Tour from Cusco
South Route
A full day in southern Cusco: the Huasao wetland, a zipline, the Cielo Punku viewpoint in Huaro and the turquoise pools of Muñapata in Urcos. Breakfast at the start and a buffet lunch included.
- We assist you in English on WhatsApp
- English-speaking guides
- Local agency in Cusco since 2003, registered with MINCETUR
Pickup at your hotel in downtown Cusco between 6:30 and 7 a.m.
Explanations in English or Spanish throughout the tour
The Huasao wetland, Lucre, the Cielo Punku viewpoint in Huaro and the turquoise pools of Muña Pata in Urcos
We confirm your booking within 2 hours
The turquoise pools of Muñapata, the Cielo Punku viewpoint and a zipline, in one day from Cusco
The South Route tour covers corners of southeastern Cusco that sit outside the classic circuits and have become known above all for their photogenic landscapes. The first stop is the Huasao wetland, a natural area in the valley where you can spot highland wildlife.
The itinerary continues with a buffet lunch at Don Guillermo restaurant in Lucre; a zipline ride over the landscape; the Cielo Punku viewpoint, the stone hand, in Huaro; and the turquoise pools of Muñapata in Urcos, a series of deep-blue pools set between rock walls. The visit to the pools is for viewing and photos only.
It costs US$ 85 per person, runs from about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes breakfast at the start, a buffet lunch with regional dishes, transport in modern vehicles, a licensed bilingual guide and the zipline. If you’d rather focus on culture and archaeology than landscapes in this same region, the South Valley tour visits Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas (see the South Valley itinerary).
The turquoise pools of Muña Pata
In Urcos, a series of deep-blue pools that stand out against the Andean landscape: the most photographed spot of the tour.
Zipline and Cielo Punku viewpoint
A zipline ride over the landscape and a stop at the Hand of Heaven viewpoint in Huaro, with panoramic views of the valley.
Huasao wetland
The first stop of the day, a natural area to spot highland wildlife and enjoy the quiet before moving on.
Buffet lunch in Lucre
A meal at Don Guillermo restaurant, with a variety of regional dishes, plus breakfast at the start, also included.
Itinerary
Your full day, step by step: the South Route from Cusco
- 6:30–7 a.m. · Pickup at your hotel in downtown CuscoWe set off in modern vehicles to start the South Route, with breakfast included at the start.
- Huasao wetlandFirst stop at this natural area in the south of the valley, to explore it with the guide.
- Lucre · Buffet lunch at Don GuillermoLunch with a variety of regional dishes at Don Guillermo restaurant.
- ZiplineA zipline ride over the landscape, included in the program.
- Huaro · Cielo Punku viewpointA stop at the Hand of Heaven viewpoint, with panoramic views of the surroundings.
- Urcos · Turquoise pools of Muña PataA visit to the turquoise pools, the most photogenic landscape of the tour.
- ≈5 p.m. · Return to CuscoBack to the city and end of the tour.
What's included in your South Route tour?
No surprises and no fine print: this is exactly what the service covers and what you will pay separately on the day of the tour.
1 day (full day), approx. 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Up to 5,000 m (16,410 ft)
Daily morning departure, pickup between 6:30 and 7 a.m.
English or Spanish
Included
- Visit to the Huasao wetland, the Cielo Punku (Hand of Heaven) viewpoint and the turquoise pools of Muña Pata in Urcos
- Zipline ride during the tour
- All meals: breakfast at the start and a buffet lunch with a variety of regional dishes
- Pickup at your hotel and round-trip transfer in modern vehicles
- Licensed professional bilingual guide (English or Spanish) and first aid kit
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): general ticket (BTG: S/ 130 for foreign visitors, S/ 70 for Peruvians) or partial ticket (BTP: S/ 70 for foreign visitors, S/ 40 for Peruvians)
- Extra drinks and snacks
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Note: entrance fees are not included in the price and are paid separately during the tour. If you have questions about current rates, contact us before booking and we’ll confirm the updated amount.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to the most common questions, so you can book with complete peace of mind.
Do I need to acclimatize before the South Route tour?
Ideally, spend at least one day in Cusco first. The tour takes place at altitude, although the walks are short and you spend much of the day in the vehicle and at the stops.
How difficult is the tour?
Easy. You walk short trails at the wetland, the viewpoint and next to the Muña Pata pools. The zipline requires no fitness: just follow the team’s instructions.
Which tickets do I need to buy separately?
The entrance fees to the attractions, which are paid separately during the tour. It’s a good idea to bring cash in soles.
What time does it start and how long does it last?
We pick you up at your hotel in downtown Cusco between 6:30 and 7 a.m., and the tour runs from about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes in layers and a windbreaker, closed-toe shoes (a must for the zipline), a rain poncho, a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, cash for entrance fees and your passport.
How do booking and payment work?
You can book right on this page, choosing the date and the number of travelers. We confirm your booking within 2 hours and arrange the exact pickup time with you. You can also message us on WhatsApp before booking.
What happens if bad weather affects the departure?
The tour runs all year. In heavy rain or strong wind, the zipline may be suspended for safety; in that case, the rest of the itinerary goes ahead and we agree with you on compensation or a suitable alternative.
How much does the South Route tour cost?
The price is US$ 85 per person. It includes the visit to the Huasao wetland, the Cielo Punku viewpoint and the turquoise pools of Muñapata, the zipline ride, breakfast at the start, a buffet lunch with regional dishes, pickup at your hotel and transfer in modern vehicles, a licensed bilingual guide and a first aid kit. Entrance fees to the attractions are paid separately.
What are the Muñapata turquoise pools?
They’re a group of turquoise-blue pools set between rock walls in the district of Urcos, southeast of Cusco. The color comes from minerals dissolved in the water. It’s the most photographed spot of the tour, and you see them from the trails and viewpoints, for viewing and photos only.
Is the zipline included? Do I need experience?
Yes, the zipline is included in the price and requires no previous experience: the team fits your harness and gives instructions before each ride. Wear closed-toe shoes and tie back long hair. In strong wind or heavy rain, it may be suspended for safety; if that happens, we agree with you on compensation or a suitable alternative.
Ready to book or have a question?
Talk to one of our travel advisors in English. We reply Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Peru time, GMT-5).