Top Cusco Half-day Tours

Make the journey to some of Cusco’s Sacred Valley wonders just as fun as the destination on a quad bike tour of the archeological sites at Moray and Maras. Exploring in an all-terrain vehicle means you can reach places that you’d otherwise miss, while a small group limited to 15 ensures you receive personalized attention.

Discover the ancient capital of the Incas as you explore Cusco on this half-day excursion. With a small group, visit top Inca and colonial sites including Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, the Cusco Cathedral, and Puka Pukara. While you explore, your guide provides context on the history and culture of Peru and the ancient Incas.

Peru’s Sacred Valley lies in the Andean Highlands—a landscape of rugged mountains, open plains, and soaring cliffs—and reaching the remote sites is a challenge. Choose a morning or afternoon half-day safari, and tackle the rough ground by powerful all-terrain quad bike. With your guide to lean the way, reach historic sites including Moray and Maras with ease, enjoy sweeping views across the Peruvian countryside, and learn of life here under Incan rule.

Explore local Andean communities and ancient Inca ruins in the countryside outside Cusco during this horseback riding adventure. Learn about the daily rhythms of local life, observing farming techniques along with alpaca and sheep herding as you pass these tiny districts. You also discover Inca temples, soaking up the ancient energy of these spiritual sites, and visit the ‘Devil’s Balcony,’ a natural cave once used as an Inca shrine. Your horseback ride near Cusco also includes a guide, horseback riding gear, snacks and water, and round-trip transport from your hotel to the ranch.

Uncover the fascinating architecture and culture of the ancient Incas during this full-day tour covering the highlights of Peru’s Sacred Valley from Cusco. Check out the market in Pisac, stopping on Sundays to observe its famous mass. Then visit the Inca settlement at Ollantaytambo and explore the ruins of its fortress and the Temple of the Sun, a mysterious structure composed of giant 12-foot (3.5-m) stones. Your Sacred Valley tour also includes a guide, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport.

Get a comprehensive tour of the main Incan sites around Cusco on this half-day excursion. Visit all the highlights and landmarks, including Tambomachay, Puccpucara, Quenqo, Sacsayuaman, and Koricancha. Hotel pickup in the historic center of Cusco available; travel via air-conditioned coach.

Spend a day exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu during this all-inclusive day trip leaving from Cusco. Discover this renowned mountaintop Inca site with a guide, learning about its construction, history, and what daily life was like for its residents. The trip’s relaxed, non-strenuous pace is a great option for first-time visitors, families, and solo travelers alike, and features three different train ride options. The trip also includes round-trip hotel transport, transfer from Cusco to Machu Picchu (via train and bus), and the site entrance fee.

On this private tour, explore the Abode of the Gods on your own all-terrain vehicle. See the massive sculptures of Andean gods carved directly into stone bluffs during a 1.5-hour ATV tour of this modern and unconventional attraction.

Begin your Peruvian vacation with comfort and convenience with a stress-free arrival airport transfer from Cusco. Skip crowded taxi lines and avoid navigating confusing public transport systems with this shared transfer from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport to your hotel. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, these transfers accurately coincide with your flight and guarantee a tranquil arrival into Peru.

Explore the legacy of the Inca and Peru’s indigenous culture during this day trip to Maras, Moray, and the ‘Salineras’ from Cusco. Walk the streets of Maras and sample some ‘Chicha’ (corn drink), then learn about Inca engineering and agricultural practices at the Moray archaeological site. You’ll also get to see the “Salineras” salt mines. An optional private trip upgrade is also available.

One of the New7Wonders of the World, UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu ranks among Peru’s most impressive sites of interest. On this tour, reach Machu Picchu with ease from your Cusco hotel, with entry fees, lunch, and all travel tickets included. Visit Machu Picchu as your private guide brings the site’s Incan history to life, with free time to explore further at your leisure.

