Walk through ancient Inca stone streets, marvel at the megalithic walls of Sacsayhuamán, hike to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon, and cook authentic Andean dishes in our colonial Cusco studio.
Handcrafted cultural walks, high-altitude treks, and culinary classes with certified English-speaking local experts.
Discover the living heart of the Inca capital on foot. Stroll past the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, explore the bohemian artisan quarter of San Blas, visit Qorikancha, and experience local life at San Pedro Market.
Combine downtown Cusco’s golden Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) with a private drive up to the colossal zigzagging limestone walls of Sacsayhuamán and the sacred Inca shrines of Q'enqo and Tambomachay.
Escape the crowds along Cusco’s scenic southern route. Marvel at the flowing Inca agricultural fountains of Tipón, walk the pre-Inca Wari urban grid of Pikillacta, and admire the gilded frescoes of Andahuaylillas.
Stand atop the iconic mineral-striped summit of Vinicunca (5,036 m / 16,522 ft) framed by the snow-capped Ausangate glacier, and hike through the quiet, crimson landscapes of the neighboring Red Valley.
Trek to the sacred turquoise waters of Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), cradled directly beneath the towering ice walls of MountHumantay and the sacred Salkantay Glacier.
Explore the vibrant aisles of San Pedro Market with a professional local chef, then step into our private colonial-era studio to shake frothy Pisco Sours and cook a 3-course Andean meal from scratch.
Practical advice and local insights to help you acclimatize, navigate, and enjoy the ancient capital of the Incas.
Cusco is a captivating walking city where carved Inca granite walls support Spanish colonial balconies. Exploring the Plaza de Armas, the Twelve-Angled Stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street, San Pedro Market, and the steep artisan alleys of San Blas is best done on foot. Local tip: Wear shoes with good grip for polished cobblestones and carry small denominations in Peruvian Soles (PEN) for artisan workshops.
Cusco has two distinct Andean seasons. The dry season (May to October) brings crisp, sunny blue skies and chilly nights—ideal for clear panoramic views at Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon. June is especially festive as Cusco celebrates Inti Raymi (the Inca Festival of the Sun). The green season (November to April) offers warmer nights, fewer crowds at major ruins, and lush emerald mountain valleys.
Downtown Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). To prevent altitude discomfort (soroche), take your first 24 to 48 hours at a relaxed pace: sip warm coca or muña (Andean mint) tea, stay hydrated, and choose gentle half-day activities like our Cusco Cooking Class, Walking Tour, or South Valley before tackling treks above 4,200 meters.
Visiting Cusco’s monumental archaeological parks—including Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Tipón, and Pikillacta—requires the official Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC) (available as a Partial Circuit ticket for 70 PEN or Full Ticket for 130 PEN). When you book with us, our team coordinates your tickets and entry logistics seamlessly so you never waste time in lines.
Clear answers from our local team to help you order your tours and treks smartly.
Because Cusco sits at 3,399 m (11,152 ft), we strongly advise starting with gentle half-day cultural experiences during your first two days: our Walking City Tour ($59), the Peruvian Cooking Class & San Pedro Market Tour ($69), the City Tour with Sacsayhuamán ($119), or the South Valley ($149). Save high-altitude hikes like Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m) and Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m) for your final days in Cusco.
Our Walking City Tour ($59) is a 4-hour on-foot exploration of downtown Cusco’s living culture—visiting San Pedro Market, the Plaza de Armas, the Twelve-Angled Stone, San Blas, and Qorikancha. The Cusco City Tour with Sacsayhuamán ($119) includes private vehicular transportation to take you up into the hills above Cusco to explore the giant megalithic walls of Sacsayhuamán and nearby Inca temples alongside Qorikancha.
Both are bucket-list full-day treks ($85). Choose Humantay Blue Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft) if you want a slightly lower elevation and love turquoise glacial lakes framed by snow-covered peaks. Choose Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley (5,036 m / 16,522 ft) if you are fully acclimated and want to photograph the world-famous striped mineral mountains of Vinicunca.
Yes! Because our Cusco Cooking Class offers both a 10:00 AM morning session and a 3:00 PM afternoon session, you can easily enjoy a morning tour of Sacsayhuamán or the South Valley and then join our 3:00 PM cooking class for Pisco Sours and an early 3-course dinner.
Before or after your Cusco adventure, immerse yourself in our culture. Discover the secrets of our gastronomy with a hands-on cooking class in Arequipa.
View Our Arequipa Cooking Class