City tours

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a breathtaking valley located between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is steeped in Inca culture and history and boasts a milder climate and lower altitude than Cusco. On this tour, you will drive through the stunning mountains of the Sacred Valley, taking in picturesque villages, ancient Inca terraces, and the most important archaeological sites.

The valley is home to charming colonial towns, isolated weaving villages, handicraft markets, and lofty 10th and 11th-century Inca citadels such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Salt Mines and Moray terraces, which were created by building containment walls filled with fertile earth and watered through a complex irrigation system. At the base of the terraces, a rainwater storage system allowed for the cultivation of over 250 types of vegetables by the Incas.

Finally, you will have the chance to explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, the fabled Lost City of the Incas. The Inca City of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of art, urbanism, architecture, and engineering, and is the articulating center of its surroundings. Nestled at the foot of Huayna Picchu, the working of the mountain is an exceptional result of integration with its environment, a result of a gigantic effort as if it were an extension of nature.

The Q’eswachaka Bridge: A Living Incan Legacy

The Q’eswachaka bridge is the world’s last remaining Incan grass bridge, rebuilt annually in just three days using 500-year-old engineering techniques.

The Process:

• Preparation: Local communities harvest q’oya grass, twisting it into small cords that are braided into massive, heavy-duty cables.

• Installation: The old bridge is used to pull the first new cable across the canyon before being cut away to fall into the river.

• Anchoring: New cables are hand-stretched by the community and secured to ancient stone abutments on either side.

• The Weave: Master architect Victoriano Arizapana and a fellow weaver work from opposite ends, meeting in the center to hand-braid the floor and handrails.

The Significance: Passed down through generations, this tradition is a labor of love and community identity. Despite being made entirely of grass, the structure is remarkably strong and can support dozens of people at once. The project concludes each year with a communal celebration between the neighboring villages.

Waqrapukara: The Horned Fortress

Waqrapukara is an ancient Incan stronghold located 61.7 km (38.3 miles) south of Cusco. Its name comes from the Quechua words Waqra (Horn) and Pukara (Fortress), inspired by its unique location between two horn-shaped peaks.

The Site: Perched at 4,140 meters (13,582 ft) above a deep canyon, this archaeological site features:

• Eight agricultural terraces and stone plazas.

• A ceremonial center and intricate stone stairways.

• Pre-Inca cave paintings and diverse ecological zones.

The Journey: The adventure begins with a 3-hour drive from Cusco to the village of Wayki, followed by a 550-meter climb to the ruins. The hike offers stunning views of the Apurimac Canyon and passes through various mountain micro-climates.

Key Information:

• Expert Guides: Our local, English-speaking guides provide deep insights into the Incan history and traditions preserved by local communities.

• Altitude Warning: Because this is a high-altitude trek, we recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for a few days before departure.

The Qelqaya Glacier (Quelccaya) is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the Peruvian Andes, the largest tropical ice cap in the world, located high in the Cordillera Vilcanota, between Cusco and Puno. It stretches over 40 km² of ice and rises between 5,200 – 5,700 m / 17,000 – 18,700 ft above sea level, offering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into remote high-Andean landscapes.

This full-day experience is designed for travelers who want to witness this extraordinary glacier in a single, unforgettable journey from Cusco combining stunning Andean scenery, cultural connections with indigenous communities, and an immersive high-altitude hike to reach the glacier’s panoramic viewpoints.

From the moment you depart in the early morning until your return in the evening, you’ll travel through vast puna grasslands, impressive mountain vistas, and traditional Quechua villages, all framed by the snowy peaks of the Vilcanota range.

Whether you’re drawn by outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or extraordinary landscapes, the Qelqaya Glacier Full Day Tour delivers an authentic Andean experience — perfect for adventurous travelers and nature lovers seeking a unique alternative to classic Cusco full-day excursions.

Highlights

• Largest Tropical Ice Cap – Visit the Qelqaya Glacier, the largest tropical ice cap in the world, located deep in the Cordillera Vilcanota.
• Sibinacocha – located at approximately 4,860 meters (15,945 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest large lakes in Peru.
• Andean Wildlife – Observe vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and native bird species across the vast Puna landscapes.

