Cusco tours

Here is a selection of the best guided tours in Cusco: 1) Customized Machu Picchu Private Tour 2) Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour from Cusco 3) Cusco City Tour with Archeological Sites 4) Peru Agricultural Tour - Village Homestay 5) Rainbow mountain-Palcoyo trek in Cusco

Cusco, Peru, is a city rich in history and culture, serving as the former capital of the Inca Empire. Here are some must-do things when visiting Cusco: Machu Picchu: While not in Cusco itself, a visit to Machu Picchu is often the primary reason people come to Cusco. Take a train or trek to this iconic archaeological site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Historic Centre (Plaza de Armas): Explore the historic heart of Cusco, Plaza de Armas, surrounded by colonial-era buildings, shops, restaurants, and the Cusco Cathedral. The plaza is a great place to start your exploration of the city. Sacsayhuamán: Visit this Inca fortress located just outside Cusco. Marvel at the massive stone walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Sacsayhuamán is known for its impressive Inca stonework. Coricancha (Temple of the Sun): Discover the remains of the Coricancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It was dedicated to the Sun God and was adorned with gold and precious stones. San Pedro Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring San Pedro Market. Here, you can find a variety of traditional Peruvian products, including textiles, crafts, and fresh produce. Don't forget to try some local snacks. Qorikancha and Santo Domingo Church: Visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, built on the foundations of the Coricancha. Admire the blend of Inca and colonial architecture in this historic site. Cusco Cathedral: Explore the Cusco Cathedral, located on the Plaza de Armas. The cathedral houses an impressive collection of colonial art, including paintings and sculptures. Museo Inka: Learn more about Inca history and culture by visiting the Museo Inka. The museum displays artifacts, textiles, and pottery from the Inca civilization. Explore the San Blas Neighbourhood: Wander through the narrow streets of the San Blas neighbourhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere, art galleries, and craft shops. Don't miss the San Blas Church. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): For those seeking outdoor adventure, consider a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, a stunning natural attraction with colourful mineral deposits creating a vibrant landscape. Try Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Peruvian dishes, including ceviche, alpaca meat, and cuy (guinea pig). Visit local restaurants and food markets to experience the rich flavours of Peruvian cuisine. Remember to acclimatize to the high altitude gradually, as Cusco is situated at an elevation of over 3,400 meters (11,150 feet). Take it easy for the first day or two to avoid altitude sickness.

The cost of a private tour in Cusco can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of the tour, the specific attractions or areas you wish to visit, the level of customization, and the number of people in your group. Additionally, prices may vary among different guides, as they set their own prices with ToursByLocals. The cost of a private tour in Cusco typically ranges from around $300 - $1100. It's important to note that each guide sets their own prices, which is why there can be a large variation between one guide and another. When planning a private tour, be sure to read the 'what's included' and 'what's extra' sections of the tour page. If you don't quite see what you are looking for, you can send a message to the guide and discuss customizing a tour to meet your specific needs and budget.

Here are some of the top tours in Cusco, each highly rated with over 20 five star reviews! 1) Sacred Valley Full Day Tour 2) Sacred Valley Tour - Fascinating full day trip 3) Cusco City Tour 4) Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour - 2 days trip 5) Combined Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Full Day Tour

ToursByLocals guides set their own prices in order to compensate themselves fairly for the hard work they do and the time spent preparing for the private tour as well as delivering the tour itself. Therefore there is no expectation for ToursByLocals customers to tip their guide. Writing a review after the tour is a great way to show your appreciation to your guide as it helps them receive more inquiries in the future.

Guided tours are perfect for getting in-depth knowledge about the history, culture, and significance of the places you're visiting. If you're interested in learning about Cusco from a local expert, a guided tour can be very informative, and an excellent use of your vacation time. A local guide can help bridge the communication gap in areas where English is not widely spoken. If you have limited time in Cusco and want to see as much as possible in a short period, a private guided tour can be efficient. That way you are not restricted by a set schedule and can prioritise what you want to see in the time you have. Although private tours are generally more expensive than a group tour, they’re remarkably value: a good guide can provide you with insider tips, hidden gems, and local recommendations that will help you avoid tourist traps or overpriced places during your stay. ToursByLocals guided tours can be tailored to specific interests, such as art, history, or food. If you have a niche interest, a specialised tour can enhance your experience.

