Cusco Tours and Excursions , Peru

City tours, walking tours, mountain biking, day hiking, river rafting and horseback riding. Inca ruins and local markets. All within an hour or so of Cusco.

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 Cusco City and Nearby Ruins Tour

You will be picked up by your guide at your hotel to set off on a half day tour of Cusco and the nearby Inca ruins.

Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent, was the capital of the Inca Empire and is considered by many Quechua peoples to be the spiritual center of the world. Much of colonial Cusco was built on Inca foundations, and your guide will point out Inca stonework along the many streets.

Visit the main square, the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, as well as a first introduction to Inca stonework at the ruins of Puka-Pukara, Qenqo, Tambo Machay, and the renowned fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco and the surrounding valley.

*This tour can be arranged as a walking tour.

 Cusco Walking Tour and San Pedro Market

You will be met at your hotel by your guide for a half-day walking tour of Cusco.

You will walk to the bohemian quarter of San Blas, famous for its attractive narrow streets, cozy square, ateliers, and handicraft shops. This is the starting point of the splendid walking tour. The street of Hatunrumiyoc takes you to the well-known twelve-angle stone.

Continue walking towards the Plaza de Armas (Cusco’s main square), where the Cathedral will be visited. Afterwards, crossing the Inca street of Loreto, visit the Koricancha temple (Santo Domingo). Nearby, you will find the Centro de Textiles Cuzco where traditional textiles made using authentic Peruvian tools are displayed in its museum.

Finally, a swift walk will take you to the most popular market in town, Mercado de San Pedro, which is the major supplier of fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, cereals, and dried potatoes. Afterward, you will walk back to your hotel.

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 Pisac Ruins, Market and Ollantaytambo

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and depart with your guide for a full-day excursion to the village of Pisac located 20 miles from Cuzco.

Along the road to Pisac, you may be interested to stop at Awana Kancha - an exhibition center of textiles and American camels. Awana Kancha (a Quechua name that means “The palace of the Weaver”) is located just off the highway and makes a nice stop for those interested in an outdoor museum for the four American Camelidaes (llama, vicuña, alpaca and guanaco), which are all found here.

You will visit the colorful Pisac Market where you'll be able to trade with locals for a variety of handicrafts, including woolen sweaters and ponchos. The main colorful market days are Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, although there is a smaller market daily.

Lunch will be served in Urubamba, followed by a tour of the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

 Chinchero, Maras and Moray

After a morning pickup from your hotel, you will set off by road through beautiful scenery to Chinchero village, located about 20 miles from Cusco.

The main plaza, the nearby Inca ruins, and the Sunday market are some of its many attractions. Afterwards, visit Maras, where the salt mines of the Inca period are still in use, and Moray, an experimental agricultural center from the same period.

The salt mines at Maras consist of 3000 small pools. A number of salt water springs emerge from the hillside and are channeled along canals using the natural inclination. This process is repeated every three days and when the water evaporates, the salt left behind slowly solidifies.

This process takes one month, until a 10 cm layer of salt has formed. The salt is then packed into plastic sacks to be sold in the region's local markets and is exported as far away as Japan.

Moray is a series of agricultural terraces in the form of a circular amphitheater, 150m in diameter, which was built by the Incas. It was a center for agricultural experiments, and recent research has shown that the different levels of terraces represent different microclimates in the region and that temperatures between the terraces can vary greatly.

Using this technology, the Incas used Moray to domesticate and acclimatize the hybrids of wild plants which they created. After visiting the site, we will start the descent down the Urubamba Valley, passing through the community of Pichingotos along the way. Picnic lunch included.

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 Cachicata Full Day Hike

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to begin your hike. On this trip, you will hike to visit the community of Cachicata.

The terraces are pretty flat, with short grass perfect for grazing animals like cows, sheep, goats and llamas. Below the terraces are the fields of corn, potatoes, and fava beans that provide the only economic activity for the typical community.

Nearby, you can also find what are known as Las Piedras Cansadas, or ‘Tired Rocks.’ These are the enormous rocks which were used for building the fortress of Ollantaytambo, which, after cutting and shaping, were left behind by the Incas due to the approaching conquistadores. A box-lunch will be included.

 Chinchero - Huchuy Qosqo Hike

You will be picked up and driven to the village of Chinchero, also known as Taucca, where the hike will begin.

The hike climbs up to a lake, which is the highest point of the trek at 14,355 feet. You will then begin a gradual descent to the village of Pumamarca.

Just beyond the village, the valley narrows dramatically where a series of hidden Inca steps and a perfect Incan cobbled path leads through gorgeous terrain and down into the fabulous village of Huchuy Qosqo. Huchuy Qosqo is situated far above the Urubamba Valley, with the village of Lamay below, offering amazing views.

It was an administrative center, just like Pisac, and boasts the remains of finely constructed stone buildings in the classic Inca imperial style. The center also possesses granaries, indicating that it was an important agricultural center.

