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Things to do in Cusco

Our most recommended things to do in Cusco

From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu

1. From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu

Travel from Cusco to learn about the majestic Inca city: Machu Picchu and the ancient civilization living there. Discover the secrets that are hidden in it. Go back in time as you explore the streets of these ruins located in the Peruvian Andes.  Begin with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco for transfer to the train station. Get on board and enjoy the comforts offered by the train during the journey to Machu Picchu. Choose from the option of a standard train or a Vistadome train that offers panoramic views. Enjoy the dynamic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Arrive in Aguas Calientes and take a bus to the entrance of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Learn about the history of this wonderful place. Depending on the option you select, enjoy a guided visit of Circuit 5. Visit Qolqas, the Agricultural Zone, the waterway, dry pit, Temple of the Sun, Inka House, water sources, set three covers, Pisonay Square, and the archaeological reserve. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and get recommendations for lunch. Board the train back to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy station where transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco.

Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Tour with Meals

2. Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Tour with Meals

Experience the incredible beauty of Rainbow Mountain on a guided hiking tour. You get a chance to see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas while soaking in the stunning mountain views during the journey. Savor a local lunch before heading back to your accommodation in Cusco.  Your professional tour guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. After a 2-hour drive, you will arrive in Cusipata where you will stop for breakfast and buy water and snacks for the trek. Following breakfast, you'll travel one more hour to the hike starting point, at 4,850 meters. From there you will start your 3.5-kilometer trek to Rainbow Mountain over both flat and uphill terrain. During your hike, you will enjoy amazing views and encounters with wild alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. Once you reach the top at 5,010 meters, you can make use of some free time to take a break, and if the weather is good, you will be able to enjoy views over Rainbow Mountain. You'll go downhill to the starting spot for another hour. Then, take transportation back to Cusipata where a local lunch will be waiting for you. Once you finish your buffet lunch you will travel back to Cusco, where you will arrive between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Plaza de Armas.

Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4-Day Trek

3. Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4-Day Trek

Tackle the unforgettable Inca Trail, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime hike to Machu Picchu. Departing from Cusco, discover one of the world’s oldest pilgrimages on this 4-day trip and explore a cloud forest. Depart from your Cusco hotel early in the morning and drive 82 kilometers to the starting point in Llactapata. Begin your guided hike to the first campsite in Ayapata, located 3300 (10826 feet) meters above sea level. In the morning, make your way to Warmiwañuska, passing two mountains for a total of 10 hours of hiking. Traverse Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4215 meters (13829 feet). Then, cross the Runqurakay Pass, with 4000 meters (13123 feet) to Chaquicocha. After a good night's rest at Chaquicocha, take on the 6-hour trek to Phuyupatamarca and finally the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna at 2600 meters (8530 feet). Pass through a number of ecological zones, home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Spot orchids and bromeliads, as well as hummingbirds, foxes, and deer. Wake up early and hike for 2 hours to Machu Picchu through the Sungate, and enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu. After exploring Machu Picchu, board the Panoramic train back to Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel in the evening.

Cusco: Full-Day Tour to Rainbow Mountain

4. Cusco: Full-Day Tour to Rainbow Mountain

Witness Rainbow Mountain in all its glory, take some photos and explore the area on a day trip from Cusco with a guide. Set out on an adventure in the early morning with a hotel pickup. Head up the mountain, cross small villages, immerse yourself in the local culture, and have lunch after your hike. Begin your full-day tour in Cusco city, where you will be picked up between 4:15 AM and 4:45 AM. You will then drive in a comfortable van for 3 hours to the town of Cusipata, where you will have breakfast in a local family house. Following breakfast, head to the starting point of your hike. There are approximately 3 kilometers of flat land uphill, leading to the majestic "Mountain of Colors". The hike will take about 1.5 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the valleys, wild llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, as well as of the Andes and the nearby glaciers.  Once here, if the weather is good, get the first views of Rainbow Mountain. At the top, take a well-deserved break, which will also be your chance to catch your breath and enjoy the stunning views. After taking beautiful photos, begin your descent, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch upon your return. You will then take private transportation back to Cusco, where you will arrive at approximately 5:00 PM.

From Cusco: Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac Tour

5. From Cusco: Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac Tour

Explore Cusco's Sacred Valley and see Incan Ruins, salt mines, local markets, and textile production. Make stops in Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac on this full-day tour by van. Be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning before heading to an archaeological zone and textile center located in Chinchero. See how locals dye alpaca wool with natural plants of the region. Visit the archaeological site in Chinchero and see its terraces before moving on to Moray to learn about the history of the Incas and wonder at their mysterious circular terraces. Head to the nearby village of Maras and learn about its history as a center for salt production at the Maras Salt Mines. Admire the unique quilt work of over 3,000 salt ponds spilling into the Sacred Valley. Travel to Urubamba and enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Stop at the ruins of Ollantaytambo and marvel at the remarkable Incan architecture built during the Incan Empire's heyday. See an amazing rock formation that represents the Incan god of Wiracocha. Arrive at the last tour stop, the archaeological park of Pisaq, after which you will visit the nearby town to explore the craft market. Return to Cusco and be dropped off in the town center after the tour is over.

