Things to do in Cusco, Cusco Region: The Best City Tours

December 19, 2021 Madelene Haan

Incan majesty and Andean baroque exist side-by-side in Cusco's stone streets, epitomized by the Qoriacancha palace and the church of Santo Domingo flanking the Plaza de Armas. In this high-altitude melting pot of Amerindian and mestizo culture, you'll find extraordinary textiles, lively summer festivals and archeological wonders.
Restaurants in Cusco

1. Private Walking Tour: Cusco City Sightseeing and San Pedro Market

Cultural Immersion Day Tours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Visit the city of Cusco, 'The Capital of the old Incan Empire' on this 4-hour private, walking tour. You will be picked up from your hotel to see the main sights of a city which embraces both the past and the present. Admire the beautiful main square, with its impressing cathedral and Qoricancha 'The temple of the Sun'. Finally, visit San Pedro Market, a colorful local market, where you will be able to observe a variety of fruits, vegetables and potatoes. After your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, All excursions in private service, Local taxes, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entrances

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Jzeliger51

We had 2 nights in the Amazon at Amazona Posadas. We packed in a lot to very little time. The lodge was beautiful and very comfortable, food was excellent. Our guide was very good but seemed a bit disinterested at times. Very knowledgeable. We then went to Cusco, had a walking tour and cooking class. Our new guide, Albero was excellent. Our cooking class with Jesus was fun, very accommodating. We then moved on to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Highly recommend the hike at MP Mountain. Our guide was very supportive and patient! Next we then went to the Rainbow Mountain. Unfortunately, though I requested we NOT go to Vinicunca, that is where we were taken. It was very beautiful, but very crowded. I did not understand why we did not go to Palcoyo. Was told later it was not accessible due to landslides. This may have been the case, but was unhappy about the lack of transparency prior to embarking. Overall, we were very happy with our experience and grateful to have completed it before the travel restrictions were set in place for the COVID pandemic.

2. Scenic Journey from Cusco to Puno by Bus Including Hotel Transfers

Cultural Immersion Day Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Travel from Cusco to Puno by comfortable tourist coach. Appreciate the stunning scenery and fascinating cultural and natural attractions along the way and enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Peruvian dishes. Additionally, private transfers from your hotel in Cusco to the bus terminal and from the Puno bus terminal to your hotel are included.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking tour guide, Local taxes, Buffet lunch, One way comfortable, air-conditioned tourist coach (from Cusco to Puno)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Jzeliger51

We had 2 nights in the Amazon at Amazona Posadas. We packed in a lot to very little time. The lodge was beautiful and very comfortable, food was excellent. Our guide was very good but seemed a bit disinterested at times. Very knowledgeable. We then went to Cusco, had a walking tour and cooking class. Our new guide, Albero was excellent. Our cooking class with Jesus was fun, very accommodating. We then moved on to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Highly recommend the hike at MP Mountain. Our guide was very supportive and patient! Next we then went to the Rainbow Mountain. Unfortunately, though I requested we NOT go to Vinicunca, that is where we were taken. It was very beautiful, but very crowded. I did not understand why we did not go to Palcoyo. Was told later it was not accessible due to landslides. This may have been the case, but was unhappy about the lack of transparency prior to embarking. Overall, we were very happy with our experience and grateful to have completed it before the travel restrictions were set in place for the COVID pandemic.

3. Sacred valley and Machu picchu 2 Days 1 Night

Machupicchu Best
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Grupo pequeño para el tour , guiado en español o ingles , recojo de su hotel y traslado hasta su hotel

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Recojo de hotel en Bus turístico para el valle sagrado, Boleto de tren Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo, 1 Noche de hotel en aguas calientes , Boleto de Bus Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes , Boleto de Ingreso a Machu picchu, Boleto Parcial para ingresar al Valle sagrado , Transporte Ollantaytambo / Hotel en Cusco

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Reviewed By brili37

The hike was tiring but rewarding. Beautiful views. Took us about 3 hours roundtrip. Wear many layers. Our guide was friendly, not great English. The breakfast and lunch were okay, at the same restaurant. No toilet paper in the restroom. The roads were bumpy and the ride was uncomfortable. Our van broke down on the way back and we had to hop on another group’s van. They dropped us off at the town center rather than our hotel, so we had to walk back 12 min.

