Most Popular Tours in Cusco, Peru

1. Machu Picchu Tours

Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the crown jewel of any trip to Cusco. This ancient Incan citadel, perched high in the Andes, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Machu Picchu tours are incredibly popular, offering different options to suit every traveler's needs.

There are two main ways to experience Machu Picchu:

• By Train: The most comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu is by taking the train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride up to the entrance.
• Hiking: For the adventurous, hiking the famous Inca Trail or the less crowded Salkantay Trek offers a rewarding and scenic approach to the site. These multi-day treks take you through stunning landscapes and provide a deeper connection to the region’s history and nature.

Most tours include guided visits that explain the history and significance of Machu Picchu’s structures, offering context to the breathtaking scenery.

2. Sacred Valley Tours

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see destination near Cusco. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant Andean culture, it is a hub of archaeological sites and traditional villages. Sacred Valley tours typically include stops at:

• Pisac: Famous for its ancient ruins and bustling market, Pisac offers a perfect blend of culture and history. The Pisac ruins sit atop a hill overlooking the valley, while the market is the place to buy traditional handicrafts.
• Ollantaytambo: This Inca town is one of the best-preserved in Peru. The ruins here feature large terraces and a fortress, and the town is a gateway to Machu Picchu, with a train station connecting you to Aguas Calientes.
• Chinchero: Known for its textile traditions, Chinchero is a great place to learn about Andean weaving techniques and buy locally made crafts.
• Moray and Maras: Moray’s circular agricultural terraces and the Maras salt mines are fascinating stops on any Sacred Valley tour, showcasing the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

3. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Tours

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, has become one of the most popular day trips from Cusco in recent years. The mountain’s stunning, colorful layers of sedimentary rock make for a surreal hiking experience. Tours typically begin early in the morning to beat the crowds and offer guided hikes that lead you to the mountain’s summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Andean peaks.

The hike is moderately challenging due to the high altitude, but most tours provide support with guides who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Rainbow Mountain is often combined with a visit to the Red Valley, an equally stunning but lesser-known destination nearby.

4. Inca Trail Trek

The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous hikes and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers who want to reach Machu Picchu on foot. The classic four-day trek winds through stunning Andean landscapes, passing ancient Inca ruins along the way before culminating at the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu.

Due to its popularity, permits for the Inca Trail are limited and sell out months in advance. Make sure to book early if this hike is on your bucket list!

5. Salkantay Trek

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is a fantastic option. This five-day trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush cloud forests. Along the way, you’ll pass by the towering Salkantay Mountain and descend into the tropical valleys below.

The Salkantay Trek is less crowded than the Inca Trail but still offers an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. It’s perfect for those seeking adventure, stunning natural scenery, and a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

6. Humantay Lake Tour

Humantay Lake is another popular day trip from Cusco, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The lake sits at the base of Mount Humantay, and reaching it involves a scenic hike through high-altitude terrain. Most tours offer transportation from Cusco, along with a guided hike that explains the geological and cultural significance of the lake.

Though the hike can be challenging due to the altitude, the view at the top is worth every step. The vibrant colors of the lake and surrounding mountains make it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.

7. Cusco City Tours

Cusco itself is a city full of history and culture, with many attractions worth exploring on a guided tour. Cusco city tours typically include stops at:

• Plaza de Armas: The heart of Cusco, this main square is surrounded by colonial architecture, including the impressive Cusco Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús.
• Sacsayhuamán: Located just outside the city, this massive Inca fortress offers panoramic views of Cusco and features impressive stonework, with blocks so large and precisely fitted that it remains a mystery how the Incas managed to construct it.
• Qorikancha: Once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, Qorikancha was dedicated to the sun god, Inti. Today, it showcases a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture.
• San Pedro Market: A visit to this bustling market is a great way to experience local life in Cusco. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and traditional foods to handmade souvenirs.

These tours offer a deep dive into Cusco’s unique blend of Incan and colonial heritage, making them a great introduction to the city’s rich past.

8. Maras and Moray Tour

For a half-day adventure from Cusco, the Maras and Moray tour is a fascinating exploration of ancient Inca technology and ingenuity. Moray is a series of circular terraces that the Incas likely used for agricultural experimentation. Each level of the terraces has a different microclimate, which allowed the Incas to test crops in varying conditions.

Nearby, the Maras salt mines are still in use today. These ancient salt pans have been harvested for centuries, and the stunning sight of thousands of salt pools cascading down the mountainside is one of the highlights of this tour.