Cusco City Tours

The list of activities in Cusco is an exciting list that daily adds new spaces, so in this article you will find the best things to do in Cusco with unmissable guided tours. Discover the Abode of the Gods, the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the impressive Rainbow Mountain, the Temple of the Moon and more in the best tours of the region.

Immerse yourself in the Inca culture and learn about its fascinating history while enjoying the beautiful views of the Andes. Learn about the prices, advantages, disadvantages and details so you can get to know Cusco with guided tours tailored to your preferences. Adventure yourself in the best tours in Cusco!

This is the tour I recommend during your first day in Cusco, not only because it allows you to tour the main landmarks of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire through 13 carefully planned stops, but also because it allows you to avoid altitude sickness or "soroche" as it is known in Peru.

From the historic center of the city to the most important archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo and Puca Pucara, to the participation in a ceremony to honor the Pachamama and other claims of the city, with the Hop on Hop off Bus in Cusco you walk and know the essence of the Inca culture.

Details of interest

• Price: from 13 € per person.
• Duration: one day. The complete route takes 2.5 hours.
• What you should know: there are 2 types of Hop on Hop off Bus in Cusco. The first one, the classic one, is done in a convertible bus and runs the route three times a day at the following times: 9:50, 12:35 and 15:30. The second type of Hop on Hop off Bus in Cusco is done in a minibus and offers departures every hour from 09:00 to 14:00. In both cases the classic audio guide service is offered. However, in the second case also travels a professional guide who shares curiosities live.
• What the tour may include: transportation for 13 stops by the most important sites of Cusco, including the White Christ. A horseback ride. A bike ride. Ritual of the Pachamama.
• Pros: in the case of the Hop off Bus in Cusco by minibus also includes a shuttle service in selected hotels.
• Cons: groups can be large.

The Hop on Hop off Bus in Cusco offers you a first glimpse of the city, with this guided tour of Cusco you are taken to know in depth the most important monuments of this ancient city.

From the majestic Cathedral of Cusco to the enigmatic Temple of Qoricancha, the "Temple of the Sun", you will experience the rich cultural fusion that characterizes this city. Enter the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and discover why it is considered a masterpiece of Inca architecture.

Contemplate the breathtaking view from the Puka Pukara archaeological center and let yourself be seduced by the charm of the Inca Bath in Tambomachay. This half-day guided tour is the perfect opportunity to make the most of your visit to this ancient capital, especially if you want to see Cusco in 3 days.

Details of interest

• Price: from 14 € per person.
• Duration: 4-5 hours.
• What you should know: groups usually have a maximum of 15 people and the transfer is done by minibus.
• What the tour may include: transportation service to and from a central point in Cusco. Professional guide service.
• Pros: it is an ideal tour to learn the secrets and history of this fascinating city with a very convenient itinerary.
• Cons: This tour does not include entrance fees to any of the sites visited. Food is not included.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Tour to the Abode of the Gods! Just 13 kilometers from the center of Cusco, in the Huaynaccorco sector stands the majestic Apukunaq Tianan, an impressive set of stone carvings by Cusco master carver Michael de Titan Monteagudo that honor the history and culture of Peru.

The enormous sculptures carved into the limestone rock, some over 10 meters high, will take your breath away. The guide will take you on an exciting walk through the Abode of the Gods, explaining the meaning behind each sculpture, including the puma -the Wiracocha God-, the three-dimensional door, the Pachamama and many other deities. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city while you let yourself be carried away by this virgin land, its secrets, legends and sounds.

Details of interest

• Price: from 25 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• What you need to know: this type of tour is offered with minibus transportation, and you also have the option to visit this abode on an ATV motorcycle with one of the best quad tours in Cusco.
• What the tour may include: transportation service to and from your hotel. ATV rental. Helmets. Professional guide service.
• Pros: It is a perfect place to spend half a day with your family or alone. It is one of the most economical and beautiful tours.
• Cons: Food is not included.

Get ready for an epic adventure in the mountains of Cusco with the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain Tour! After picking you up at your hotel, you are taken to a horse ranch and once saddled and mounted, you begin the tour. The first stop is at the Temple of the Moon, a sacred place used for ceremonies and offerings during full moon nights.

Then, the route continues through "Cara del Inca" and the Devil's Balcony, better known as the Chacan Mountain, which is located behind the Sacsayhuaman sites where you visit a sacred ancient cave with the fields and Andean communities in the background.

Details of interest

• Price: from 52 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• What you should know: if you are looking for a family tour, this is the one.
• What the tour may include: shuttle service to and from your hotel. Professional guide service. Horse rental. Saddles, muleteer and helmets.
• Pros: the ride is suitable for almost everyone. Prices are reasonable.
• Cons: food is not included.

Delve into the impressive Inca architecture at the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, at 3700 meters above sea level, located just 2 kilometers north of Cusco's Main Square.

During your visit you will walk through the main points of the park such as the Puka Pukara Tower, Los Torreones, Tambomachay and Qenqo. And is that with an area of over 3000 hectares, in the "place where the falcon is satiated", Quechua name for "Sacsayhuaman", there is much to explore, to the point that archaeologists are still trying to reach a consensus about the use that had the park.

On the one hand, it is believed to be a monumental fortress surrounded by mountains in a strategic point in the area. Others point to a ceremonial site where the Inti Raymi Festival, the ritual of worship to Inti, the Sun God, is celebrated every June 24. What is certain is that for the Inca Trail this park is key.

