City Tour Cusco: Coricancha and Sacsayhuamán

Cusco’s city tour offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient heart of the Inca Empire. Visitors will uncover the stunning fusion of Inca and colonial architecture at Coricancha, the empire’s spiritual center. Then, they’ll journey to the impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán, marveling at its massive stone blocks and remarkable engineering. This 4-hour tour provides an enriching experience, blending the cultural legacies of both Inca and Spanish influences. What secrets might these hallowed sites reveal?

Key Points

• The city tour of Cusco includes guided visits to the Coricancha and Sacsayhuamán archaeological sites, in addition to other landmarks like the Cusco Cathedral.
• The Coricancha was the spiritual center of the Inca empire, showcasing a fusion of Inca and colonial architecture, with a guided tour duration of 30 minutes.
• Sacsayhuamán is an impressive Inca archaeological site featuring massive stone blocks built without mortar, with a guided tour duration of 30 minutes.
• The city tour provides a glimpse into the Inca and colonial cultural fusion, with a total duration of approximately 4 hours.
• The tour is priced at £10.74 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with no upfront payment required for reservation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The City Tour of Cusco offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Priced at just £10.74 per person, the tour provides an approximate 4-hour journey through the city’s highlights.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The tour includes a guided visit to Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, and the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress, offering a glimpse into the fusion of Inca and colonial cultures.

Explore the fusion of Inca and colonial cultures through guided visits to Coricancha and the Sacsayhuamán fortress.

With a bilingual guide and transportation provided, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an immersive Cusco experience.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the Plaza Mayor de Cuzco, the city tour takes visitors on a guided journey through Cusco’s cultural highlights. Explore the Cusco Cathedral, admiring its colonial architecture and Cusco School art. Marvel at the fusion of Inca and colonial elements at the Coricancha, the spiritual center of the Incas. Venture to the ceremonial fortress of Sacsayhuaman, taking in panoramic views of Cusco. The tour also includes visits to Inca sites like Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, each with its own unique history and significance.

| Site | Duration |

| — | — |

| Cusco Cathedral | 20 minutes |

| Coricancha | 30 minutes |

| Sacsayhuaman | 30 minutes |

| Qenqo | 20 minutes |

| Puka Pukara | 15 minutes |

| Tambomachay | 25 minutes |

Cusco Cathedral: Guided Tour

Although the Cusco Cathedral stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of the Plaza Mayor, its true significance lies in the intricate fusion of colonial architecture and the Cusco School of art.

During the guided tour, visitors will marvel at the cathedral’s impressive colonial facade and step inside to discover a captivating blend of Inca and Spanish traditions.

Visitors marvel at the cathedral’s colonial facade and discover a captivating blend of Inca and Spanish traditions within.

The guide will shed light on the cathedral’s rich history, from its construction in the 16th century to the syncretism of Inca and colonial influences that are evident in the ornate altars, paintings, and sculptures.

This 20-minute exploration offers a fascinating glimpse into Cusco’s cultural heritage.

Coricancha: Guided Tour

After marveling at the colonial grandeur of the Cusco Cathedral, the tour proceeds to the sacred Coricancha, which served as the spiritual center of the Inca empire. This temple to the sun god was a fusion of Inca and colonial architecture, with the Spaniards building a church atop the original Inca foundations. The guide highlights the site’s significance, explaining its role in Inca spirituality and the syncretism of cultures. The tour group explores the remaining Inca stonework and learns about the temple’s advanced engineering and design.

| Coricancha Highlights | |

| — | — |

| Temple of the Sun | Spiritual center of the Incas |

| Fusion of Inca and colonial architecture | Guided tour (30 minutes) |

| Remaining Inca stonework | Advanced engineering and design |

| Syncretism of Inca and colonial cultures | Insights on history and spirituality |

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Sacsayhuaman: Guided Tour

The tour now leads the group to the impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán. This ceremonial fortress features massive stone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons, arranged in a zigzag pattern.

The guide explains how the Incas built this structure without mortar, showcasing their advanced engineering skills. As the group climbs the site, they’re rewarded with panoramic views overlooking Cusco.

The guide points out the strategic location, noting how Sacsayhuamán was a defensive military post controlling access to the city.

After exploring the ruins, the tour continues to the next archaeological gem.

Qenqo: Guided Tour

Next, the tour group heads to the archaeological site of Qenqo. The guide explains this was an important ceremonial center for Inca rites.

Visitors will see:

Visitors will see rock-carved canals, the main altar, intricate carvings, and panoramic views showcasing the site’s sacred significance for the Inca civilization.

1. Rock-carved canals that demonstrate the Incas’ advanced hydraulic knowledge.

2. The main altar, where ceremonies and rituals took place.

3. Intricate carvings and stonework that showcase the Incas’ impressive masonry skills.

4. Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, providing a glimpse into the sacred significance of this site for the Inca civilization.

The tour at Qenqo lasts approximately 20 minutes before moving on to the next stop.

Puka Pukara: Guided Tour

Departing from the serene Qenqo, the tour group now makes its way to the fascinating archaeological site of Puka Pukara. This former military post served as a control center for access to Cusco. Visitors will be guided through the reddish stone structures, learning about its strategic importance.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Overlooking Cusco valley |

| Purpose | Military post, control access |

| Architecture | Reddish stone structures |

| Significance | Part of Inca defensive network |

The tour guide will share insights into Puka Pukara’s role in the Inca defensive network, offering a deeper understanding of the empire’s strategic planning and engineering prowess.

Tambomachay: Guided Tour

Visitors now make their way to the ceremonial site of Tambomachay, where they’ll explore the advanced hydraulic engineering of the Incas. This sacred site features rock-carved canals, aqueducts, and a main altar, showcasing the Incas’ mastery of water management.

The guided tour covers:

1. The intricate system of canals and aqueducts that demonstrate the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of hydrology.

2. The main altar, where purification rituals were performed, highlighting the site’s spiritual significance.

3. The impressive stone structures, expertly crafted without mortar.

4. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, providing a glimpse into the site’s strategic location.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this city tour. The tour itinerary visits archaeological sites and may not be suitable for animals. For the safety and comfort of all participants, only service animals are permitted.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available in both Spanish and English. The bilingual tour guide can provide commentary in either language to accommodate the needs of all participants.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, the overall price is quite reasonable, starting at £10.74 per person. Booking in advance and paying later can also help manage costs.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, you can customize the tour to visit specific sites. The tour company offers flexibility, and they’ll be happy to accommodate your interests and preferences within the given timeframe and availability of the sites.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can opt for a longer excursion to explore more Inca sites or customize the itinerary to visit specific locations. Additional fees may apply for extended tours or customizations.

Sum Up

The City Tour of Cusco offers a captivating journey through the city’s Inca and colonial heritage. Visitors will explore the stunning Coricancha, the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire, and marvel at the impressive engineering of Sacsayhuamán. This enriching experience provides a glimpse into the cultural legacy that has shaped Cusco, blending the influences of the Inca and Spanish civilizations.

You can check availability for your dates here: