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At Cusco Native Tours, we’re passionate about showing visitors the real Peru. Our tours are designed to offer unique and authentic experiences that showcase the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.


Off the Beaten Path Tours

Explore our selection of off the beaten track tours below. With decades of experience providing tours in Peru, we are experts in planning unique travel experiences for our clients. If you don’t see what you’re looking for below, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help build you a custom expedition.

5 Stars - Based on 552 Client Reviews

Explore our selection of off the beaten track tours below. With decades of experience providing tours in Peru, we are experts in planning unique travel experiences for our clients. If you don’t see what you’re looking for below, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help build you a custom expedition.

Authentic Local Expertise

Every itinerary is designed by local specialists who know the land, the culture, and the details that make a trip unforgettable. Enjoy authentic service and real value - no middlemen.

The Most Flexible Way to Book

Reserve your adventure with just a 25% deposit and pay the rest upon arrival in Peru. Postpone your trip for free up to 30 days before the start date!

Local Business

Sustainable

Small Groups

Experienced Team

Tours & Excursions

Quick escapes, ancient magic Cusco waits for you

Booking With Us

1

Get in Touch

Choose one of our curated trips or reach out with your ideas. We’ll respond within one business day to start planning your adventure.

2

Personalize Your Journey

Your travel advisor works with you to customize every detail, creating a trip that matches your pace, interests, and travel style.

3

Travel With Confidence

From the moment you arrive to your final farewell, we handle all the logistics. Relax and immerse yourself— We take care of the rest.

Why go off the beaten path in Peru?


Peru is more than its famous landmarks. These journeys take you to hidden villages, secret valleys, and untouched trails where you can experience local life, traditional customs, and breathtaking landscapes far from the crowds. Perfect for curious travelers, these tours reveal authentic Peru — the kind of experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Choose Your Offbeat Adventure Style

Not every explorer is looking for the same path — some crave long treks into the unknown, while others seek living traditions or surreal landscapes. Pick the adventure style that speaks to you:

Remote Treks

Multi-day hikes that push beyond the crowds and deep into untouched valleys, ancient ruins, and dramatic Andean peaks. Perfect for those who want immersive, rugged adventures far from the ordinary trails.

Living Culture

Share authentic moments with Andean communities — from preparing a traditional meal and tending alpacas to learning ancient weaving techniques. These experiences let you live traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Wild Landscapes

Day or multi-day journeys to surreal places shaped by nature — rainbow-colored mountains, high-altitude lakes, hidden canyons, or glaciers that few travelers ever witness.

Hidden Gems of Cusco

Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour

Every June, locals rebuild this rope bridge entirely from woven grass using ancient Inca techniques. A full-day cultural journey that blends light hiking with living tradition — a rare chance to cross the Andes as the Incas once did.

Waqrapukara

A breathtaking Inca sanctuary perched high in the Andes, shaped like two horns. This full-day adventure involves a moderate trek, rewarding you with sweeping views and mysterious ruins that few visitors ever see.

Huchuy Qosqo

A lesser-known Inca site above the Sacred Valley, reached through a scenic day hike or overnight trek. Surrounded by Andean villages and panoramic views, it’s perfect for travelers who want history, nature, and authentic encounters in one journey.

Ñaupa Iglesia

Step into one of the Sacred Valley’s most mysterious sites — a little-known Inca and pre-Inca ceremonial temple carved into solid rock. Often called the “Temple of the Moon,” this half-day visit unveils ancient altars, carved niches, and a strong sense of Andean mysticism.

Ausangate & The Seven Lakes

A high-altitude full-day trek (or extended multi-day for adventurers) into the sacred Ausangate range, where turquoise glacial lakes shimmer below snowcapped peaks. Demanding, but deeply rewarding for those who want untouched Andean wilderness.

Pallay Punchu

Nicknamed the “Rainbow Fabric Mountain,” this dramatic geological formation features sharp peaks painted in striking reds, greens, and yellows. A full-day excursion with a challenging hike, it’s an offbeat alternative to Rainbow Mountain — raw, colorful, and far less crowded.

Inti Punku Sun Gate Tour

A scenic hike from Ollantaytambo leads to this Inca lookout above the Sacred Valley. The half-day trek is moderately challenging but rewards you with sweeping views of Mount Veronica and the valley — a quieter counterpart to Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate.

Choquequirao

Dubbed Machu Picchu’s “sister city,” this sprawling archaeological site remains hidden among cloud forests. Accessible only by a challenging multi-day trek, it rewards the intrepid with solitude, mystery, and some of the most impressive Inca architecture.

