Step into Cusco’s living history with tailored cultural and culinary experiences that mix market visits, hands-on cooking, and guided walks through Inka and colonial streets. Practical tips on altitude, timing, and local etiquette help you make the most of the trip.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks over Plaza de Armas and the city exhales — church bells, a market hawker’s call, the steady clack of cobblestones underfoot. A Journey in Cusco drops you into that pulse: narrow streets that climb toward sunlit viewpoints, kitchens where corn and native potatoes steam, and hosts who trace family recipes back to the Inka era.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
Half-day–8 days
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; able to walk on uneven surfaces and tolerate brief uphill sections.
Wildlife
History
Cusco was the political and spiritual heart of the Inka Empire; Spanish colonials built churches atop Inka foundations, creating the layered urban fabric seen today.
Conservation
Sustainable tourism is growing—choose operators who use local produce, limit group sizes, and respect archaeological site regulations to reduce wear and support communities.
Reserve your spot on the Journey in Cusco today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before activity
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco to reduce altitude sickness risk; avoid heavy exertion on day one.
Carry reusable water
High-altitude dehydration is quick—bring a 1–2L bottle and sip frequently.
Wear sturdy footwear
Cobblestones and steep lanes demand shoes with good grip; avoid thin-soled dress shoes.
Book small-group or private experiences
Smaller groups allow better access to markets, kitchens, and personal storytelling from hosts.
Layered clothing
Mornings are cool and afternoons can warm rapidly—layers let you adapt.
Sturdy walking shoes
Protects ankles and soles on cobbled streets and uneven trails to nearby ruins.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Helps maintain hydration at altitude and reduces plastic waste.
Small daypack
Carries snacks, water, sun protection, and purchases from markets.