Discover Cusco from an insider’s perspective. Beyond the pleasure of merely walking its picturesque, hilly streets and visiting Cusco’s museums, markets, palaces and temples, explore in depth the history and folklore behind the imperial Incan city and its colonial evolution – its crucial blending of native and European influences.

Immerse yourself in the essential nexus between Incan and colonial history, the foundations on which Cusco is built. Experience the luxury of a private, 4-hour visit with a highly trained guide to colonial landmarks and some of the Incas’ emblematic ruins, showcasing their mastery of stonemasonry and engineering. Begin with a visit to Cusco’s Cathedral and the Incas’ Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), followed by an exploration of Sacsayhuamán, the monumental ruins on a hill above Cusco, and 3 other nearby sets of intriguing Inca ruins: Q’enko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Visit all with ease and come away with a sense of their interconnectedness and the Incas’ remarkable achievements.

By horseback, get high above Cusco for spectacular views and deep into the countryside for visits to little-known and rarely visited archaeological sites, including the so-called Zone X and Temple of the Moon, both of great significance in the era of the Incas and enduring mystery today. Trot through dense forests of eucalyptus trees, visit the charming rural community of Salcantay –from which the views of Cusco and Pachatusan mountain are breathtaking – and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch under a tent at the “Devil’s Balcony.” The final descent is via an ancient horseshoe trail.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the most famous, but it isn’t the only valley with an essential Inca association in Cusco. El Valle Sur, the Southern Valley that extends between Cusco and Puno, is dotted with charming communities of great personality, distingushed by individual claims to fame: a town known for its bread, another for its witches, a town renowned for its tasty rabbit dishes. Also explore off-the-beaten-track archaeological sites, such as the Temple of the Moon, the Wari culture site Pikillacta, and the so-called “Sixtene Chapel of the Americas.” This is a great, untouristy experience for visitors keen on exploring more.