Top Cusco Outdoor Activities

Experience more of Peru’s Sacred Valley in just one day than you would on most tours during this comprehensive full-day excursion ideal for travelers with limited time in the region. Alongside a small group and local guide, visit Maras, Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo in an unconventional order to avoid other tour groups and enjoy a more intimate experience.

Peru’s Sacred Valley lies in the Andean Highlands—a landscape of rugged mountains, open plains, and soaring cliffs—and reaching the remote sites is a challenge. Choose a morning or afternoon half-day safari, and tackle the rough ground by powerful all-terrain quad bike. With your guide to lean the way, reach historic sites including Moray and Maras with ease, enjoy sweeping views across the Peruvian countryside, and learn of life here under Incan rule.

Moray archaeological park and the Maras salt mines rank among the top attractions outside Cusco, with a history dating back to the days of the Incas. On this tour, hit the gas and zoom through the Peruvian countryside, and explore both sites in one day—with safety kit plus pickup and drop-off at your Cusco accommodation included. With your guide to lead the way, enjoy outdoor adventure in Peru and learn how the Incas worked the land.

Travel for a few hours from Cusco through the rugged mountain countryside of Peru to reach the aptly named Rainbow Mountain, striped with colorful mineral deposits and located far off the beaten path. Hike with a guide to the summit for a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness adventure, or rent a horse (own expense) for easier access to the same incredible views.

Explore local Andean communities and ancient Inca ruins in the countryside outside Cusco during this horseback riding adventure. Learn about the daily rhythms of local life, observing farming techniques along with alpaca and sheep herding as you pass these tiny districts. You also discover Inca temples, soaking up the ancient energy of these spiritual sites, and visit the ‘Devil’s Balcony,’ a natural cave once used as an Inca shrine. Your horseback ride near Cusco also includes a guide, horseback riding gear, snacks and water, and round-trip transport from your hotel to the ranch.

Get a taste for Peru’s high-alpine scenery and ancient Inca customs during this full-day hike to Lake Humantay from Cusco. Ascend to this scenic body of water located at 13,779 feet (4,200 meters), learning about its sacred place in Inca mythology during your climb. An included buffet lunch back at base camp is an added bonus.

Uncover the fascinating architecture and culture of the ancient Incas during this full-day tour covering the highlights of Peru’s Sacred Valley from Cusco. Check out the market in Pisac, stopping on Sundays to observe its famous mass. Then visit the Inca settlement at Ollantaytambo and explore the ruins of its fortress and the Temple of the Sun, a mysterious structure composed of giant 12-foot (3.5-m) stones. Your Sacred Valley tour also includes a guide, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport.

Get a comprehensive tour of the main Incan sites around Cusco on this half-day excursion. Visit all the highlights and landmarks, including Tambomachay, Puccpucara, Quenqo, Sacsayuaman, and Koricancha. Hotel pickup in the historic center of Cusco available; travel via air-conditioned coach.

Peru's Rainbow Mountain is often explored on a challenging trek that reaches high altitudes. Skip the trek and hit the mountain with ease aboard a quad bike during this small-group tour. Spend more time enjoying the beautiful scenery and the area's fauna and flora, and less time getting tired from the hike.

Immerse yourself in the grand colonial majesty of Cusco on a half-day guided sightseeing tour of the city. Wander winding Incan streets to discover the ancient Temple of the Sun, the sacred Convent of Santo Domingo and the colossal Cusco Cathedral. Gain insight into the fascinating history of the city with an interesting and informative guide as you explore one of Peru’s most treasured places on foot.

Embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure that combines white-water rafting with zip-lining and satisfies your need for speed. Depart Cusco for Oropesa, where you can ease your butterflies with a bite of the town's iconic bread before hitting the Vilcanota River. Tackle Class III and IV rapids and battle intense waves as you make your way downstream, enjoying the remarkable scenery of the surrounding Andes as you go. Afterward, soar through the sky on an exhilarating zip ride.

Travel back in time aboard the elegant Belmond Hiram Bingham train, enjoying the ultimate in luxury train transportation on a day trip to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Climb aboard the train’s richly appointed 1920s Pullman cars to enjoy fabulous views of the Andes, white tablecloth dining, and high-end wine. Then explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide, followed by afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. This VIP Machu Picchu experience also includes welcome drink at the station, appetizers, lunch and dinner, full drink service, entrance fees at the site, live on-board entertainment, and round-trip hotel transport.

