Devil’s Balcony (Balcón del Diablo) - Image 1
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Devil’s Balcony

4.6
·423 reviews·Cusco, Peru

A scenic hike from Cusco leading to impressive rock formations, caves, and panoramic canyon views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Devil’s Balcony (Balcón del Diablo) - Image 1

Devil’s Balcony

Best Time

Morning

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic hike from Cusco leading to impressive rock formations, caves, and panoramic canyon views.

4.6
(423 reviews)

"A great day trek from Cusco with beautiful scenery and an impressive natural rock formation."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike is about 2 hours each way, so sturdy walking shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Water & Snacks

A vendor with snacks is midway, but it's wise to carry your own. :water_wave:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Balcón del Diablo Rock Formation

The Balcón del Diablo Rock Formation

Cusco, Peru

An impressive natural rock outcropping with caves and breathtaking canyon views.

Scenic Inca Trail Hike

Scenic Inca Trail Hike

Cusco, Peru

A peaceful and picturesque 2-hour trek through varied Andean landscapes.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Cusco, Peru

Keep an eye out for alpacas and other local wildlife along the trail.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Trek to Devil's Balcony

The hike to Devil's Balcony is a rewarding day trip from Cusco. Plan for a 2-hour walk each way, so start early to fully enjoy the scenic route and avoid the midday sun. Consider the weather, as the Andean highlands can be unpredictable.

Getting to Devil's Balcony

Accessing Devil's Balcony involves a combination of transport and walking. You can take a public bus or taxi from Cusco to Saksaywaman, then follow signs for Balcón del Diablo. The hike itself is well-maintained and offers a peaceful experience.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Devils Tower National Monument- a quick guide to this unique place. #fyp #foryou #devilstower #nationalpark #Hiking
@gavinhikes
179.2K likes • 1.1M views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike is about 2 hours each way, so sturdy walking shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Water & Snacks

A vendor with snacks is midway, but it's wise to carry your own. :water_wave:

The Devil’s Pulpit #Scotland #scottishoutdoors #scotlandexplore #scottishadventures #scotlandtravel #visitscotland #scotlandhiddengem
@chrislawlor
25K likes • 469.6K views
The “Devil’s Balcony” horseback riding in Cusco, to full view mt.♥️💯
khmer_love_nature_lift
22 likes • 165 views

Start Early

To enjoy the peaceful scenery and avoid the midday sun, begin your trek in the morning. :sunrise:

Respect the Environment

Please do not litter and help keep this serene location clean. :evergreen_tree:

Devil's Balcony ride in Cusco #horsebackriding #viejaestanciaranch #viejaestanciacusco #horse #horselover #cowboy #cowgirl #cusco #peru #andes #machupicchu #devilsbalcony #horsebackridingcusco #wildhorse #animallovers #ranch #countrylife #peruvianpaso #peruhorses #ranchlife #adventure #tourism #outdoors #southamerica #mountains #inkilltambo #hiddenincatemples #fullldayhorse #sacredvalley #horseri...
horsebackridingcusco
26 likes • 774 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike is about 2 hours each way, so sturdy walking shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Water & Snacks

A vendor with snacks is midway, but it's wise to carry your own. :water_wave:

Start Early

To enjoy the peaceful scenery and avoid the midday sun, begin your trek in the morning. :sunrise:

Respect the Environment

Please do not litter and help keep this serene location clean. :evergreen_tree:

Local Transport Tips

Take a bus or taxi from Cusco to Saksaywaman, then follow signs for Balcón del Diablo. :bus:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(423 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Devil's Balcony as a rewarding day trek from Cusco, highlighting its beautiful, varied scenery and the impressive natural rock formations. The peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere and the chance to see alpacas are frequently mentioned positives. Some note the walk can be a bit long, but the overall consensus is that it's well worth the effort for the stunning views and serene experience.

"A great day trek from Cusco — about 2 hours’ walk each way through beautiful, varied scenery. The route is peaceful and picturesque, and the Balcón del Diablo itself is an impressive natural rock formation with stunning views. Well worth the effort!"

Tom Zglobicki

"A beautiful quiet walk with amazing views and alpacas welcoming you on the road. Arrive by public bus or taxi from cusco center to Saksaywaman , and walk around it towards the parking, ask anyone there they will guide you. It is 20min in main road walking uphill, then you can see the sign for balcon de diablo and u walk through the mountain until you reach the spot about 40 min. Very easy hike."

Jess

"Its an ok walk from Cusco. Its along an Inca path which is interesting and recently well maintained."