4. Private City Kickstart Tour: Cusco

Cappuccino Cusco Cafe, Portal Comercio 141, 2do piso, Cuzco, Plaza de Armas, Cusco 08002, Peru ►► Withlocals™ - Local Private Tours ????????
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Receive a warm welcome to Cusco on a private tour that will kick off your time in the city in the best way possible! In only 90 minutes, a local guide will get you acquainted with Cusco to help you enjoy the rest of your stay to the fullest. Discover where to find Le Merced Church and Plaza de Armas, and how to explore them away from the crowds. And what about that unique family owned restaurant or that amazing local hotspot? We got you covered; the local guides are experts in the subject! Forget about touristy traps; on this city kickstart tour, your guide will point you in the right direction. Private City Kickstart Tour: Cusco is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Inclusions: Private Tour, Small-group tour option available, Local Guide, Local Tips and Tricks, City Orientation

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off

Reviewed By mzoerb1

Had an awesome time! Angelo was very personable and helpful. Super cool trip, would definitely do it again!

5. Cusco City Tour - Capital of an Empire

Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, Av. Abancay 207, Cusco 00000, Peru Peru Sightseeing - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

Cusco, the ancient capital and spiritual center of the Incas, considered by them “the navel of the world”, from where the four routes that connected to all corners of the Tawantinsuyo empire started. Prepare to discover the mystery of this mythical city, its legends, its religion, the life of its rulers, the construction techniques of its impressive lithic buildings, its temples, streets and squares, as well as the arrival of the Spaniards and the foundation of the Colonial Cusco Our personalized service and the quality of our guides will make this excursion an unforgettable experience.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Audio guides, Service on board, Guided tour in English or Spanish languages, not bilingual.

Exclusions: Tickets: Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), Catedral & Koricancha

Reviewed By ali_ce0987654321

My friend and I booked a Peruvian Tour with this agency on February 2020 and we paid 1250 USD each of us. After 1 month, due to the COVID-19 we had to cancel the tour and from that day the troubles began. They started in a fine way, they told us that they will give us the entire refund in few days. The days had passed and today February 2021 we don't have received yet the refund (neither a part of it) and they has stopped answering pour emails, calls. We don't know what to do anymore, next step is to go with the legal and we will do it. We absolutely don't recommend this agency at all to none.

6. The Jungle Journey to Machu Picchu

Veru Voyage
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Veru Voyage is a Peruvian travel agency focused on crafting bespoke itineraries to small groups, with the best Peru has to offer. Every trip is a unique experience. We want you to enjoy new experiences, try it all, and learn along the way. We want to bring you closer to our world, the culture, to the people and their way of living.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private transportation

Exclusions: National Flights

Reviewed By Maxpark12

We have been wanting to go to Peru for a long time, and finally decided to go last December with Veru Voyage, and we must say that though it rained a tad (we knew this before hand because it's the rainy season) we couldn't be happier. We did the Lares trek along with Lake Titicaca/Puno and Arequipa, each place is totally different and each one of them offers completely different experiences. Though most recommend not going during the rainy season, and I understand why, everything is so green and beautiful that we think that it's actually a good idea, if we had to do it all over again we would choose the end of the rainy season towards March or April, where everything is still green but it doesn't rain as much. The team at Veru was brilliant, they did everything for us and we could not be happier, it's a boutique travel agency with great service and great price for what you end up with, highly recommended.

7. Cusco Half Day City Tour: Four Ruins

HEIDI TRAVEL EIRL, Calle Plateros 324, Cusco 08000, Peru Heidi Travel EIRL Day Tours
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4.9 based on 15 reviews

Discover the magic and beauty of Cusco, the capital of the Incan Empire. The flawlessly built Incan roads spread to all regions from the “Plaza” which was thought of as the center of the world. Visit the four iconic archaeological sites on the outskirt of the former Inca capital - Cusco.

