Cusco is a Peruvian region that has an incredible wealth of tourism sites and activities, for all kinds of travelers. We have everything: archaeological remains, natural wonders, adventure hikes, delicious gastronomy, shopping and more.
A very good way to get rid of the accumulated stress caused by routine is without a doubt to travel! The energy of nature in Cusco is known for its highly healing effects on physical and emotional health, and you can find it everywhere, but especially in the valleys and wild trails of the region. Our quick guide to the best destinations in Cusco for 2024 wants to help you choose the most suitable one.
By the way, one of the reasons Machu Picchu was built comes to mind: even Inca royalty needed to take a break every year!
Top Destinations in Cusco for 2024: Classic / Family Tourism
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: this is a 1-day classic type of tour. This valley is full of history: it belonged to Inca royals, because of its soil’s massive fertility, which still goes on nowadays. Magnificent mountains and landscapes, archaeological remains, souvenir shopping, lots of natural energy, top gastronomy, and more. A must among top destinations in Cusco for 2024.
- Machu Picchu site and Huayna Picchu Mountain: this is another classic, keeper package! Includes a wonderful train ride to the ancient citadel of Inca royals, a professionally guided tour of the site, and, optionally, the hike up to the peak of Huayna Picchu mountain, where unforgettable views await. Surely Machu Picchu had to be among the top destinations in Cusco for 2024!
- Machu Picchu on Vistadome Train: an amazing train ride of almost 8 hours to and from the citadel’s station located below. This train offers a wonderful panoramic, glass-like roof for a spectacular interaction with Andean nature along the way! Also typical dances of Cusco and Peruvian gourmet food. Includes of course a tour of the Machu Picchu site with a professional guide. The Vistadome is the right train for visitors who travel on a budget or want to save money when possible.
- Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train: now for those who travel on 5-star standards, we have this 5-star train to and from Machu Picchu station (Aguas Calientes). A 7-hour round trip, with big windows, large seats, a gourmet restaurant, live Peruvian music, and an open, observation train car. Includes a tour of the site with professional guidance and later, a stop for an afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge luxury hotel.
Top Destinations in Cusco for 2024: Adventure Packages
- Humantay Lagoon: this is a 1-day adventure hike to a hidden gem of Cusco’s Andes, this amazingly beautiful, large lake with turquoise waters that vividly reflect the surrounding snowies, creating an unforgettable view to which is added the strong, reviving energy flow of Andean nature.
- Rainbow Mountain: this is a quite trendy adventure trek of 1 day. The mountain is multicolored because of the minerals that comprise its sides; there is only one more hill like this in the world, located in China. It’s a demanding, challenging hike, reaching altitudes of 5,200 meters (17,000 feet), but the reward is feeling the powerful energy of Andean heights and enjoying a direct view of the Ausangate snowie (20,944 ft / 6,383 m), the highest peak in this region, part of the Vilcanota range. Certainly belongs to the top destinations in Cusco!
- Short Inca Trail (2 Days): for all those who want only a taste of hiking in the Andes or are short on time, we have this brief trek which ends up at the original entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel, from where there is a great view of the site. On the second day, we do the tour of the citadel itself.
- Classic Inca Trail (4 Days): now this is the trek for those who want the complete experience of hiking across the Cusco Heights, through different terrains, landscapes, archaeological sites, and weathers, camping at night under the skies that the Incas used to explore. On the fourth day, there is a tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Choquequirao Trek (4 Days): certainly one of the top destinations in Cusco for 2024. This is an Inca citadel called “Machu Picchu’s twin sister”, which is located near the border of the Cusco Amazonian jungle. But first, the hike traverses an Andean range stretch. It’s an amazing construction, with Inca imperial style and design, in the middle of wide landscapes and warm weather. The Choquequirao trek has become very famous in recent years among hikers worldwide.
- The Salkantay Trek (5 Days): and last but not least, probably the most challenging hike of the Peruvian Andean paths… could not be overlooked for the top destinations in Cusco for 2024. It’s an up-and-down march, whose highest point is at 4,630 meters above sea level (15,190 feet approx.). After, the descent begins from the cold, windy Andean altitudes getting closer and closer to the Cusco jungle, until the amazing arrival at the Urubamba Valley, where the Machu Picchu site is located. The tour of the citadel is on the fifth day.
We sincerely hope that this quick guide to the top destinations in Cusco for 2024 proves invaluable in helping you discover the perfect tour tailored to your preferences! Feel free to reach out to our team of travel specialists to book an unforgettable getaway.
