1 - HALF-DAY WALKING TOUR OF SAN BLAS DISTRICT & MUSEUM OF PRE-COLUMBIAN ART

Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the San Blas District, one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Cusco. Just two blocks away from the Plaza de Armas (main square) and Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, the narrow, winding streets and colonial-style houses lend the area, which is named after the 16th century Church of San Blas, a particular charm. For centuries, it has been home to artisans and craftspeople skilled in metalwork, pottery, painting and carving. Today, it continues to attract admirers enjoying the numerous craft displays and art exhibitions, as well as the vibrant bars and restaurants.

Continue to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, which was a ceremonial kancha (courtyard) in the time of the Incas. It houses 450 archaeological artifacts and artworks dating from 1250 BC to 1532 AD, which were selected from 45,000 objects stored at the Larco Museum in Lima. Explore the exhibition rooms, whose precious items are beautifully displayed, and gain greater insight into ancient Peruvian and Andean art.

INCLUDES

Private local English-speaking guide
Departure: AM / PM
Duration: 3 hrs approx.

2 - FULL-DAY OLLANTAYTAMBO, PISAC MARKET & RUINS

You will be picked up from your hotel for a scenic drive through stunning landscapes to the Sacred Valley of the Incas before arriving at the town of Ollantaytambo. The hillside is home to one of the area’s most impressive Incan fortresses, while the town is one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in the Americas. Marvel at the 16 massive terraces spread before you, a testament to the precision and longevity of Inca masonry. Climb the steep stone steps (around 260!) to the imposing fortresses at the top of the mountain. From here, the view down the valley is unparalleled, as is the sight of the soaring Sun Temple.

Stop for a delicious lunch in the charming Hacienda Huayoccari, where you can admire a valuable collection of colonial and folk art. Located on the summit of a hill, sheltered among Andean peaks, it also offers majestic views over the Sacred Valley.

In the afternoon, visit the town of Pisac, renowned for its bustling market where you can buy handicrafts ranging from ceramic beaded necklaces and earrings to ponchos, hats and textiles. After your market tour, you will be driven up to explore the ruins of Pisac, where you can enjoy stunning views over the valley. Gaze at the patchwork of fields and rimmed by vast terracing. Wonder at the engineering and cultivation systems that allow the Incans to grow crops deep down within the valley. Spot ceremonial baths, altars, and homes and learn about Pisac’s great mysteries and legends.

INCLUDES

Private tour in modern vehicle with English-speaking local guide
Water, snacks, lunch & entrance fees Departure: AM
Duration: 7 hrs approx

3 - FULL-DAY TIPÓN, PIKILLACTA & ANDAHUAYLILLAS

Embark on a full-day tour of Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas, located south of Cusco. You’ll begin by driving 23km from Cusco to Tipón, an archaeological site with agricultural terraces irrigated by canals that still function today. Continue driving south to Pikillacta, an archaeological site thought to have been constructed by the Wari civilization.

Before returning to Cusco you will stop in Andahuaylillas and discover the “Peruvian Sistine Chapel”, a church concealing golden altars, magnificent paintings, and vibrant ceilings

The chapel may look simple and unassuming from the outside, but inside you’ll find masterpiece after masterpiece.

INCLUDES

Private tour in modern vehicle with local English-speaking guide
Water, snacks, box lunch, & entrance fees Departure: AM
Duration: 7 hrs approx.

4 -FULL-DAY TRIP TO PALCCOYO

On a day’s excursion from Cusco to Palccoyo, experience wild, natural, and colorful landscapes hidden deep within the Andes. Most of the day’s excursion is achieved by car, as you travel more than three hours from Cusco to Palccoyo. It’s the perfect option for those wanting to witness the incredible beauty of these remote mountains and the people who live there, without the crowds or a strenuous hike.

Be ready for an early-morning pick-up at 6:30 am from your hotel. Journey through an undiscovered land of wild desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and herds of alpaca as you head toward the ultimate destination – the painted hills hidden deep within the Andes.

