Best Tours and Things to Do in Cusco & the Sacred Valley
(2026 Guide for Independent Travellers)
Plan each activity like an independent traveller: exact routes, prices in soles and US dollars, real travel times, local tips, and how to do everything on your own.
In this guide, we’ve brought together everything from classic tours such as the Cusco City Tour and the Sacred Valley Full Day, to must‑see natural experiences like Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Machu Picchu. All activities are organised in tabs so you can easily navigate between them and find clear, up‑to‑date information tailored to your travel style.
How to get to the most visited tours in Cusco on your own
Recommended itinerary, costs and required entrance tickets
What to bring depending on the weather, altitude and type of traveller
Exclusive benefits in hotels, restaurants and more with your purchase on PeruRail
Tours in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
The Cusco City Tour is the ideal way to begin your trip. In just a few hours, you will visit sacred temples, traditional neighbourhoods, scenic viewpoints and Inca archaeological complexes. This guide is designed so you can do it on your own, without relying on agencies, making the most of affordable taxis, easy walks and stops at your own pace.
- Total duration: 4–6 hours
- Difficulty: low
- Maximum altitude: 3,600 m
- Type of tour: cultural + scenic
- Recommended transport: taxi (very affordable)
- Best time: 09:00–12:00
- Avoid: 14:00–16:00 (peak time for large tour groups)
Recommended itinerary
🕘 09:00 — Qorikancha
How to get there:
- From your accommodation, first head to Plaza de Armas, the easiest reference point to orient yourself. Then walk about 10 minutes along Calle Mantas to Av. El Sol, where you’ll find Qorikancha in front of the Coricancha Palace Hotel
- If you prefer a taxi directly: S/ 8-10 (USD 2-3), ~5 minutes
- What to see / why visit: Temple of the Sun and a striking fusion of Inca and colonial architecture. The best starting point for the tour.
- Entrance fee: S/ 20-30 (USD 5-8)
🕚 10:00 — Sacsayhuamán
How to get there:
- From Qorikancha, take a taxi: S/ 10-15 (USD 3-4), 7-10 minutes
- Walking is not recommended, as the route is designed for vehicles rather than pedestrians
- What to see / why visit: A monumental fortress with walls up to 9 metres high. One of the best natural viewpoints over Cusco.
- Recommended time: 45 minutes
🕛 11:00 — Q’enqo
How to get there:
- Taxi from Sacsayhuamán: S/ 10-12 (USD 3), 5-7 minutes
- What to see: Ceremonial altar and sacred passageways carved in stone.
- Recommended time: 20-30 minutes
🕐 12:00 — Puca Pucara
How to get there:
- Taxi from Q’enqo: S/ 12-15 (USD 3-4), ~10 minutes
- What to see: A former military fort, terraces and rural views.
- Recommended time: 20 minutes
🕑 13:30 — Tambomachay
How to get there:
- Taxi from Puca Pucara: S/ 8-10 (USD 2-3), ~5 minutes
- What to see: Temple of water and ceremonial channels.
- Recommended time: 20-30 minutes
🕒 14:30 — Return to Cusco
How to get back:
- Taxi from the road outside the site
- Price: S/ 20-25 (USD 5-7)
- Time: 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic
- Tip: Ask the driver to drop you off at Plaza de Armas or Av. El Sol
- Note: There is no convenient or fast public transport option — taxi is the best choice
Tickets and prices
To visit the archaeological sites included in the City Tour, you must purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), except for Qorikancha, which is independent.
What does it include?
Access to the 4 official sites:
Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay
Prices:
- Adult foreigner: S/ 130 (USD 39)
- Adult Peruvian: S/ 70 (USD 20)
- Foreign student: S/ 70 (USD 20)
- Peruvian student: S/ 40
Where to buy:
📍 Av. El Sol 103, Cusco
🕒 07:00–18:00
💳 Payment: cash only
What to bring
- Water
- Sunscreen and hat
- Light jacket
- Cash
- BTC ticket purchased in advance
This route can be completed independently using local transport (buses, shared vans, taxis), and it is an excellent alternative to organised tours. The Sacred Valley sits between 8,000 and 9,500 feet above sea level, offering a gentler altitude compared to Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), which helps with acclimatisation before visiting Machu Picchu.