Details of interest

• Price: from 62 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• What you should know: this place can be reached by tourist bus.
• What the tour may include: shuttle service to and from your hotel. Professional guide service. Entrance fee to the park.
• Pros: because of its extension and historical value, the presence of a guide is key to make your way through this park.
• Cons: food is not included.

Adventurous! If you are looking for strong emotions and breathtaking landscapes, the Rainbow Mountain excursion is the perfect adventure for you. Starting early in the morning your guide will take you on a 3-hour trek south of Cusco through small villages like Pitumarka, or closer to Palccoyo, such as those in the district of Cusipata where you will enjoy a succulent breakfast accompanied by locals before starting the hike.

After recharging your energy and stretching your legs, a 60-minute drive separates you from Llaqto, the mountain checkpoint to start your trekking route. Then, the trail to the summit is 3 kilometers, and on your way you will find wild llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, it's super fun!

In addition, you will see impressive glaciers and crystalline streams. But the real jewel in the crown will be the summit of the Seven Colors Mountain, at an altitude of more than 5000 meters above sea level and its natural guardians, the flock of condors that fly over the area.

From the viewpoint, with the aroma of huacatay impregnating the atmosphere, you can admire the majesty of the mountain in all its splendor, with its impressive red, green, yellow and blue colors. Prepare your camera and witness the natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes, dare to live this exciting adventure!

Details of interest

• Price: from 72 € per person.
• Duration: 12 - 14 hours.
• What you need to know: this experience is beautiful, especially when you see the condors in the middle of the multicolored atmosphere, but you should take it easy, at 5000 meters high it is super important to control your breathing. There are options for horseback riding and quad biking, if you want a more relaxed ascent, you may want to opt for one of these activities.
• What the tour may include: transportation service to and from Cusco in a comfortable minivan. Breakfast and lunch. Expert guide service.
• Pros: this is the kind of tour where the only concern is to have a good time because everything or almost everything is usually included.
• Cons: You will spend a lot of time on the road. Entrance to the mountain may not be included in the package.

If you are passionate about history and culture, you can't miss the excursion to Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas. The adventure will start early after picking you up at your hotel and departing to the South Valley of Cusco, a journey full of breathtaking scenery that will take us to Tipon, an archaeological complex of worship to the cult of water. There, you explore the complex that served as a source of life for the Tahuantinsuyo Empire.

The next stop is at Pikillacta, another important archaeological site dating from the time of the Wari Culture, the pre-Columbian era between the 7th and 13th centuries A.D., before the Incas. This complex is famous for the use of stucco in its walled walls and the Chaquipampa, Robles Moqo and Conchopata style pottery.

Finally, the group advances to Andahuaylillas, a peaceful traditional village where you walk through its streets and main square to reach its picturesque chapel, known as the Sistine Chapel of America.

Details of interest

• Price: from 15 € per person.
• Duration: 5- 6 hours.
• What you should know: it is a popular route through the south of Cusco that visits several of the enclaves of the Sacred Valley.
• What the tour may include: transportation service from a central point in Cusco. Professional guide service.
• Pros: the price is cheap and in half a day you move around the south of Cusco with an expert in the local culture.
• Cons: the return transport usually drops you off in the center of Cusco. Groups can be large. Entrance fees to Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas and Tipon are not included.

It would be sacrilege to miss a gastronomic tour in Cusco knowing that it is the world's leading culinary destination. During this type of tour you are taken to explore the authentic flavors of Peruvian cuisine through its markets.

One of the typical stops is the colorful neighborhood of San Blas, also called the "balcony of Cusco" for its privileged location. It is a bohemian space, where artists have made the neighborhood a canvas to exhibit very beautiful works.

In the middle is the famous San Blas market, where the escabeche de gallina, the "choclito con queso fresco" and soups in general line taste like glory. In addition, the prices are cheap, in fact, is one of the fixed stops on budget trips in Cusco.

The other stop is at the market of San Pedro, a Cusco icon behind which stood Gustave Eiffel. At this market, the guide completes the purchase of all the ingredients needed for your menu, usually 4-5 courses. Then, a professional chef gives one of the best cooking classes in Cusco that ends with the tasting of this menu.

Details of interest

• Price: from 14 € per person.
• Duration: 3- 6 hours.
• What you need to know: this type of tour is offered on foot, with transportation from your accommodation, with reduced and extended menus. The experience is offered in the morning and in the evening, in both cases the pisco sour workshop is usually included.
• What the tour may include: transportation service to your hotel. Cooking class with a professional chef. Complete menu. Pisco Sour. Chicha morada. Tasting in the markets. Fruit. Bottled water. Recipes.
• Pros: Usually small groups so the experience is quite personalized.
• Cons: tapas or snacks are not included.

• Lack of signage: it is a wonder to walk through the navel of the world, in each visit you discover a new jewel, but without the help of guides is an uphill task. The crosswalks are conspicuous by their absence and the signposts are rarely found or have been omitted. Since the walks are between mountains, GPS is not always as functional as in other cities around the world.
• You avoid scams: rates in Peru are not standardized and variations can be crazy. To be sure of the budget with a recognized group, the ideal is to make a reservation in advance.
• Public transport is irregular: except for the tourist bus and trains, there are no fixed timetables for buses.
• You make the most of your trip: the list of activities in Cusco and its surroundings is almost endless and this is not the kind of province to get lost in its streets but to get to know them consciously. Barcelona has an area of 101.9 km², everything is signposted, it is flat and public transport has regular schedules and it is difficult to get to know it with a 2-day visit, now try to visualize Cusco with its 385.1 km² between Andean mountains, and with all the points that I mentioned above. Guided tours are more than recommended.