Continuing along the magnificent route, with the dark peak of Pitusiray ahead of you, you will eventually pass through an ancient Inca gateway made from stone and adobe.

To descend into the valley you must take a steep downhill path to the village of Lamay, where your vehicle will be waiting, and you will return by road to your hotel.A picnic lunch is included.

 Choco Museum: The Cacao Route

Make your own chocolate! The Choco Museo, located on Plaza Regocijo, one block away from Cuzco’s main square, is the right place for kids and for those who want to learn about the secrets of chocolate, its origin, and how the cacao beans are processed to obtain fine chocolate – considered worldwide to be a most delicious treat.

The museum offers a presentation, which includes the history of cacao from the Mayas (one thousand years ago) until today. As the museum makes its own chocolate based upon Aztec and Inca techniques, the entire process is described step by step with authentic ingredients: raw, fermented, roasted, ground up to fine chocolate.

You will be delighted to make your own chocolate with nuts, almonds, coffee beans or cashews, and to taste a cacao infusion or an authentic hot chocolate.

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 Cusco By Night

After you’ve toured the city and seen all the usual sites, this after-hours walking excursion looks to show you another face of the ancient Inca capital.

Feel the electricity in the cool night air as you make your way around the narrow streets of the artists ‘barrio,’ San Blas, and up to a remarkable view of the glowing city from its perfectly located lookout point. Close out the tour by gazing out at the stars in the vast skies through a high powered observatory telescope.

 Mandor Waterfalls Day Hike

You will be picked up will be in the early morning from your hotel and transfer to the train station where you'll set off on the train for a scenic trip through the Urubamba Valley.

From Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), you will hike 4 km following the course of the raging Urubamba River. During the trail, the old coffee plantation of Mandorpampa can be seen. Continue for a further 1.5 hours to the waterfalls.

These picturesque falls are about 12 m high, and are fed by the crystal-clear melt waters of sacred Mount Yanantin. Then, continue up to the ridge before becoming lost in the increasingly dense vegetation. See the impressive fertile landscape, with coffee, banana, and avocado plantations carved from the forest.

These pristine areas are the natural habitat of mammals such as the spectacled bear and hundreds of species of birds and butterflies, some of them endemic to the region. Afterwards, you will return to Aguas Calientes. Box lunch included.

 Huchuy Qosqo Hiking Tour

You will be met at your Cusco hotel by your guide and driven to Chincheros.

From there you begin the hike. Just beyond the lake you will reach at the highest point of the trek (14,355 feet), and then begin a gradual descent to the village of Pumamarca, Past the village, the valley narrows dramatically where a series of Inca steps will lead down into the fabulous city of Huchuy Qosqo, situated above the Urubamba Valley, with the village of Lamay far below.

It was an administrative center just like Pisac and boasts the remains of finely constructed stone buildings in the classic Inca imperial style. The center also possesses granaries, indicating that it was an important agricultural center.

Continuing along this magnificent route, with the dark peak of Pitusiray ahead, you eventually pass through an Inca gateway made from stone and adobe. To descend into the valley you must take a steep path to the village of Lamay, from where you will return by road to Cusco or continue to the village of Urubamba. Box-lunch included.

 Maras and Moray Hiking Tour

You will be met at your Cusco hotel by your guide and depart for Maras in the Sacred Valley.

The salt mines at Maras consist of 3000 small pools. A number of salt water springs emerge from the hillside and are channeled along canals using the natural gradient. This process is repeated every three days and when the water evaporates, the salt left behind slowly solidifies.

This process takes one month, until a 10 centimeter layer of salt has formed. The salt is then packed into plastic sacks to be sold in the region's local markets and exported as far away as Japan. The Incas built a series of agricultural terraces in the form of a circular amphitheater 150m in diameter.

Moray was a center for agricultural experiments and recent research has shown that the different levels of terraces represent different microclimates in the region and that temperatures between the terraces can vary greatly. Using this technology, the Incas used Moray to domesticate and acclimatize the hybrids of wild plants which they created.

After this visit, you will begin the descent down the Urubamba Valley. On the road you will pass through the community of Pichongotos. The walk takes about an hour.

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 Ruins Mountain Bike Tour

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the meeting point to pick up the necessary equipment. Then, you will depart by bus to the Tambomachay ruins where the biking tour will begin.

From here it is downhill biking to the Templo de la Luna (Moon Temple) and Qenqo. The ride ends at Sacsayhuaman, famous for its cosmic energy. From here you will return to your hotel.Level - beginner.

 Mountain Biking - Moray and Maras

depart for CruzPata located in Chinchero for the start an exciting downhill mountain biking excursion through Moray, an experimental agricultural center from the time of the Incas, and Maras, salt mines from the same period which are still in use today.

The salt mines at Maras consists of 3000 small pools. A number of salt water springs emerge from the hillside and are channelled along canals using the natural gradient. This process is repeated every three days and the water evaporates leaving behind the salt which slowly solidifies. This process takes one month, until a 10 centimeter layer of salt has formed.

