HERO DE CATEGORIA

Explore the Heart of the Inca Empire

Cusco Day Tours

Discover the magic of Cusco and its surroundings in a single day. From Sacred Valley adventures to Rainbow Mountain hikes, explore ancient ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes with expert local guides.

Half & Full Day
2,800 - 5,100m
Easy to Challenging
Small Groups
Cusco Day Tours Peru
20+ Tours Available
Cusco Streets
Andean Village
Explore Tours

HISTORIA Y CULTURA

The Navel of the World

The Imperial City of the Incas

Once the capital of the mightiest empire in the Americas, Cusco remains a living testament to Inca brilliance. Walk streets where emperors once ruled, where ancient stones still stand, and where traditions survive after five centuries of change.

~1100 AD City Founded
1438 AD Empire Capital
1533 AD Spanish Conquest
1983 AD UNESCO Heritage
Cusco Inca Ruins
01
The Inca Capital

Q'osqo: Navel of the World

According to legend, the god Viracocha sent Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo to found a great city where their golden staff would sink into the earth. That place was Cusco—"Q'osqo" in Quechua, meaning "navel of the world."

By 1438, under Emperor Pachacuti, Cusco transformed into the magnificent capital of Tawantinsuyu. The city was designed in the shape of a puma, with the fortress of Sacsayhuamán forming its head. From here, the Incas ruled over 12 million people across six modern countries.

13 Inca Emperors
200,000 Inhabitants
Puma-Shaped City
Cusco Architecture
02
Architectural Fusion

Where Two Worlds Collide

When the Spanish arrived in 1533, they were awestruck by Cusco's magnificence. The Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) was covered in gold sheets, its gardens filled with golden replicas of plants and animals. Rather than destroy, they built upon—creating a unique architectural fusion.

Today, you'll see Spanish colonial churches rising from massive Inca foundations. The famous 12-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street showcases the Incas' incredible precision—fitted so perfectly that not even a razor blade can slip between the stones.

Colonial Churches
12-Angle Stone
Inca Foundations
Cusco Living Culture
03
Living Traditions

A Culture That Never Died

Unlike many ancient civilizations, Inca culture didn't disappear—it adapted and survived. Over 4 million people still speak Quechua, the language of the Incas. Traditional weaving techniques, agricultural practices, and spiritual beliefs continue to this day.

Every June, Cusco explodes in celebration during Inti Raymi—the Festival of the Sun. This ancient ceremony honoring the sun god attracts thousands to Sacsayhuamán, recreating rituals that have been performed for over 500 years.

Quechua Language
Inti Raymi Festival
Ancient Textiles
Cusco Geography
04
Highland Valley

At the Heart of the Andes

Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) in a fertile valley surrounded by the Andes mountains. This strategic location gave the Incas access to diverse ecosystems—from tropical jungles to frozen peaks—allowing them to control trade routes across the empire.

The city enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, with a subtropical highland climate. The dry season (May-October) offers crystal-clear skies perfect for exploring, while the wet season (November-April) brings dramatic afternoon storms and fewer crowds.

3,400m Altitude
12°C Avg Temp
300+ Sunny Days
Must-See Landmarks

Iconic Sites in Cusco

Qorikancha

The Temple of the Sun was the most sacred Inca temple, once covered in 700 sheets of gold. Today, the Santo Domingo convent sits atop its perfectly fitted walls.

Sacsayhuamán

This massive fortress features zigzag walls made of stones weighing up to 200 tons. Built to resemble the teeth of the puma, it hosts Inti Raymi every June.

Plaza de Armas

The heart of ancient and modern Cusco. Once called Huacaypata ("Place of Weeping"), it's now flanked by the stunning Cathedral and La Compañía church.

San Pedro Market

Experience authentic cusqueño life at this vibrant market. Fresh tropical fruits, medicinal herbs, traditional foods, and local artisans—all under one roof.

San Blas

The bohemian artists' quarter with cobblestone streets, colonial balconies, and artisan workshops. Home to the famous pulpit of San Blas church.

12-Angle Stone

On Hatun Rumiyoc street, this precisely carved stone with 12 angles demonstrates the Incas' incredible masonry skills—no mortar, perfect fit.