Immerse yourself in the impressive Incan architecture of Sacsayhuaman on an exciting excursion from Cusco. Explore the ancient fortresses and sacred temples of the archaeological park with a knowledgeable guide to discover legendary landmarks like the Tower of Puka Pukara. Seek out the source of natural spring water; navigate a mystifying stone labyrinth; and gain fascinating insight into the culture and customs of the Incas.

Check off two of Peru's most-important archaeological sites in just a few hours. This half-day tour from Cusco takes you to into the Sacred Valley, to the historic sites of Maras and Moray, which date back to the Inca era. You'll visit the salt flats and irrigated terraces, and learn how the Incas ingeniously worked the land.

Get a taste for Peru’s high-alpine scenery and ancient Inca customs during this full-day hike to Lake Humantay from Cusco. Ascend to this scenic body of water located at 13,779 feet (4,200 meters), learning about its sacred place in Inca mythology during your climb. An included buffet lunch back at base camp is an added bonus.

Explore a local market in Cusco, then take a workshop on Peruvian cuisine during this 4-hour culinary experience. Learn about the functions of traditional Andean kitchens and local specialties from a professional Peruvian chef. Tastings, meal, and drinks included.

Snack and sightsee on this small-group Cusco street food tour limited to 10 people or fewer. Try favorite local dishes like papas (potatoes), meats, and sweets, and even chat with the street food vendors to learn more about their goods. Between bites, learn about Cusco history as you walk around the city.

Embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure that combines white-water rafting with zip-lining and satisfies your need for speed. Depart Cusco for Oropesa, where you can ease your butterflies with a bite of the town's iconic bread before hitting the Vilcanota River. Tackle Class III and IV rapids and battle intense waves as you make your way downstream, enjoying the remarkable scenery of the surrounding Andes as you go. Afterward, soar through the sky on an exhilarating zip ride.

Learn the secrets of Cusco’s Incan and Spanish history on this half-day tour with a private guide. In addition to navigating, your guide offers little-known facts and anecdotes about each stop on the itinerary, from the Koricancha, an anti-seismic sun temple in the historic center, to Sacsayhuamán, an Incan citadel with sweeping views of Cusco. Booking a private tour ensures plenty of time for photos and questions.

Travel for a few hours from Cusco through the rugged mountain countryside of Peru to reach the aptly named Rainbow Mountain, striped with colorful mineral deposits and located far off the beaten path. Hike with a guide to the summit for a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness adventure, or rent a horse (own expense) for easier access to the same incredible views.

Travel back in time aboard the elegant Belmond Hiram Bingham train, enjoying the ultimate in luxury train transportation on a day trip to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Climb aboard the train’s richly appointed 1920s Pullman cars to enjoy fabulous views of the Andes, white tablecloth dining, and high-end wine. Then explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide, followed by afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. This VIP Machu Picchu experience includes your round-trip Belmond Hiram Bingham train tickets, a welcome drink at the station, appetizers, lunch and dinner, full drink service, entrance fees at the site, live on-board entertainment, and round-trip hotel transport.

Take this chocolate-lovers workshop and learn how to make your very own chocolate from start to finish. Learn about the chocolate-making process with this hands-on experience beginning with the cocoa tree and finishing with your very own chocolate creations. Discover the history of cocoa in Peru and learn why it is one of the top chocolate producers in the world.

Take an intimate look at Cusco’s colonial and Incan legacy during this 4-hour private guided history tour. Marvel at the Spanish architecture and art inside the city’s main cathedral, and check out the ‘Qoricancha,’ a one-time Inca temple that’s now a monastery. You’ll also visit the Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.

Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Machu Picchu with this classic Inca Trail 4-day trek from Cusco. Pre-booking a tour ensures a spot on the often sold-out Inca Trail and a ticket to the UNESCO-listed Inca site, which limits daily visitors. Plus, you’ll be one of the first to enter Machu Picchu on the final day, and enjoy a guided tour with free time to explore on your own. Transfers, camping, and all meals are included.