Top Activities on the Ground in Cusco

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.

La montaña del Arcoíris de Perú se suele explorar en una caminata complicada que alcanza grandes altitudes. Ahórrese la caminata y llegue a la montaña con facilidad a bordo de un quad durante esta excursión para grupos pequeños. Pase más tiempo disfrutando del hermoso paisaje y la fauna y flora de la zona, y menos tiempo cansándose por la caminata.

This Humantay Lake Full-Day Tour from Cusco is a great pick for travelers who want to see the lake but only have a day to spare. This full-day tour takes you to the lake through the Soraypampa Trek, which is a circular route that runs about 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers). A guide knows the best spots to stop at to see wildlife and teaches you about the scared mountains surrounding the area, too.

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.

Immerse yourself in the grand colonial majesty of Cusco on a half-day guided sightseeing tour of the city. Wander winding Incan streets to discover the ancient Temple of the Sun, the sacred Convent of Santo Domingo and the colossal Cusco Cathedral. Gain insight into the fascinating history of the city with an interesting and informative guide as you explore one of Peru’s most treasured places on foot.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Journey back in time and discover the history of Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire. This small-group tour takes you from the Plaza, which the Incas believed to be the center of the world, to four archaeological sites on the outskirts of Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

Moray archaeological park and the Maras salt mines rank among the top attractions outside Cusco, with a history dating back to the days of the Incas. On this tour, hit the gas and zoom through the Peruvian countryside, and explore both sites in one day—with safety kit plus pickup and drop-off at your Cusco accommodation included. With your guide to lead the way, enjoy outdoor adventure in Peru and learn how the Incas worked the land.

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.

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.

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.

If you’ve already ticked off the sights by day, see a different side to Cusco on a nightlife tour that includes dinner and a drink. In an intimate group limited to eight people, you’ll go stargazing at Planetarium Cusco; admire illuminated landmarks in Cusco Historic Center; and enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner accompanied by a Pisco Sour cocktail. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for added convenience.

Visit one of the most popular places in Peru without the crowds on this well-planned day tour. Instead of visiting Rainbow Mountain in the morning, like every other tour group, you'll visit in the afternoon, after the crowds have left. With a small, intimate group you can enjoy the views unobstructed, and learn about the amazing landscape from your knowledgeable guide.

Marvel at the architectural and archeological majesty of Cusco on a half-day tour of the city’s most significant sites. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visit fascinating ruins of Qenqo; the sacred temples of Puca Pucara, and the ecclesiastical structure of the Cusco Cathedral. Admire exquisite architecture and gain insight into Peru’s alluring history on this enriching excursion.

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.

For travelers who like to learn something new and who appreciate arts and crafts, this Sacred Valley Dyeing and Weaving Textile Workshop is a great choice. In the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, learn from expert weavers the proper techniques of weaving and dyeing textiles. Peru is known for its beautifully woven textiles, and now you can see the behind of the scenes of how they’re made and try it out yourself.

Los mercados de Cusco son lugares fascinantes para explorar, pero tendrá una experiencia mucho más rica en compañía de un guía que pueda ofrecer detalles sobre la gastronomía peruana. Esta actividad comienza en el mercado más antiguo de la ciudad, donde podrá probar las frutas, panes y quesos más populares, así como algunos postres. Después aprenderá a preparar tres platos peruanos con un chef local.