Cusco Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Cusco Shore Excursions
Cusco
Sam's Zip Line in Sacred Valley
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 61.54
Cusco
Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras Half-Day Group Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 25.00
Cusco
Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu Group Service
Duration: 96 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 835.00
Cusco
Machu Picchu: 4-Day Inca Trail Trek with Panoramic Train Ride
Duration: 96 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 820.00
Cusco
Sacred Valley Full Day Tour
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 45.90
Cusco
Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco – 5 Days
Duration: 120 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 760.00
Cusco
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 585.00
Cusco
4-Day Salkantay Trek with Sky Camp Stay
Duration: 96 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 695.00
Cusco
Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 23.75
Cusco
Salkantay Trek 5D/4N with Glass Cabins, Domes and Hobbit House
Duration: 120 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 680.00
Cusco
Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 39.20
Cusco
Excursión to Humantay Lake Full Day from Cusco
Duration: 15 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 23.75
Cusco
2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Panoramic Train
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 590.00
Cusco
Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 59.00
Cusco
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
Duration: 14 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 336.00
Cusco
Rainbow Mountain Full Day Trek
Duration: 14 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 53.10
Cusco
2-Day Tour: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 469.00
Cusco
Excursión to Rainbow Mountain with Coca Ceremony | Prívate Tour |
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 93.50
Cusco
Premium Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days – Exclusive Camps
Duration: 120 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 1270.00
Cusco
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights by Glamping
Duration: 120 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 254.00
Cusco
Machu Picchu from Cusco Full Day Tour by Panoramic Train
Duration: 14 - 15 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 355.00
Cusco
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2D1N
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 550.00
Cusco
Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: Exclusive 8 AM Departure
Duration: 10 - 11 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 89.00
Cusco
Private Excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco and Coca Ceremony
Duration: 14 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 102.00
Cusco
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu - Salka Glamp & Vistadome
Duration: 120 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 663.10
Cusco
Rainbow Mountain Small Group Day Tour with Lunch from Cusco
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 85.00
Cusco
Inca Trail 4-Day 3-Night Trek to Machu Picchu with Expert Guides
Duration: 96 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 998.00
Cusco
Humantay Lake Full Day Trek from Cusco with Lunch
Duration: 14 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 53.10
Cusco
6-Days Exploring Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Duration: 144 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 975.00
Cusco
Day Trip Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Duration: 12 - 16 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 429.00
Related destinations to Cusco
What should a first-time visitor know about Cusco shore excursions?
If you are new to visiting Cusco, a shore excursion introduces the city’s elevation, climate and essential logistics in one condensed itinerary. Cusco sits at around 3,400 metres and acclimatisation, hydration and measured pacing are crucial; guides regularly build rest periods into the day to reduce altitude effects. Many short programmes include a mix of archaeological sites, colonial streets and a market visit, giving a compact orientation for future exploration. Ask about transportation times, airport transfers and what to wear for rapid temperature changes when booking Cusco shore excursions.
What are the top attractions to include on a Cusco trip?
For those prioritising iconic sights, the must-see attractions include the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) and nearby ruins such as Sacsayhuamán. Many itineraries extend into the Sacred Valley to include Ollantaytambo and Pisac, while full-day options may reach the trailheads for Machu Picchu access. Consider how much time you will have and the travel required between sites; some involve steep steps and short hikes. Check whether entrance fees and rail segments are included when comparing options for Cusco tours.
Should I choose a half-day or full-day excursion?
Visitors choosing between half-day and full-day experiences should weigh travel time against site concentration. Half-day trips work well for close-in highlights like the city centre and a single nearby ruin, providing minimal fatigue and easier airport connections. Full-day programmes allow a deeper Sacred Valley visit, longer acclimatisation periods and inclusion of more distant archaeological sites or markets, but they can be long and involve early starts. Check transfer durations, meal provisions and whether the schedule includes optional walking sections before committing to Cusco shore excursions.
How important is Cusco’s culture and history on these excursions?
Many visitors are drawn by Cusco’s layered cultural history, where pre-Incan, Incan and colonial influences coexist in architecture, textiles and urban layout. Museums and archaeological sites explain the role of Cusco as the Inca capital, while local festivals and artisan markets showcase living traditions and skills passed down through generations. Respectful behaviour, such as asking before photographing people and learning a few Quechua or Spanish phrases, enhances interactions. Ask guides about historical context and conservation efforts to better understand the material and intangible heritage encountered on organised Cusco tours.
What kind of nature and scenery can I expect?
Expect dramatic Andean scenery on most excursions, with high valleys, terraced hillsides and distant snow-capped peaks framing archaeological sites and rural communities. Altitudinal variation creates diverse microclimates and plant life, from puna grasslands to cultivated terraces dotted with maize and quinoa. Wildlife sightings can include llamas, alpacas and Andean birds, though they are often semi-domesticated near settlements. Bring layered clothing, sun protection and a camera with spare batteries to capture changing light and wide vistas during Cusco shore excursions that emphasise nature and landscape photography opportunities.
What should I know about local food and dining options?
Local cuisine reflects highland ingredients and centuries-old culinary practices, with staples such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, native herbs and coca used in traditional dishes. Popular items might include cuy (guinea pig) in some places, hearty stews, and fried or roasted meats paired with tubers and salsas. Market visits offer a chance to sample fresh fruit, local cheeses and beverages such as chicha morada and mate de coca which helps with altitude. Ask about dietary restrictions, food safety standards and where vegetarian or allergen-aware options are available during guided Cusco tours.
What activity level should I expect on excursions?
Activity levels vary widely; choose an option that matches your fitness and comfort with altitude. Urban walking is generally moderate and can be tailored with rest stops, whereas visits to expansive ruins or valley treks may involve uneven ground, steep steps and several hours on foot. If you have mobility limits, confirm total walking distances and available vehicle transfers in advance. Bring sturdy footwear, a walking pole if you use one, and allow extra time for slower group members when selecting active itineraries or more relaxed Cusco shore excursions.
Are Cusco sites accessible for travellers with mobility needs?
Access to historic sites varies; some locations feature steep approaches, uneven stone paving and limited ramps, while museums and newer visitor centres tend to offer improved accessibility. Wheelchair users should check vehicle lift availability and distances between stops, as transfers from planes to buses or trains may involve steps. Request specific accessibility information and consider private transport to reduce walking. Service animals and assistance needs should be declared ahead of time to ensure permits and suitable arrangements are in place for participating in cultural visits and organised Cusco tours.
When is the best time of year to visit Cusco?
Seasonal patterns influence weather and crowding in the Andes, with the dry season (May to September) generally offering clearer skies, cooler nights and more predictable trekking conditions, while the wet season (October to April) brings afternoon showers, warmer lowland humidity and fewer visitors. Shoulder months can balance milder weather and reduced crowds but check local festival dates which may affect availability and transport. Plan for temperature swings within a single day and ensure flight or rail connections are flexible when scheduling Cusco shore excursions during transitional months.
Should I go with a guide or explore independently?
Deciding between guided and independent visits depends on priorities such as context, convenience and time. Guided experiences offer expert interpretation, logistics management and often direct entry or timed tickets, which is helpful on tight schedules or complex routes. Independent travel can be more flexible and quieter, but requires advance planning for permits, transport and altitude-aware pacing. Consider your comfort navigating unfamiliar roads and whether you value historical explanation; compare itineraries, cancellation terms and included services before committing to either approach for exploring Peru’s highland sites via Cusco tours.