Cusco - Peru
Overview
Nature Horizons welcomes you to Cusco, Peru! Whether you’re looking for trekking excursions, mountain biking adventures, traditional tours or a little bit of everything, there’s truly no end to the unforgettable experiences found in the gateway to world-famous Machu Picchu.
Located in Southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes, Cusco stands as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The area was initially inhabited by the Killke people from 900 to 1200 AD, until the arrival of the Incas. The region would then quickly find a foothold as the capital of the Inca Empire and serve as its political, military and cultural ambitions.
Though the Spaniards first came to Cusco in November of 1533, it would not be officially founded as a city until Francisco Pizarro arrived in March of 1534. And just as Cusco was central to the expansion of the Inca Empire, the city would go on to be the epicenter for Spanish colonization as well as the spread of Christianity.
Cusco would eventually see its relevance fade until Hiram Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911, once again bringing the city to the world’s attention. Bingham would use Cusco as his base for exploring Machu Picchu, just as visitors today use it as their starting point for touring the many Incan ruins found throughout the region. Cusco’s center still holds many pre-Colombian as well as colonial buildings and, in 1983, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, Cusco is designated as the Historical Capital of Peru and continues to attract visitors with its unique combination of natural wonder, historical significance and near-mythic charm.
Luxury Train Tours in Cusco, Peru
Our Machu Picchu Tours and Vacations
Explore what Peru has to Offer
Let our team tailor a journey to Peru for you. Our featured Cusco tour packages below are designed to maximize your time in the former capital of the Inca Empire and paired perfectly with other destinations in Peru. Guided tours, reliable transfers, and comfortable accommodations are part of each tour package. Contact us to start planning the vacation of your dreams!
100% Tailor Made
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. Explore your interests at your own speed. Select your preferred style of accommodation. Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists.
Expert Knowledge
All our specialists have traveled extensively or lived in their designated regions. From the start of your trip to the end, you'll have the same specialist by your side, helping you make the most of your time and budget.
Best Guides
Often, the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one is your guide. All our guides are handpicked by us or our local partners. They’re the best of the best, and they strive to offer real insights into their countries, not just dates and names.
No Hidden Charges
All trips include park fees, transportation, accommodations, and food. There are no surprises or hidden charges. What you’re quoted is what you pay.
Machu Picchu in Pictures
The enchanting city of Cusco sits high up in the Andes, at the crossroads between Incan history and colonial history. Our custom Cusco tours can be made in private or small groups, and provide you with a memorable introduction to the city’s rich Andean culture and historic significance.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO PERU
Peru is home to dramatic geographical diversity, with jungles, deserts, Andean Valleys, and some of the world´s highest mountains, and this gives way to 30 of the world’s 32 climates. For that reason, the weather in Peru varies significantly from region to region at any given time of year.
The best time to visit Peru depends largely on where you plan to spend your trip. There are marked variations in weather between the principal three geographical regions in Peru- the Coastal Desert, the Andes Mountains and Highlands, and the Amazon Rainforest. For Machu Picchu, the main weather consideration is the difference between the dry season and the rainy season.
MACHU PICCHU & THE ANDES MOUNTAINS
The dry season is the ideal time to visit Machu Picchu, as it offers favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities. Visitors can freely explore the ancient ruins, hike the surrounding mountains, and take in the stunning Peruvian landscapes without worrying about weather-related interruptions. However, it’s important to note that the peak season for Machu Picchu and Cusco is from May to August, during which tours and accommodations are often booked well in advance.
- DRY SEASON: APRIL TO OCTOBER
During the dry season, it is generally sunny and there is little chance of rain, though it is not unheard of for there to be occasional showers. Temperatures are cooler in the dry season, though the variation between day and night means it’s best to bring layers!
“It’s ideal for trekking due to the weather conditions. During this period, rains are scarce and the sun shines most of the time, providing a cool and dry climate for walking. In addition, the visibility is excellent, allowing for impressive views of the mountainous landscapes and Peruvian nature.”
- RAINY SEASON: NOVEMBER TO MARCH
During the rainy season, the highest chance of rain is usually in late January and February. While other months see rain, there are also often sunny and dry spells – though the timing of these is hard to predict! The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is closed for February for maintenance work. Temperatures in the rainy season are warmer than in the dry season. For example, average temperatures and precipitation in the mountain city of Cusco can be seen to the right.
Visiting Machu Picchu during the low season has the advantage of avoiding large crowds of tourists. This means that visitors can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed experience while exploring the magnificent Inca ruins. Additionally, fewer visitors can also mean shorter lines and more availability for tours and accommodations.
COASTAL DESERT
Peru’s Moche Route in the north, comprising cities like Trujillo and Chiclayo, as well as the southern coastal cities of Ica and Nazca, offers year-round sunny and hot weather. The beaches in the north, particularly Mancora, enjoy warm temperatures throughout the year.
However, Peru’s capital, Lima, and its neighboring Paracas can experience cooler and overcast weather between May and October, owing to their coastal location. The climate is hotter during summer, from December to March. The desert geography of the region means that rainfall is infrequent and minimal along the coast.
Machu Picchu Holiday Tours
Machu Picchu also known as Machupicchu-the old mountain. Discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 it’s one of the most iconic places on the planet and is visited by thousands of people daily. This place has no comparison with any other place on the planet. Machu Picchu is unique and still intact in the mountains of Peru, and its location makes it much more special. This Inca architecture is located between the end of the Andes and the beginning of the Peruvian Amazon. Here you’ll feel that you are truly in paradise.
You only have one day do not worry we will make your dreams come true. You know why Machu Picchu is always green and located between very vertical mountains this is because the place where it is located in the end of the Mountain range of the Andes and the beginning of the Peruvian amazon generating a very special climates. Once in Machu Picchu you will have a guided tour to know everything about the iconic inca site, guided tour will be carry out by one of the most Experience tour guides of Machupicchu. After the tour you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own if you want go hiking to the sungate or Inca bridge and if you booked the mountain of Machu Picchu Huaynapicchu you will be given all the facilities to go up to one of the mountains. In the afternoon you will return to the village of Aguas Calientes to have a delicious lunch in one of the best restaurants of town.
If you book in advance you may climb one of the mountains in Machupicchu. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is actually on the low season because you will have less people in machu picchu to enjoy better.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Cusco, Peru
Peru is home to dramatic geographical diversity, with jungles, deserts, Andean Valleys, and some of the world´s highest mountains, and this gives way to 30 of the world’s 32 climates. For that reason, the weather in Peru varies significantly from region to region at any given time of year. The following are the Hotels and Accommodations recommended by Nature Horizons Tours when visiting Peru.
