This footpath has a small wooden barrier that can be walked under or alongside of it. Once on the trail, notice the large fault crack. This steep drop-off continues up along the mountain and should be avoided. Continue on the path until you reach a rest area/ viewpoint.
Picnic Viewpoint
This little Picnic viewpoint is a short walk from the trailhead. Here, find a covered shelter, a make-shift “hole in the ground” restroom, a garbage can, and lovely views of the city. This is a great spot to take a quick break, have a snack or picnic, savor the views, and appreciate the Santa Maria Forest.
Next, continue on the trail towards the left to walk through a beautiful section of the trail. Look for the pavilion on the right side. Take a right at this viewpoint to continue on the trail. The trail slowly climbs up the hillside.
Concrete Slab (Marker)
In a bit, come to a concrete slab. This is also marked on Maps.me as an information board. Hint: There is NO information board. From here, you’ll see a small gravel road. There may even be a car that passes by. Take a right on the gravel road. Keep your eyes to the left as there is another section of trail. This starts the uphill climb to the cross.
Next, pass through another small section of forest, but this forest section is much smaller. The trail eventually merges to the right where you’ll see those distant views of the cross. Finally, follow the barren hillside directly to the Cerro Picol Cross.
Trailhead to Cerro Picol Cross: 3.25 miles | Duration: 2.5 hours
Cerro Picol | Epic Cusco Day Hikes
From the Cerro Picol Cross, savor magnificent views of Cusco. On a clear day, it’s possible to see the multiple mountains that surround the Imperial City. The views from the cross is an excellent place to end this awesome Cusco day hike.
💬 Real Talk | The hike to the next viewpoint is technical and should be attempted only by hikers who are confident in their abilities.
Optional Challenging Add-On: Scramble to Viewpoint Peak
From the Cross, it’s an hour scramble to the viewpoint peak. Be mindful, as the path is extremely narrow and it’s essential to be careful with your footing. Some sections are rugged, so the trail is more technical. From the peak, the 360° views are breathtaking. For timing logistics, make sure to include an hour back to the cross.
Cerro Picol Cross to Viewpoint Peak: 1.25 miles | Duration: 1 hour
The Climb Down From Cerro Picol
The hike down from Cerro Picol is much quicker and takes around 2 hours. There are a few different trails which all lead back through the scenic Santa Maria Forest. Again, you’ll pass by the concrete slab, the pavilion, and the Picnic Viewpoint. The trail ends at the brown information building.
Make sure to plan enough time as to not come down Cerro Picol before it gets dark.
Duration: 2 hours
Return to Cusco
Finally, from the main road of Avenida del Cultura, catch a bus back to Cusco. There are multiple city buses that run by and it’s possible to just wave one down. If on a time crunch, wave down a taxi.
Reminder | the public buses will only cost between 2-3 PEN (under $1 USD)
More of Cusco & Cusco Day Hikes
Cusco is such an amazing city and deserves at least a few days to thoroughly enjoy it! From its cobblestone streets of the San Blas neighborhood, sprawling Inca sites, bustling markets, awesome foodie scene, and the gateway to incredible Machu Picchu, it’s easy to slow down and take in all the treasures of Cusco.
Psst… Don’t leave Cusco without doing these 23 epic things
Intrepid travelers may wish to explore more Cusco day hikes, like the under-appreciated site of Maukallacta, or within the city limits, try this hike that passes by 8 free Cusco ruins.
☛ Want more Inca ruins? Here’s over 35 Inca sites in Peru
There’s also a worthwhile two day trek to Waqrapukara, the stunning “horned fortress.” This free Inca site may be one of the most incredible Archaeological Parks in all of Peru. Follow along with this Waqrapukara Trek map.
☛ Browse 5 Unique Cusco Itineraries & Unique Things to Do in Cuzco
Discover the Imperial City
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Cusco Day Hikes: Climb Cerro Picol
In short, this is the complete guide to Cerro Picol, one of Cusco’s best day hikes. This diverse trek lies on the outskirts of Cusco and passes through the Santa Maria Forest. The trail offers stunning views from high above the city. Either hike to the Cerro Picol Cross, or add on the scramble to the peak with incredible vistas of the towering mountains that encircle Cusco and the nearby Sacred Valley. With it’s easily accessibility from the city, it’s one of the best day hikes in Cusco.
Have you tackled any Cusco day hikes like Cerro Picol? What other Cusco day hikes did you absolutely love? Let me know in the comments below!
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