Inclusions: Transport , Bi-lingual guide (English & Spanish)

Exclusions: Entrane to Qorikancha: 15 Soles, Entrance to sites: 70 Soles for 2 Days or 130 Soles for 10 Days

Reviewed By aviatorram

Excellent trip to see the Maras and Moray of the Sacred Valley of Incas off the Cusco city. The tour was conducted very nicely and the guide was well informed with a plenty of knowledge and experience. I can totally recommend this to see and get a good overview of Maras and Moray in the Sacred Valley of Incas.

8. Cusco City Bike Tour

San Andres 477, Cusco 08002, Peru Cultural Immersion Day Tours
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4.8 based on 4 reviews

Enjoy a biking tour through the city of Cusco and see it from a different perspective. On a 3-hour ride, cycle along the main streets of the city center, while not just visiting famous sites including the main square, but also beautiful hidden streets, apart from the vibrant city life. You will get amazing views of the city (in the morning or at night) and your local tour guide will provide you with inside tips and information all along the way.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, Full assistance, Use of bicycle, Use of helmet

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Jzeliger51

We had 2 nights in the Amazon at Amazona Posadas. We packed in a lot to very little time. The lodge was beautiful and very comfortable, food was excellent. Our guide was very good but seemed a bit disinterested at times. Very knowledgeable. We then went to Cusco, had a walking tour and cooking class. Our new guide, Albero was excellent. Our cooking class with Jesus was fun, very accommodating. We then moved on to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Highly recommend the hike at MP Mountain. Our guide was very supportive and patient! Next we then went to the Rainbow Mountain. Unfortunately, though I requested we NOT go to Vinicunca, that is where we were taken. It was very beautiful, but very crowded. I did not understand why we did not go to Palcoyo. Was told later it was not accessible due to landslides. This may have been the case, but was unhappy about the lack of transparency prior to embarking. Overall, we were very happy with our experience and grateful to have completed it before the travel restrictions were set in place for the COVID pandemic.

9. Half Day Cusco City Tour and Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman

Viajes Pacifico
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4.3 based on 66 reviews

Be fascinated on a half-day tour of Cusco’s surrounding archeological sites, including the famous Sacsayhuaman, where the Incas’ construction of tightly placed stones created an incredible series of walls. With an experienced guide, you’ll also visit Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, as well as the Temple of the Sun (also known as Korikancha). Before your tour ends, visit Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and tour Cusco Cathedral – also known as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo – to see its stunning architecture. Not included ticket entry to Sacsayhuaman, you need to buy it for your own

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Hotel pickup & drop-off.Note: Some hotels are in areas where the access by vehicle is not permitted.

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Ticket entry to Sacsayhuaman

Reviewed By mzoerb1

Awesome trip. My guide was super informative and helpful. The pick up process, trains and bus were all flawless. Machu Picchu was amazing, but the guide really added to the experience with tons of info!

10. Bike the Cusco Temples

Cusco Running Tours
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

An unforgettable way to tour Cusco and its surrounding sights - Bike quiet back trails, explore the breathtaking Inka temples, see all the highlights and hidden attractions all while cycling through the idyllic andean countryside outside the city. This bike tour is downhill all the way!

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bike, helmet, Professional guide

Exclusions: Entrance fees ( 70 soles per person)

Reviewed By gbac3000

Very historic city with plenty of architecture to see. Main square is pleasant and a good place to just sit and watch the world- except for the constant, non stop barrage of people trying to sell you something. (There are plenty of other smaller plazas- with less people trying to sell you something.) I realise I come from a fortunate place but when the same person asks you multiple times over the course of a day it wears you down. I was asked 38 times in 45 minutes if I wanted a massage, wanted to buy a picture, wanted my shoes polished (dont wear leather shoes- they just dont stop asking) or wanted to buy a trinket/ day trip/ object of some type. They are warm and friendly people so be courteous at least- but it does annoy after a while. Be prepared. Remember, your a visitor in their country- its not up to them to speak your language. They work hard and do it tough- there is no way the average Peruvian could even contemplate a trip like your on. The architecture is so well restored its hard to see (or know) what is original- but it is very interesting. Make sure you get a tourist pass that lets you visit multiple sites in the region (100 soles)- otherwise you can pay up to 70 soles for a single site.

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