General considerations
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Altitude range: 2,800-3,800 m
- Most popular route: Pisac → Maras → Moray → Ollantaytambo
- Typically included in organised tours: transport + guide + viewpoints + market stops
- Best for: travellers with only one day to explore the highlights of the Valley
Suggested itinerary
🕕 07:00 — Cusco → Pisac (first stop of the day)
How to get there:
- Take a bus from Cusco along Av. El Sol (near Colegio Garcilaso) towards Pisac
- Bus fare: S/ 5-7 (USD 1.5-2) | Travel time: 45-55 minutes
- Alternatively, take a taxi via InDriver or Uber
- Taxi fare: S/ 40-50 (USD 10-13)
- Why visit: Extensive ruins with terraces, natural viewpoints and one of the most traditional markets in the Sacred Valley. Frequently recommended as the ideal first stop for a well-planned day.
- Recommended visit time: 1h 30 min
🕘 09:30 — Pisac → Maras Salt Mines
How to get there:
- Take a shared taxi (colectivo) from Pisac → Urubamba: S/ 5-7
- Then taxi from Urubamba → Maras: S/ 15-20
- Alternatively, direct taxi Pisac → Maras: S/ 15-20 (USD 4-6), 20-25 minutes
- Why visit: Thousands of pre-Inca salt pools still in use today. One of the most photogenic stops of the day.
- Recommended time: 30 minutes
🕚 11:00 — Moray (circular terraces)
How to get there:
- Taxi or mototaxi from Maras: S/ 10-15
- Travel time: 10-15 minutes
- Why visit: A unique Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces and microclimates.
- Recommended time: 45 minutes
🕛 12:30 — Moray → Urubamba (lunch)
- Taxi: S/ 15-20
- Travel time: 25-30 minutes
- Why stop here: Urubamba is the best place to have lunch before continuing your journey. Most itineraries include this as the standard lunch stop.
🕐 13:30 — Urubamba → Ollantaytambo
- Shared taxi: S/ 3-5
- Travel time: 20-25 minutes
- Why visit: A monumental fortress, living Inca town, and the main gateway to Machu Picchu by train.
- Recommended stop: 1h15 – 1h30
🕒 15:00 — (Optional) Ollantaytambo → Chinchero
- Shared taxi: S/ 5-7
- Travel time: 30-40 minutes
- Why visit: Traditional textile centre, terraces and scenic viewpoints.
🕓 16:00 — Return to Cusco
- Shared taxi: S/ 8-10
- Travel time: 50-60 minutes
- Tip: Aim to return before sunset.
Tickets & costs
- Pisac, Moray, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo require the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
- Maras Salt Mines entrance: S/ 10-15 per person
- Approximate total transport cost: S/ 40-60 using public transport
Essential tips
- Start early (07:00-07:30) to avoid crowds
- Bring cash (cards are rarely accepted)
- Have lunch in Urubamba to optimise time
- If visiting Machu Picchu the next day, staying overnight in Ollantaytambo is ideal
- For one day, this route covers only the essential highlights without unnecessary stops
If you’re planning to continue to Machu Picchu, check our complete guide:
Machu Picchu is the most visited destination in Peru and the highlight for most travellers visiting Cusco. Whether you travel independently or with a tour, the most efficient and reliable way to get there is by train, as it is the only transport that takes you directly to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
General considerations
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m
- Aguas Calientes altitude: 2,040 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Booking required: Entry ticket + Consettur bus + train
- Travel time Cusco → Machu Picchu: 3h30 to 4h30 approx.
