Tripadvisor
Types of Cusco Tours
Historical and Cultural Tours
Cusco City Tour:
- Highlights: Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
- Duration: Half-day.
Museum Tours:
- Highlights: Inca Museum, Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and the San Pedro Market.
- Duration: Half-day to full-day.
Historical and cultural tours provide an immersive experience into Cusco’s rich heritage. The Cusco City Tour covers iconic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city, and Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Sacsayhuamán, with its massive stone walls, offers breathtaking views of the city. Museum tours are perfect for those interested in deeper insights into Incan and pre-Columbian history.
Archaeological Tours
Sacsayhuamán Complex:
- Highlights: Visit the impressive fortress with its massive stone walls, offering panoramic views of Cusco.
- Duration: Half-day.
Sacred Valley Tour:
- Highlights: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Explore ancient Incan terraces, ruins, and traditional markets.
- Duration: Full-day.
Archaeological tours take you to some of the most significant sites of the Incan Empire. The Sacsayhuamán Complex tour provides an in-depth look at this formidable fortress. The Sacred Valley Tour includes visits to Pisac’s vibrant market and archaeological site, Ollantaytambo’s impressive fortress, and Chinchero’s traditional weaving techniques and stunning terraces.
Adventure Tours
Rainbow Mountain Trek:
- Highlights: A challenging hike to the vibrant, multi-colored mountain of Vinicunca.
- Duration: Full-day.
Ausangate Trek:
- Highlights: A multi-day trek around the Ausangate Mountain, known for its stunning landscapes and remote villages.
- Duration: 4-7 days.
Biking Tours:
- Highlights: Mountain biking adventures in the Sacred Valley, including Maras, Moray, and Salineras.
- Duration: Half-day to full-day.
Adventure tours cater to thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Rainbow Mountain Trek offers a challenging but rewarding hike to one of Peru’s most colorful landscapes. The Ausangate Trek is a multi-day adventure around the majestic Ausangate Mountain, offering breathtaking views and encounters with remote Andean villages. Biking tours in the Sacred Valley provide an exhilarating way to explore Maras, Moray, and the Salineras salt mines.
Culinary Tours
Food Tours:
- Highlights: Discover local flavors with a guided tour of San Pedro Market, cooking classes, and tasting sessions of Peruvian cuisine.
- Duration: Half-day to full-day.
Pisco Tasting:
- Highlights: Learn about and sample Peru’s national drink, Pisco, at local distilleries and bars.
- Duration: 2-3 hours.
Culinary tours are perfect for food lovers who want to dive into Peru’s rich gastronomic culture. Food tours include visits to the bustling San Pedro Market, where you can taste local produce and traditional dishes, as well as cooking classes to learn how to prepare Peruvian favorites. Pisco tasting tours introduce you to the country’s national drink, with visits to distilleries and bars for sampling.
Spiritual and Wellness Tours
Ayahuasca Retreats:
- Highlights: Guided retreats with traditional shamans, offering spiritual and healing experiences.
- Duration: 2-7 days.
Yoga and Meditation Retreats:
- Highlights: Relax and rejuvenate in serene settings around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Duration: 1-7 days.
Spiritual and wellness tours provide opportunities for relaxation and personal growth. Ayahuasca retreats offer guided experiences with traditional shamans, focusing on spiritual healing. Yoga and meditation retreats are set in peaceful locations around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, perfect for those looking to rejuvenate and connect with nature.
Photography Tours
Cusco and Sacred Valley Photography:
- Highlights: Guided tours with professional photographers to capture the beauty of Cusco’s landscapes, architecture, and culture.
- Duration: Half-day to multi-day.
Photography tours are ideal for both amateur and professional photographers. These tours, led by professional photographers, provide tips and guidance on capturing the stunning landscapes, unique architecture, and vibrant culture of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Popular Destinations and Attractions in Cusco
Plaza de Armas
The main square of Cusco, surrounded by colonial buildings, shops, and restaurants. Key landmarks include the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. The Plaza de Armas is a bustling hub of activity and a perfect starting point for exploring the city.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God Inti. Now it forms part of the Santo Domingo Convent. The Qorikancha was once covered in gold and housed some of the empire’s most sacred relics.
Sacsayhuamán
An impressive Inca fortress overlooking Cusco, known for its massive, precisely cut stone walls. Sacsayhuamán is a marvel of Incan engineering and offers panoramic views of the city.
San Pedro Market
A bustling market offering a wide array of local produce, traditional foods, and handmade crafts. San Pedro Market is a great place to experience local culture and cuisine.
Sacred Valley
A fertile region filled with ancient Incan sites, traditional Andean villages, and beautiful landscapes. The Sacred Valley includes must-visit locations like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, each offering unique insights into Incan history and culture.
Tips for Choosing a Tour in Cusco
Interests and Preferences
Choose tours that align with your interests, whether it’s history, adventure, culture, or cuisine. Cusco offers a wide range of tours to suit all preferences.
Duration
Consider how much time you have and select tours that fit your schedule, from half-day city tours to multi-day treks. Ensure that the tour duration matches your travel plans.
Physical Fitness
Some tours, especially treks, require a good level of fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes. Make sure you are physically prepared for the chosen tour.
Group vs. Private Tours
Decide whether you prefer the camaraderie and cost-effectiveness of group tours or the personalized experience of private tours. Both options have their own advantages.
Reputation
Opt for reputable tour operators with positive reviews and experienced guides. Check reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure a quality experience.
Experience the Best of Cusco
Cusco offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its ancient Incan heritage and vibrant culture to stunning natural landscapes and adventurous activities. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Cusco, trekking through the Andes, or immersing yourself in local traditions, there’s a tour to suit every interest and make your visit unforgettable. Plan ahead, choose wisely, and enjoy all that this fascinating city has to offer.
For a unique and personalized experience, book your tour with Guiding Cusco Expeditions and click reserve your tour here for more information.
You can also follow them on social media: Facebook and Instagram.
