Cusco at Your Own Pace: How to Organize Your Own City Tour

Your trip through Cusco can become one of the most memorable experiences of your life. That’s why planning your journey with flexibility and smart organization is key to enjoying it to the fullest. With the help of a private transportation service, you can design your own itinerary and travel at your own pace, combining cultural, natural, and adventure routes. Make your trip unforgettable and guarantee your comfort and peace of mind by booking your private transportation in Cusco.

Sacred Valley
Humantay Lagoon

Contents



Cusco, the starting point

Plaza de Armas del Cusco
Plaza de Armas – Cusco

The city of Cusco will always be the first stop on your ideal journey. Every corner holds breathtaking scenery filled with history, from the Inca legacy to the remains of the colonial era. You can begin your adventure by exploring the city center and enjoying charming places such as Plaza de Armas, the San Blas neighborhood, the San Cristóbal viewpoint, the Twelve-Angled Stone, and many parks and museums full of surprises. However, if you prefer a more immersive and organized experience, you can choose to take a private City Tour around the city.

  • Cusco City Tour

    Perfect for acclimatization, the Cusco City Tour takes you on a light and short journey (6 hours) through the city’s most iconic landmarks. The destinations visited include: the Cathedral, Qoricancha Temple, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It’s an experience you can choose to enjoy either during the day or in the afternoon, allowing you to adapt the itinerary to your preferred schedule.


Recommendations for Proper Acclimatization

Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, so it is important to acclimatize before engaging in any physical activity. Many people overlook this and experience what is commonly known as “altitude sickness,” which can cause dizziness and headaches. That is why, at least during your first two days of travel, it is highly recommended to do light activities, get proper rest, and avoid consuming fatty foods and alcohol. This will help you enjoy a much better travel experience. Remember that drinking plenty of water, as well as the popular “coca tea,” can be very helpful.


Essential and Almost Mandatory Routes

Sacred Valley of Cusco
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Cusco

Besides the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Cusco offers a wide variety of breathtaking tourist attractions that many travelers consider almost essential to visit. Discover the most outstanding ones and add them to your private tour itinerary.

  • The Sacred Valley

    The classic Sacred Valley tour is an unmissable option, as the itinerary takes you through the main archaeological sites of the region, all while being surrounded by rich culture and stunning landscapes.

    • Destinations to visit: Pisac archaeological site, Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress, and Chinchero archaeological park.
    • Tour duration: Approximately 10 hours.
    • Ideal schedule: Departure at 08:00 AM – Return at 06:00 PM.
    • Special feature: During the tour, you can also arrange visits to the Pisac artisan market, a textile center in Chinchero, and scenic viewpoints.

  • VIP Sacred Valley

    The VIP private Sacred Valley service is an option that includes more destinations compared to the classic alternative. It is an experience where you will spend less time at each attraction, allowing you to visit more places and gain a broader perspective of the Sacred Valley.

    • Destinations to visit: Maras Salt Mines, Moray circular terraces, Pisac archaeological site, Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress, and Chinchero archaeological park.
    • Tour duration: Approximately 10 hours.
    • Ideal schedule: Departure at 08:00 AM – Return at 06:00 PM.
    • Special feature: Similar to the classic tour, you can add extra stops as well as lunch in the town of Urubamba.

  • South Valley

    Some of Cusco’s most surprising and lesser-visited destinations can be discovered along the South Valley route. If you want to explore a different side of Cusco and avoid the crowds, this tour is an excellent choice to discover archaeological sites, Andean landscapes, and colonial towns.

    • Destinations to visit: Tipón archaeological site, the pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, and the town of Andahuaylillas along with its Sistine Chapel.
    • Tour duration: Approximately 6 hours.
    • Ideal schedule: Departure at 08:00 AM – Return at 02:00 PM.
    • Special feature: During the tour, you will have free time to explore the town of Andahuaylillas in detail.

High-Altitude Routes

Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain

If you are looking for a greater adventure in Cusco, you can explore high-altitude natural attractions that combine travel by vehicle and hiking. Discover the best options and add them to your private transportation itinerary.

  • Rainbow Mountain

    Cusco’s most impressive natural attraction is Rainbow Mountain, a summit covered with minerals of various colors. The surrounding scenery is another of its major highlights, featuring views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, rugged mountain ranges, and small lagoons.

    • Itinerary: 3 hours by car and 2 hours of hiking (one way).
    • Tour duration: Approximately 14 hours.
    • Ideal schedule: Departure at 04:00 AM – Return at 06:00 PM.
    • Altitude: 5,036 meters above sea level.
    • Special feature: You can choose to rent a horse to complete the hike.

  • Humantay Lagoon

    Fed by the snow-capped mountain of the same name, Humantay Lagoon is a turquoise-colored body of water surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes you can experience in Cusco. The place conveys a deep sense of peace, and with so many viewpoints to enjoy, you can relax while admiring this natural wonder.

    • Itinerary: 3 hours by car and 2 hours of hiking (one way).
    • Tour duration: Approximately 14 hours.
    • Ideal schedule: Departure at 04:00 AM – Return at 06:00 PM.
    • Altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level.
    • Special feature: You can choose to rent a horse to complete the hike.

  • Palcoyo Mountain

    If you want to discover a natural destination with fewer tourists, the colorful mountain of Palcoyo is an ideal choice. This location is surrounded by stunning Andean scenery, adding even more value to your trip. Once you arrive, you will see a mountain range filled with vibrant colors.

