The Cusco City Tour offers visitors an enriching cultural experience through iconic sites like Sacsayhuamán and Tambomachay. With a professional guide, participants explore the historical significance of each landmark, from the vibrant Plaza de Armas to the architectural wonders that showcase the region’s rich heritage. Flexible scheduling and convenient transportation make this journey an accessible way to discover Cusco’s beauty and charm. But the true value lies in the deeper appreciation for the area’s captivating legacy – a legacy that’s just waiting to be uncovered.

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Key Points

The Cusco City Tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour exploration of the city’s top historical sites, including Coricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
The tour cost ranges from £11.59 to £10.43 per person, with a potential 10% saving, and provides a "reserve now, pay later" option.
Transportation is provided via a tourist minivan, with pickup options from hotels or the main square, and flexibility in scheduling morning or afternoon tours.
While the tour includes a professional guide, additional costs are required for entry tickets to Qoricancha (20 soles) and the tourist ticket for other sites (70 soles).
The tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, indicating potential areas for improvement in areas such as the guide, transportation, and overall experience.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cusco City Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the former Inca capital.

This 5-hour tour provides a rundown of the city’s top landmarks, including Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, and more.

Guests can save up to 10% on the tour cost, which ranges from £11.59 to £10.43 per person.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option, the tour is both flexible and accessible.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this Cusco City Tour promises an unforgettable cultural experience.

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Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the Plaza de Armas, the Cusco City Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The first stop is the Coricancha, where a 1-hour guided tour unveils the site’s rich history.

Next, visitors explore the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress, followed by Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, each with its own unique charm and significance.

The tour’s itinerary is carefully crafted to provide a well-rounded experience, allowing guests to enjoy Cusco’s ancient history and cultural heritage.

The tour concludes at the Plaza Regocijo, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for this enchanting Andean city.

Transportation and Meeting Points

A tourist minivan provides the transportation for the Cusco City Tour.

Pickup options include your hotel in urban Cusco or the main square.

Pickup options for the Cusco City Tour include your hotel in urban Cusco or the main square.

The tour operates on two shifts – the morning shift from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and the late shift from 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

This allows for flexibility in scheduling your tour.

Whether you prefer an early start or a leisurely afternoon, the Cusco City Tour has you covered.

The transportation and meeting points are designed to make the experience as convenient and hassle-free as possible for all participants.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Cusco City Tour includes several key features, such as tourist transport and a professional guide.

However, there are some additional costs not covered in the tour price. Visitors will need to purchase a ticket to access the Qoricancha site, which costs 20 soles. Plus, a tourist ticket, priced at 70 soles, is required to visit the other archaeological sites on the itinerary.

Meals, like breakfast and lunch, are also not included. The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s top landmarks, though guests should budget for these supplementary expenses to fully enjoy the experience.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have offered a mix of feedback on the Cusco City Tour, with an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

A verified booking from a US traveler, Julie, praised the tour guide Santiago as great. An Australian customer, Caroline, enjoyed exploring the city.

However, the relatively low overall rating suggests some room for improvement. Customers could provide more detailed feedback on the specific experiences, such as the quality of the tour guides, transportation, and highlights visited.

Addressing these areas could help enhance the tour’s value and customer satisfaction.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Coricancha

Coricancha, once the principal Inca temple, stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural prowess of the Inca civilization. The site’s foundations, constructed of finely carved stone, once supported walls covered in sheets of pure gold.

Though the Spanish destroyed much of the original structure, the remnants showcase the Incas’ mastery of stonework. Visitors can explore the site’s intricately designed corners and doorways, which were aligned with the sun’s movements.

Today, the site houses a Spanish colonial church, blending the cultures of the past. Exploring Coricancha offers a unique glimpse into the Inca’s architectural genius and religious traditions.

Discovering Sacsayhuamán

As visitors ascend the winding paths leading to Sacsayhuamán, they encounter one of the most impressive Inca fortresses in Cusco.

Ascending winding paths, visitors encounter one of Cusco’s most impressive Inca fortresses at Sacsayhuamán.

This monumental site features:

Massive stone walls, some as tall as 20 feet, crafted with incredible precision
A strategic location overlooking the city, allowing for panoramic views
Intricate zigzag patterns and stairways carved into the hillside
Remnants of ancient ceremonies and rituals that once took place here

A guided tour provides insight into the engineering marvel and spiritual significance of this archaeological gem, leaving visitors in awe of the Inca’s remarkable accomplishments.

Visiting Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay

After exploring the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the Cusco City Tour continues to other remarkable archaeological sites in the region.

First up is Qenqo, an intriguing ceremonial site carved into a massive stone outcrop. Guides share the site’s mysterious history and significance during the 35-minute visit.

Next, the tour travels to Puka Pukara, a hilltop military complex that once guarded the Inca capital. Visitors can wander the stone ruins and imagine the strategic importance of this fortified outpost.

Finally, the tour arrives at Tambomachay, an elegant stone aqueduct system that likely served as a ceremonial bath for Inca royalty.

Things To Know

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not explicitly mention senior or student discounts. However, many tour operators in Cusco offer reduced rates for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can I Visit the Sites on My Own if I Don’t Join the Tour?

Yes, you can visit the sites on your own without joining the tour. However, you’ll need to purchase individual tickets to access each attraction, which may be more expensive than the discounted tour price. The guided tour provides convenience and insights you may miss exploring independently.

How Long Will I Have at Each Site to Explore on My Own?

According to the itinerary, visitors have a limited time at each site – ranging from 25 minutes to 1 hour. The tour guide leads the group, so there’s not much opportunity for independent exploration during the scheduled stops.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and others. Customers can select their preferred language when booking to ensure a guided experience tailored to their needs.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group or Is It a Shared Tour?

This tour can be booked for a private group, but it’s typically a shared tour. Travelers can choose between a public group option or request a private tour if they prefer a more personalized experience with just their own party.

Sum Up

The Cusco City Tour offers an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks. With a knowledgeable guide, participants can explore the historical and cultural significance of sites like Sacsayhuamán and Tambomachay. The flexible schedule and convenient transportation make it an accessible way to discover Cusco’s rich heritage, from its vibrant Plaza de Armas to the architectural wonders that showcase the region’s enduring legacy.