Top Cusco Nature Walks - page 3

There are many ways to see Peru; however, if you’re a more active traveler, try booking this Salkantay Trek, Machu Picchu, and Humantay Lake 5-Day Experience instead of a tour by train. You’ll trek your way to Salkantay, Humantay Lake, and Machu Picchu over five days with stops along the way. Hotel pickup in Cusco, three nights of camping, and one night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes are included.

Discover the extraordinary birdlife that resides in the wetlands just outside of Cusco. This small-group birdwatching tour takes you to the Huacarpay Wetlands in search of hummingbirds, herons, tanagers, and Peruvian endemic birds such as the rusty-fronted canastero and bearded mountaineer. Includes round-trip transfers from your Cusco hotel.

Admire the rainbow-colored hues of Peru’s mountains without having to trek for hours on a hiking trip to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, a less strenuous alternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. In a small group limited to only 13 other travelers, you’ll be able to walk at a pace that suits your party, and delve deeper into local culture, history, and nature than you would alone.

Discover the wealth of history and fascinating modern-day culture of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire, during this 3-hour walking tour with a private guide. Get off the tour bus and out into the streets of this amazing Inca city, following your guide on foot through the city’s main square and past its imposing cathedral. You’ll also check out the impressive ruins of the Incas’ Qorikancha temple and do some shopping for produce and handicrafts at San Pedro Market. This private walking tour also covers all site entrance fees.

Swap the crowds of Peru's famed Vinicunca ("Rainbow Mountain") for the serenity of the similarly multi-colored but far less-trafficked mountain of Palccoyo. In a small group, walk with alpacas on a short and easy hike up the mountain for incredible views of the surrounding Andean mountains. Hassle-free pickup from your Cusco hotel is included.

Beat the crowds by visiting Peru’s alternative Rainbow Mountain in Palcoyo—it’s just as impressive, but about half as busy. You’ll be transported from Cusco in air-conditioned comfort, so you can sit back and soak up the majestic scenery of the Sacred Valley. Plus, a small group limited to 15 means you can climb the mountain at a pace suited to everyone.

Maximize your time in Peru by booking a 4-day tour that includes a multitude of outdoor adventures and is topped off with a visit to Machu Picchu. This action-packed tour crams in biking, hiking, rafting, ziplining, and more, making it ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see and do as much as possible—all without the hassle of planning and organizing each individual outing.

Maximize your vacation time in Cusco on a half-day group tour. The adventure starts in the Sacred Valley city of Maras, followed by the nearby Maras Salt Mines. Next, have your camera ready for the experimental agricultural terraces in Moray. In Chinchero, check out the royal hacienda of an Inca ruler and explore the artisan market. Round-trip transportation enables you to complete this full itinerary and still get back to Cusco by lunchtime.

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.

Explore the amazing Rainbow Mountain in the region of Vinincunca. You will hike along the Andes, encountering beautiful scenery of the mountains and surrounding glaciers.

Explore the Rainbow Mountain of Palcoyo on this guided excursion. Avoid the crowds of the multicolored slopes of Vinicunca and experience the less-traveled but equally impressive mountains of Palcoyo. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a comfortable vehicle, and a mellow hike with an informative guide. Learn about the mountains’ fascinating geology, admire amazing views, and savor complimentary snacks.

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.

Discover the dispersed attractions of the Sacred Valley and Urubamba Valley without having to navigate the mountainous terrain yourself on a private day trip. Visit the archaeological site at Moray, the Inca-era salt pans of Maras, a series of intricately terraced ponds, and Chinchero, home to a collection of Inca-era walls and an Andean textile center. Along the way, benefit from the undivided attention of your guide.

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.

This full-day tour from Cusco gets you into the Andes to see a picturesque high altitude lake with just a small amount of moderate hiking. Head up the trail to Humantay Lake or rent a horse (additional cost). Along the way, look for views of iconic Andean peaks including Salkantay. At the lake, make offerings to the mountain spirits and take a swim if you dare.

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.

Spend the day exploring the Inca citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu on a small-group, full-day tour from Cusco—no need to worry about transport logistics. Visit the legendary mountaintop site with a guide who brings its construction and history to life as you explore. Designed with a relaxed, non-strenuous pace, this experience is well-suited to first-time visitors and families.

Exploring Cusco’s most important ruins and historic landmarks on your own can be confusing, with sites spread out and little context to explain what you’re seeing—but this small-group, guided tour makes it simple. Travel between key archaeological locations—including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and the Temple of the Sun—and the historic center with a guide who brings the temples and colonial architecture to life. As you explore, learn about the history behind each site instead of simply passing by.

Spend the day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visiting a number of key sites. This full-day tour stops at the Pisac Market and archeological site, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Learn about the Inca Empire from your guide as you walk around these sacred sites. Then, head to Urubamba for delicious buffet lunch before continuing on to Machu Picchu or heading back to Cusco.

It is known in both ways "Rainbow Mountain " or "Montaña de 7 colores Vinicunca", the original name comes from two Quechua voices "Wini rumi" Black stone "Kunka" neck; Black stone due to the black stones that abound in the area, and neck by the narrow hill that resembles a neck. The study by the Office of Cultural Landscape and Muñoz details how each strip is composed according to its color: Pink: Combination of red clays, mudstones (muds) and sands. White: sandstone (quartz sand) and limestone. Purple or lavender: marl (mixture of clay and calcium carbonate) and silicates. Red: argillites and clays. Green: clays rich in ferro magnesium (a mixture of iron and magnesium) and copper oxide. Yellowish brown, mustard or golden brown: limonites, calcareous sandstones rich in sulfide minerals (combined with sulfur).

Rather than taking the typical route to Machu Picchu, opt for an adventure-filled 4-day tour featuring biking, rafting, hiking, and ziplining. This action-packed trip is a twist on the traditional hiking paths, allowing you to enjoy a variety of fun outdoor activities. Do some whitewater rafting on Class III and IV rapids, zoom down a mountain trail by bike, and fly through the sky on a zipline ride.

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.

Avoid the crowded tour buses on this day trip to one of the most popular natural attractions in the Cusco area: Rainbow Mountain. Ride in the comfort of private transportation from your Cusco hotel, stopping for an included breakfast and lunch, and learn about the history and culture of the region from your informative guide as you hike along snow-capped mountains and more.

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.