"Cusco was the navel of this great kingdom, and here the Incas held their magnificent court and summoned their governors."
— Pedro Cieza de León, Chronicle of Peru, 1553

LISTA DE TOURS

Explore Our Categories

Choose Your Adventure Type

Discover the perfect day experience in Cusco. Whether you seek heart-pumping mountain hikes or immersive cultural tours, we have the ideal adventure waiting for you.

Quick Comparison
Full Day Hikes
Full Day Tours
Physical Level
Challenging
Easy
Altitude
4,000 - 5,200m
2,800 - 3,800m
Best For
Adventure seekers
Culture lovers
Includes
Breakfast, oxygen
Lunch, guide

POR QUE ELEGIRNOS

Why Choose Us

The Peru Reservations Difference

With over 15 years of experience, we deliver authentic Cusco experiences with professional service and local expertise.

Expert Local Guides

Our bilingual guides are certified historians and archaeologists who bring ancient Cusco to life with fascinating stories.

  • Licensed & certified
  • English & Spanish fluent
  • Deep cultural knowledge

Comfortable Transport

Modern, air-conditioned vehicles with comfortable seats and panoramic windows for the best views.

  • Modern fleet
  • Air conditioning
  • Hotel pickup

Small Groups

We limit group sizes to ensure personalized attention and a more intimate experience at each site.

  • Max 16 travelers
  • Personal attention
  • Better experience

Quality Inclusions

Full day tours include delicious buffet lunches featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine at quality restaurants.

  • Buffet lunch included
  • Entrance fees
  • Water & snacks

Clear Booking Terms

Book with confidence with our transparent policies and easy online reservation system.

  • 50% deposit to confirm
  • Instant confirmation
  • Transparent policies

Responsible Tourism

We support local communities and practice sustainable tourism to preserve Cusco for future generations.

  • Community support
  • Eco-friendly practices
  • Cultural preservation
15+ Years Experience
50K+ Happy Travelers
4.9 Star Rating
100% Satisfaction

PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our Cusco day tours.

Most full day tours start between 7:00-8:00 AM with hotel pickup. Half day tours typically start at 8:30 AM (morning) or 1:30 PM (afternoon). We'll confirm the exact pickup time when you book.

Full day tours include a delicious buffet lunch at a quality restaurant featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine. Half day tours do not include meals. Vegetarian and dietary options are available upon request.

Yes! All entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, and attractions are included in our tour prices. Some tours may offer optional upgrades (like the Maras Salt Mines pool access) at additional cost.

Yes, we provide complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off for all accommodations in Cusco city center. For hotels outside the center, we'll arrange a convenient meeting point nearby.

We recommend the Sacred Valley Full Day tour as it covers the most iconic sites: Pisac market and ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress, and Chinchero weaving community. It's also a great warm-up before visiting Machu Picchu!

Most Cusco day tours are rated "Easy" with moderate walking on uneven terrain. The sites are at high altitude (3,400m+), so take it slow the first few days. We recommend acclimatizing for 1-2 days before strenuous activities.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a light rain jacket (especially Nov-Mar), camera, and some cash for souvenirs or tips. We provide water and snacks on full day tours.

Absolutely! We offer private versions of all our tours with flexible itineraries and dedicated guides. Private tours can be customized to your interests and pace. Contact us for private tour pricing.

A 50% deposit confirms your booking, balance due 48 hours before. Cancellations 30+ days before: 50% deposit refund. 29 days or less: No refund. Entrance tickets are non-refundable once purchased. Travel insurance is recommended.

Yes! Most Cusco day tours are family-friendly. Children under 5 travel free (no seat), and kids 5-11 receive a discount. Our guides are experienced with families and can adapt explanations for younger audiences.

Still have questions? Contact our team - we're happy to help!

CTA CONTACTO FINAL

Ready for Your Adventure?

Start Planning Your Cusco Day Tour Today

Our team of local experts is ready to help you explore the ancient Inca capital and Sacred Valley. Whether you have questions, need a custom itinerary, or are ready to book, we're here for you.

Free consultation
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10+ Day Tours

Full day hikes and cultural tours

Starting at $60

All-inclusive packages with no hidden fees

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