Cusco tours

Things to do in Cusco

Welcome to Cusco, where the echoes of the ancient Incas mingle with the lively beat of modern life. Once the heart of an empire, it now invites you to wander its cobbled streets and discover its rich tapestry of history and culture. With a local guide, Cusco's stories unfold, each corner revealing a new tale. The Plaza de Armas, with its majestic churches, offers a glimpse into the past. A culinary tour introduces you to the bold flavours of Andean cuisine. Sacsayhuamán stands as a monumental testament to times gone by, and with skip-the-line access, your experience is enriched. Your guide opens the door to the true essence of Cusco, where every step is a journey through time. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Cusco. Explore Cusco your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Cusco tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Cusco for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Spot Andean condors from the Chonta Canyon viewpoint near Limatambo, or visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary to meet rescued llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. Your guide can also plan a day trip to Humantay Lake or the colourful Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, timing the hike to avoid mid-day crowds. Layover tours: With pick-up at CUZ, see Qorikancha, San Pedro Market, and Sacsayhuamán on a focused 4–6 hour route, with luggage kept secure in the vehicle. If you have only 2–3 hours, do a historic walk through the Plaza de Armas and San Blas before returning for your flight. History tours: Walk the Inca road between Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, or explore Qorikancha and the Cathedral to see how Inca stonework shaped colonial buildings. Add the Inca Museum or the Twelve-Angled Stone for a close look at construction techniques. The historic centre is compact but hilly and at high altitude, and taxis are easy to find for longer hops. If you prefer not to walk or use taxis, ask your local guide about a chauffeured tour or private transportation between sites. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Cusco inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to explore Cusco, and include some of its iconic neighborhoods in your itinerary with a local guide who knows the city's heart. A local companion makes all the difference when you're uncovering the area's rich history. - San Blas: Known for its artisan workshops and narrow cobblestone streets, this neighborhood is ideal for cultural tourists and art lovers. It's a place where you can discover unique crafts and meet local artists. - San Pedro: This neighborhood is famous for its vibrant market, perfect for those who want to experience local flavors and traditions. It's a lively spot where you can immerse yourself in Cusco's everyday life. - Sacsayhuamán: Offering stunning views and archaeological wonders, this area is perfect for history buffs and families who want to explore ancient Incan sites. It’s a beautiful place to learn about Peru's fascinating past. Day trip ideas from Cusco From Cusco, you can stretch your trip with easy day trips to nearby valleys, towns, and high Andean views, and private tours help you link more than one stop while keeping a pace that fits you. - Sacred Valley: visit Pisac for sweeping terraces and a lively market, continue to Ollantaytambo to see massive Inca stonework and walk historic lanes, which suits you if you like history, light hiking, and a calmer day at lower altitude. - Maras and Moray: see the circular agricultural labs at Moray and the salt pans of Maras for striking photos and hands-on farming history, a good pick if you enjoy culture, short walks, and learning how the land shaped Inca life. - South Valley: explore Tipón’s water channels, the pre-Inca site of Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas for its art-filled church, a route that fits archaeology fans and food lovers who want to try local dishes in small towns. - Rainbow Mountain or Palccoyo: choose bold colour bands at Vinicunca or gentler ridges at Palccoyo, both rewarding if you want big scenery, quieter roads once you leave the highway, and a hike that matches your fitness. - Humantay Lake: hike to a bright glacier lake below Salkantay, ideal if you want a shorter but steady climb, clear mountain air, and time for photos when the light shifts around midday. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Cusco most travellers miss.