    • Itinerary: 3 hours by car and 30 minutes of hiking (one way).
    • Tour duration: Approximately 12 hours.
    • Ideal schedule: Departure at 05:00 AM – Return at 05:00 PM.
    • Altitude: 4,900 meters above sea level.
    • Special feature: During the trip, you can add extra stops as well as breakfast and lunch in the town of Cusipata.

  • 7 Ausangate Lagoons

    The 7 Lagoons tour is an experience where you will discover lakes of different colors. Each one is fed by the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, the highest peak in all of Cusco. You will also be able to appreciate Andean communities, agricultural fields, and a great diversity of animals, all surrounded by the tranquility that natural destinations like this provide.

    • Itinerary: 3 hours by car and 4 hours of hiking (round trip).
    • Tour duration: Approximately 14 hours.
    • Ideal schedule: Departure at 04:00 AM – Return at 06:00 PM.
    • Altitude: 4,400 meters above sea level on average.
    • Special feature: In the community of Pacchanta, you can enjoy hot springs surrounded by unforgettable landscapes.

The Freedom of Private Transportation

Private transportation to Cusco airport
Tourists at Cusco Airport

Booking private transportation means choosing a comfortable, safe, and fully personalized travel experience. This service guarantees the privacy, flexibility, and punctuality you need to explore Cusco at your own pace. Discover the transfers you can also include in your reservation.

Destinations within the city you can reach with private transportation:

  • Cusco Airport ⮂ Cusco Hotel

    Start or end your trip with complete comfort. With a private transfer, you will enjoy a smooth ride without unnecessary waits or detours, knowing that your arrival or departure is perfectly coordinated.

  • Cusco Airport ⮂ Sacred Valley

    Enjoy a scenic journey between Cusco Airport and your chosen destination in the Sacred Valley, available in both directions. Relax while a professional driver transports you comfortably and on time.

  • Cusco Hotel ⮂ Bus Terminal

    Start or finish your trip with total comfort. With a private transfer, you will enjoy a convenient ride without unnecessary delays or detours, knowing that your arrival or departure is perfectly organized.

  • Cusco Hotel ⮂ Wanchaq, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo Stations

    Begin or end your trip to Machu Picchu stress-free. With round-trip transportation to the train stations, you can enjoy a fast, safe, and personalized transfer tailored to your needs.


Tips for Organizing Your Own Tour

  • Depending on the number of days you will stay in Cusco, you can create the perfect itinerary together with our sales advisors. They will provide all the information you need to make your trip more comfortable and organized.
  • Private transportation can be booked from the moment you arrive in Cusco until the day you leave. Organize your trip around this service so that every journey depends entirely on your own schedule.
  • You can book this service 24 hours a day, every day of the week. However, for sightseeing tours, we will recommend the best schedules so you can enjoy each experience to the fullest.
  • The vehicles available for your transportation are: Hyundai Staria (maximum 8 passengers), Vanche Minibus (maximum 14 passengers), and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (maximum 18 passengers).
  • Hiring a private service allows you to enjoy an exclusive vehicle for you and your group. You will be free to make any stops you need and enjoy a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I organize my own tour around Cusco?
Absolutely. Hiring a private transportation service allows you to design your itinerary according to your interests. You decide which places to visit, how long to stay, and what kind of experiences to enjoy, while we take care of punctuality and comfort during every transfer.
2. What are the benefits of hiring private transportation?
The main advantage is freedom and flexibility. With an exclusive vehicle, you can travel without depending on fixed schedules or large groups. It is the perfect way to make the most of every day of your trip.
3. Can I book transportation from the moment I arrive in Cusco until I leave?
Yes, you can count on us from your arrival at the airport to your final return transfer. We offer service in both directions and the possibility of planning all your trips inside and outside the city.
4. What types of vehicles are available for transfers?
We offer modern vehicles tailored to your group size and comfort: Hyundai Staria (up to 8 passengers), Vanche Minibus (up to 14 passengers), and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (up to 18 passengers). All are fully equipped to guarantee a safe and comfortable journey.
5. Is private transportation available every day?
Yes, we provide service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows you to coordinate your transfers according to your itinerary and make the most of your time in Cusco.
6. Can I customize my stops during the tour?
Yes, one of the greatest advantages of private transportation is that you decide where to stop. Whether you want to take photos, visit a market, or enjoy a scenic viewpoint, the itinerary fully adapts to your preferences.
7. What is the difference between the classic Sacred Valley tour and the VIP Sacred Valley tour?
The classic tour includes the sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, while the VIP version also adds Maras and Moray. The VIP option provides a more complete view of the Sacred Valley, although with less time spent at each stop.
8. Which destinations are best if I am looking for tranquility and fewer tourists?
The South Valley and Palcoyo Mountain are excellent options. Both offer beautiful landscapes, traditional towns, and a more authentic experience away from the crowds.
9. Can I get help planning my itinerary?
Our travel advisors will be happy to assist you. We can suggest ideal routes, schedules, and combinations based on your available days, preferences, and travel pace.
10. Why choose private transportation instead of a group tour?
Because private transportation gives you complete freedom, privacy, and flexibility. You will not depend on a group or a general guide, but instead enjoy Cusco your own way, with the support of a professional driver and personalized attention at all times.