You’ll reach the town of Chacacupe at around 9am, from where it is a further 40-minute drive to the starting point for Palccoyo. As you draw closer, you’ll begin to glimpse the first signs of the colored minerals that give the painted hills their distinctive hues and patterns. Set off with your guide for a walk to the rainbow mountains – there are actually three of them – learning about the distinctive geology as you go. You’ll also be able to view towering Ausangate Mountain, the highest in Peru, and explore the Stone Forest, whose incredible natural formations are the result of earthquakes occurring thousands of years ago.

There will be some free time to soak up the scenery before and after your explorations. A delicious box lunch will be served as you admire the breathtaking panoramic views.

Returning to Cusco, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel at around 5:30pm.

INCLUDES

Guíde private transport
Water, snacks, box lunch, oxygen & entrance tickets
Departure:
Operates from april to November

NOT INCLUDES

Personal expenses,tips,horse rental

5 - HALF-DAY WALK TO MARAS SALT MINES

On this fascinating walking tour, enjoy glorious views along the Urubamba River until you reach the town of Pichingoto. At the bridge, begin your ascent toward the salt pans.

Salt has been harvested in Maras since pre-Incan times. Saline water from a natural underground spring is directed into an intricate, carefully constructed, miniature canal system. The water drains into thousands of terraced pools, where it evaporates to leave crystallized salt behind.

INCLUDES

Private guide & entrance tickets
Departure: AM
Duration: 3 hrs approx

6 - HALF DAY SEMINARIO CERAMICS CLASS

Pablo Seminario is an acclaimed Peruvian ceramicist whose Pre-Columbian-style works can be admired at the Chicago Field Museum. On a visit to his workshop, learn about the creative process behind his distinct pottery. Then, guided by expert teachers, have a go at designing and painting your own beautiful piece.

Please note: all pieces made during the class have to be fired in the workshop, so they cannot be taken away immediately. Once they’re ready, they will be delivered to your hotel and sent to you. If you’re in Cusco, they will arrive in a couple of days.

INCLUDES

Private guide & entrance tickets
Departure: AM/PM
Duration: 2 hrs approx.

7 - FULL DAY OF RAFTING + OLLANTAYTAMBO TOUR

Your day begins with a transfer to the Adventure Center at Km 84 of the Urubamba-Ollantaytambo highway, where you meet the experienced team who will guide you on the river. After a brief safety talk, you’ll be given your rafting equipment. Then it’s time to take to the water for two hours of adventure and fun. You’ll begin on a calm stretch, where you can hone your skills with instruction from your guide. Then start the descent to The Station rapids, leading finally to the strong, class-three El Resbaladero, meaning “The Slide.” During the ride, you’ll pass impressive scenery, including Incan terraces still used by local farmers and fishermen as part of their daily work. The raft ride ends in Rumira.

Your experience continues with a visit to Ollantaytambo, the site of one of the greatest Incan fortresses in the Urubamba Valley. One of the oldest human settlements in the Americas, it boasts of 16 massive terraces that are a testament to the Incans’ magnificent stonework. Climb the steep steps – all 260 of them! – until you reach the imposing fortress at the top. From here, you gain a breathtaking view of the valley and can gaze in awe at the huge monolithic stones forming the Temple of the Sun.

INCLUDES

Private transport, full rafting equipment, rafting instructor, safety equipment, first aid kit, & entrance tickets
Departure: AM
Season: April 15 – December 15
Duration: 6 hrs approx.
Minimum age: 7 years

8 - HALF-DAY HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE SACRED VALLEY

A short route takes you through fields of corn and strawberry crops until you reach the village of Arin, 35-45 minutes away. You’re now in the foothills of the mountains, and can stride off to the nearby stunning waterfall. Take a moment to feel energized and relaxed by its beauty and by the impressive views of the Sacred Valley.

