Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is a destination that uniquely combines history, culture, and nature. If you’re planning your trip to Cusco, here are the 11 best day tours you can’t miss. These experiences will allow you to explore everything from stunning natural landscapes to archaeological sites full of history.
1. Machu Picchu Day Tour
Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Inca Empire, is a destination every traveler should visit at least once in their lifetime. This tour starts with an early trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes. From there, a bus will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. During the guided tour, you’ll explore the main sectors of the citadel, such as the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the agricultural terraces. You’ll also learn about the history and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Duration: 1 day (departure at 4:00 AM and return by 8:00 PM).
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Includes: Train and bus transportation, Machu Picchu entrance, professional guide.
- Recommendation: Bring comfortable clothes, walking shoes, a camera, and sunscreen.
2. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Tour
The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is one of the most iconic destinations in Cusco. This tour begins with an early trip from Cusco to the Pitumarca Valley, where you’ll start a moderate 10 km hike. Along the way, you’ll enjoy unique Andean landscapes, passing through remote villages and breathtaking viewpoints. The mountain’s natural color stripes are the result of mineral deposits over millions of years.
- Duration: 1 day (4 hours of hiking).
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, breakfast, and picnic lunch.
- Recommendation: Acclimate in Cusco for a day before the tour to avoid altitude sickness.
3. Humantay Lagoon Tour
The Humantay Lagoon is a natural paradise with turquoise waters surrounded by sacred mountains. This tour begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to Soraypampa, followed by a 2-hour hike to the lagoon. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks and learn about the cultural importance of this site for Andean communities. The lagoon is considered a sacred place where the Incas made offerings to the gods.
- Duration: 1 day (3 hours of hiking).
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, breakfast, and picnic lunch.
- Recommendation: Bring warm clothes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views.
4. Cusco City Tour (Half Day)
This tour takes you through Cusco’s main historical attractions, starting with the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important religious center of the Inca Empire. Next, you’ll visit the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, known for its massive carved stones that fit together perfectly. The tour continues to Qenqo, a ceremonial site used for Inca rituals, and ends at Tambomachay, known as the “Inca Baths” for its water channels.
- Duration: Half day (5 hours).
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance to archaeological sites.
- Recommendation: Bring a hat, water, and a camera to photograph the historical sites.
5. Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero)
The Sacred Valley is a must-see for history and culture lovers. This tour starts in Pisac, where you’ll explore its impressive agricultural terraces and artisan market, famous for its textiles and ceramics. Next, you’ll visit Ollantaytambo, a town that preserves its Inca urban planning and houses a stunning fortress. Finally, you’ll arrive in Chinchero, known for its traditional textiles and colonial church built on Inca foundations.
- Duration: Full day.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance to archaeological sites.
- Recommendation: Buy handicrafts at the Pisac market and try the local cuisine.
6. Maras, Moray, and Salt Flats Tour
This tour takes you to explore the circular terraces of Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory where different crops were tested at various altitudes. Next, you’ll visit the Maras Salt Flats, a collection of over 3,000 salt pools that have been in use since pre-Inca times. The contrast between Moray’s green terraces and the white salt pools creates a unique landscape.
- Duration: 1 day.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees.
- Recommendation: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the panoramic views.
7. Waqrapukara Tour
Waqrapukara, known as the “Fortress of the Horns,” is a less-visited but equally impressive archaeological site. This tour includes a hike with spectacular views of the Apurímac River canyon and a visit to this enigmatic Inca site. Waqrapukara is characterized by its horn-like rock formations and strategic location atop a mountain.
- Duration: 1 day.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, meals.
- Recommendation: Ideal for those seeking adventure and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
8. 7 Lagoons of Ausangate Tour
This tour takes you on a hike to the stunning 7 Lagoons of Ausangate, known for their turquoise waters and spectacular natural surroundings. The lagoons are located in the Vilcanota mountain range, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and Andean landscapes. It’s a perfect experience for trekking and nature lovers.
- Duration: 1 day.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, meals.
- Recommendation: Bring warm clothes and trekking gear.
9. Palcoyo (Alternative Rainbow Mountain) Tour
A less-crowded alternative to the Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo offers three colorful mountains and a stone forest. This tour is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and photogenic experience. Palcoyo’s mountains feature color stripes similar to Vinicunca but with easier access and less physical demand.
- Duration: 1 day.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, meals.
- Recommendation: Bring a camera and enjoy the panoramic views.
10. Q’eswachaka (Inca Rope Bridge) Tour
This tour takes you to the famous Inca Rope Bridge, rebuilt annually by local communities using ancestral techniques. The bridge, made of natural fibers, spans the Apurímac River and is a living example of Inca engineering. During the tour, you’ll learn about the cultural importance of this bridge and its role in the Inca road network (Qhapaq Ñan).
- Duration: 1 day.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees.
- Recommendation: Learn about the ancestral techniques used to build the bridge.
11. Pallay Punchu Mountain Tour
The Pallay Punchu Mountain is an emerging destination in Cusco, known for its rock formations that resemble Andean textiles. This tour includes a moderate hike with spectacular views of the Andes and a visit to this impressive natural site. Pallay Punchu is ideal for those looking to explore less touristy places and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
- Duration: 1 day.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, meals.
- Recommendation: Perfect for adventure seekers and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
Cusco is a destination that offers unique experiences for all tastes. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or nature, these 11 day tours will allow you to discover the best of the region. Plan your trip and live an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Andes!
If you need help planning your trip to Cusco, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Life Expeditions, we’ll be happy to help you organize an unforgettable experience.
📲 Contact us:
- Call/WhatsApp: +51 970 811 976
- WhatsApp: +51 908 885 119
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