Cusco helicopter tour: Aerial views of Sacsayhuamán & Sacred Valley

Four helicopter flights over Inca ruins and Andean peaks in a single day

A 2-day helicopter tour based in Cusco that strings together four aerial photography flights over Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley's circular terraces at Moray, Pisac's ancient ruins, and Rainbow Mountain with Ausangate Glacier. Includes round-trip domestic flights from Lima, 2 nights in a 5-star hotel, meals, a guide in English or Spanish, and hotel pickup in Cusco. Expert photographers and first-time fliers both get on-site photography assistance and pre-flight tips to frame each shot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Helicopter flights over Cusco and Sacred Valley

• Arrive from Lima to Cusco
• Flight over Cusco Main Square and Sacsayhuamán
• Flight over Maras, Moray, Huaypo and Piuray Lakes, Chinchero
• Flight over Sacred Valley, Pisac, Huchuy Qosqo
• Flight over Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Ausangate Glacier

Day 2: Return transfer and flight to Lima

• Private transportation to Cusco airport
• Domestic flight back to Lima

The experience

The itinerary packs four separate helicopter flights into day one, each one targeting a different landmark. You start with a 15- to 45-minute flight over Cusco's Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuamán fortress, then move to the Sacred Valley for a 30- to 60-minute run over Moray's concentric terraces, the lakes of Huaypo and Piuray, and Chinchero. A third flight lasts 60 to 90 minutes and covers Pisac's ruins and the hidden site of Huchuy Qosqo. The day closes with an 80- to 115-minute flight over Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, and Ausangate Glacier. Each flight is timed to catch different light and terrain, and a guide travels with you to name what you're seeing.

Logistics are handled so you can focus on the camera. Your Lima-Cusco-Lima domestic flights are included, as is a 2-night stay in a 5-star hotel (Belmond available as an upgrade). Hotel pickup in Cusco gets you to the flight departure point, and the same service returns you to the airport on day two. Lunch and dinner are provided, along with pre-flight photography tips and on-site support to help you frame the best angles from the air. A live guide speaks English or Spanish throughout.

Day two is the return: private transportation takes you from your hotel to Cusco airport for the flight back to Lima. The whole package assumes you're arriving from Lima and leaving the same way, so there's no scrambling for domestic bookings or ground transport between cities.

What’s included

• Round-trip domestic flights from Lima to Cusco.
• 2 nights in a 5-star hotel with breakfast.
• four helicopter flights over Sacsayhuamán, Moray, Pisac, and Rainbow Mountain.
• lunch and dinner.
• hotel pickup and airport transfers in Cusco.
• pre-flight photography tips.
• on-site photography assistance.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (6 to 90 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving from Lima and want four helicopter flights in a single day to maximize aerial photography coverage of different peaks and valleys. All transfers and overnight stays are coordinated as one package.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is each helicopter flight?

Flight durations vary by route. The Cusco and Sacsayhuamán flight runs 15 to 45 minutes; Moray and the Sacred Valley lakes take 30 to 60 minutes; Pisac and Huchuy Qosqo run 60 to 90 minutes; and Rainbow Mountain with Ausangate Glacier lasts 80 to 115 minutes.

What's included in the 2-night hotel stay?

Accommodation in a 5-star hotel is included for both nights. Belmond is available as an upgrade option. Hotel pickup and drop-off for flights and airport transfers are also covered.

Are the Lima-Cusco flights included, or do I book those separately?

Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco and back to Lima are included in the tour price, so you don't arrange them separately.

What do I need to bring for the helicopter photography?

Bring your own camera or phone. The tour provides pre-flight photography tips and on-site assistance to help you capture the best angles. Personal clothing and gear are not included, so pack layers for the altitude and mountain weather.

Is a guide with me on the helicopter flights?

Yes, a live guide travels with you and provides commentary in English or Spanish throughout the flights, explaining the landmarks and history as you pass over them.