Best Day Tours from Cusco: 7 Excursions You Can Do in Just One Day

Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, but the region around the city is packed with excursions you can complete in a single day — no multi-day trek required. Whether you have one free day or a whole week, here are the day tours we run most often, with real pricing and what to expect on each one.

1. Sacred Valley of the Incas (Full Day) — $65

Our most complete introduction to the region. You’ll visit the Pisac ruins and its traditional market, have a buffet lunch in Urubamba, explore the fortress of Ollantaytambo, and finish in Chinchero, known for its Inca textile traditions. Pickup is around 7:30 am and includes a bilingual guide, transport, and entrance tickets.

2. Maras, Moray & Salineras Full Day — $65

A shorter loop through three unique sites: Chinchero’s textile center, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, and the more than 3,000 salt pools of Salineras de Maras, still worked by local families today. Back in Cusco by early afternoon.

3. Rainbow Mountain (Montaña de 7 Colores) — $65

An early start (around 4:00–4:30 am) for the multicolored slopes of Vinicunca at over 5,000 meters. Includes breakfast, a buffet lunch, oxygen support, and the 1.5-hour hike to the viewpoint (horses available for those who prefer not to walk the full stretch). Read our full Rainbow Mountain guide for altitude tips before booking.

4. Humantay Lake Full Day — $65

A turquoise glacial lake at 4,200 meters near Mount Salkantay. This is one of the more physically demanding day tours on this list, so we recommend spending at least one full day in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize.

5. Cusco City Tour (Half Day) — $35

Perfect for your first day in the city. Visit Qoricancha (the Inca Temple of the Sun), then head up to Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay — five archaeological sites within a short drive of the historic center.

6. ATV Tour: Maras, Moray & Salineras — $50

The same highlights as the classic Maras-Moray tour, but on your own quad bike, with a short practice session before setting off. Includes safety gear and a bilingual guide.

7. Waqrapukara Full Day — $65

An off-the-beaten-path archaeological site reached after an 8 km hike through high-Andean scenery, starting from the community of Pitumarca. A great pick if you’ve already done the classic circuits and want something quieter.

Planning Your Cusco Itinerary

If you’re staying for 4-5 days, we usually suggest starting with the Cusco City Tour to acclimatize, followed by the Sacred Valley, then saving the higher-altitude excursions (Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake) for once you’re feeling settled. All of the tours above include hotel pickup in Cusco and a professional bilingual guide.