Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour
Cusco, Peru

Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour

Outty Ranking 55 4.3 · 19 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $61
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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour worth booking?

Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour is a 3-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $61 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (19)
Duration
3 hours
From
$61 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 55. At $61 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and anyone who wants flexible plans.

Prices and availability checked

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Cusco from a unique perspective! Get to know Cusco on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Cusco at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Qorikancha Temple, La Merced Church, Cusco Cathedral and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.

What you get

    About this experience

    This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Cusco from a unique perspective! Get to know Cusco on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Cusco at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Qorikancha Temple, La Merced Church, Cusco Cathedral and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.

    What's included

    Included

    • Tickets for Merced Church included
    • Private Tour
    • Local Guide
    • 1 local drink/tasting

    Not included

    • Hotel pick-up and drop off
    • Food and beverages not listed as inclusions

    What you'll see and do

    1. Plaza de Armas

      Stroll around San Francisco Square and learn about the city’s Inca roots

      10 minutes here

    2. Mercado Central de San Pedro

      Mingle with locals at San Pedro Market, in Cusco’s oldest market building

      20 minutes here

    3. Church and Convent of Our Lady of Mercy (Iglesia de La Merced)

      Check out the treasures and gardens of the baroque-style La Merced Temple

      20 minutes here

    4. Qorikancha

      See the location of the QoriKancha temple, an iconic site once covered in glittering gold

      30 minutes here

    5. Twelve Angled Stone

      Marvel at the ‘Stone of the 12 Angles’, an incredible piece of engineering that has baffled people for centuries

      25 minutes here

    6. Plaza de las Nazarenas

      Relax at a historic café with a rich cup of coffee and maybe a delicious dessert and visit the beautiful buildings around Nazarenas Square

      30 minutes here

    7. Cusco Cathedral

      Walk to the peaceful Tricentenario Square to see local life in action and take in stunning views of Cusco. Also, head to the cathedral, the city’s most important religious monument

      45 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cusco

    Outside the entrance of Cappuccino Cusco Cafe.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Outside the entrance of Cappuccino Cusco Cafe.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Withlocals

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Private tour: only you & your local guide
    • CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset

    Photos

    Stroll through beautiful colonial streets with a local, Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private TourHear more about Cusco’s Inca origins in your private tour, Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private TourDiscover the best of Cusco with your private guide, Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private TourExplore the city’s oldest market with a local, Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private TourHear more about Cusco’s Inca origins with a local, Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private TourHear more about Cusco’s Inca origins in your private tour, Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    19 verified traveler reviews for Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    15
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    Joseph O · December 2025

    Fabrizio was OUTSTANDING!!

    Fabrizio was outstanding. He explained everything simply and with enough details. He was very conscientious of making sure I was happy and pleased with the tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Kevin_L · September 2025

    Very disappointed.

    The guide was an hour late. Only showed after we messaged Viator. He did not go to all the places listed in the overview. We did ask he skip places we had already been. But there were key places including the special drink we did not experience. Very disappointed. And no financial resolution from Viator.

    Response from the operator: Hi Kevin, I’m truly sorry to hear about your disappointment with the Cusco tour. Starting late and missing some of the key highlights, including the special drink, is not the experience we want for our guests. We’ll be following up with the host to better understand what happened and to ensure this doesn’t occur again. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback: it helps us improve and support our hosts in delivering the best possible experience. We hope you’ll give us another chance in the future to show you the quality we stand for. Kind regards, The Withlocals Team

    via Viator

    Sanjeedha_R · July 2025

    total scam

    Don’t book this tour as the tour operator is totally unresponsive from the day i booked the travel. i was there at the spot and didn’t find anyone on the specific day. The number given on the ticket by the guide is also inoperable and you can’t reach any of them. Overall, I lost my money after booking this trip. NEVER BOOK

    Response from the operator: Hi there, We’re truly sorry for the distress and inconvenience you experienced, especially after not being able to reach anyone on the day of your tour. This is far from the reliable and responsive service we aim to provide, and we deeply regret the impact this had on your trip. Thank you for sharing your experience. Cheers, Withlocals Team

    via Viator

    LisaBeth69 · May 2025

    Excellent tour. Amazing guide!

    My family of four had a fantastic tour of Cusco and beyond with Fabrizio. He absolutely reflected our energy and pace. He paused and gave us time to catch our breath when necessary and filled us with history, culture and stories of Cusco and the Incans. He engaged wonderfully with our 24 and 20 year old sons and helped expand their horizons with appreciation of Peru and her culture. Our time together with Fabrizio has been the best part of our trip. Thank you for the wonderful days!!

    via Tripadvisor

    R5365PEjamesb · December 2024

    Great experience

    Informative and educational. Learnt a lot about Cusco that we wouldn't otherwise have known. Took in central squares, food market and San Blase.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $61 to $96
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Withlocals, who run 170 experiences we rank across 55 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.4.

    See everything Withlocals runs

    Why this scores 55

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)70
    Review evidence (18% weight)49
    Booking momentum (14% weight)41
    Value for money (12% weight)11
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)17
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How does Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour compare to similar tours in Cusco?

    +

    It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 55. At $61 it sits above the typical similar option ($43), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and anyone who wants flexible plans.

    Who is Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour best for?

    +

    It suits families and anyone who wants flexible plans best, based on its 3-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Is Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour good value?

    +

    It is a premium pick. It starts at $61, above the $43 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.

    How much does Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $61 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.

    Is Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour?

    +

    Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cusco?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Full-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek (Meals Included). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cusco?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cusco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour?

    +

    Included: Tickets for Merced Church included; Private Tour; Local Guide; and 1 local drink/tasting. Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop off; and Food and beverages not listed as inclusions. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour?

    +

    Outside the entrance of Cappuccino Cusco Cafe. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour?

    +

    Across 19 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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