Suriyan Ramasami

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Impressive rock formations
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Long walk for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a public bus or taxi from Cusco's center to Saksaywaman. From there, walk uphill towards the parking area and look for the sign for Balcón del Diablo. The hike takes about 40 minutes from that point. Reddit

Yes, once you reach the Saksaywaman area, locals can guide you, and there are signs pointing towards the Balcón del Diablo. The path is generally well-maintained. Reddit

Some visitors opt for a quad bike tour, which can shorten the travel time and add an adventurous element to reaching the spot. Reddit

Combining public transport to Saksaywaman with the hike is a popular and cost-effective method. Quad tours offer a faster alternative. Reddit+1

While you can get close by taxi or quad, the final approach to the rock formation involves a hike, making it primarily a walking destination. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting Devil's Balcony is generally free, making it an accessible natural attraction. Reddit

As a natural site, there are no official opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

The hike to Devil's Balcony is free of charge. Reddit

The main recommendation is to avoid littering and respect the natural environment. Reddit

While accessible, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You'll find impressive natural rock formations, caves, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding canyon and landscape. Reddit+1

The walk from Saksaywaman to the Balcón del Diablo typically takes about 40 minutes, with the total round trip from Cusco being around 2 hours of walking. Reddit

The hike is considered easy to moderate, with a well-maintained Inca path. It's suitable for most fitness levels. Reddit+1

There's a vendor midway along the hike selling snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. Reddit

You might encounter alpacas along the route, adding a charming element to your trek. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rock formations themselves offer dramatic shots, and the panoramic views of the canyon are perfect for landscape photography. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The sweeping views of the canyon and the unique rock formations provide excellent opportunities for landscape shots. Instagram

Yes, alpacas are often seen along the trail and are a popular subject for photos. Remember to be respectful of the animals. InstagramReddit

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour lighting for dramatic shots. Reddit

The main rock outcropping itself is the primary viewpoint, offering expansive vistas. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The hike to Devil's Balcony is a great family-friendly activity from Cusco. The trail is generally well-maintained and not overly strenuous, making it manageable for children. Reddit+1 The opportunity to see alpacas along the way is a definite highlight for younger visitors, adding an element of excitement to the trek. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider the 2-hour round trip walking time when planning your day. The natural rock formations and caves also offer a sense of adventure and discovery for kids. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Devil's Balcony is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as the hike itself is free. Reddit You can significantly save money by utilizing public buses or taxis from Cusco to reach the starting point near Saksaywaman, rather than booking an organized tour. Reddit While there's a vendor selling items midway, bringing your own water and snacks will further reduce expenses. The experience offers incredible natural beauty and cultural insights without a hefty price tag. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Devil's Balcony offers a compelling mix of dramatic natural formations and sweeping Andean vistas. Instagram The rock outcropping itself provides unique angles and textures, while the panoramic views of the canyon are ideal for landscape shots. Instagram Visiting in the morning or late afternoon can yield beautiful light for your photos. Don't forget to capture the charming alpacas that often roam the trails. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the Devil's Balcony

The 'Balcón del Diablo' or Devil's Balcony in Cusco is more than just a natural rock formation; it's steeped in local lore. Legends speak of it being a portal to the underworld, a place for ancient Inca rituals, and even a hiding spot for hidden treasures. Instagram These stories add a layer of mystique to the already impressive landscape, making the visit feel like stepping into a piece of history and folklore. The name itself evokes a sense of mystery and adventure, drawing visitors to explore its secrets. Instagram

While the exact origins of the legends are varied, they often involve supernatural encounters and the powerful forces of the Andes. Some tales suggest it was a sacred site for the Incas, used for ceremonies connecting the earthly realm with the spiritual world. The dramatic rock formations and the deep canyon below contribute to the dramatic narratives surrounding the site, making it a captivating destination for those interested in local mythology. Instagram

Exploring the caves within the Balcón del Diablo can feel like uncovering ancient secrets. The combination of natural beauty and intriguing legends makes this a unique experience, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Cusco region. It’s a place where nature’s grandeur meets the whispers of the past. Reddit

Navigating the Hike to Devil's Balcony

The trek to Devil's Balcony is a highlight for many visitors, offering a pleasant 2-hour walk each way through varied and beautiful scenery. The path is described as an Inca trail, recently well-maintained, making it accessible for most hikers. Reddit+1 The journey itself is as much a part of the experience as the destination, with peaceful trails and picturesque views unfolding as you ascend. Reddit

Starting from Cusco, the most common route involves taking a public bus or taxi to Saksaywaman. From there, you'll walk uphill towards the parking area, where you can ask for directions to the Balcón del Diablo sign. The final 40-minute walk through the mountains leads you to the impressive rock formation. Reddit Some visitors have also opted for quad bike tours, which can cover the distance more quickly and add an element of adventure. Reddit

Along the way, you might encounter a vendor selling snacks and souvenirs, so it's a good idea to bring some local currency (soles). Reddit The experience is often described as serene and uncrowded, allowing for a more personal connection with the natural surroundings. Reddit Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water to ensure a pleasant and safe hike. Reddit+1

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