Tanais Peru Explorer

Upon your arrival at Cusco’s airport, one of our representatives will be there to welcome you and assist with your transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude. We recommend taking it easy and allowing your body to adjust to the higher elevation.

Cusco is a city brimming with history and charm, and it’s a great place to explore at your own pace. Take a leisurely walk through the Plaza de Armas, visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán, or wander through the cobbled streets of the San Blas neighborhood, where you can enjoy local art, culture, and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling up to it, stop by one of the many excellent restaurants or cafes to sample some Peruvian specialties, or our team can provide restaurant recommendations and help with securing reservations.

Our team will pick you up from your hotel in the morning or afternoon to begin your half-day tour of the city of Cusco. Known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco is the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere and was once the heart of the Incan Empire during the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, the city showcases a unique blend of ancient pre-Inca and Inca architecture with Spanish colonial influences, offering a fascinating journey through history. On this tour, we will visit some of the city’s most remarkable sites, where you’ll have the chance to appreciate its extraordinary cultural heritage.

Our first stop will be the Cusco Cathedral, the city’s main temple, located on the Plaza de Armas. Here, you’ll admire its impressive architecture and view several masterpieces from the Cusco School of art. Next, we’ll head to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti. On top of this sacred site, the Santo Domingo Convent was built, yet much of the original Inca stonework remains intact. We’ll then visit Sacsayhuaman, the ceremonial fortress with megalithic stone walls, offering a panoramic view of the city of Cusco. Our next stops will be Q’enqo, a mysterious site with underground passageways, Puca Pucara, a fortress showcasing Inca military architecture, and finally, Tambomachay, a stunning site featuring aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls, highlighting the Inca’s mastery of water manipulation. After exploring these incredible sites, we’ll return to your hotel, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax or explore.

Discover the ancient wonders of Maras and Moray on this captivating day tour from Cusco. Our journey begins early as we head toward the charming town of Maras, a place rich in both Inca and colonial history. We’ll take a moment to explore the main square and its historic church, admiring the unique blend of architectural influences before continuing our adventure.

Our first stop is Moray, an extraordinary Inca site featuring circular terraces that descend into the earth like a natural amphitheater. These terraces are believed to have been an agricultural laboratory, where the Incas experimented with different crops by creating microclimates at varying levels. From here, we continue to the Maras Salt Mines, a fascinating pre-Inca salt production site where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside. Local families have harvested salt here for generations using the same ancestral techniques, and you’ll have the chance to observe the process and even purchase some freshly harvested Maras salt to take home.

After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll stop for lunch in the Sacred Valley (meal not included). With our senses enriched by history, nature, and tradition, we’ll return to Cusco, bringing home memories of this unique journey through the heart of the Andes.

Our day begins with a journey through the Sacred Valley, once the heart of the Incan Empire. This fertile region has served as an important agricultural center for thousands of years, with its ruins stretching from Pisac to Ollantaytambo before reaching Chinchero.

Our first stop is Pisac, an important Inca site known for its extensive agricultural terraces and strategic location as the southern gateway to the valley. After exploring the ruins, we’ll visit the town’s artisan market before continuing to Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress that guarded the northern entrance of the valley. As we climb its terraces and walk through its narrow streets, we’ll gain insight into its military, religious, and agricultural significance.

Finally, we head to Chinchero, a traditional Andean village home to the Royal Hacienda Ruins of Tupac Inca Yupanqui. Here, we’ll see a well-preserved Inca wall in the main square and visit the colonial church built atop Inca foundations. After taking in the beauty and history of Chinchero, we return to Cusco.

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a pickup from your hotel, followed by a transfer to the train station for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. The train journey offers spectacular views of the lush mountains and valleys, setting the stage for your adventure ahead. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll meet your guide, who will take you to the entrance of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Perched high in the Andes, this ancient citadel reveals the Inca civilization’s architectural and engineering marvels. As you explore its temples, plazas, and terraces, you’ll be struck by the sophisticated construction techniques that have allowed it to endure centuries of earthquakes and extreme weather conditions, all while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

After your guided tour through the iconic site, you’ll have some free time to enjoy Aguas Calientes, where you can relax, have lunch, shop for souvenirs, or even visit the town’s famous hot springs (optional, not included). Later in the afternoon, you’ll board your return train, and after arriving at the station, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel where you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax and reflect on today’s once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Enjoy a free day in the vibrant city of Cusco, where you can immerse yourself in its rich history, captivating culture, and stunning architecture. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the impressive Plaza de Armas, lined with colonial buildings and the magnificent Cusco Cathedral. Visit the Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important Inca temple, and marvel at the fusion of Inca and colonial architecture.

For a more relaxed day, wander through the San Pedro Market, where you can sample fresh local produce, traditional Peruvian snacks, and handmade crafts. If you’re in the mood for art and history, visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino or the Museo Inka to discover Cusco’s fascinating past. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk up to the nearby Sacsayhuamán ruins for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Whether you prefer exploring the city’s historic sites, shopping for unique souvenirs, or simply enjoying the local atmosphere, a free day in Cusco offers a wealth of experiences to enjoy at your own pace.

Explore the breathtaking multi-colored Vinicunca Mountain on this classic day hike from Cusco. Located at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level, this stunning natural wonder and the nearby Red Valley showcase some of the most impressive landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. We will depart early from Cusco, heading south toward the Cusipata District, where we’ll make a brief stop for any last-minute supplies. As we continue our journey, we’ll pass through picturesque Andean villages, spotting llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas grazing against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. After reaching the village of Chirihuani, we will enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast prepared by our chef.

From here, we continue to the trailhead and begin our ascent toward Vinicunca. The 1.5-hour hike takes us through an ever-changing landscape of mineral-rich mountains and glacial streams, gradually revealing the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain. At the summit, we’ll have time to soak in the panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos. After enjoying this spectacular sight, we begin our descent back to the trailhead, where our transport will be waiting to take us to a nearby town for a delicious buffet lunch. Recharged and refreshed, we return to Cusco in the late afternoon, bringing home lasting memories of this high-altitude adventure.

Today’s adventure takes you to Humantay Lake, a stunning glacial lagoon nestled at 4,200 meters along the trail to Salkantay Mountain. The journey begins with an early morning departure from Cusco, heading toward Soraypampa, where a hearty breakfast provides energy for the trek ahead. From the trailhead, the 1-2 hour uphill hike offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay, with the crisp mountain air adding to the experience.

Upon reaching Humantay Lake, the vivid turquoise waters set against the dramatic Andean backdrop make for an unforgettable sight. There will be time to explore, take photos, and for those feeling adventurous, even dip into the icy waters. After enjoying the lake, the descent back to Soraypampa is a much easier trek, followed by a well-earned lunch before beginning the return drive to Cusco, arriving in the early evening.

As your adventure in Peru comes to a close, we’ll ensure your departure is smooth and stress-free. One of our representatives will meet you at your hotel at the designated time and escort you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Once there, you’ll have ample time to check in for your flight and prepare for your journey home or onward.

We hope that your time in Cusco has been filled with unforgettable experiences. As you bid farewell to the Inca imperial capital, we wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future.