INCLUDES

Instructor & private transport
Departure: AM/PM
Duration: 3 hrs approx.
Minimum age: 9 years

09 - FULL-DAY HORSEBACK RIDING & PISAC TOUR

Experience the joy of riding a Peruvian Paso. You’ll be given a brief introduction to this elegant, gentle horse with its exceptionally smooth gait, as well as safety tips and the relevant equipment. You’ll mount your horse in the stable and have a practice ride to check that you’re comfortable before setting off. A short route takes you through fields of corn and strawberry crops until you reach the village of Arin, about 40 minutes away. You’re now in the foothills of the mountains, and can stride off to the nearby stunning waterfall. Take a moment to feel energized and relaxed by its beauty and by the impressive views of the Sacred Valley.

Afterwards, proceed to the town of Pisac, celebrated for its colorful market, where the locals gather to sell their wares. The handicraft market, open daily, is famous for ceramic beaded necklaces, earrings, and other enticing ítems.

INCLUDES

Guide, instructor, private transport & entrance tickets
Departure: AM
Duration: 6 hrs approx.
Minimum age: 9 years

10 - HALF-DAY ATV ADVENTURE

Hop aboard a quad bike for an exhilarating off-road adventure in the Sacred Valley. First, you’ll be escorted to the Adventure Center in Pachar to collect your vehicle and safety equipment. From here, you will set off along the old road leading to Ollantaytambo and head up to the Inca Bridge, passing immaculate Incan terraces still used by farmers today.

INCLUDES

Private transport, instructor, helmets and gloves, fuel, automatic ATVs, first aid kit
Departure: AM/PM
Duration: 3 hrs approx.
Minimum age: 7 years

11 - HALF-DAY CYCLE RIDE THROUGH THE SACRED VALLEY

Pedal off on an exciting bicycle ride through the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking scenery following the Ollantaytambo route. The ride will last approximately two hours.

INCLUDES

Private transport, bicycle, gloves & helmet
Departure: AM/PM
Duration: 3 hrs approx.
Minimum age: 7 years

12 - HALF-DAY KAYAKING OR STANDUP PADDLEBOARDING IN HUAYPO LAGOON

Your adventure begins in the beautiful Huaypo lagoon, high in the Andes, which provides water for local communities and crops. Reflected in its blue waters are mesmerizing images of the surrounding mountains and nature.

Enjoy two hours of paddle boarding or kayaking around the lagoon, absorbing the views and the rich biodiversity.

INCLUDES

Private transport, lake kayak or SUP, all equipment (windbreaker, wetsuits, life jackets), expert guide, safety equipment, first aid kit
Departure: AM/PM
Duration: 3 hrs approx
Minimum age: 7 years

13 - HALF DAY VIA FERRATA

The via ferrata in the Sacred Valley allows you to climb a 300-meter rockface in total safety. Meaning “iron way”, it’s a climbing route equipped with steel cables, ladders and other fixed anchors. For your descent, you have the opportunity to rappel 100 meters down the mountain, gaining an adrenaline boost and fantastic views of the mystical valley.

INCLUDES

Private transport, instructor, all equipment
Departure: AM
Duration: 3 hrs approx.
No previous experience necessary
Minimum age: 8 years

14 - HALF-DAY ZIP LINE

For thrill-seekers, little can match soaring over the Sacred Valley on a zipline. This fun, safe activity involves being attached by a harness to a series of seven cables, ranging from 150 to 700 meters long and covering a total distance of 2,800 meters. To reach the first cable, where the guide will hook you up to the pulley, you first enjoy a scenic, 35-minute hike.

INCLUDES

Private transport, instructor, all equipment
Departure: AM
Duration: 3 hrs approx.
Minimum age: 7 years

15 - FULL-DAY VIA FERRATA & ZIPLINE

Your exhilarating adventure begins with a 400-meter ascent of the mountain using the safe and secure via ferrata. It takes about an hour to reach the top and cross the suspension bridge. Pause for a delicious box lunch at the panoramic Condor’s Nest, the highest point of the circuit. To descend, you zipline back down via a series of six cables ranging from 250 to 700 meters in length.

