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
Cuzco 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.
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View TourUltimate Peru
Explore fascinating Inca ruins, colourful culture and dramatic landscapes on this incredible escape. Get a unique view of the Andean plains on the exquisite Belmond Andean Explorer – South America's first luxury train. You'll also see Machu Picchu and take escorted visits to the Inca sights of the Sacred Valley on this captivating Peru tour.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationEl MaPi byInkaterra
El Mapi Inn is a comfortable and functional boutique hotel decorated in a contemporary style that makes an affordable base for visiting Peru's top highlight, Machu Picchu. Located in the village of Aguas Calientes, 30 minutes drive from the ruins.
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View Accommodation
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba — a refined 5-star hacienda in Peru’s Sacred Valley — offers 36 stylish rooms and casitas, an organic estate kitchen, spa sanctuary, and sweeping mountain views for a serene, soul-soothing Andean escape.
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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 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 AccommodationSol 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 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 AccommodationCasa Andina Premium Cusco
The Casa Andina Premium Cuzco is housed in a renovated mansion in historic Cuzco in Peru, originally dating back to the 18th century, combining simple old world charm with pleasant communal areas and modern amenities.
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View AccommodationPalacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco
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 AccommodationMonasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco
Belmond Monasterio — former 16th-century monastery turned refined hotel at the heart of Cusco — offers 117 historic rooms, a cloistered courtyard under a 300-year-old cedar, colonial-chapel splendour and effortless access to the city’s soul.
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 ExperienceCooking Class with tour to San Pedro Market
Discover Peru’s flavours with a guided visit to San Pedro Market, followed by a hands-on cooking class at Rooftop Kitchen Peru. Prepare a three-course Peruvian fusion menu and pisco sour while enjoying panoramic views over Cusco.
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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 ExperienceTraditional Andean Wedding Ceremony
Celebrate your union at Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, with a private Andean ceremony led by a traditional paq’o. Set against the Sacred Valley’s dramatic peaks, this soulful ritual honours love, nature and ancient tradition in unforgettable style.
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View ExperiencePachamanca Lunch at Piuray Lagoon
A traditional Pachamanca at Piuray lagoon, where food is cooked underground with hot stones. Take part in the ritual before enjoying a generous Andean feast with local produce, meats, desserts and drinks.
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View ExperienceMountain Lodges of Peru
A lodge-to-lodge trek through Peru’s Andes, combining remote mountain trails, authentic cultural encounters and comfortable high-altitude lodges, culminating in a rewarding arrival at Machu Picchu with depth, context and understated comfort.
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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 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 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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View ExperienceTribute to Mother Earth
A traditional Andean Offering honouring Pachamama, Mother Earth. Led by a pacco, this ritual reflects ancient spiritual beliefs rooted in gratitude, reciprocity and a deep connection to the natural world.
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View ExperienceMaras, Moray and Ollantaytambo with picnic lunch
A full-day Sacred Valley tour visiting Moray’s circular terraces, the striking Maras Salt Pans and the fortress town of Ollantaytambo. Includes a scenic picnic lunch and insight into Incan engineering and history.
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View ExperienceInca Rail Machu Picchu - The First Class Train
Travel to Machu Picchu in total comfort on the Inca Rail First-Class service, enjoying views from the large picture windows and outdoor balcony as you pass through stunning landscapes in the Urubamba Valley.
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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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