Off-the-Beaten-Path Cusco Ruins Hike with Local Guide Silvio Tunqui
Looking for an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience in Cusco? Join local guide Silvio Tunqui on a scenic and culturally rich Cusco Ruins Hike. This unforgettable half-day hike starts at the tranquil site of Tambomachay, the ancient Inca ceremonial baths, and takes you on a beautiful downhill journey through Puca Pucara, Q’enqo, and the awe-inspiring Sacsayhuamán Fortress.
Unlike crowded group tours, this experience is designed for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Cusco’s history and natural surroundings. With Silvio’s expert local insights, you’ll explore hidden Inca ruins, learn about the spiritual significance of each site, and walk through the breathtaking Andean countryside into the vibrant heart of Cusco.
The tour ends in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, known for its artisan shops and panoramic views, before capping off the day at Limbus Restobar—a local favorite for craft beer, Tequeños, and sunset views over the city’s red rooftops.
Whether you’re a history lover, nature enthusiast, or curious explorer, this alternativeCuscoruinstour offers a unique blend of culture, hiking, and local flavor that’s perfect for adventurous travelers.
Discover the hidden side of Cusco with expert local guide Silvio Tunqui on this unique walking tour through the city’s most iconic nearby ruins. Unlike standard tours, this immersive experience begins at the least visited of the four major ruins—Tambomachay—and ends in the heart of historic Cusco, with plenty of stunning scenery, culture, and local flavors along the way.
Explore Four Iconic Inca Ruins Discover Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Q’enqo, and the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress—each offering unique insight into Inca history and architecture.
Start at the Top – Avoid the Crowds Begin your journey at Tambomachay, the furthest and quietest ruin, then hike down through the remaining sites, enjoying a peaceful and scenic route.
Led by a Knowledgeable Local Guide Learn from Silvio Tunqui, a passionate Cusqueño guide with deep cultural knowledge, personal stories, and insider tips.
Gentle Downhill Hike Through Nature Enjoy a relaxing, guided walk through the Andean countryside, with stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Authentic San Blas Experience Stroll through San Blas, Cusco’s artisan quarter, known for its steep cobbled streets, local art, and panoramic city views.
Finish with a Sunset Drink at Limbus Restobar Unwind with a craft beer and delicious Tequeños (fried cheese sticks with guacamole) at one of Cusco’s top rooftop bars, with incredible views over the historic center.
Perfect for Culture, Nature & Photography Lovers This tour blends history, local culture, light hiking, and culinary treats, making it ideal for curious, active travelers.
Itinerary
1
Day
Cusco Ruins Hike
Start at Tambomachay – The Inca’s Bath
Your journey begins at Tambomachay, an ancient Inca site famed for its ceremonial water fountains and peaceful setting. Often overlooked by most tourists, this sacred spot is believed to have been used for ritual bathing and water worship. Silvio Tunqui, a native of the region with years of guiding experience, shares stories and legends that bring the stones to life.
Walk to Puca Pucara – The Red Fortress
Next, you’ll continue on foot to Puca Pucara, or the “Red Fortress,” a strategic lookout point with sweeping views of the valley. Silvio explains the site’s military and administrative importance while you admire its distinct red-toned stonework—especially vivid in the afternoon light.
Explore the Mysteries of Q’enqo
From there, you hike to Q’enqo, one of the most enigmatic Inca sites. This spiritual center is full of carved rock altars, underground chambers, and intriguing zigzag channels. Silvio’s in-depth knowledge of Inca cosmology will help you understand the deeper significance of this ceremonial site.
Sacsayhuamán – The Monumental Inca Fortress
Your final and most breathtaking ruin is Sacsayhuamán, a colossal fortress known for its massive stone walls, panoramic views over Cusco, and its role in the defense of the Inca capital. Silvio will guide you through the complex’s history, architecture, and spiritual symbolism, offering context that many miss on quick visits.