Suggested itinerary (Full Day & 2 Days / 1 Night)
Full Day
- Early departure from Cusco or Ollantaytambo
- Scenic train journey
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes
- Consettur bus to Machu Picchu
- Guided or independent visit (2-2.5 hours)
- Return to Aguas Calientes
- Train back
- Arrival in Cusco at night
2 Days / 1 Night
- Day 1: Train to Aguas Calientes + free afternoon
- Day 2: Morning visit to Machu Picchu + afternoon return
How to get there
The most convenient and safest option is by train. PeruRail offers departures from:
- Departure points
- Cusco – San Pedro Station
- Cusco – Poroy
- Urubamba
- Ollantaytambo
Train options
- PeruRail Expedition: budget-friendly option
- Vistadome: panoramic windows with canyon views
- Vistadome Observatory: train with observation carriage + live onboard experience
Tickets & costs
To visit Machu Picchu, three separate services are required:
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (time slot and circuit)
- Consettur bus: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
- PeruRail train to/from Aguas Calientes
General considerations
- Duration: 12-14 hours
- Difficulty: High (altitude + steep inclines)
- Maximum altitude: 5,010 m
- Weather: Very cold at sunrise, rapidly changing conditions
- Best for: travellers already acclimatised (2-3 days in Cusco)
- Leave Cusco between 03:30 and 04:00
- Arriving at the summit after 08:00-09:00 helps avoid clouds and strong winds
Suggested itinerary
🕕 03:30-04:00 — Cusco → Cusipata (first section)
How to get there:
Cusipata is the main stop where organised tours usually have breakfast. You can reach it independently by taxi or early-morning van.
Option 1: Private taxi (most practical for independent travellers)
- Cost: S/ 150-180 (USD 40-50)
- Travel time: 1h45-2h
- Tell the driver: “Cusipata — road to Rainbow Mountain”
Option 2: Local van (availability may vary at early hours)
- Common departure points: Av. Huayruropata (towards Sicuani)
- Cost: S/ 15-20 (USD 4-6)
- Travel time: ~2 hours
🕗 06:00 — Cusipata (breakfast)
Cusipata is the last main village before the hiking point. Many restaurants open early to serve breakfast.
🕘 06:30 — Cusipata → Fulawasipata (start of the hike)
How to get there:
Local pickup trucks transport travellers from Cusipata to the trailhead.
- Cost: S/ 40-60 per vehicle (USD 10-16, shared)
- Travel time: 45-55 minutes
- Ask for: “Rainbow Mountain drop-off at Fulawasipata”
🕙 07:30 — Start of hike → Main viewpoint
- Ascent time: 1h45-2h30
- Difficulty: High
- Maximum altitude: ~5,010 m
During the hike:
- Walk slowly — altitude affects even fit travellers
- Hydrate every 10-15 minutes
- Stop if you feel dizzy
- Horses are available (S/ 50-80), but they do not reach the summit
🕚 09:00 — Rainbow Mountain Summit
What to expect:
- Panoramic views of the Ausangate mountain range
- Natural mineral colours
- A full panoramic viewpoint for photography
Recommended time:
20-40 minutes (strong winds at the top)
🕛 10:00 — Return hike
- Descent: 1-1h30
- At Fulawasipata, take the same shared transport back to Cusipata
🕐 12:00 — Lunch in Cusipata
Many restaurants offer simple buffet-style meals.
🕒 14:00 — Return to Cusco
Option 1: Taxi
- Cost: S/ 150-180 (USD 40-50)
- Time: 1h45-2h
Option 2: Local vans
- Cost: S/ 15-20 (USD 4-6)
- Departure point: main avenue in Cusipata
What to bring
- Thermal layers + windproof jacket
- Gloves and hat
- 1.5-2 L of water
- Energy snacks
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cash (no cards accepted anywhere)
- Proper hiking shoes
- Altitude sickness medication
Traveller-specific tips
- Not acclimatised travellers: Not recommended before 48-72 hours in Cusco
- Families: Not suitable for young children
- Adventure travellers: Ideal if you’ve already done high-altitude treks
- Photographers: Arrive before 09:00 for best light
- Extreme altitude — altitude sickness is common
- Rapid weather changes
- Strong wind at the summit
- Bring cash — no card payments available
- Fully exposed hike (strong sun conditions)
Quick Comparison of Tours and Activities
|
Activity
|
Duration
|
Max Altitude
|
Difficulty
|
Ideal for
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cusco City Tour |
4–6 h |
3,600 m |
Easy |
First day, acclimatisation
|
|
Sacred Valley Full Day |
10–12 h |
3,800 m |
Easy–moderate
|
Seeing highlights in one day |
|
Machu Picchu |
Full day / 2 days
|
2,430 m |
Easy |
All travellers |
|
Rainbow Mountain |
12–14 h |
5,010 m |
High |
Acclimatised travellers |
Recommendations Based on Your Travel Style
Travelling as a couple
Travelling with family
Travelling
solo
San Blas, Rainbow Mountain and Ollantaytambo are social, safe, and popular among independent travellers.
