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Cusco, the navel of the world and historical capital of South America. It is a wonderful vacation destination and many visitors come every year to enjoy what it has to offer. It provides so much to holiday goers from learning all about the history of the Incas culture. Enjoy the incredible Andean landscapes to wonderful architecture and excellent gastronomy.
You might be thinking of visiting yourself or are already putting together your itinerary. Whatever the case, you are likely finding it difficult to decide what to do with your time here. Well, wonder no more. Here, we have come up with the best day trips from Cusco. This article will help you gather all the information you need to decide what to put on your to do list.
City Tour
Cusco, with its special beauty and charm is considered the archeological capital of South America and a cultural legacy of humanity. This half day city tour takes you to the majestic Qoricancha. Considered the most important example of the change from Incan architecture to Spanish colonial architecture. You will also visit the four most important archeological sites in the hills above Cusco. These sites are essential in understanding the importance of Cusco during the Inca Empire.
Sacred Valley Tour
The valley between Pisac and Ollantaytambo is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On this day tour, we will drive through the mountains of the Sacred Valley. Visit the archeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. All which played a key role in Inca culture and history. The Valley has a milder climate and is at a lower altitude than Cusco. You will see a succession of picturesque villages, ancient Incan terraces and important archeological sites.
No other travel agency besides Orange Nation Peru visits all of these sites in their Sacred Valley Tour!
Machu Picchu by Train
Orange Nation Peru gives you an unmatched and mesmerizing panoramic train journey. Pass through the Vilcanota River Canyon. Leaving the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, travel through sub-tropical jungle, nearing the Amazon as you approach Aguas Calientes. From Aguas Calientes you take the shuttle up to the archeological wonder, the Citadel of Machu Picchu! Take your time exploring the majestic Machu Picchu. The Inca will provide many stories and feel the thriving culture of the people who once resided there.
1 Day Inca Trail
Hike the short Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu Citadel all in one day. The Inca Trail is full of Inca ruins, stunning mountain views, lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. Walk through the Machu Picchu National Park to the Sun Gate with your first unforgettable views of Machu Picchu. Upon arriving to Machu Picchu, receive a private guided tour. Visit all the hidden corners of the Inca monument. ***It is important for potential trekkers for the 1 Day Inca Trail to understand that you are doing the same trail as the 2 Day Inca Trail, just quicker. Trekkers need to be in moderate to excellent physical condition to arrive at Machu Picchu Citadel in time for the tour. If you think the trek may be too strenuous, book the 2 day Inca Trail which arrives to Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain
The stunning Rainbow Mountain is today one of the most visited places in Peru and is something not to be missed. Travel from Cusco and take a short hike through the beautiful Andes. Rainbow Mountain trek offers opportunities to see a range of wildlife including soaring eagles and caracara falcons. The colourful sandstone mountains are very different from any other landscape you may visit in Peru. Enjoy the snow capped peaks, herds of alpaca, glaciers and birds of prey, all set within an incredibly colourful mountain range.
Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lakes in Ausangate
The Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lakes in Ausangate Trek features some spectacular views and sights. Trek to the Rainbow Mountain and be amazed by the natural colors of the sandstone mountains. Later trek further to the Red Valley. Camp overnight under the stars. Visit seven colorful lakes, most of green and blue surrounded by glaciers and high mountain peaks. To finish take a soak at the hot springs where you can relax surrounded by snow capped peaks.
Chinchero, Moray and Salt Mines Tour
Take this Orange Nation Peru half day tour to the ancient town of Chinchero where you will discover the colonial church, local market with the local weavers and Inca ruins, continue onto the Green House of the Inca, Moray and see the circular terracing, also the super impressive Salt mines at Maras all in the magnificent Andean mountains a short drive from Cusco city.
This full-day trek will take you and a small group to Humantay Lake, nestled below the famous Salkantay Mountain. Hike to one of Peru’s most magical lakes and be surrounded by the impressive Salkantay and Humantay Peaks. Enjoy a hot breakfast upon arrival to the trail, snacks along the way, a gourmet lunch prepared by our chef, private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and a fluent English-speaking guide. Humantay Lake Tour hikes to one of Peru’s most magical lakes while gazing at unbelievable turquoise water. The views are breathtaking!
Appreciate the natural Rainbow-like colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain Trek, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still keeping their ancient culture alive! You will see snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range. The Rainbow Mountain trek offers a selection of wildlife including soaring Condors and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area are probably the coolest and most unique natural phenomenon you will ever see.
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire called Tawantinsuyu and is a living museum overflowing with our country’s history and culture. You can see the different stages of history from ancient times to the conquest up to modern days. There are numerous archeological sites, Cathedrals, museums, night clubs in the social scene and many shops to explore. Cusco is the most important tourist destination in Peru as it is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, not to mention a lot of fun!
Visit the most interesting sites in and around Cusco such as the Cusco Cathedral, the Koricancha, which was once filled with gold until plundered by invaders, Sacsayhuaman fortress and its military Inca architecture, and the archaeological sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay!