The salt is then packed into plastic sacks to be sold in the region's local markets and exported as far away as Japan. The Incas built a series of agricultural terraces in the form of a circular amphitheatre 150 meters in diameter. Moray was a center for agricultural experiments and recent research has shown that the different levels of terraces represent different microclimates in the region and that temperatures between the terraces vary greatly.

Using this technology, the Incas used Moray to domesticate and acclimatise the hybrids of wild plants which they created. Picnic lunch included. Level - intermediate. Includes bikes and helmet. Duration - approximately 8 hours.

 Mountain Biking - Tipon / Huacarpay / Piquillaqta

Depart from Cusco towards Tipón, where you will make a brief visit to the archaeological complex of the same name.

Then, you will start biking along a bridle path towards the colonial town of Oropesa, famous for its delicious bread.

Afterwards, you will continue to the Huacarpay lagoon, the habitat of a wide diversity of bird species, and to the nearby Inca remains. You will conclude the journey to the archaeological complex of Piquillaqta, where a vehicle will be waiting for the return trip to Cuzco.Duration - 8 hours. Level - intermediate.

 Peruvian Paso Horse Show with Pachacamac

You will be met at your hotel and depart for a guided tour through the splendid and vast archaeological site of the Pachacamac Oracle, also known as the Temple of the Deity.

The old Andean civilizations believed Pachacamac was the creator of the universe. The citadel comprises temples, pyramids, and palaces, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Pachacamac, and the Acllahuasi or Palace of the Virgins of the Sun, amongst others. The whole area was considered holy and part of the mystical axis of the world.

Afterwards, continue to a typical Peruvian “hacienda” house, located in the valley of Lurin. In its beautiful gardens, a Peruvian horsewoman “Amazona” will introduce you to the world of the Peruvian Paso horse, narrating the story of this noble animal. The exhibition includes elegant “chalanes” (Peruvian horse riders) riding beautiful horses.

The breeding and grazing, together with the contact with nature will make your visit unforgettable. If you choose you can ride a Peruvian Paso horse, known to be the smoothest riding horse in the world. A countryside lunch is included with a welcome Pisco Sour, salad bar, an excellent main course, dessert, and a glass of wine. Afterward, you will return to your hotel.

 Phiri Trek

A new, virgin hike amongst the high, snow-capped peaks of the mighty Andes Mountains, this trek will take you to places that most travelers only dream about. The only other people you will see during the 3-day walk will be llama herders and natives of the region. Step out of the modern world and into a simpler time and place, free from the burdens of everyday life. Top it all off with a visit to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.”

 Willoc’s Weavers Tour

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel by your private guide and head to the native rural Quechua community, home to a group of families rich in human and cultural values. Most men earn their living as porters for the Inca Trail Trek and are known as "Huayruros." Women,also strong and resourceful, are outstanding weavers known for producing the highest quality textiles in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lunch is included.

 Pumahuanca Section Horseback Riding

After a short orientation, we will set off on rural paths, across small villages and communities such as Palcaraqui, Rumichaca, San Jose de Media Luna, Pumahanca, and Chichubamba. As we travel, we are transported into a rural lifestyle, meeting and respectfully interacting with villagers as they cook, herd cattle, and till their fields.

Our tour follows mostly rural routes and paths - no asphalt, and very few to no cars. At certain points, when there is no alternative, we will need to use paved roads to cross back onto paths or to reach culturally significant destinations on our itinerary.

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 Urubamba River Rafting

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and you will be transferred to Huambutio for the day's rafting down the Urubamba River. After a 30-minute orientation, get ready for an exciting 2-hour rafting trip aboard rubber rafts.A picnic lunch is included.

 Zip-Line Adventure

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the Sacred Valley Zip Line Adventure. From the entrance you take a 35-minute hike to the starting point. The zip line has six cables, from 100 to 500 meters, for a total of 2000 meters, all equipped with a Via Ferrata system for maximum security and confidence to all adventurous people. No experience is required.

The operator reserves the right to determine whether people are suitable for the zip line or not. Without exception, the zip line passengers must always be accompanied by a guide. Equipment provided includes a pelvic harness, helmet, gloves, and a zip-line kit (pulley, 3 carabiners, lanyard) and Via Ferrata lanyard.

 Via Ferrata Climb And Rappel

The Zip line excursion can be combined with a Via Ferrata climb and rappel at your discretion and preference. This is the safest way to climb a 300m rock face. Attach your double-carabiner system to the steel life-line and feel the excitement climbing up 300 meters using iron ladders and knowing you are 100% safe.

Enjoy the breathtaking view, and then descend a 100-meter cliff fixed to a rope. Add-on following the zipline adventure.

 Andean Shaman Session

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to a special place near the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman. Here, you will join an Andean ceremony led and guided by a "shaman." The ceremony consists of an offering to the Mother Earth and a reading of coca leaves.

Cusco Tours and Excursions

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