Peru
Day trips in Cusco
Full-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and its colonial churches stand on Inca stone walls, most famously at Qorikancha.
Best day trips in Cusco
Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to expect
Day trips usually run 8 to 12 hours with transport and guide, sometimes lunch and entries. Departure points are central; hotel pickup costs more.
Popular day trips from Cusco: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake.
How to choose
- What is included: entries, lunch, guide on site
- Time actually spent at destination vs on the road
- Group size on the bus
- Free cancellation in case of weather
Local tips
- Compare what is included before comparing prices: entries and lunch change the real cost.
- Machu Picchu tickets are sold for fixed time slots and circuits with daily caps, and Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead, so book both before flights.
- Spend your first night or two lower in the Sacred Valley and avoid Rainbow Mountain, at over 5,000 m, until you are acclimatised.
Combine it with: Machu Picchu by train with guided visit, Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo tour and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike.
Frequently asked questions
How long do day trips in Cusco last?
Day trips usually run 8 to 12 hours with transport and guide, sometimes lunch and entries. Departure points are central; hotel pickup costs more.
What is the best way to book day trips in Cusco?
Compare what is included before comparing prices: entries and lunch change the real cost. Machu Picchu tickets are sold for fixed time slots and circuits with daily caps, and Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead, so book both before flights.
Can I cancel day trips in Cusco?
Most experiences listed here offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Check the conditions on the booking page before paying.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
May to September is the dry season, with sunny days and cold nights; June to August is also the busiest. November to March is the rainy season, and the classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.