Top Cusco How to Get Around in 2026

Travel confidently with Alpaca Expeditions, Peru's #1 Tour Operator! The Short Inca Trail tour is perfect if you are short on time but still want to experience a full day of hiking on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Hike with expert, indigenous guides through the vibrant rainforest & visit the ancient Inca archeological sites of Wiñay Wayna on your way to the Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu. Your adventure starts at KM104 instead of KM82 on the Inca Trail. Then we will take you to your hotel in Machu picchu town at night, at last enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu by an professional expert guide on day two.

There’s no better way to experience Machu Picchu than on a private tour from Aguas Calientes. Receive undivided attention from a personal guide as you discover the history of ancient temples, terraced hills, and sacrificial sites. Capture photographs from the best vantage points, come face-to-face with resident llamas, and absorb spectacular views of the Sacred Valley from your vertiginous perch. Round-trip bus transfers and admission tickets from Aguas Calientes are included.

Snack and sightsee on this small-group Cusco street food tour limited to 10 people or fewer. Try favorite local dishes such as 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.

Taste your way through Cusco with an evening culinary tour. Sample Peruvian street food and appetizers alongside drink pairings at three restaurants during this chef-led tour in the historic city center. Learn about ingredients and traditional Peruvian dishes including dessert throughout the tour.

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.

Visit two of the Sacred Valley’s most fascinating archeological sites in one day on a day trip to the Salt Mines of Maras and the Agricultural Terraces of Moray from Cusco. Exploring with a guide helps you skip the hassle of making your way between the far-flung sites and ensures you get the historical context crucial to understanding these Inca engineering marvels.

The markets of Cusco are fascinating places to explore, but you'll have a much richer experience with a guide who can provide insights into Peruvian cuisine. This activity begins in the city's oldest market, where you can sample popular fruits, breads, and cheeses, as well as some desserts. Afterward, you'll learn to prepare three Peruvian dishes with a local chef.

Discover the turquoise waters of alpine Humantay Lake on a small-group day trip from Cusco. Take a scenic trek through the Andes Mountains; if the hike is too steep, you can rent a horse to reach the lake. Enjoy included hotel pickup, breakfast, and buffet lunch, with free time to explore and admire the views.

Most tours take visitors to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinincunca) on foot but on this small-group tour from Cusco you'll save time by driving up in an ATV. That means that you'll arrive earlier than most and beat the crowds—perfect for taking photos. Your tour includes hotel pickup and breakfast and lunch in the town of Japura.

Learn to prepare high-end Peruvian cuisine from market to table alongside a professional chef with this Peruvian cooking class. After shopping at a local market with a food-loving guide, head to a colonial-style home to prepare a 3-course lunch or dinner which could feature classic items such as ceviche, Pisco sours, and quinoa cooked to perfection. Polish off your meal with fresh fruits and local coffee.

Go off the beaten path in Peru and discover Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, a lesser-known alternative to Vinicunca's Rainbow Mountain. Ideal for those with limited time, this small-group day tour from Cusco offers hotel pickup and drop-off, letting you enjoy views of three distinct rainbow mountains and the Ausangate glacier without much walking.

Ideal for those who don't have the time to hike the Inca Trail or navigate public transport, this small-group tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu lets you see the lost city of the Incas in just one day. You'll get picked up from your Cusco accommodations then ride your choice of train to Aguas Calientes before a short bus ride to Machu Picchu, which you will explore with a guide.

Venture deep into the Andes Mountains to visit the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu during this full-day train excursion from Cusco. Take the bus to Aguas Caliente and enjoy an in-depth guided tour of Machu Picchu as well as free time to explore. On the way back, ride the premium PeruRail Vistadome train on the Ollanta-Machu Picchu route to experience unobstructed views of the Andes and surrounding landscapes. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most important destinations to visit in Peru. Spend a full day exploring the impressive Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on this unforgettable day trip from Cusco.

Get a comprehensive overview of Cusco's La Catedral Basilica and surrounding archeological sites on a small-group tour. Convenient end-to-end transportation enables you to skip the stress of arranging your own travel logistics and comfortably visit numerous attractions in a single day. Stops include Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, and Tambomachay. At each location, you will enjoy immersive commentary from your guide, as well as free time to explore independently.

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

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.

Planning visits to Cusco’s nearby archaeological sites can quickly become complicated without prearranged transport and tickets. This small-group guided tour keeps things simple by bringing together four of the most important ruins in one seamless experience. Explore the massive stone terraces of Sacsayhuaman, walk through the carved rock chambers of Q’enqo, stop at the hilltop lookout of Puca Pucara, and finish at Tambomachay, known for its sophisticated stonework and water channels.

Discover the shorter version of the famous Inca Trail during this 2-day excursion. Visit the archeological sites of Chachabamba, Winay Huayna, the Sungate, and Machu Picchu both in the afternoon and the early morning to see the citadel in two different lights. Learn about the history of the Incas on a comprehensive tour and explore the site on your own before heading back to Cusco.

Explore the legacy of the Inca and Peru’s indigenous culture during this day trip to Maras, Moray, and the Salinera’ 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.

Familiarize yourself with Cusco’s history and architecture on this affordable and comprehensive tour of the city center and outskirts. Panoramic views of the city are afforded on the top deck of the double-decker bus. In addition to navigating, your guide offers little-known facts and local stories about landmarks and ruins outside the city, including Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo.

Get ready to experience one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. The Humantay Lagoon Trek combines a hike through the mountains of the Vilcabamba range with the beauty of the turquoise-blue waters of one of the most iconic lagoons in the Cusco region. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by mountain scenery, Andean valleys, and snow-capped peaks until you reach Humantay Lagoon, situated at approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 ft) above sea level. At a relaxed pace and with a guide by your side, you'll be able to take in the trail and learn about the cultural and spiritual significance this place holds for Andean peoples. The hike is rated as moderately difficult. Since Humantay Lagoon is located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, it's important to be properly acclimatized to Cusco's altitude before doing this activity. Walking at a relaxed pace and following your guide's instructions will help you enjoy the trail more comfortably.

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. Choose between private or shared options with or without admission tickets.

Exploring the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in one day is challenging to do on your own. Book this small-group excursion from Cusco that handles all the logistics, including the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and a walking tour of the ruins. Visit key landmarks and learn about the Inca Empire before exploring the sites on your own.