According to forum posts, popular tours in Cusco include a city tour featuring Koricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Qenqo. Other highly recommended tours are to the Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, the Salinas de Maras, Moray, and Machu Picchu. Additionally, the Montaña Arco Iris and the southern valley, including Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas, are also suggested.

Travelers have called out several activities such as trekking to Choquequirao and visiting Inca sites near Cusco. For those looking for unique experiences, suggestions include taking a chocolate-making class at the Chocolate Museum, exploring the local markets like San Pedro and Wanchaq, and engaging in less touristy activities such as the Extreme Sky Bike & Rappelling Adventure or staying a night at the SkyLodge in the Sacred Valley.

According to forum posts, travelers have recommended using Taxidatum for transportation from Cusco airport to various destinations, noting their reliability and reasonable pricing. For a direct booking, their official website can be used.

Some travelers said local taxi services are available directly outside the airport. However, caution is advised, especially for those not proficient in Spanish or unfamiliar with local fare rates, as it can lead to overcharging.

For many users, asking accommodations to arrange airport transfers has proven to be an effective and safe alternative. This ensures a set price and reliability, especially important for late arrivals or first-time visitors to Cusco.

According to forum posts, several tour companies have been recommended for Machu Picchu trips. One traveler recommended Peru Treks, noting a positive experience from years ago. Another user praised the Salkantay Trekking Agency for their knowledgeable and accommodating guide during their trek.

Travelers have called out specific guides and trek options that enhanced their experience. For instance, a guide named Renee Calancha was highly praised for his extensive knowledge and engaging tour delivery in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Additionally, the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail were frequently mentioned as popular hiking routes, with companies like Salkantay Trekking and Local Trekkers Peru offering these tours.

For those seeking a broader range of options, one user suggested visiting the Ministerio de Culturas website to explore a comprehensive list of licensed tour operators. This resource is helpful for travelers wanting to ensure they choose a reputable company.

According to forum posts, several travelers recommend Alpaca Expeditions and G Adventures for the Inca Trail trek. These companies are noted for their good reputation and community involvement. Another company, Salkantay Trekking, is also recommended for its well-organized trips.

Travelers have mentioned that booking the Inca Trail requires advanced planning, as permits are limited and popular dates sell out quickly. It's advised to book several months in advance, especially for peak seasons. Some users also highlighted the importance of ensuring bookings are refundable due to uncertainties like travel restrictions.

For those unable to book the Inca Trail, alternative treks such as the Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao are recommended. These alternatives offer varied experiences from quiet routes to rugged terrains and are regarded as excellent options by travelers seeking less crowded paths.

According to forum posts, selecting a tour operator in Cusco can largely depend on your comfort with booking in advance versus finding a local operator upon arrival. Some travelers have had positive experiences booking tours directly in Cusco, particularly around the Plaza de Armas, where many tour operators are readily available.

For specific tours like the Rainbow Mountain or the alternative Rainbow Mountain at Palccoyo, travelers have recommended booking with a reputable company in advance, especially if you wish for a private or customized tour. Companies such as Exploor have been praised for providing private tours with additional attractions like the Red Valley.

It's advised to check online reviews and possibly book ahead for peace of mind. However, many travelers have also successfully booked day trips directly in Cusco with local operators, which can sometimes be a cheaper option.

Some travelers suggest considering various tour operators for a trip to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco. According to forum posts, tour companies like Salkantay Trek and Exploor have been recommended for their good service. Exploor, for instance, offers a private tour that includes early morning pickups and a visit to less crowded areas like Palccoyo, an alternative to the popular Rainbow Mountain.

According to forum posts, the journey to Rainbow Mountain involves significant travel time from Cusco and a short hike. Travelers have shared that tours typically do not arrive in time for sunrise or stay late enough for sunset, except for multi-day trekkers who camp nearby. The experience can vary, with some travelers feeling that the mountains' actual view might be underwhelming compared to online images, while others find the trip worthwhile for the scenic views and hiking experience.

According to forum posts, travelers have expressed concerns about the sufficiency of layover times in Lima, especially when connecting from Cusco to international destinations. Layovers as short as 1 hour and 10 minutes are generally considered risky due to potential flight delays from Cusco, which is a high-altitude airport prone to such issues.

For many users, a safer approach includes opting for longer layovers or even overnight stays to mitigate the risk of missing subsequent flights. Some travelers suggested staying at airport hotels like the Wyndham or Holiday Inn to ensure a smooth transition to their next flight.

Travelers have called out the importance of considering the operational hours of airports, especially for early morning flights, to plan accordingly. The consensus is to allow generous layover times or to book flights that accommodate unexpected delays, providing a buffer to manage the unpredictability of air travel in the region.

According to forum posts, Cusco experiences a varied climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from May to October, marked by cold mornings and nights with sunny mid-days. Conversely, the wet season spans from November to April, characterized by frequent rain showers that may not last all day but can still disrupt travel plans.

Travelers have noted that during July, a typical dry month, the weather in Cusco is cold in the mornings and evenings but can get quite sunny and warm during the day. However, the sensation of cold persists despite the sunshine. In contrast, January is part of the wet season, with potential continuous rains but also possible sunny intervals.

Posts indicate that rain in Cusco doesn't usually last all day, allowing for some outdoor activities. However, severe rains can lead to mudslides, affecting travel schedules, especially concerning train journeys to popular destinations like Machu Picchu.