Kinsacocha

A full-day cultural immersion connecting with Andean families in their highland community near Pisac. Learn traditional farming, weaving, and daily practices before visiting the serene turquoise lagoons of Kinsacocha, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Best Time to Go

Peru’s hidden gems are rewarding year-round, but the experience can change depending on when you go. Unlike classic tourist circuits, offbeat routes are more sensitive to weather and local traditions. Here’s what you need to know:

Dry Season (May – October)

Best for remote treks and wild landscapes. Trails are more accessible, rivers calmer, and skies clearer. Keep in mind it’s also the busiest season overall in Peru, but these offbeat destinations remain far less crowded.

Shoulder Months (April & November)

A sweet spot for balanced conditions. Trails are drying up, crowds haven’t arrived (or have already left), and landscapes glow with unique colors. If you want good weather without the intensity of peak season, this is the moment to plan your offbeat journey.

Rainy Season (December – March)

Lush valleys and fewer crowds make this season ideal for cultural immersion. With communities focused on farming and festivals, it’s the perfect time to explore places like Kinsacocha or weaving villages in the Sacred Valley.

Acclimatization & Altitude Tips

Ready to venture off the beaten path? High-altitude trails and unpredictable weather make preparation key — follow these tips to ensure a safe, unforgettable adventure.

Altitude Sickness & How to Prepare
Many off-the-beaten-path experiences in Peru take you well above 3,000 m (9,800 ft). Even Cusco (3,400 m) already sits at high altitude, and places like Pallay Punchu (4,700 m) or Waqrapukara (4,200 m) reach even higher. It’s normal to feel shortness of breath or mild headaches, but being prepared makes all the difference.

Preparation Tips
• Acclimatize for 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
• Rest and avoid heavy activity on arrival
• Stay hydrated; avoid alcohol and heavy meals early on
• Coca tea or soroche pills can help
• Train with cardio or day hikes if possible
• If symptoms worsen (vomiting, confusion), descend and seek help

Start with Lower-Altitude Treks
Ease into high-altitude experiences with:
• Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge (3,700 m)
• Ñaupa Iglesia (3,200 m)
• Kinsacocha

Work up to tougher treks like Ausangate or Choquequirao.

Testimonials

Real Stories, Real Adventures: Hear What Our Travelers Have to Say!

21/04/2026
Rachelle D

Excellent, safe, and fun experience! Everything from start to finish was perfect! The communication between Diego/the company and I was seamless. My guide, Rumi, was absolultely wonderful! I went to Peru on my own, and wanted to ensure a safe, easy experience-Cusco Native definitely delivered!

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20/04/2026
Barbara Hranicka

We had a fantastic trip to Cusco. Our guide Marco was excellent. He was very informative and gave excellent historical background of the places we visited. He was also patient with our slower pace. The itinerary was very well planned.

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10/04/2026
BP

We booked our Peru trip through Cusco Native and Leidy was great help. We had millions of questions and adjustments and changes to our travel plan and Leidy at Cusco Native was very patient and helpful. We had a great time and made memories that will last a lifetime.

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08/04/2026
Annella

We recently returned from an incredible trip organized by this travel company, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From start to finish, the organization was flawless. They took the stress out of planning by helping us secure the exact Machu Picchu circuit tickets we wanted. If you want a well-organized, stress-free trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, this is the company to book!

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FAQ's

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about our off the beaten path tours:

Yes, especially during the peak tourist season (June–August). To secure your spot, it's best to book at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially for group tours. Private tours can be arranged with more flexibility.

Yes. All tours are led by local, certified guides who speak Spanish and English and are trained in first aid and local history.

Yes! We can adjust itineraries to match your interests, pace, and travel style—whether you want a shorter hike, more cultural stops, or a fully personalized route.

Yes. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, friends, or even a large group, we can arrange private tours tailored to your needs. This way, you’ll enjoy flexibility, comfort, and a more personalized experience.

Yes, Q’eswachaka is perfect for those with little to no hiking experience, as the walk to the bridge is easy. Inti Punku is moderate and best for those with some basic hiking skills. Waqrapukara is more challenging, so if you’re a beginner, it’s essential to prepare for the altitude and rugged terrain by gradually building up your stamina before the tour.

Venturing off the beaten path in Peru often means remote trails, limited transport, and little to no signage. With us, you get safe access to hidden sites, expert guidance to understand their history and culture, and worry-free logistics so you can focus on the adventure—not the complications.

Start planning your custom Peru Adventure!


Personalized tours to Machu Picchu and other iconic destinations, handcrafted by passionate local experts.


Contact Info

Cusco Native Tours S.R.L.
Sales (Phone): +1 (520) 900-6376
Sales (WhatsApp): +51 973 532 795
24/7 Emergency Line: +51 987 129 996

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