Scenic Walk into Cusco + San Blas Artisan Quarter
After soaking in the beauty of Sacsayhuamán, enjoy a gentle downhill hike through the Andean countryside, entering Cusco by foot—the perfect way to absorb the landscape and connect with the city’s rhythms. You’ll arrive at San Blas, Cusco’s charming artisan neighborhood. Wander its steep cobblestone alleys, meet local artists, and take in unmatched views of the city below.
End with a Craft Beer & View at Limbus Restobar
Cap off your day with a well-earned break at Limbus Restobar, a popular local hangout perched high above the city. Enjoy one of their signature craft beers and don’t miss the Tequeños—crispy fried cheese sticks served with creamy guacamole. Sit back, relax, and take in the spectacular panoramic view over Cusco’s rooftops.
Why Choose This Tour with Silvio Tunqui?
Local insight from a native Cusqueño guide
Escape the crowds with an alternative route
Perfect mix of history, hiking, and hidden gems
Great for photography and cultural exploration
Ends with local food and breathtaking views
What’s Included & Not Included Cusco Ruins Hike
At Tunqui Expeditions, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
INCLUDES
Pre-departure Briefing in our office or your hotel
Pick up from your hotel
Private transportation to the trailhead from Tunqui Expeditions.
Entrance Tickets
Professional tour guide in English or Spanish.
Craft beer and Tequeños
Daily snacks on the hike
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
24/7 Customer Service – We have 24 hours a day telephone service.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit and Oxygen – Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.
Walking Sticks (Pair)
Taxes
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Lunch
Dinner
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Before you go Cusco Ruins Hike
Briefing or information meeting
All Cusco Ruins Hike briefings take place at our main office in cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the evening before the tour. the meeting lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
if you cannot attend, please contact us by email, phone, or directly at our office to arrange another time.
Luggage storage in Cusco
Yes, of course! during your Cusco Ruins Hiking Tour, you can safely store your main luggage at our office in cusco (arrange this during the briefing or by email) or at your hotel — both free of charge.
Equipment not needed for the trek can stay at your hotel.
Most hotels offer free storage service.
Do not leave valuables in your luggage. place them in the hotel safe and request a detailed receipt (required by many insurance companies).
For extra security, keep items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope.
Collecting guests in cusco
All pick-ups are within the city of cusco. we recommend booking a hotel in the historic centre for easy access.
Our staff will confirm your pick-up time the day before the tour.
Due to traffic, pick-up may vary by 30–45 minutes.
Note: many hotels/airbnbs in cusco are located on narrow, steep, cobbled streets inaccessible by car. please choose accommodation with good access to avoid luggage difficulties.
Group tours
joining a group Cusco Ruins trek (Only Tunqui Pasangers) means sharing with travelers of different ages and physical conditions. everyone will move at their own pace.
Changes to the tour may be requested by the group, but the final decision rests with the guide, who will consult all participants.
Strikes and demonstrations in peru
in peru, strikes and protests are common and may affect roads or railways.
We will do our best to keep your Cusco Ruins Hike itinerary as planned, even if it means leaving earlier than scheduled.
If tours must be cancelled or modified, our operations department will inform you.
Your safety is always our top priority.
lost items
Please take care of your belongings throughout the trek. remember to collect everything from:
Transport
Accommodations
Restaurants
👉 you are responsible for your items during the Cusco Ruins Hike.
Packing list Cusco Ruins Hike
What to Pack for the Cusco Ruins Hike
Packing properly for the Cusco Ruins Hike is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your adventure. Below is our recommended packing list, organized into categories and optimized for high-altitude trekking.
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Clothing
Light footwear or sandals
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Sunglasses with UV protection
Equipment
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Recommended
Camera and charger Camera and charger
Price Cusco Ruins Hike
The “Cusco Ruins Hike” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Price & Payment Details
Group Price: US$ 120.00 per person
Pre-payment Required: US$ 60.00 (to secure your spot)
Remaining Balance in Cusco: US$ 60.00 (usually paid in cash after the pre-trek briefing)
Guaranteed Departures with small groups for a more personalized experience.
