Cusco calls out to thrill-seekers with its endless list of options for adventure activities and day trips from Cusco. Horseback ride near the Sacsayhuaman ruins, go white water rafting, hike various treks around Cusco like Rainbow Mountain or the Classic Inca Trail. Talk with your Inca Expert about ATV tours, zipline excursions, and more to add an extra rush to your Peru vacation package.
Our Inca Expert travel advisors will help you plan a trip that is perfectly tailored to your interests and preferences.
Contact us to start planningThe Amazon Rainforest is the largest jungle in the world. You’ll see species of plants, birds, fish, mammals, and insects as you relax in a comfortable all-inclusive lodge near the Tambopata Research Center in Puerto Maldonado. Luxury Amazon River cruises from Iquitos are an alternative option for jungle exploration done in style.
Hike the famous Inca Trail to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. This 26-mile hike through idyllic Peruvian landscapes only permits 500 people per day, so talk with your Inca Expert travel advisor today to book in advance.
Visit Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu. Tour through historical sights and Inca temples or delight in gourmet food at some of the top restaurants in Cusco.
Lake Titicaca is a cultural and natural wonder in Peru. For impressive sunsets, a visit to the Uros and Taquile floating islands, and relaxing luxury hotels, head to Lake Titicaca.
The Sacred Valley has unending sites to behold and things to do. Visit the Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo ruins, Pisac market, begin the Inca Trail, or simply relax at your scenic Sacred Valley hotel with unmissable views.
It’d be a mistake to miss out on Lima’s top restaurants and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The capital city is home to the most exclusive restaurant in Peru: Central. You can also tour through museums, art galleries, and more in the vibrant city of Lima.
The mysterious Nazca Lines are giant geoglyphs drawn into the desert floor. Soar above them to see the hummingbird, the astronaut, the spider, and many more!
Arequipa is a refreshing mix of colonial architecture, Peruvian history, and natural beauty. Visit the historical center, Santa Catalina Monastery, or various lookout points in the city for views of El Misti Volcano. Then, spot Andean condors soaring through Colca Canyon as you continue your tour through scenic Peru.
"All in all we had an absolutely amazing time and the trip completely blew my expectations out of the water. The hotels were all fabulous with beautiful views. Thank you sincerely for the trip of a lifetime!"
Aggie Szymanska
CA, USA
Traveled to: Lima, Paracas, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
"We wouldn’t stop talking about how well executed and planned everything was. I personally loved the Inca trail addition and I am so glad you gave that to us as an option. The hike to Huayna Picchu was also a group favorite."
Natasha Mehta & friends
NY & PA, USA
Traveled to: Cusco, Lares + 2-day Inca Trail Trek, Machu Picchu
"It exceeded my expectations and I loved the people I met there. The hikes were so well organized, food was amazing, and the guides were super caring even getting the cooks to make a cake for me on my birthday on the Lares trek."
Araceli Gutierrez
MO, USA
Traveled to: Lima, Cusco, Lares, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
"Based on the trip you organized, the historical knowledge, the people, the food, the culture and the natural beauty of Peru, it was simply the best trip I’ve ever taken. This trip will forever be in my memory."
Gilles Verrier
MB, Canada
Traveled to: Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lares Trek, Machu Picchu
"Our trip to Peru was nothing short of magnificent. As for our favorite part, we loved it all. Machu Picchu was everything we thought it would be and more. We had a wonderfully successful trip to Peru!"
Steven Kopelic
PA, USA
Traveled to: Amazon, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco
Cusco city is at an altitude of 11,151 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level. Elevation this high can cause symptoms of altitude sickness.
It is recommended to have 2 days between your arrival to Cusco and arrival at Machu Picchu in order to avoid feeling altitude sickness while at the Machu Picchu citadel. One day can be spent touring Cusco City, and another exploring the sites of the Sacred Valley. Symptoms of altitude sickness generally subside after 24-48 hours.
40-50% of travelers experience minor symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, like shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness when traveling in high altitude destinations in Peru such as on the Inca Trail, in Cusco, Arequipa, and Lake Titicaca. Symptoms of altitude sickness generally alleviate after 24-48 hours in altitude. Best practices for minimizing its impact on your trip include taking the time to acclimate, drinking lots of water, resting, avoiding alcohol, and eating light non-fatty foods upon arrival at altitude.
Consult with your doctor before traveling to high-altitude destinations.
Light-paced tour options while acclimating in Cusco include a private Cusco City Tour, a chocolate-making workshop, or a cooking class.
The best time to visit Cusco city is between the months of May-September, during the dry season in the Andes. Average temperatures in these months are lower than in the rainy season (October-April), however, weather conditions are more favorable with significantly less rain.
From luxurious converted palacios, to boutique hotels featuring Andean textiles and art, to charming budget options, Cusco offers a wide variety of hotel options that cater to all types of travel styles. Our Top Cusco Hotels include:
Talk with an Inca Expert travel advisor today to discuss tailor-made recommendations for your personalized Peru trip.
Top attractions of Cusco city include the Cusco Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, Coricancha, San Blas artisan quarter, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Museo del Pisco, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Regional Historical Museum, the Popular Art Museum, Qosqo Native Art Center, and the Monument to the Inca Pachacuti.
The flight from Lima's Jorge Chavez international airport to Cusco is a short hour and a half flight. Flights from Lima to Cusco operate between the hours of 5 am and 7 pm. Most international flights arrive to Lima in the late evening, requiring an overnight in Lima before flying onwards to Cusco the next day.