Short
on time
City Tour (half day) + Sacred Valley (full day) + train to Machu Picchu.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Attempting to walk to Sacsayhuamán without acclimatisation
- Buying the Cusco Tourist Ticket at the last minute
- Assuming there is direct public transport to Rainbow Mountain (there isn’t)
- Thinking you can buy Machu Picchu tickets on the same day
- Not carrying cash (most stops do not accept cards)
- Underestimating weather changes in the Sacred Valley and at Rainbow Mountain
How to Connect These Tours with Your Visit to Machu Picchu
After exploring the Sacred Valley, the most practical option is to take the train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo. It is the most efficient and recommended choice for independent travellers.
Day 1 → Cusco City Tour
Perfect for acclimatisation and to explore the essentials without physical strain.
Day 2 → Sacred Valley Full Day
Your itinerary ends in Ollantaytambo, leaving you in the ideal location to connect directly with the train.
Night of Day 2: Ollantaytambo
Save time by avoiding the return to Cusco and stay overnight in Ollantaytambo (optional). This is considered best practice for independent travel routes.
Day 3 → Train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo
A shorter, more comfortable journey with no rush.
Travel Cusco and Machu Picchu at Your Own Pace
Travelling through Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu independently allows you to move freely, beyond the limitations of traditional tour packages. By purchasing your train tickets with PeruRail, you also gain access to exclusive benefits that enhance your journey from start to finish.
Selected Accommodation
Well-located stays in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Gastronomic Experiences
Partner restaurants ideal to enjoy before or after your tours.
Services That Simplify Your Journey
Transport options and complementary experiences designed to enhance your itinerary.
Book Your Train in Advance
Secure your train tickets early and enjoy a discount with code SAVE05.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most travellers spend between 3 and 5 days, combining the City Tour, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
For a more complete experience, many 2026 guides recommend itineraries of 5 to 8 days, including Rainbow Mountain or Humantay.
Experts recommend starting with a Cusco City Tour, as it helps with acclimatisation to the altitude (3,399 m) before attempting more demanding excursions such as Rainbow Mountain.
During high season (May to September), it is advisable to book 4 to 6 months in advance, as availability is limited.
The three essential experiences are:
- Cusco City Tour
- Sacred Valley
- Machu Picchu
These offer a complete introduction to the region’s culture and archaeological highlights.
Moderate to high. The hike takes place at high altitude and requires good physical endurance.
Yes. Most itineraries describe it as a full-day experience, covering Pisac, Ollantaytambo and key Andean landscapes.
2026 travel guides highlight that a Full Day Machu Picchu by train is entirely feasible, thanks to increased train frequency and comfort.
Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu is the most efficient combination, allowing you to visit multiple archaeological sites in one journey.
Yes, as long as you use reliable taxis, authorised shared transport and follow recommended timings.
Yes. It is highly recommended to spend 1–2 days in Cusco, as the hike reaches over 5,000 m above sea level.
The best period is May to September (dry season), when weather conditions are more stable and visibility is clearer.
Yes. There is a dedicated route (Circuit 3 – lower section) adapted for reduced mobility, including wheelchair access.
This route features flatter paths and allows visitors to explore the lower part of the sanctuary.
Special tickets are required, and visitors must enter with at least one companion (sometimes two, depending on steps along the route).