⚠️ Note: PayPal charges a 5% transaction fee, which we kindly ask you to cover. This fee only applies to the online deposit. The remaining balance in Cusco is paid in cash with no extra fees.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our tour start and finish in Cusco. People who want to starts in the Sacred Valley must to add extra payment.
Discover the hidden side of Cusco with expert local guide Silvio Tunqui on this unique walking tour through the city’s most iconic nearby ruins. Unlike standard tours, this immersive experience begins at the least visited of the four major ruins—Tambomachay—and ends in the heart of historic Cusco, with plenty of stunning scenery, culture, and local flavors along the way.
Explore Four Iconic Inca Ruins Discover Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Q’enqo, and the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress—each offering unique insight into Inca history and architecture.
Start at the Top – Avoid the Crowds Begin your journey at Tambomachay, the furthest and quietest ruin, then hike down through the remaining sites, enjoying a peaceful and scenic route.
Led by a Knowledgeable Local Guide Learn from Silvio Tunqui, a passionate Cusqueño guide with deep cultural knowledge, personal stories, and insider tips.
Gentle Downhill Hike Through Nature Enjoy a relaxing, guided walk through the Andean countryside, with stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Authentic San Blas Experience Stroll through San Blas, Cusco’s artisan quarter, known for its steep cobbled streets, local art, and panoramic city views.
Finish with a Sunset Drink at Limbus Restobar Unwind with a craft beer and delicious Tequeños (fried cheese sticks with guacamole) at one of Cusco’s top rooftop bars, with incredible views over the historic center.
Perfect for Culture, Nature & Photography Lovers This tour blends history, local culture, light hiking, and culinary treats, making it ideal for curious, active travelers.
1 Day
Cusco Ruins Hike
Start at Tambomachay – The Inca’s Bath
Your journey begins at Tambomachay, an ancient Inca site famed for its ceremonial water fountains and peaceful setting. Often overlooked by most tourists, this sacred spot is believed to have been used for ritual bathing and water worship. Silvio Tunqui, a native of the region with years of guiding experience, shares stories and legends that bring the stones to life.
Walk to Puca Pucara – The Red Fortress
Next, you’ll continue on foot to Puca Pucara, or the “Red Fortress,” a strategic lookout point with sweeping views of the valley. Silvio explains the site’s military and administrative importance while you admire its distinct red-toned stonework—especially vivid in the afternoon light.
Explore the Mysteries of Q’enqo
From there, you hike to Q’enqo, one of the most enigmatic Inca sites. This spiritual center is full of carved rock altars, underground chambers, and intriguing zigzag channels. Silvio’s in-depth knowledge of Inca cosmology will help you understand the deeper significance of this ceremonial site.
Sacsayhuamán – The Monumental Inca Fortress
Your final and most breathtaking ruin is Sacsayhuamán, a colossal fortress known for its massive stone walls, panoramic views over Cusco, and its role in the defense of the Inca capital. Silvio will guide you through the complex’s history, architecture, and spiritual symbolism, offering context that many miss on quick visits.
Scenic Walk into Cusco + San Blas Artisan Quarter
After soaking in the beauty of Sacsayhuamán, enjoy a gentle downhill hike through the Andean countryside, entering Cusco by foot—the perfect way to absorb the landscape and connect with the city’s rhythms. You’ll arrive at San Blas, Cusco’s charming artisan neighborhood. Wander its steep cobblestone alleys, meet local artists, and take in unmatched views of the city below.
End with a Craft Beer & View at Limbus Restobar
Cap off your day with a well-earned break at Limbus Restobar, a popular local hangout perched high above the city. Enjoy one of their signature craft beers and don’t miss the Tequeños—crispy fried cheese sticks served with creamy guacamole. Sit back, relax, and take in the spectacular panoramic view over Cusco’s rooftops.
Why Choose This Tour with Silvio Tunqui?