Yes, you can hire a tour guide in Cusco. Hiring a tour guide can be a great way to enhance your travel experience and gain valuable insights into the local culture, history, and attractions. ToursByLocals has over 15 local guides in Cusco who are local experts and offer a wide range of customizable private tours. They will work with you to customize an itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Private tour guides can provide a more personalized experience and offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and activities.

Cusco is surrounded by stunning landscapes and archaeological sites, providing ample opportunities for day trips to explore the diverse attractions in the region. Here are some recommended day trip options from Cusco: Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado): A must-visit destination, the Sacred Valley offers picturesque landscapes and several archaeological sites. Explore Pisac, known for its market and ruins, and Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress with well-preserved terraces and structures. Machu Picchu: While Machu Picchu is often visited as part of a multi-day excursion, it's possible to take a day trip from Cusco. Travel by train and bus to explore this iconic Inca site. Keep in mind that a day trip to Machu Picchu can be long and requires an early start. Maras and Moray: Visit the Maras salt mines, where locals have been harvesting salt for centuries, and explore the agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory. Chinchero: Explore Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its colourful market and Inca ruins. The town offers a glimpse into local culture and weaving traditions. Humantay Lake: Embark on a hike to Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise lake situated at the base of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. The hike provides breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. Andahuaylillas and Raqchi: Visit the town of Andahuaylillas, home to the ""Sistine Chapel of the Andes,"" a beautifully decorated church. Continue to Raqchi to explore the Inca archaeological site, including the Temple of Wiracocha. Tipon: Discover the archaeological site of Tipon, which features impressive Inca terraces, canals, and agricultural structures. The site is known for its advanced water engineering. Piquillacta: Explore the pre-Inca archaeological site of Piquillacta, an ancient city of the Wari culture. The site includes well-preserved adobe structures and a vast network of streets. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Embark on a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, known for its colourful mineral deposits creating a vibrant and unique landscape. The trek to the summit provides stunning views. ChocoMuseo: For a different kind of experience, visit the ChocoMuseo in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes to learn about the chocolate-making process and even participate in a chocolate-making workshop. When planning a day trip, consider your interests and preferences, whether it's historical sites, natural beauty, or cultural experiences. Keep in mind that travel times and altitudes can vary, so plan accordingly and acclimate to the high altitude in Cusco.

The ideal duration for a tour of Cusco depends on your interests, the activities you want to engage in, and whether you plan to visit nearby attractions such as Machu Picchu. Here are some general recommendations for different durations: 2-3 Days: With a short stay, you can explore the main highlights of Cusco, including the historic city center, Plaza de Armas, and nearby attractions like Sacsayhuamán and Coricancha. This timeframe allows for a brief immersion into Cusco's culture, history, and architecture. 4-5 Days: A slightly longer stay provides more time to delve deeper into Cusco's attractions, allowing for visits to additional archaeological sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. You can also take a day trip to Rainbow Mountain or explore the vibrant neighborhoods of San Blas. 6-7 Days or More: For a more comprehensive experience, especially if you plan to visit Machu Picchu, consider staying for a week or more. This allows you to explore the Sacred Valley at a leisurely pace, take a day trip to Machu Picchu, and perhaps embark on additional excursions like Humantay Lake or Maras and Moray. Keep in mind that these are general recommendations, and the ideal duration for your tour of Cusco depends on your preferences and the specific activities you want to include in your itinerary. If you plan to include longer treks or additional destinations, you may need more time.

