Visiting the Inca Ruins Near Cusco: Why I Chose a Taxi Over Hiking

When I was planning my time in Cusco, I read in a travel book that it was a good idea to take a taxi up to some of the Inca ruins near Cusco and then hike back to town. The idea sounded appealing at first—a scenic walk back into town after exploring history high in the hills.

But after completing the Inca Trail trek, I was more than a little worn out. The thought of hiking back to Cusco, especially along a road that looked busy with traffic, didn’t feel like the relaxing experience I was hoping for. Instead, I arranged a taxi through my hotel, Casa San Blas, and it turned out to be the best decision.

The driver dropped me off at each ruin, waited while I explored, and then took me to the next stop. At the end of visiting the ruins, he brought me back to my hotel. It was stress-free, efficient, and let me see more sites than I would have if I’d tried to combine sightseeing with a hike.

The Sites I Visited (All Included on the Boleto Turístico)

Tambomachay – Known as the Inca baths, this site features ceremonial water fountains that are still flowing today. It’s a peaceful spot that feels connected to water worship and ritual.
Puka Pukara – A small fortress-like ruin with red-colored stone, thought to have served as a checkpoint or resting place for travelers. It’s compact but fascinating, with sweeping views of the valley.
Qenqo (Qengo) – A mysterious site carved from rock, with passageways, altars, and a labyrinth-like feel. Many believe it was used for ceremonial purposes.
Saqsaywaman – The grand finale, and one of Cusco’s most impressive archaeological sites. The enormous zigzagging stone walls are mind-boggling when you consider the precision and scale of Inca engineering.

Why This Option Worked Best

Choosing a taxi allowed me to see all four ruins comfortably in a single outing, without worrying about traffic, directions, or exhaustion after my Inca Trail hike. While the idea of hiking back sounded good in theory, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it—especially with how busy the road seemed.

Another bonus: all of these sites were included on my Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket), so I didn’t have to pay individual entrance fees at each ruin. Having the ticket in hand made the day seamless and easy.

For me, this was the perfect balance: I got to experience the beauty and history of these incredible ruins while still giving my body the rest it needed after days on the trail.