Local insight from a native Cusqueño guide
Escape the crowds with an alternative route
Perfect mix of history, hiking, and hidden gems
Great for photography and cultural exploration
Ends with local food and breathtaking views
What’s Included & Not Included Cusco Ruins Hike
At Tunqui Expeditions, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
INCLUDES
Pre-departure Briefing in our office or your hotel
Pick up from your hotel
Private transportation to the trailhead from Tunqui Expeditions.
Entrance Tickets
Professional tour guide in English or Spanish.
Craft beer and Tequeños
Daily snacks on the hike
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
24/7 Customer Service – We have 24 hours a day telephone service.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit and Oxygen – Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.
Walking Sticks (Pair)
Taxes
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Lunch
Dinner
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Briefing or information meeting
All Cusco Ruins Hike briefings take place at our main office in cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the evening before the tour. the meeting lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
if you cannot attend, please contact us by email, phone, or directly at our office to arrange another time.
Luggage storage in Cusco
Yes, of course! during your Cusco Ruins Hiking Tour, you can safely store your main luggage at our office in cusco (arrange this during the briefing or by email) or at your hotel — both free of charge.
Equipment not needed for the trek can stay at your hotel.
Most hotels offer free storage service.
Do not leave valuables in your luggage. place them in the hotel safe and request a detailed receipt (required by many insurance companies).
For extra security, keep items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope.
Collecting guests in cusco
All pick-ups are within the city of cusco. we recommend booking a hotel in the historic centre for easy access.
Our staff will confirm your pick-up time the day before the tour.
Due to traffic, pick-up may vary by 30–45 minutes.
Note: many hotels/airbnbs in cusco are located on narrow, steep, cobbled streets inaccessible by car. please choose accommodation with good access to avoid luggage difficulties.
Group tours
joining a group Cusco Ruins trek (Only Tunqui Pasangers) means sharing with travelers of different ages and physical conditions. everyone will move at their own pace.
Changes to the tour may be requested by the group, but the final decision rests with the guide, who will consult all participants.
Strikes and demonstrations in peru
in peru, strikes and protests are common and may affect roads or railways.
We will do our best to keep your Cusco Ruins Hike itinerary as planned, even if it means leaving earlier than scheduled.
If tours must be cancelled or modified, our operations department will inform you.
Your safety is always our top priority.
lost items
Please take care of your belongings throughout the trek. remember to collect everything from:
Transport
Accommodations
Restaurants
👉 you are responsible for your items during the Cusco Ruins Hike.
What to Pack for the Cusco Ruins Hike
Packing properly for the Cusco Ruins Hike is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your adventure. Below is our recommended packing list, organized into categories and optimized for high-altitude trekking.
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Clothing
Light footwear or sandals
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Sunglasses with UV protection
Equipment
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Recommended
Camera and charger Camera and charger
The “Cusco Ruins Hike” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Price & Payment Details
Group Price: US$ 120.00 per person
Pre-payment Required: US$ 60.00 (to secure your spot)
Remaining Balance in Cusco: US$ 60.00 (usually paid in cash after the pre-trek briefing)
Guaranteed Departures with small groups for a more personalized experience.
⚠️ Note: PayPal charges a 5% transaction fee, which we kindly ask you to cover. This fee only applies to the online deposit. The remaining balance in Cusco is paid in cash with no extra fees.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our tour start and finish in Cusco. People who want to starts in the Sacred Valley must to add extra payment.
Salkantay 4 days
The Salkantay trek was incredible and the ability to do it in 4 days rather than 5 was perfect for our holiday planning. We were in a small group (just us, our guide, our cook and our horseman). All of our meals, transport and the logistics of park entries were looked after for us. Our guide Miguel was knowledgeable and had done the trek many times in the past.
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Sally B
Ausangate 5-days trekking
We did the 5-day Ausangate trek with Silvio and Dani as our guides, and they were wonderful, kind, attentive, and responsive to our needs. When some members of our group started feeling the effects of the high altitude, they helped adjusting the itinerary, shortening the trek from 5 days to 4 to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The cook was fantastic as well. He accommodated the various dietary restrictions in our group with ease and prepared something different for every meal; we enjoyed each one. Experience highly recommended!!
