Top Cusco Nature Walks in 2026

If you’ve only got one day to experience the ancient wonders of the Sacred Valley in Cusco, opt for a tour that helps you cover more sights in less time. You’ll travel between four archeological sites and two traditional Inca markets in air-conditioned comfort, with hotel pickup included, leaving you free to soak up the spectacular mountain scenery along the way.

See Peru's Rainbow Mountain, known for its stripes of colorful mineral deposits, in just one day on this tour from Cusco. Hike with a guide to the summit for a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness adventure, or rent a horse (own expense) for easier access to the same incredible views. Entrance to the mountain is not included.

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).

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.

While in Peru, don’t let time constraints hold you back from visiting the iconic archaeological site of Machu Picchu. This private tour from Cusco includes all transportation logistics to safely take you to and from Machu Picchu in one day by train and car, plus entrance fees and a guided tour of Machu Picchu itself.

This Vinicunca Mountain of Colors tour, known as Rainbow Mountain, offers a unique experience that combines adventure, nature and stunning colorful landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. Accompanied by a professional guide, you will walk along trails surrounded by mountains, valleys and glaciers, enjoying panoramic views and the pure air of the region. The arrival in Vinicunca allows you to capture spectacular photographs and admire a unique landscape, formed by the natural combination of minerals that give it its characteristic colors. The experience is designed for all levels of walkers, with strategic breaks and organized transportation from Cusco. This tour is ideal for those looking for a safe, educational and memorable adventure, connecting with nature and Andean culture while discovering one of the most iconic destinations in Peru.

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.

Start early on this day trip to Humantay Lake from Cusco, where your guide will take care of all of the logistics for you so you don’t have to worry about any of them. Breakfast and lunch are provided, too. You’ll trek about 4.3mi (7k) in the Andes and have amazing views over the Apurimac River and Humantay Lake, while learning all about Inca history.

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.

Get a comprehensive overview of Peru’s Sacred Valley on this private full-day tour from Cusco. Visit the Valley’s main highlights—Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero—along with the Moray agricultural terraces and Maras salt mines. Listen to informative commentary from your private tour guide about the history behind these ruins and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s headline act, but you don’t have to trek the Inca Trail to visit the Lost City of the Incas. This private full-day tour from Cusco includes a spectacular train ride through the Sacred Valley, a tasty buffet lunch, and a private tour of the UNESCO-listed archaeological site. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

If you’ve already ticked off the sights by day, see a different side to Cusco on a nightlife tour that includes dinner and a drink. In an intimate group limited to eight people, you’ll go stargazing at Planetarium Cusco; admire illuminated landmarks in Cusco Historic Center; and enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner accompanied by a Pisco Sour cocktail. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for added convenience.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the busy and often booked-up Inca Trail, look no further than this 5-day Salkantay Trail trekking tour from Cusco. Suited to travelers with a good level of fitness, this hike takes you through glaciers, high jungle, rushing rivers, and Andean mountain villages. The tour culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of the World. All meals, overnight camping or lodge accommodation, and entrance fees are included.

For those who can’t commit to the traditional 4-day Inca Trail, this 2-day excursion is the perfect solution. Join a small group and trek along a prominent portion of the trail, stopping at Chachabamba and Winay Wayna along the way. Stay overnight at the base of Machu Picchu and on the next day, take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, before taking the train back to Cusco.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous hikes, taking at least four days to complete. On this tour, visit Machu Picchu on a day trip, including a scenic train ride from Cusco, and a thrilling hike along the final section of the Inca Trail. Once at Machu Picchu, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Lost City of the Incas, and plenty of free time to explore independently and take photos.

If you want add some exhilaration to the Inca Trail then opt for this 4-day jungle adventure from Cusco, which includes adventure sports such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and ziplining. Amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes Mountains, you’ll hike to mountain summits, observe native flora and fauna, and visit Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonder of the World, at sunrise. Most meals, accommodation, activities, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco are included.

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.

· Our Horse Tour makes your visit to the Rainbow Mountain very comfortable and light possible, in addition to making the enjoyment to the fullest and eternal. · We operate the shortest route, With our Horses we will arrive in One Hour. · The tour is only for members of the group in private service. · Our guides are accredited professionals, adventure specialists for this route. · Our comfortable and modern VANS H1 transports, we have the best breakfast and lunch buffet on the route.

Set out on a hiking and biking adventure to Machu Picchu with this four-day, three-night tour along the Inca Trail. Explore archeological ruins, bike downhill for 60 kilometers, and admire mountain landscapes during the tour. On the final morning, see Machu Picchu at sunrise and set out on a guided tour of the site. Hotels and meals are included.

Enjoy the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the route combines beautiful mountain landscapes with incredible panoramic views, lush forests, a subtropical jungle of splendid natural surroundings with the magnificent work of the ancient Inca masons. You will visit beautiful Inca cities, sumptuous temples, agricultural terraces, canals and water sources, tunnels. As well as interesting archaeological sites such as the Puerta del Sol, from there you will observe the Sunrise over the Inca City of Machu Picchu. You will also have the opportunity to climb to the top of the incredible Huayna Picchu Mountain, where you will have the best panoramic views of the area. Why travel with us? - We are Direct Operators - Excursion Organized by a 100% Local Peruvian Tourism Agency - Travel with the Experts: The Best Guides, Porters and Cooks - High Quality Camping Equipment - Excellent Food All Inclusive - We practice Sustainable Tourism - Personalized service

This tour follows the only route to Rainbow Mountain where you can choose between hiking or rent an optional motorcycle with a local driver untill the summit.

This “express hike” is the perfect mini-trip on the Inca Trail. After hotel pickup in Cusco, take a train ride along sacred valleys and rugged mountains, getting off at KM 104. It’s here you’ll begin your hike to Wiñaywayna—an agricultural Inca ruin—Puerta del Sol, and Machu Picchu. Find your campsite past the ruins, where your trail chef cooks a fantastic dinner before you camp underneath the stars.

Discover the best of the Andes at a comfortable pace on a 6-day small-group tour from Cusco. This extensive excursion is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their limited vacation time without feeling rushed. You’ll enjoy immersive guided visits to Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu. Private transportation with hotel pickup enables your group to complete the impressive itinerary with ease and efficiency.

Discover the Sacred Valley’s top sights in one day, 5 Places : Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo and Pisac.