Magical & Hidden Cusco
Uncover Cusco beyond its monuments, exploring legends, hidden streets and Inca-era stories before ending with traditional dishes and chicha at a classic picantería—an intimate look at the city’s living history.
Area
Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Type
Community & Culture
History
Who
Adults
Teens
Young Kids
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Half Day
Cusco is celebrated for its baroque churches, Inca walls and terracotta rooftops, yet its greatest beauty lies in the stories woven through its streets. As the former heart of an empire, the city safeguards tales of love, betrayal, myth and mystery—narratives that exist somewhere between history and legend.
This experience explores emblematic squares, finely preserved Inca buildings and narrow lanes with evocative names such as Seven Snakes, Rainbow and Purgatory. The journey concludes at a traditional picantería, where classic popular dishes are served alongside chicha, offering a taste of everyday Cusco.
Far removed from a conventional city tour, this is an intimate introduction to Cusco’s living history, revealing the human stories that have shaped the city from Inca times through the republican era.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourAdventure Unplugged: Peru
A carefully paced family journey through Peru, combining Lima’s food and surf culture, immersive Amazon wildlife experiences, Sacred Valley adventure and tradition, and the iconic wonder of Machu Picchu. Designed for families with teenagers, it balances shared discovery, independence and seamless support throughout.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationInkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Inkaterra Machu Picchu is located in an enchanting five-hectare cloud forest garden alongside the Vilcanota River and on the edge of the village of Aguas Calientes. A great base from which to visit the awe-inspiring ruins and lost city of Machu Picchu.
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View AccommodationJW Marriott El Convento Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco — a restored 16th-century convent beside the Plaza de Armas — blends colonial grandeur, 153 oxygen-enriched rooms, a spa, curated Inca-era artefacts and gateway access to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
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View Accommodation
Hotel Sol y Luna
Set amidst the Sacred Valley’s rolling hills, Hotel Sol y Luna blends Andean heritage with contemporary luxury, offering a serene retreat.
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View AccommodationSumaq Machu Picchu
The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is located in the village of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the Machu Picchu, and offers 60 spacious guest rooms and suites. It offers a perfect base from which to visit the awe-inspiring ruins and lost city of Machu Picchu.
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View AccommodationInkaterra La Casona
A 16th-century colonial manor turned 11-suite Relais & Châteaux hideaway. In the heart of historic Cusco, Inkaterra La Casona delivers old-world grandeur, heated marble-bath suites, intimate dining and soothing spa rituals.
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View AccommodationExplora Valle Sagrado
Discover Explora Valle Sagrado, a luxury lodge set in Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering immersive excursions, contemporary comfort, and curated Andean experiences for discerning travellers seeking adventure and exclusivity.
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View AccommodationSanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel is the only hotel located adjacent to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and therefore a very convenient base for visiting the awe-inspiring ruins and the beautiful surrounding area.
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View AccommodationPalacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
A former Incan palace transformed into Cusco’s most exclusive sanctuary, Palacio Nazarenas blends timeless heritage with contemporary luxury—an intimate retreat curated to perfection.
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View AccommodationCasa Clara
A quietly restored 18th-century colonial mansion on the Plaza Nazarenas in Cusco — Casa Clara offers a curated blend of heritage architecture, boutique intimacy, refined comfort and effortless access to the city’s historic heart.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceUrubamba White-Water Rafting
An exhilarating and unique way to soak up the breath-taking landscapes and bountiful river of the Sacred Valley, with a dose of adrenaline to get things going.
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View ExperienceMachu Picchu Guided Tour with Lunch
Experience a full-day tour of Machu Picchu, starting with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a guided two-hour tour of the ancient ruins, followed by lunch before returning. Discover the wonder of this iconic site with ease.
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View ExperienceFarming experience in the community of Huayllafara
An immersive visit to Huayllafara in the Lamay Valley, where local farmers share ancestral agricultural knowledge, native crops and traditions, complemented by a seasonal lunch and insights into traditional textile artistry.
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View ExperienceKm 104 trek to Machu Picchu
Plunge into an unforgettable 2 day journey to reach the iconic ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, combining the best of train travel with the KM104 hike taking in the fascinating archaeological site of Wiñaywayna to get a glimpse of the famous Machu Picchu.
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View ExperienceInti Raymi Festival
Join Cusco's most spectacular living tradition, a full day of Inca ceremony moving from the Koricancha temple to the Plaza de Armas and the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
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View ExperienceGourmet Picnic Lunch in the Mountains
An outdoor gourmet dining experience in the Sacred Valley, combining refined Andean cuisine with spectacular natural surroundings of mountains, lakes and open landscapes for a relaxed yet exclusive experience.
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View ExperienceMil Immersion Experience
Explore Moray’s landscapes, history, and ingredients through ruins, farms, and local traditions, culminating in tastings of unique spirits and an exquisite eight-course menu at MIL.
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View ExperienceHike to Lake Humantay
Set out from Cusco for the village of Soraypampa, then walk beneath Salkantay, one of the highest peaks in the Andes, to Lake Humantay. Its turquoise water lies hidden at 4,200 metres, backed by snowcapped Mount Humantay and ringed by glaciers.
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View ExperienceChinchero, Maras & Moray (optional hike)
Lose yourself in a fascinating private guided tour to the local village of Chinchero renowned for its archaeological site and colourful market (best on Sunday), the Inca terraces of Moray and the astounding salt pans of Maras.
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View ExperienceAndean Drinks: Traditional corn beer and microbreweries
Discover Cusco’s brewing heritage through traditional chicherías and modern microbreweries, sampling ancient chicha de jora alongside innovative craft beers made with local ingredients such as Sacred Valley quinoa.
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View ExperienceVia Ferrata & Zip-Line Adventure
An award-winning via ferrata and zip-line experience high in Peru’s Sacred Valley, featuring a ladder-and-bridge ascent and a thrilling seven-line descent, with spectacular Andean views throughout.
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View ExperienceVisit the potato fields of Manuel Choqque
Step into the Peruvian highlands to meet Manuel Choqque, the visionary agronomist behind 300+ rare potatoes. Explore his mountain farm, taste vivid heirloom varieties, Oxalis wine and fiery uchucuta—ingredients coveted by the world’s greatest chefs.
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