INCLUDES

Private transport, instructor, full equipment, box lunch
Departure: AM
Duration: 4 hrs approx.
No previous experience necessary
Minimum age: 8 years

16 - HALF-DAY VIA FERRATA & ZIPLINE (SHORT CIRCUIT)

Climb the mountain using the safe and secure via ferrata. Then come back down using three zipline cables measuring between 170 and 200 meters in length. As you fly over the valley, take the opportunity to absorb the stunning views.

INCLUDES

Private transport, instructor & full equipment
Departure: AM
Duration: 2 hrs approx.
No previous experience necessary
Minimum age: 8 years

17 - TREK TO PUMAMARCA + OLLANTAYTAMBO TOUR

In the morning, your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby ready for your trek to Pumamarca. Pass through the traditional valley communities of Patacancha and Willoc before reaching the Pumamarca archaeological complex, a set of pre-Inca warehouses. From here, step out along an ancient riverside Inca trail, where a diversity of Andean flora flourishes. Throughout the trek, you are afforded enthralling views of the valley, the Urubamba River and the impressive Inca terraces on the mountain slopes.

Arrive at Ollantaytambo, the only town that retains its original Inca urban design. Here, local inhabitants still wear traditional dress, live in the old stone houses of their ancestors and use the ancient water channels that carry fresh mountain water down through the streets.

Rest and enjoy your box lunch, after which you will tour the remarkable archaeological site of Ollantaytambo before returning to the hotel.

INCLUDES

Private transport & guide, box lunch & entrance tickets
Departure: AM
Duration: 6 hrs approx.

18 - 2 HOURS - PAYMENT TO THE EARTH & COCA LEAF READING

A coca leaf reading is an ancient Andean ritual used to forecast your future. The practice is still popular in the Andes today, led by shamans who have inherited their knowledge and skills from their parents.

During this activity, you’re welcome to ask specific questions, but understand that coca leaves are considered messengers and the shaman will advise you on the best decisions to make for your future.

Payment to the Earth is another ancient and sacred ceremony still used by indigenous Andean peoples to give thanks to Pachamanca, or Mother Earth. Conducted by a shaman, it consists of arranging small amounts of native cereals, fruits, and grains, as well as coca leaves, as offerings. These are then burnt so that they can return to the place they came from. They rise in smoke toward the sky, after which the ashes are buried to complete the cycle

INCLUDES

Private shaman
Available: AM/PM
Duration: 2 hrs approx.

19 - CHINCHERO TOUR + VISIT TO NILDA CALLAÑAUPA TEXTILE CENTER

Your day begins with a journey to Chinchero, a small Andean town located high on the windswept plains of Anta, 3,762 meters above sea level and around 30km from Cusco. Admire beautiful views of the Sacred Valley, including the Vilcabamba mountain range with the peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. Considered the mythical birthplace of the rainbow, Chinchero buildings are built mainly from adobe (mud bricks) and the local inhabitants still go about their business in traditional dress.

Continue with a visit to the textile center of Andean weaver Nilda Callañaupa. Enjoy a demonstration of local techniques and insight into the importance of weaving in contemporary culture. Learn about other aspects of the creative process, such as spinning, braiding, and dyeing, using natural materials from the Andean highlands. The techniques developed in Peru over millennia are among the rarest and most treasured in the world. Most are unknown outside of the country. They are handed down from generation to generation through the time-honored methods of communication, observation, and practice.

INCLUDES

Transport, private guide & entrance tickets
Departure: AM
Duration: 3 hrs approx.

20 - VISIT TO THE OCUTUAN COMMUNITY

Embark on a fascinating journey to visit the Ocutuan community, 20 minutes from the town of Chinchero. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning landscapes, including a view of the beautiful Piuray Lagoon.

On arrival, local musicians and villagers wearing traditional dress will be waiting to welcome you. During the visit, you’ll gain insight into their lifestyle and customs, agricultural produce, and medicinal plants, as well as the roles each of them fulfills in the community. You’re invited to visit their tool museum, enjoy an expert weaving demonstration, and share in the preparation of their traditional drink, chicha.

INCLUDES

Transport & private guide
Departure: AM
Duration: 4 hrs approx