Top Activities on the Ground in Cusco

⭐ 1. More adventurous experience Traveling part of the way by motorbike makes the excursion an adrenaline-fueled activity: uneven terrain, wide landscapes and a sense of freedom when driving make it ideal for those looking for more than just a hike. ⭐ 2. Exclusive views of the Red Valley Many 7-Color Mountain tours do not include the Red Valley, a less crowded area, with intense reddish landscapes, unique geological formations and greater tranquility for taking photos. ⭐ 3. Less physical exertion The quad bike mode considerably reduces the time and effort of trekking, making it a fantastic option for those who want to

This Humantay Lake Full-Day Tour from Cusco is a great pick for travelers who want to see the lake but only have a day to spare. This full-day tour takes you to the lake through the Soraypampa Trek, which is a circular route that runs about 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers). A guide knows the best spots to stop at to see wildlife and teaches you about the scared mountains surrounding the area, too.

Discover the rich flavors of Peru during a hands-on cooking experience in Cusco. Start with a visit to San Pedro Market, where you learn about local ingredients and Andean superfoods. Then, head to a modern kitchen studio for a cooking class led by a professional Peruvian chef. Prepare a gourmet 4-course meal full of local ingredients, and craft a pisco sour cocktail, the national drink of Peru.

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.

Even though Rainbow Mountain isn't close to Cusco, it's still possible to visit in just one day on this guided tour. The day trip takes you to the spectacular summit of Rainbow Mountain with a guide leading the way so you don't get lost. Enhance the challenging trek with commentary and insights from your guide.

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.

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.

Embark on the four-day Choquequirao Trek in Peru, starting in the Cusco Region. This journey takes you through the Apurimac Canyon and alongside the Apurimac River. On this 64-kilometer (40-mile) trek, you'll approach "Choquequirao," meaning "Cradle of Gold," located at about 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) elevation. Hidden amidst high-altitude vegetation, the enigmatic ruins of Choquequirao await. Despite the challenging thin air, the breathtaking sight of the untouched Inca ruins is the ultimate reward.

Take this chocolate-lovers workshop and learn how to make your very own chocolate from start to finish. Learn about the chocolate-making process with this hands-on experience beginning with the cocoa tree and finishing with your very own chocolate creations. Discover the history of cocoa in Peru and learn why it is one of the top chocolate producers in the world.

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.

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.

The Inca Jungle Trek is such an awesome way to get to Macchu Picchu! If you’ve been following this travel site, then you know there are two things we often look for in a travel experience: awesome adventure, and great travel values. So when considering the many different ways to get to Machu Picchu, we were excited to find the Jungle Trek perfectly combines those two elements. The Machu Picchu Jungle Trek is high on adventure and low on cost!

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Pallay Punchu Mountain on this exclusive full day private tour from Cusco. Begin your adventure early at 4:00 a.m. with a scenic drive through the stunning Andes, followed by a moderate 1 hour hike to a spectacular viewpoint at 4,700 meters above sea level. Immerse yourself in vibrant, colorful landscapes and the serene atmosphere of the highlands while enjoying panoramic views of the majestic Vilcanota mountain range. After descending, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch in the charming town of Cusipata. This tour perfectly blends adventure, culture, and nature, creating an unforgettable experience for those seeking a unique Andean journey. Private full day tour from Cusco to Pallay Punchu Mountain Moderate hike of 1 km round trip with stunning views Includes authentic Andean breakfast and lunch Guided by a professional bilingual (Spanish-English) guide Ideal for adventure seekers wanting an off the beaten path experience

Go where cars can't and explore local Andean communities and ancient Inca ruins during this horseback riding adventure. Learn about the daily rhythms of local life, observing farming techniques along with alpaca and sheep herding, for a cultural experience you wouldn't get anywhere else. You also discover Inca temples and visit a natural cave once used as an Inca shrine.

Discover this unique and off-the-beaten-path tour that many are still unaware exists. A Private tour or 6 Small Group Avoiding the crowds and being one of the only hikers on the path exploring the beautiful landscape! This is the perfect alternative to the Classic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Why Visit South America? -This tour is a private or 6 small group adventure. -We connect with the communities. -Enjoy local gastronomy! Peruvian Buffet lunch.

Join our special group and skip hiking completely with an optional motorcycle ride and professional driver to Rainbow Mountain. Arrive early, enjoy more time for breathtaking views and photos, and decide on-site if you would like to add this option with our local drivers. No driving or hiking required.

Explore Rainbow Mountain while getting some exercise at the same time during this full-day adventure. Embark on a moderate hike through the Peruvian landscape, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Your professional tour guide will lead the way in English and Spanish. At the end of the trail, be prepared to admire views of the Rainbow Mountain. Plus, transportation, hotel pickup, and handmade walking sticks are included for your convenience.

Peru’s Rainbow Mountain is usually explored on a challenging hike that reaches high altitudes. Skip the walking, as well as the crowds, and summit the mountain with ease aboard an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) during this small-group excursion. Spend more time taking in the beautiful scenery and local wildlife and less time being exhausted from the trek.

Outdoor-lovers who don’t have time for the full Salkantay Trek but want to experience a day of its highlights can embark on this full-day adventure to Humantay Lake. The private tour enables you to skip the hassle of public transportation and avoid waiting on other travelers on a group tour. That way you can minimize your travel time and spend more time enjoying nature.

See more of Peru’s Sacred Valley in a single day without managing transportation, timing, or crowded sightseeing stops yourself. This small-group tour takes a less conventional route through Maras, Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo to help avoid peak visitor traffic and create a more relaxed experience. Included hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and lunch make exploring the region easy and efficient.

Discover the colorful Rainbow Mountain during your time in Peru on this trekking excursion from Cusco. Meet your private guide in the early morning for the journey to the base of the mountain. After breakfast, begin the hike up to the summit where you have views of the Vinicunca and Ausangate mountains. Your guide also informs you of the area’s unique ecosystem and how the mountain was formed.

Visit one of Peru's most popular places without the crowds on this well-planned day tour. Instead of visiting Rainbow Mountain in the morning, like other groups, visit in the afternoon after the crowds have left. With a small group, enjoy unobstructed views and learn about the landscape from your guide.

Ease into Cusco's altitude alongside llamas and alpacas on a delightful small-group hike along ancient Inca trails. This non-demanding trek helps you acclimate to the local weather and altitude, preparing you for whatever comes next on your Sacred Valley adventure. Visit hidden Inca temples nestled in small valleys and get first-hand insights into local culture and history.