Spend a day exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu during this all-inclusive day trip leaving from Cusco. Discover this renowned mountaintop Inca site with a guide, learning about its construction, history, and what daily life was like for its residents. The trip’s relaxed, non-strenuous pace is a great option for first-time visitors, families, and solo travelers alike, and features three different train ride options. The trip also includes round-trip hotel transport, transfer from Cusco to Machu Picchu (via train and bus), and the site entrance fee.

Most tours take visitors to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinincunca) on foot but on this small-group tour from Cusco you'll save time by driving up in an ATV. That means that you'll arrive earlier than most and beat the crowds—perfect for taking photos. Your tour includes hotel pickup and breakfast and lunch in the town of Japura.

Experience the adrenaline rush of off-roading in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas on this quad bike tour from Cusco. Drive your own quad bike along rugged trails through the Peruvian countryside and access sites other tours can't reach. See the Huaypo Lagoon, the Moray archaeological site, and the Maras salt mines. Plus, choose a morning or afternoon tour with safety equipment and round-trip transport included.

Explore a local market in Cusco, then take a workshop on Peruvian cuisine during this 4-hour culinary experience. Learn about the functions of traditional Andean kitchens and local specialties from a professional Peruvian chef. Tastings, meal, and drinks included.

Marvel at the architectural and archeological majesty of Cusco on a half-day tour of the city’s most significant sites. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visit fascinating ruins of Qenqo; the sacred temples of Puca Pucara, and the ecclesiastical structure of the Cusco Cathedral. Admire exquisite architecture and gain insight into Peru’s alluring history on this enriching excursion.

Explore the legacy of the Inca and Peru’s indigenous culture during this day trip to Maras, Moray, and the ‘Salineras’ from Cusco. Walk the streets of Maras and sample some ‘Chicha’ (corn drink), then learn about Inca engineering and agricultural practices at the Moray archaeological site. You’ll also get to see the “Salineras” salt mines. An optional private trip upgrade is also available.

Experience more of Peru’s Sacred Valley in just one day than you would on most tours during this comprehensive full-day excursion ideal for travelers with limited time in the region. Alongside a small group and local guide, visit Maras, Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo in an unconventional order to avoid other tour groups and enjoy a more intimate experience.

Discover the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on this 2-day tour. Visit key sites such as Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo and discover their individual archaeological sites with your guide. Spend the night at Aguas Calientes, the village at the base of Machu Picchu, and rest up before catching the sunrise at the famous Inca citadel the next day.

Snack and sightsee on this small-group Cusco street food tour limited to 10 people or fewer. Try favorite local dishes like papas (potatoes), meats, and sweets, and even chat with the street food vendors to learn more about their goods. Between bites, learn about Cusco history as you walk around the city.

Take this chocolate-lovers workshop and learn how to make your very own chocolate from start to finish. Learn about the chocolate-making process with this hands-on experience beginning with the cocoa tree and finishing with your very own chocolate creations. Discover the history of cocoa in Peru and learn why it is one of the top chocolate producers in the world.

Begin your Peruvian vacation with comfort and convenience with a stress-free arrival airport transfer from Cusco. Skip crowded taxi lines and avoid navigating confusing public transport systems with this shared transfer from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport to your hotel. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, these transfers accurately coincide with your flight and guarantee a tranquil arrival into Peru.

Tick off more Cusco attractions in less time on a private, half-day city tour, designed with history buffs in mind. With a private guide, you’ll visit ancient Inca archeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay; explore the Historic Center of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and admire landmarks such as Cusco La Catedral and the Convent of Santo Domingo. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Visit one of Peru’s most famous areas, aside from Machu Picchu, on this 10-hour day trip to the Sacred Valley from Cusco. Pass through the ancient Inca sites of Saqsaywaman and Tambomachay, and explore the Inca site of Pisac. Along the way, visit a Peruvian weaving house, and see a demonstration on dyeing and weaving techniques. Plus, this tour operates with a maximum of 15 people, ensuring you’ll enjoy a small-group experience your expert guide.