From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour

6. From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour

Get your adrenaline pumping as you ride quad bikes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the Incan archeological site of Moray and discover the Maras Salt Mines on a trip from Cusco. Depart Cusco and head to Maras where you'll receive instructions on how to drive your quad bike safely. Start your adventure riding through the Sacred Valley while taking in beautiful views of snow-capped mountains. Reach the Moray archaeological site and enjoy a quick visit with your guide. Drive your quad bikes to the Maras Salt Mines. Park the quads and take the van to visit the mines. Hop back on your quad bikes to continue your adventure back to the base.

Cusco: Full-Day Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trekking Tour

7. Cusco: Full-Day Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trekking Tour

After pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, head in the direction of Quiquijana and savor a delicious breakfast buffet in a local restaurant.  Then, continue the journey until you reach the control point in Llaqta and finally arrive in Phulawasipata, where your trekking adventure awaits. Before starting the trek, your guide will recommend starting your adventure towards Rainbow Mountain. Walk for approximately 1.5 hours until you reach Rainbow Mountain at 5,036 meters above sea level.  Take in panoramic views from the top of the mountain from where you'll be able to see the Ausangate Mountain, Peru's fifth highest mountain. Enjoy 20-minute of leisure time to take pictures of the fascinating scenery. Then, continue for a 30-minute trek to the Red Valley. Once again, admire the views of the Red Valley, located 5,038 meters above sea level. After 15 minutes, you'll return to the parking lot where your driver awaits you. On the way back, stop for a break in Quiquijana where you'll taste delicious buffet lunch. Then, head back to Cusco where you'll be dropped off at the Plaza Regocijo, 2 blocks from Plaza de Armas.

Cusco: Humantay Lake All-inclusive Full-day Tour

8. Cusco: Humantay Lake All-inclusive Full-day Tour

Benefit from pick-up at your Cusco hotel between 03:30 AM and 04:00 AM, and then journey to Mollepata village in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. After breakfast in Mollepata, continue towards Soraypampa 3,900 meters above sea level. Trek for approximately 1.5 hours to Humantay Lake, 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level and get wonderful views of the turquoise waters at the base of Humantay Glacier. Immerse yourself in a landscape sacred to the Incas, and get the chance to rent a horse to ride to the lake. Explore the turquoise glacial waters of Humantay Lake , leisure for photography exploring the surrounding area before going back to Mollepata for a buffet lunch. Then, journey back to Cusco at 06:00 PM.

From Aguas Calientes: Round-Trip Bus Ticket to Machu Picchu

9. From Aguas Calientes: Round-Trip Bus Ticket to Machu Picchu

Benefit from the convenience of pre-booked round-trip transfers from Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu. Soak in the peace and quiet whilst riding an air-conditioned bus and checking out the scenery along the way. Your professional driver will make sure your transfers are safe and relaxed. Avoid the crowds and enjoy a flexible schedule and reasonable prices.  

Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu: Entrance Ticket

10. Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu: Entrance Ticket

Discover the landmarks of Machu Picchu Lost Citadel and be one of the 400 people allowed to climb Huayna Picchu per day. Explore the lost Inca citadel at your own pace, discover ancient buildings such as the temple of the sun, the water mirrors, and the terraced fields of the agricultural sector, and climb the famous Huayna Picchu mountain. Take in the stunning views at Huayna Picchu, and be amazed as you see this infamous, historical city in real life.

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Frequently asked questions about Cusco

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Cusco?

The best day trips and excursions from Cusco are:

Machu Picchu

Other Sightseeing Options in Cusco

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What people are saying about Cusco

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 5,682 reviews

We drove with heavy luggage to a bus depot north of the airport in the industrial area and were already expected there by the bus driver and the tour guide. Because all participants were already there, the bus left 30 minutes earlier. The guide gave us a lot of interesting information about the landscapes, buildings and the history of the country in Spanish and English. The stops were all well chosen, we both really enjoyed the church and the archaeological park of Raqi. It was always looked, where could be stopped for a toilet break. The trip over the Altiplano was breathtaking. We arrived in Puno on time and had a lot of fun with the guide.

Me and my travelingcompany (my wife and cousins) want to send a big thank you for a fantastic experience in Cusco and the surrounding area (Macu Picchu etc) 9-13 January. Our guide Ernesto gave us the best of days, despite the unrest in your beautiful country. So much knowledge he offered and engaging stories he shared! big warm thanks! The hotel was excellent, nice people and the breakfast top notch! We highly recommend this trip and give Ernesto, bus driver and hotel highest score. Thanks from Anna, Peter, Anneli, Teun, Alex, Fred

We had an incredible time - Pablo was an amazing guide and he took care of us so much! An unforgettable experience - the hotel they booked for us had a glass top to bottom view of Aquas Calientes and it was beautiful! We will cherish these memories forever - thank you to the team!!

An unforgettable experience, the Jefferson guide was wonderful, the perfect weather, a good date to travel

Elisa was a great tourist guide. We had a great time…