If you are planning your trip to Peru, it is essential to know which are the best tours in Cusco to make the most of your stay. Cusco offers unique cultural, archaeological and natural experiences, and here we present a well balanced and complete itinerary, designed for travelers who are looking for what to visit in Cusco, what tours to do in Cusco, and how to organize a trip to Machu Picchu.
🥇 1.City Tour Cusco – The best way to start your adventure
The City Tour Cusco is ideal for your first day, as it allows you to acclimatize to the height while discovering the Inca and colonial history of the city. This tour usually lasts half a day and includes:
The Cathedral of Cusco
Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun
Sacsayhuamán
Qenqo
Puca Pucara
Tambomachay
Recommended because:
👉 It’s perfect for acclimatizing you
👉 Learn about Inca history from the beginning
👉 Ideal for travelers arriving early in Cusco
🌄 2. Sacred Valley of the Incas – Unmissable Tour
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. Combines tradition, archaeology, craftsmanship and beautiful Andean landscapes. The complete tour includes:
Taray viewpoint
Pisac and its craft market
Urubamba (buffet lunch)
Ollantaytambo
Chinchero (on some routes)
Many travelers take advantage of this day to take the train to Aguas Calientes, preparing the visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
Recommended because:
👉 Combine culture, history and nature
👉 Perfect for photographs
👉 It is the ideal hall to go to Machu Picchu
🏯 3. Machu Picchu – Guided tour to one of the wonders of the world
The jewel of travel. Visiting Machu Picchu is the dream of thousands of travelers, and with good reason: its energy, architecture and history make it an unforgettable experience.
What does the tour include?
Train tickets (PeruRail or Inca Rail)
Bus to Machu Picchu
Official entry according to the chosen circuit
Professional guide in Spanish or English
Most recommended circuits:
Circuit 1 or 2: Classic route with the best views
Circuit 3: Short trip
Optional:
Huayna Picchu (more adventurous)
Machu Picchu Mountain (more panoramic)
Recommended because:
👉 It is the most important visit of the trip
👉 You can combine it with Sacred Valley
👉 Easy, accessible and organized tour
🌈 4. Mountain of 7 Colors – Adventure in the Andes
The Mountain of 7 Colors (Vinicunca) has become one of the most popular tours in Cusco thanks to its impressive Andean landscapes tinged with natural colors.
What does the tour include?
Hotel pickup (4:00 – 4:30 am)
Breakfast and lunch in Cusipata
Walk of 1h 30 min approx.
Visit to Vinicunca and viewpoints
Recommended because:
👉 It is one of the most famous landscapes in Peru
👉 Ideal for photos
👉 Perfect for travelers seeking adventure
💧 5. Laguna Humantay – A turquoise jewel in the mountains
The Humantay Lagoon is a magical destination located at the foot of the snowy Salkantay. Its intense turquoise color and mountainous landscape make it one of the most spectacular places in Cusco.
What does the tour include?
Pick up from hotel very early
Travel to Mollepata and Soraypampa
Walk of approximately 1h 20 min
Free time for photographs
Recommended because:
👉 Ideal tour to connect with nature
👉 Perfect for trekking lovers
👉 Breathtaking scenery throughout the tour
🏞️ 6. Palcoyo – Quiet alternative to the 7-Color Mountain
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If you want to see colorful mountains without a demanding hike, Palcoyo is the best option. There are three colorful mountains, a stone forest and panoramic views of the Ausangate.
Recommended because:
👉 Light walk
👉 Less tourists
👉 Amazing colorful landscapes
🧖♂️ 7. Ausangate lagoons – Thermal and landscape route
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This tour combines light walks, colored lagoons, viewpoints and natural hot springs.
Includes:
Round trip transfer
Walk by 7 lagoons
Optional thermal baths
Recommended because:
👉 Ideal for hikers
👉 Unique landscapes at more than 4,500 msnm
👉 Cultural experience with local communities
If you are looking for tours to do in Cusco, these are the best rated routes by travelers from all over the world. Each will allow you to live a different experience:
Culture and history: City Tour and Sacred Valley
Adventure: Mountain of 7 Colors, Humantay, 7 Lagoons
Not to be missed: Machu Picchu
Relaxed alternative: Palcoyo
Cusco has activities for everyone: families, couples, groups and solo travelers.
