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.

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.

Cusco • Southern Valley • Four Lakes • Q’eswachaka Bridge • Cusco

Discover the world’s last remaining Incan rope bridge on an exclusive 1-day private journey into the High Andes. Spanning the dramatic Apurimac River canyon, the Q’eswachaka bridge represents a living Incan legacy, reconstructed by hand each year using 500-year-old engineering techniques.

This private expedition takes you off the beaten path through Cusco’s scenic Southern Valley. Along the way, you will visit the pristine Four Lakes circuit (Pomuacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca) and observe quiet highland communities that preserve ancient agricultural traditions. Upon reaching Q’eswachaka, you can walk across this hand-woven grass structure, marvel at the craftsmanship of local Quechua weavers, and experience the cultural depth of the Qhapaq Ñan Inca trail network.

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 Reconstruction Process

• Preparation: Local communities harvest native 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 below.
• Anchoring: New cables are hand-stretched by community members and secured tightly to ancient stone abutments on either side.
• The Weave: Master architect Victoriano Arizapana and a fellow weaver work from opposite ends of the gorge, meeting in the center to hand-braid the floor and handrails.

Cultural Significance

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

Highlights

• The Last Living Inca Bridge: Cross the 28-meter hand-woven grass bridge suspended 15 meters above the rushing Apurimac River.
• UNESCO Cultural Heritage: Learn about the annual three-day reconstruction process performed by over 1,000 local Quechua villagers.
• The Four Lakes Circuit: Enjoy scenic stops and photography along four high-altitude Andean lakes in the Southern Valley.
• Private Tour Comfort: Travel at your own pace in private transport with dedicated door-to-door hotel transfers.
• Expert Cultural Guide: Learn about Incan engineering, local customs, and high-altitude flora from a university-educated local guide.

Cusco • Pomacanchi Lake • Huayqui • Waqrapukara Fortress • Cusco

Embark on an extraordinary off-the-beaten-path high-altitude trek to Waqrapukara, one of the most enigmatic Incan strongholds in the Andes. Perched high above the dramatic Apurimac Canyon, this ancient archaeological site features stone plazas, ceremonial temples, agricultural terraces, and pre-Inca cave paintings set against twin horn-shaped rock peaks.

This private 1-day expedition takes you south of Cusco through the scenic Southern Valley. Along the way, you will visit the pristine high-altitude Pomacanchi Lake before hiking through diverse mountain microclimates. Upon reaching the summit ridge, you will explore a sacred fortress that remains far less crowded than traditional tourist sites, ensuring an authentic, peaceful, and immersive historical journey.

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 dramatic location between two massive horn-shaped rock formations.

The Archaeological Site

Perched at 4,140 meters (13,582 ft) directly above a deep river canyon, this ceremonial complex features several distinct Incan architectural components:

• Terraces and Plazas: Eight agricultural terraces and stone plazas built into steep cliff walls.
• Ceremonial Center: Triple-jamb doorways, Intihuatana stone alters, and intricate stone stairways.
• Ancient Art and Geology: Pre-Inca cave paintings and diverse ecological zones along the canyon walls.

The Journey and Experience

• Expert Local Guides: Our university-educated, English-speaking guides provide deep insights into Incan history, mythology, and local traditions.
• High-Altitude Preparation: Because this trek reaches 4,200 meters, we strongly recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for a few days prior to departure.

Cusco • Cordillera Vilcanota • Lake Sibinacocha • Qelqaya Glacier • Cusco

Embark on an extraordinary high-altitude expedition to the Qelqaya Glacier (Quelccaya), the largest tropical ice cap in the world. Situated high in the remote Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range between Cusco and Puno, this pristine frozen wonderland spans over 40 square kilometers of ice and reaches elevations between 5,200 and 5,700 meters above sea level.

This exclusive 1-day adventure is designed for travelers who want to witness a rare natural wonder in a single journey from Cusco. Along the way, you will travel through vast high-alpine puna grasslands, visit remote Quechua mountain communities, and admire the sparkling waters of Lake Sibinacocha. Upon reaching the trailhead, a steady guided trek leads you directly to panoramic glacier viewpoints, delivering an unforgettable experience far away from crowded tourist routes.

The Qelqaya Glacier: The World’s Largest Tropical Ice Cap

The Qelqaya Glacier represents one of the most vital climate research sites and natural wonders in the global tropics. Because tropical glaciers are extremely rare, standing before this massive wall of ice offers a profound connection to the high Andes.

The Landscape & Wildlife

• Lake Sibinacocha: Located at approximately 4,860 meters (15,945 ft), this crystal-clear body of water is one of the highest large lakes in Peru.
• High-Altitude Wildlife: The remote Puna ecosystem shelters native herds of vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas, alongside rare high-altitude Andean bird species.
• Cordillera Vilcanota Views: Sweeping mountain vistas feature towering snow-capped peaks and pristine glacial streams.

Highlights

• Largest Tropical Ice Cap: Stand face-to-face with the magnificent Qelqaya Glacier deep in the Cordillera Vilcanota range.
• Lake Sibinacocha: Explore one of the highest, most secluded high-altitude lakes in the Peruvian Andes.
• Andean Wildlife Spotting: Observe vicuñas, alpacas, and wild Andean birds in their natural high-alpine habitat.
• Off the Beaten Path: Discover a pristine, non-touristy region that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
• Private Guided Comfort: Hike at your own comfortable pace accompanied by an expert high-altitude guide and dedicated private driver.