What’s Included in Most Day Tours in Peru? A First-Timer’s Guide

What’s Included in Most Day Tours in Peru? A First-Timer’s Guide

If it’s your first time exploring Peru and you’re planning to join a day tour — whether it’s to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, or Rainbow Mountain — you’re probably wondering what’s actually included. Here’s a complete breakdown so you know what to expect before you book:

✅ Transportation

Most day tours include round-trip transportation from a central meeting point, usually Plaza de Armas in Cusco. Transport varies based on the destination and group size, but it typically includes:

• Comfortable tourist vans or buses
• Professional driver
• Optional hotel pickup in some private tours

🗣Bilingual Tour Guide

An English and Spanish-speaking guide is usually included. The guide will:

• Share historical and cultural insights
• Help manage time and logistics
• Ensure your safety and answer questions

Some private tours may offer guides in other languages upon request.

🎟 What about entrance tickets? It depends

This is where I made a rookie mistake. On my Sacred Valley tour, entrance tickets to archaeological sites weren’t included. I had to pay in cash at the gate — about 70 soles for a partial tourist pass. Since then, I always ask what’s included before booking.

💡 Pro tip: When booking, always ask if entrance tickets or tourist passes are included — and how much extra they are if not.

🍽 Meals: Simple but satisfying

On the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake tours, we got breakfast and lunch at local restaurants. It wasn’t fancy, but it did the job. The Sacred Valley tour had a great buffet lunch with Andean food, veggie options, and traditional desserts. Just remember: drinks aren’t included, so bring your own water or some soles for a soda.

💊 Altitude support

What surprised me the most was that all the buses carried oxygen tanks. On my Humantay Lake tour, a girl in our group felt sick due to the altitude, and the guide handled it with total professionalism. Most groups also carry first aid kits and offer coca tea — a traditional remedy that really works.

🧣 A few extras I wish I’d known about

Some tours offer trekking poles or rain ponchos, but they’re not always included. I rented mine for 10 soles. Some agencies also offer cool upgrades like private transportation or even professional photo sessions. If you’re looking for more comfort or something more customized, just ask when you book.

✅ Is it worth it?

After doing several day tours, my answer is 100% yes. If it’s your first time in Peru, a day tour is the easiest, safest, and most organized way to explore amazing places in a short time. Just make sure to read the details, ask questions, and choose the tour that best suits your travel style.