The cost of a 7-day trip to Cusco from the United States can vary widely depending on various factors such as your travel preferences, choice of accommodation, transportation, activities, and the time of year you plan to visit. Here are some estimated costs for different aspects of the trip: Flights: The cost of round-trip flights from the US to Cusco can vary significantly based on factors such as the departure city, time of booking, and class of service. On average, you might expect to spend anywhere from $600 to $1,200 or more per person for economy class tickets. Accommodation: Accommodation prices in Cusco can vary based on the type of lodging you choose. Budget hotels might range from $30 to $80 per night, mid-range hotels could range from $80 to $150 per night, and luxury accommodations might start from $150 per night and go up. Meals: Dining costs will depend on your preferences and whether you choose casual or upscale restaurants. On average, you might spend around $15 to $30 per person for a mid-range restaurant meal. Budget-conscious travelers may spend less by opting for more affordable dining options. Transportation within Cusco: Local transportation costs, such as taxis or public buses, are relatively affordable. A daily budget for transportation might range from $10 to $20, depending on your activities. Activities and Entrance Fees: Entrance fees for attractions and the cost of activities can vary. Many historical sites and museums have entry fees ranging from $10 to $30 per person. Additional costs may include guided tours to places like Machu Picchu. Taking these estimates into account, a rough budget for a 7-day trip to Cusco from the US could range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more per person, excluding the cost of international airfare. Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and actual costs can vary based on individual choices and circumstances. It's advisable to plan and budget according to your specific preferences and travel plans.

Cusco offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some recommended areas to stay in Cusco, along with types of accommodation you might find in each: Historic Center (Plaza de Armas): Staying in or around the historic center puts you close to Cusco's main attractions, including Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and various museums. There are hotels, hostels, and boutique accommodations in this area. San Blas: The San Blas neighborhood, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and artisan workshops, is a bohemian area with a charming atmosphere. It's a bit quieter than the main square but still within walking distance. You'll find boutique hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Santa Ana: This neighborhood is close to the historic center but tends to be quieter. It offers a mix of accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses. San Pedro: Near the San Pedro Market, this area provides a local atmosphere and easy access to the market's offerings. You can find a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels. Sacred Valley: For a more tranquil experience, consider staying in one of the towns in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. This allows you to explore the valley's attractions while being a bit removed from the bustle of Cusco. Cusco Suburbs: Areas like Santiago and Wanchaq, slightly outside the historic center, offer a more residential experience. You'll find a mix of hotels and guesthouses, often at more affordable rates. When choosing accommodation, consider factors such as proximity to attractions, the type of neighborhood atmosphere you prefer, and the amenities offered by the lodging. Read reviews from other travelers to get insights into the quality and service of different accommodations. Keep in mind that Cusco is at a high altitude, so it's advisable to choose accommodation that provides oxygen and takes measures to help guests acclimate comfortably.

The best time to visit Cusco depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the type of activities you want to engage in. Cusco experiences distinct seasons, each offering a different experience: Dry Season (May to October): This period is considered the best time to visit Cusco. The weather is generally dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). This is the peak tourist season, especially during June, July, and August. The dry season is ideal for outdoor activities, treks, and visiting Machu Picchu. Wet Season (November to April): This period is characterized by rainy weather, especially from December to March. While the landscapes are lush and green, there's a higher chance of rain, and some trekking routes may be affected. However, the wet season can offer fewer crowds, and prices for accommodations and tours may be lower. Shoulder Seasons (April and October): The months of April and October are transitional periods between the wet and dry seasons. These shoulder seasons can be a good compromise, with more moderate weather, fewer tourists compared to the peak months, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Consider the following factors when planning your visit: Festivals: If you're interested in cultural events, consider visiting during local festivals. Inti Raymi, the Inca Festival of the Sun, takes place in late June and draws many visitors. Machu Picchu: If Machu Picchu is a key part of your itinerary, be aware that the site can get crowded during the dry season. Booking tickets and accommodations in advance is advisable. Altitude: Cusco is situated at a high altitude (around 3,400 meters or 11,150 feet). It's essential to acclimate gradually, especially if arriving from lower elevations. Take it easy during your first days to avoid altitude sickness. Ultimately, the best time to visit Cusco depends on your preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. Whether you prefer clear skies for outdoor activities or are willing to trade some rain for a quieter experience, Cusco has something to offer throughout the year.