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Desirée M
Authentic andian experience
Incredible experience, went on Ausengate hike, going along for the 4 day trek. The team took good care, the food was the best part, beautiful landscapes, went through rainbow mountains, red valley, and seven lakes. It was initially planned for 5 days, but the group felt, we are not doing well with the weather and tiredness, and sylvios team adapted to that, and we cut short the hike, but still visiting most of the points.
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Manthan S
Amazing 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain
We had an incredible experience with Tunqui Expeditions on the 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain. Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the entire team did an excellent job. Our guide, Omar, was outstanding. He was kind, professional, and always ready to help. He made sure everyone was safe, comfortable, and enjoying the trek, while sharing interesting information about the mountains and local culture. His positive attitude and encouragement made the challenging days much more enjoyable. The food throughout the trek was also excellent. We were impressed by the quality, variety, and freshness of the meals, especially considering we were camping at high altitude. The Ausangate landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and Rainbow Mountain was a fantastic way to end the trek. We highly recommend Tunqui Expeditions to anyone looking for a well-organized trekking company, and if you have Omar as your guide, you're in great hands!
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Przemysław S
Salkantay review
I had a great time with Tunqui expeditions. They were very accommodating and allowed us to change the start date due to illness. On the trek itself our guide Noé was insightful and very understanding of our pace, our cook Juvenal was great and our muleteer Alfredo was lovely.
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Dhruv V
Ruta de Ausangate
Hicimos el circuito de Ausangate de 4 días con Tunqui y fue una experiencia increíble! Estaba todo muy bien organizado, aunque la ruta puede ser algo dura ellos se encargan de hacerlo lo más cómodo posible. Especialmente agradecidos a nuestro guía Uber, que además de conocer bien el terreno estaba siempre atento a nuestras necesidades y a hacer el camino ameno. Y para completar el equipo Augusto el cocinero hizo unos platos deliciosos y variados todos los días y Pascual el arriero tenía todo controlado para que el campamento estuviera a punto. Volvería a elegir esta compañía para una aventura de este tipo sin duda.
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Irene E
Amazing experience!
Amazing trek with our guide Veronica, chef Thomas and horsemen Pablo. We had a wonderful time. Landscapes were stunning. Thomas prepared the most delicious meals. Tunqui expeditions is an amazing company who gives back to the community. We did the Asanguate and rainbow mountain 3 days trek in the end of June. Temperature were fine in the day when the sun is out but cold at night (-10 at night) and early in the morning so prepare your gear accordingly. Tunqui was well equipped with sleeping bags to handle the cold nights. Thank you so munch Tunqui!
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Dominique C
Perfect family trip
Experienced and very flexible guides , very willing to make changes to the program in line with last minute requests. Whole trip extremely well organized from landing to take off .
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Dirk W
Experiencial sensorial imperdible!
Tuve una experiencia sensorial maravillosa! Mi guía local fue Johan Sikos. Estuvimos haciendo turismo comunitario en el parque de la papa, conociendo las lagunas turquesas increíbles! Con vista a los nevados y la sierra imponente. Johan fue más que un guía, fue un hermano, parcero, amigo. Me habló de su historia y de las comunidades, me enseñó Quechua, su amor por la gastronomía ( gran chef de profesión) estuvimos realizando el ritual gastronómico ancestral de la pachamanca que fue una de las experiencias más hermosas que haya tenido! Una experiencia sensorial inmejorable! Gracias infinitas Johan y q su agencia.
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Juliana G
Inca Trail hike 2 day with hotel
We participated in the short Inca trail. It was an amazing experience breathtaking views, great support. Once in a lifetime trip, would recommend this company for their support! Noe was our guide, he was knowledgeable and pleasant to assist us on our Inca journey!