Step back into the ingenuity of the Inca civilization as you visit the Qeswachaka (Keshwa Chaca) Inca Rope Bridge, a rare and living example of ancestral engineering still maintained by local communities today. Suspended high above the Apurímac River in the Andes, this handwoven grass bridge spans roughly 28 m (92 ft) and stands as a powerful symbol of Peruvian culture, tradition, and community collaboration. It is annually rebuilt using ancient techniques passed down through generations.

On this full-day adventure from Cusco, you’ll traverse twisting mountain roads and highland landscapes to witness first-hand one of the last functioning remnants of the Inca Road system, enjoy cultural interactions with local villagers, and absorb the remote beauty of the Andes.

Highlights

• Historic Inca Rope Bridge: Cross the authentic Qeswachaka Bridge, handwoven from ichu grass by local communities. One of the few remaining examples of traditional Inca suspension bridges still in use.
• Apurímac River Canyon Views: Experience dramatic views over the deep canyon carved by the Apurímac River, an important waterway that shaped ancient trade and travel routes.
• Andean Culture & Traditions: Learn about the annual bridge-rebuilding ritual and connect with local Quechua communities, gaining insight into living traditions passed through generations.

Cusco • Pisac • Moray • Maras Salt Mines • Ollantaytambo

Experience the full span of Inca engineering in a single day on our Extended Sacred Valley Tour. Departing directly from Cusco, this seamless circuit covers the massive ruins of Pisac, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, the subterranean Maras Salt Mines, and the living Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Skip the tourist shops and dive straight into authentic history with an expert local guide. We run daily small-group departures (max 8 guests) with optional drop-off at the Ollantaytambo train station for travelers continuing onward to Machu Picchu.

Highlights

• Pisac Archaeological Site & Market: Explore expansive mountain-top agricultural terraces, ancient hillside tombs, and the vibrant local artisan market.
• Moray Agricultural Amphitheaters: Marvel at the mysterious circular terraced rings used by the Incas to test and cultivate crops across varying microclimates.
• Maras Salt Mines (Las Salineras): Witness thousands of snow-white, subterranean salt pools actively harvested by local families since pre-Inca times.
• Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress: Tour the monumental Sun Temple terraces and explore the historic town, famous as the last remaining living Inca settlement.
• Flexible Drop-Off Locations: Finish your tour conveniently in Cusco or directly at the Ollantaytambo train station for evening rail connections to Machu Picchu.

Most travelers don’t realize that the Sacred Valley sits lower than Cusco (around 9,000 ft vs 11,150 ft), making this 1-Day Extended Sacred Valley Tour the absolute best way to adjust to the elevation before starting the 2-Day Short Inca Trail or 4-Day Classic Inca Trail.

Cusco • Mollepata • Soraypampa • Lake Humantay

Explore the high-altitude turquoise waters of Lake Humantay on a thrilling day trip into the Peruvian Andes. Nestled at the base of the iconic Mount Salkantay and Mount Humantay, this spectacular glacier lagoon offers some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in South America.

We operate daily small-group departures (maximum 8 participants) with safe, modern tourist transport, an expert native guide, and freshly prepared local meals. This hike serves as an exceptional acclimatization excursion for travelers preparing for longer alpine treks like the Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail.

Highlights

• Breathtaking Glacier Lake: Stand before the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Humantay, fed directly by the melting glaciers above.
• Towering Alpine Views: Enjoy uninterrupted panoramas of Mount Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and Mount Humantay (5,473 m / 17,956 ft).
• Guaranteed Small Groups: Trek comfortably in intimate groups capped at 8 guests (maximum 10 during peak dates).
• Included Fresh Meals: Fuel your trek with a hearty breakfast and a full buffet lunch in Mollepata.
• Optional Horseback Rental: Rent a local riding horse at the trailhead if you prefer to save your energy on the uphill trail.
• Door-to-Door Hotel Pickup: Relax with seamless round-trip transport directly from your Cusco accommodation.