Cusco City is the most popular tourist destination in Peru. It lies amidst a panorama of exceptional Andean landscape.

The city is characterized by much pre-Columbian construction. The massive stone walls erected by the Inca formed the foundation of colonial and post-colonial settlement here. There are many sites to see in the city, churches, museums, ruins, plazas, but more importantly, Cusco is the gateway to the wonders of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu

Tours:

1. City tour and Sacsahuaman This guided excursion is offered every day. It includes the most significant sites in and around Cusco City, such as: the massive Inca sanctuary of Sacsahuaman, the amphitheatre of Qenqo, the fortress of Pukapukara, the springshrine of Tambomachay, the Cathedral of Cusco with its magnificent colonial art, and the Korikancha, which displays the best Inca stonework in the city. Walking tours only of Cusco city or full day explorations only of Sacsahuaman National Park can also be organized on a private basis. Horseback riding from Cusco to Sacsahuaman is also possible with a private guide.

2. The Sacred Valley of the Inca This guided excursion is only offered Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The entire native market at Pisaq is only available on Sunday. This tour of the Sacred Valley includes the Inca Citadel at Ollantaytambo. This is a large site of ruins characterized by fine masonry, which includes terraces, canals, granaries, fortress walls, and the Temple of the Sun. The markets at Pisaq are also featured. Here you can purchase beautiful textiles, jewelry and ceramics at bargain prices.



Ollantaytambo

3. Machu Picchu The sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu is famous for its dramatic setting among spectacular peaks and lush cloud forest. Guided excursions are offered every day of the year. Departure from Cusco is by train, at 6am. It is possible to visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco the same day as trains return to the city by 6pm. However, we recommend an overnight stay, so that the ruins can be enjoyed before and after the late morning and early afternoon crush of tourists. An exciting itinerary for extended visits is a trek from Machu Picchu to the Winay Wayna ruins.

Machu Picchu

4. Rafting the Urubamba River Daily departures of one or two day white water rafting adventures on the Urubamba River. The Urubamba winds through a dramatic, steep canyon, draped in bromeliads and orchids. Class 3 rapids, with some spots increasing to Class 4 from November through March.

5. Pisaq Ruins Arranged with a private guide, the ruins of Intiwatana Pisaca and K'alla Qasa demonstrate fine stone masonry. The agricultural terraces here are extensive and well preserved. The view of the Urubamba Valley from this site is magnificent.

Machu Picchu

6. Maras Salt Mines Arranged with a private guide, a half day trek in the Sacred Valley to Maras. The salt pans here have been used for salt extraction since pre-Columbian time.

7. Piquillacta and Andahuaylillas Arranged with a private guide, Piquillacta is the major pre-Inca ruin site from Cusco. Andahuaylillas is a colorful, traditional Andean village.

Pisaq

8. Willoj and Patacancha Arranged with a private guide, we can do programs from 1-4 days to these remote, indigenous Andean communities located in the high zone of Ollantaytambo. A great experience for people who want to be immersed in the native Andean culture, off the beaten track of tourism.

Sacsahuaman