Machu Picchu without trekking: an easy itinerary around Cusco

Cusco is adventure country, but not every adventure calls for hiking boots and trekking poles. If you want to learn about Inca history, see Machu Picchu and enjoy the scenery without wearing yourself out, you can do all of it.

This Tari Tours guide helps you put together an itinerary with no physical strain, ideal for families, older travelers or anyone who puts comfort first.

Machu Picchu without the hike

• Panoramic train. Forget the Salkantay Trek: your route is 100% by train. The ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is a trip in itself, with a glass roof to take in the vastness of the Andes.
• Recommended tours. Machu Picchu Full Day (one-day tour from Cusco), the most efficient, or the Sacred Valley with connection to Machu Picchu in 2 days package, the most comfortable option.
• The detail that matters. Choose a tour that includes the round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and the citadel. That way you don’t have to walk at all to reach the ruins.

Archaeological sites by car: the Cusco City Tour

Cusco’s main archaeological sites sit high on the hills above the city, but you don’t have to climb up on foot.

• The tour. The Cusco City Tour is your best ally. The vehicle takes you straight to the most impressive ruins in the upper part of the city (Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo and Puca Pucara). You only walk a little inside the ruins.
• Why do it. It’s ideal for your first acclimatization day: you get great photos and learn the history without getting tired.

Sacred Valley with no effort

The Sacred Valley has huge landscapes, but you visit all of it by car.

• The tour. Our full Sacred Valley tour takes you to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, with relaxed stops at the viewpoints. The itinerary includes Maras and Moray, visited on short stops without long walks.
• The exception. At the Maras salt mines, walking down can be optional. You can always enjoy the panoramic view from the viewpoint.

Nature from your seat: Arequipa and Puno

• Colca Canyon (Arequipa). The 2-day, 1-night tour makes for a more relaxed trip, with a good night’s rest in Chivay. You watch the condors from the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, with no walking needed.
• Lake Titicaca (Puno). The visit to the Uros Islands and Taquile is done 100% by speedboat or boat, an easygoing trip.

Seeing Cusco without trekking is also a luxury choice

Your trip should be a pleasure, not an endurance test. Choose tours with comfortable transportation and well-planned logistics.