About Cusco
Welcome to the navel of the world. The undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent and the gateway to Machu Picchu. It is mystical and commercial, this unique city remains a marvel and for its ancient cobbled streets, grandiose Baroque churches, and remains of Inca temples with centuries-old carvings, no city stands out in Andean history like Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire.
Recommended tours and destinations in Cusco
The city of Cusco is located in the heart of mountain ranges, this destination offers unique scenic walks through the nearby mountains and exploring the archaeological monuments left by the ancient Peruvians such as the fortress of Saqsaywaman, Q´enqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay. We recommend you this classic tour with the Temple of the Sun or Coricancha and the Cathedral located in front of the main square.
Another alternative to get to know this beautiful and picturesque city is walking through its historic center, going through the cobblestone streets and revealing the hidden history behind the walls of buildings that once were royal palaces, houses of chosen women, sacred places of celebration such as the main square or plaza de armas, the Palace of Inca Roca and many more. All this combined with a local market of supplies, where you can imbue with aromas, colors and flavors in a unique experience for the senses. We will also take you to the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, where you will have a view of the entire city and you will find the artisanal centers of the Mendivil and Olave families, who maintain the tradition of their ancestors from the colonial era, creating unique works that exude Cusco´s religiosity and tradition.
Cusco also offers various tour options to gastronomy lovers, which will allow you to know, preparing and tasting, chocolate and coffee, products in which Peru has positioned itself as a quality-exporting producer. Visit a local bar specialized in pisco and learn the history of our national drink: the Pisco Sour; prepare your own version of this drink. Would you like to take a cooking class? Prepare typical dishes accompanied by expert chefs, it can be the delicious Lomo Saltado or a Ceviche, among others. Come with us and we will take you to the best places to taste the magic of the culinary flavors of Peru.
The half- day walking tour in the citadel of Pisaq, commonly called Pisaq Ruins, is considered by us a special hiking adventure. Although it requires a minimum of physical condition, it is suitable for all ages.
Another unmissable destination is the Rainbow Mountain, the road is a beautiful area of the Peruvian mountains, After a short walk of about 25 minutes we will reach the wonderful Rainbow Mountain and also, if time permits, we can see the impressive Ausangate Snow in all its splendor.
We also recommend visiting the Sacred Valley: located in Cusco, at an average height of 2, 800 meters above sea level, and an hour's drive from the city, on this tour you will know the most beautiful landscapes of the area with its peaks Snowy and Cyclopean structures such as the fortress of Ollantaytambo and the colonial town of Pisaq. You will enjoy the typical artisan markets and learn how the current towns use nature materials to dye their alpaca and sheep wool, making beautiful multicolored fabrics with iconographic designs that tell their life. An all-day trip through dream landscapes.
the nex tour include Sacred Valley destination and others ruins attraction in the south of Cusco.
Activities for the whole family in Cusco
All the classic routes in Cusco can be complemented with the following recommended activities:
Horse riding tour in Sacred valley
Peru is renowned for a special breed of horses, the Peruvian Paso horse, distinguished by the elegance of its gait; a manner of treading, that is more like dancing. You can enjoy a special lunch with a show of Marinera dance and Peruvian Paso horses or ride them in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In this last option, you will take a 2-hour tour by horse, through the beautiful countryside, unmissable journey for horse lovers!
Mountain bike tours
We offer mountain bike tours along the Sacred Valley of the Incas, just tell us what your preference is, if you like adrenaline routes or if you prefer something more comfortable and soft for your family. Another option is ATVs. We use what is necessary for your protection in this kind of adventure: helmets, gloves, knee pads and elbow pads, of course with very good bicycles.
Gastronomic routes in Cusco
How about a half-day cooking class carried out by a professional chef in Cusco to discover the flavors of authentic Peruvian cuisine? Go first to San Pedro market to familiarize with everyday life and local ingredients, and then continue with the cooking studio to learn how to prepare your 4-course meal. Enjoy your creations at lunch or dinner accompanied by a pisco sour. If you have in mind or would like to learn how to make a particular dish, do not hesitate to tell us so that we can help you fulfill your wish.
Cusco Cathedral Tours.
Porcell Tours invites you to visit one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Built in the year 1534 atop the ancient palace of the Inca Wiracocha, it is annexed with two colonial churches (El Triunfo and La Sagrada Familia). Its interior shows a fusion of colonial and indigenous art with its famous paintings of the Cusco School of Art, including “The Last Supper” with the main course "Cuy" or guinea pig, and many of the beautiful altars decorated with gold leaf.
