- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FULL-DAY TOURS
- RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
- EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR FULL-DAY TOURS
- OUR FULL-DAY TOURS IN CUSCO
- MORE ABOUT OUR FULL-DAY TOURS
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Discover Cusco in a Day: The Ultimate Guide to Full Day Tours
Cusco, the historic capital of the Incas, is packed with adventures and experiences that you can enjoy in just one day. If you’re short on time but want to explore the best of this magical region, our day tours are the perfect option. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a full-day tour in Cusco, from must-see destinations to practical tips to make the most of your visit.
Everything you need to know about Full Day Tours
Before embarking on this incredible experience on Full Day tours, make sure you have everything ready. To do so, you should know these key points to enjoy an unforgettable adventure and not have any setbacks during your visit.
01. What you should know
Essential information about Full Day tours in Cusco:
- Types of tours available: historical, adventure, cultural and natural.
- Modalities: group and private tours.
- Duration: 6 to 12 hours.
02. Featured destinations
Explore the most visited places:
- Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay.
- Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon.
- Local markets in Pisac and Cusco.
- Lares Hot Springs.
What to bring for a Full Day tour
- Water and snacks.
- Hat or cap for the sun.
- Comfortable shoes or hiking boots.
- Waterproof jacket for the rainy season.
03. Experiences
Nature, history and spirituality
- Nature and Andean Connection:
Hike to the iconic Rainbow Mountain, known for its vibrant hues and spiritual significance for local communities.
- Beauty and Spirituality:
Discover the Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Learn about its cultural significance and enjoy a moderate hike. - Tradition and Living Culture:
Explore archaeological sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, connect with local markets, and learn about the daily life of Andean communities. - Living Cultural Heritage:
Visit the last hand-woven Inca hanging bridge made of ichu. Learn about annual renewal ceremonies led by local communities. - Payment to Pachamama:
Participate in an ancestral ritual dedicated to Mother Earth, led by a shaman. Connect with the Andean worldview and respect for nature.
Tradition, art and gastronomy
- The Art of Traditional Weaving:
Learn to weave with ancestral techniques in communities like Chinchero or Patacancha. Create your own textile piece using alpaca wool. - Flavors of Peru:
Learn to prepare dishes like ceviche, pachamanca or guinea pig in the oven. Start with a visit to the San Pedro market to choose the ingredients. - Color and Culture:
Explore the famous artisan market, where you will find textiles, ceramics and jewelry handmade by local inhabitants. - Creating Inca Jewelry:
Design your own jewelry inspired by the techniques of the ancient Incas, working with materials like silver and gold. - Andean Music and Dance:
Participate in typical dance workshops or learn to play traditional instruments like the quena or the charango. Experience the connection between music and Andean culture.
04. Practical tips
- Leave early to make the most of the day.
- Bring maps or organized itineraries.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture unforgettable moments.
05. Tips for travelers
Tips for National Travelers
- Discounts for Nationals: Many tourist sites offer special rates for Peruvians. Bring your ID to access these benefits.
- Holidays and High Seasons: During national holidays, such as Fiestas Patrias (July 28 and 29), tourist destinations may be more crowded. Book in advance.
- Local Food and Drinks: Try typical dishes such as chiri uchu, quinoa soup, and baked guinea pig. Also enjoy local drinks such as chicha morada and coca mate.
- Local Transportation
If you travel by bus, opt for recognized companies for greater safety.
To move around Cusco, use official taxis or transportation apps such as InDriver or Beat. - Payment in Soles: Although some tourist areas accept dollars, it is recommended to carry cash in soles for markets and local transportation.
Tips for international travelers
- Acclimatization
Cusco is at 3,399 m.a.s.l. Take a day or two to acclimatize before doing strenuous activities.
Drink coca tea and stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness. - Climate and Clothing
Wear layers of clothing, as the weather can vary between cold and hot in a single day.
Don’t forget a raincoat if you’re traveling during the rainy season (December to April). - Visiting Hours
Leave early to avoid crowds, especially at popular destinations like Machu Picchu or the Rainbow Mountain. - Safety
Cusco is a safe city, but as with any tourist location, keep an eye on your belongings.
Avoid changing large amounts of money at unofficial places. - Internet Connection
Most hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. If you need constant connection, buy a local chip with mobile data.
01 Recommendations for your arrival in Cusco
Cusco awaits you with its ancient traditions and modern comforts, inviting you to live a unique experience. It is important to keep in mind some essential tips for the city of Cusco as a starting point before visiting the Rainbow Mountain. Follow these recommendations for your visit to Cusco.
- Where to sleep?
- Cozy accommodations to rest and prepare for the hike.
- Learn more here ➔
- Where to eat?
- Enjoy Andean cuisine and local dishes.
- Learn more here ➔
- Where to shop?
- Find unique local products and crafts.
- Learn more here ➔
02 All about our full-day tours
Here you will find everything about the full-day tours to the most emblematic destinations in Cusco. Learn which is the best season to visit them, how to properly prepare yourself for altitude and hiking, where these destinations are located, the altitude they reach, the origin of their unique landscapes, how long the excursions last, the fauna you can find along the way, and the activity options you can enjoy on a day full of adventure.
- General information
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Descubre los datos generales sobre tours full days
- Learn more. ➔
- Best season to travel
- Enjoy our tours in all their splendor
- Learn more. ➔
- What you’ll see in a full day
- Immerse yourself in history and beauty
- Learn more. ➔
- Recommendations
- Get ready to live your adventure to the fullest
- Learn more. ➔
03 All our full-day tours in Cusco
Discover the wonder of the rainbow mountain and explore other incredible destinations in Cusco with our exclusive tours for an experience you will remember forever.
04 Our All-Inclusive Tour Packages
Explore the best of Cusco with our tailor-made tour packages. Discover the magic of this historic city and its surroundings with options that include the iconic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Full-Day Tours
A full-day tour is a one-day excursion that includes visits to various tourist destinations from morning until late afternoon or evening. Typically, it lasts between 10 to 12 hours, depending on the itinerary.
The most popular destinations include Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lagoon, the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac, Ollantaytambo), Maras Salt Mines, and Moray. There are also adventure options like ATV rides or ziplining.
It usually includes tourist transportation, site entrance fees, a professional guide, and sometimes lunch. It is important to check with the agency for specific details to confirm what is included.
We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, a waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, sunscreen, water, snacks, and personal documents. For high-altitude tours, it is also useful to bring coca leaves or lemon candies to prevent altitude sickness.
Yes, but it is recommended to acclimatize for at least one day in Cusco before engaging in strenuous activities. For tours like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lagoon, which are at high altitudes, it is essential to stay hydrated and get a good rest beforehand.
Some tours, such as the Sacred Valley routes, are ideal for all ages due to their accessibility. However, high-altitude hikes like Rainbow Mountain may be challenging for young children or elderly people without prior experience.
You can book through the agency’s website, via email, or directly at their offices in Cusco. Many agencies also allow bookings via WhatsApp, and some require a deposit to confirm the reservation.
Tours are usually carried out even in light rain. However, if extreme weather affects the safety of the trip, the agency generally offers to reschedule the tour or provide partial refunds, depending on their policies.
Agencies in Cusco maintain well-conditioned vehicles, certified guides, and basic first aid. For adventure tours, they also provide safety equipment, such as helmets and harnesses, as needed.
Most tours start between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m., depending on the destination. This is because many trips involve traveling long distances or arriving early to avoid crowds.
