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Cusco Tours

The enchanting city of Cusco sits high up in the Andes mountains at the crossroads between Incan legacy and colonial history. Our custom Cusco tours can be done in private or in small groups, and give you a memorable introduction to the city’s rich Andean culture and historical significance.

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Let our team of expert travel advisors help build your dream trip to Peru. Our fully customizable South America vacation packages allow you to hand-pick the destinations you wish to see at the exact pace you wish to see them. All of our offerings are also vetted firsthand by our team to ensure top quality and comfort. Contact our knowledgeable Peru experts today to plan your trip, with excellent tours, hotels and transfers throughout.

What to see in Cusco


Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman was the largest stone structure that the Inca Empire constructed. Built over 500 years ago it still stands tall today and houses the famous Inti Raymi festival every year in June. The stone boulders show the Inca style of architecture with blocks expertly cut and placed without the use of mortar.

Cristo Blanco

For a moment, you might think you're in Rio de Janeiro when you look at the Cristo Blanco statue of Jesus with his arms outstretched overlooking Cusco city. The White Christ is close to the Sacsayhuaman ruins and is a fantastic lookout point over Cusco city.

Twelve-Angled Stone

The Incas were famous for the way they shaped stones to perfectly fit within one another like a giant puzzle piece. The Twelve angled stone in Cusco city is a 12-sided rock piece that fits perfectly beside the neighboring stones.

The Temple of the Sun: Coricancha

Coricancha (Qorikancha) was a temple dedicated to the Incan sun god Inti and was once the most important temple of the Inca Empire. Builtin the 1400s, this temple is now an example of how the Spanish repurposed Incan architecture for their own purposes.

The Cusco Main Square

The Cusco Plaza de Armas or Cusco main plaza is a lively gathering place in the heart of Cusco. Here you’ll find the Fountain of Pachacuti, the Cusco Cathedral, storefronts, restaurants, and even McDonalds!

The San Blas Neighborhood

San Blas is the artisan quarter of Cusco city and is only a short walk from Cusco’s main plaza. This neighborhood dates back to the Inca empire and boasts some of the best views of Cusco. Rest at the Plazoleta de San Blas where you’re likely to spot artisans selling their handcrafts.

Vinicunca

The Seven Colored Mountain or Rainbow Mountain is a challenging high-altitude trek that rewards you with views that have made this trek Instagram famous. Colorful minerals in the soil stripe the mountain range in a natural rainbow of red, green, blue, and yellow.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley is a lush valley surrounded by the Andes mountains. Incan ruins and off-the-beaten-path adventures await! Top Sacred Valley sights include the Maras salt mines, the Moray concentric circles, the Ollantaytambo ruins, and the luxury hotel properties nestled in serene landscapes.

San Pedro Market

The bustling San Pedro Market is where you can go to find oddities like love potions, flavorful fruits from all over Peru, Andean textiles and alpaca sweaters. Bring the local currency, the Peruvian Sol, along with you here, bargaining is allowed.

Q’enqo

Qenqo comes from the Quecha word for “zig-zag” and is one of the largest Incan temples. Located near the Sacsayhuamán ruins, this Inca ruin is an impressive example of the Incas ability to carve stone though its purpose is still a mystery.

Puka Pukara

The archaeological ruins of Puka Pukara are close to Tambomachay so these two iconic sites are often paired together on a Cusco City tour. Like most Inca ruins, the purpose of this site is debated, though it is believed to have housed soldiers when the Inca was visiting the baths of Tambomachay.

Tambomachay

At Tambomachay, terraces take a different spin than the agricultural ones you’ll see in different locations through the Inca Empire. Here they feed water into different pools making archaeologists suspect that this was a type of Inca spa.

Cusco Hotels


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Palacio del Inka

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259, Historic Center, Cusco

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Casa Andina Premium Cusco

★ ★ ★ ★

Plazoleta de Limacpampa Chico 473, Historic Center, Cusco

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Casa San Blas

★ ★ ★

Tocuyeros 566, San Blas, Cusco

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Anahuarque Boutique Hotel

★ ★

Calle San Agustin 236, Cusco

Peru Highlights


Peru is filled with archaeological ruins, scenic landscapes, and delicious flavors. Must-see places in Peru include:

Inca Trail

Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in four or two days. The Inca Trail is a 500-year old pathway where the elite Incas once entered into the “Lost City of the Incas”. Plan with your Peru for Less travel advisor in advance, Inca Trail permits tend to sell out even 6-months in advance.

Amazon Rainforest

Step into the lush Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and witness a spectacular array of wildlife in its natural habitat. Lodges in Puerto Maldonado are ideal for excursions and daily activities. Those looking for a more luxurious Amazon experience would love an Iquitos Amazon River cruise. Colorful macaws, giant tarantulas, and playful river otters are among the sights you’ll behold.

Cusco

Cusco city has it all, archaeological ruins, colonial buildings, top-rated restaurants, and countless places to explore. Your Cusco City Tour will take you to the top highlights like Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, the Cusco Cathedral, and more.

Arequipa

Arequipa is a picturesque town and also the second-largest city in Peru. Local markets, beautifully built colonial architecture, and El Misti volcano are among the things you’ll see while walking the cobblestone streets of the white city.

Lake Titicaca

Sail on the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca and step on the reed Uros and Taquile floating islands. Some of the best weavers are found in this area so pick up some Peruvian textiles here for unique souvenirs.

Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are mysterious geoglyphs and geometric shapes drawn onto the desert floor hundreds of years ago by the Nazca culture. Little is known about them nevertheless, the Nazca Lines inspire awe in those who take a flight over them.

Lima

Lima is a mixture of modern city living and historical significance. Here you’ll find Central restaurant (ranked #6 by 50 Worlds Best), UNESCO World Heritage sites like Historic City Center with the San Francisco Convent, and the best shopping in Peru.

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