Go for a bike ride off the beaten track and enjoy the fresh air stunning scenery of surrounding mountains, fresh air in while pedaling through the Sacred Valley to visit the unique agricultural terraces of Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras.
This day tour visits the famous archeological site of Sacsayhuaman, three more archeological sites near Cusco and the ancient town of Pisac! Sacsayhuaman with its impressive Inca military construction protected the northeastern part of Cusco from invaders and is adjacent to the large Cristo Blanco Statue above the city. We also explore the archeological sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, which are located on the way to Sacred Valley and Pisac. The Inca Village of Pisac has the largest handicraft and textile market in the region of Cusco and the archeological ruins of Pisac are considered to be one of the most interesting Inca archeological sites in the country – besides Machu Picchu of course! The Inca tunnel and the Sacred Temple are constructed from pink granite. We will also explore one of the biggest Inca cemeteries with more than 2,000 tombs and admire the farming terraces built into the mountain. At the colorful Inca market in Pisac, you will have plenty of opportunities to test your bartering skills, interact with the local artisans and purchase their hand-made souvenirs, although you do not need to buy anything, but it is still fun to look around. Please note: The Cusco City Tour is only offered to our clients doing tours or treks to Machu Picchu.
This half day South Valley tour takes us to the unique archeological site of Tipon where we enjoy the impressive irrigation system of created by the Incas, then to Piquillacta where you discover the huge urban planning of the Wari culture. Next, we continue on to Andahuaylillas often referred to as the “the Sistine Chapel of the Americas” which has impressive mural paintings from the XVII century.
Please note: The Cusco City Tour is only offered to our clients doing at least a 2-day tour or trek to Machu Picchu.
This half day tour visits Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines. We will enjoy the stunning scenery of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley. Visit the picturesque town of Chinchero and its colonial church, the agricultural Terraces in Moray and the impressive pre-Inca salt mine – Salineras.
Please note: The Chinchero, Moray, Maras & Salt Mines Tour is only offered to our clients doing at least a 2-day tour or trek to Machu Picchu.
The Sacred Valley is a treasure trove of timeless ancient Inca archeological sites and stunning natural landscapes that will simply take your break away. As you can imagine, agriculture presented a massive challenge for the Incas because of the craggy, mountainous terrain of the Andes. However, the Sacred Valley is a fertile and lush stretch of land with endless sources of fresh water. This was the heart of Inca land; the temperature is mild compared to the rest of Cusco and the views are incredible.
Our tour takes you on a comprehensive journey through traditional weaving villages and the Inca ruins of Pisac that remain a true representation of Inca agricultural practices. We explore a camelid farm surrounded by llamas, alpacas and vicunas among many other camelids. Driving of the main road, we visit the experimental farming terraces of Moray and the Pre- Inca Maras Salt mines, that’s still function as a main source of income for this small community and supplies Peru with over 90% of its salt. As the sun begins to set, we visit the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, where the ultimate and most intense battle between the Inca Empire and Spanish invaders took place.
The Sacred Valley is vast and stretches for miles with many small indigenous towns, Camelid farm, secluded weaving villages, and ancient Inca Ruins including Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. The tour starts at the massive Pisac ruins with its impressive Inca cemetery of more than 2,000 tombs, engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. The ATV tour includes the Salt Mines in Maras which has thousands of salt ponds carved into the mountainside fed by natural springs above; and the Terraces of Moray, built in the form of an amphitheater and have different temperatures at each level to grow crops. It was watered through a complex irrigation system and allowed the cultivation of the Incas to grow over 250 types of vegetables. The tour ends at the fascinating and imposing site of Ollantaytambo, a truly impressive Inca ruin with the Sun Temple, the water fountains, the temple of Inkawatana and the impressive storehouses.
Tucked between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is a truly special place. A slightly warmer climate, the gentle presence of the Andes Mountains, a sprinkling of ancient fortresses, and villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo steeped in age old traditions is what you’ll experience on a tour to the Inca heartland.
The Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco; A private tour designed for those visitors who choose to spend the night in the charming town of Ollantaytambo or Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, either after having a great adventure to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu Inca City or hike the world-famous Inca Trail on the way back to their Cusco hotel or we can even drop you right at the airport for your flight back home home.
This wonderful tour of Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo of one day long is also perfect for those visitors who choose the town of Ollantaytambo as a base either to explore incredible Inca ruins and villages in the Sacred Valley or as a stop off on their way to a Machu Picchu tour.
Embark on a private tour from Ollantaytambo and make most of their trip to the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting all the must see sites in the area such as Ollantaytambo, Moray, the Salt Mines and Pisac on a full day or multi-day tour with a private knowledgeable guide at your side.
Joining a Cusco trip with an experienced guide is a great way to explore some of Peru’s most majestic ruins, peek into local communities, and discover the best hiking routes.
Let’s take a look at some of the top multi day tours from Cusco.
