The "From Cusco: City Tour Cusco 4 Ruins + Koricancha" offers travelers a chance to explore Inca history and culture. At just $15 per person, the 4-5 hour tour provides access to significant sites like the Temple of the Sun and archaeological wonders. With hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide, it’s an enriching experience. But there’s more to discover beyond the itinerary – the real appeal lies in uncovering the Inca’s impressive architectural and cultural legacies.

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Key Points

This 4-5 hour guided tour from Cusco explores the city’s Inca ruins, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
The tour also includes a visit to the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), providing insight into Inca culture and architecture.
Offered in English and Spanish, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide, but excludes entrance fees.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and snacks, as the tour takes place at an altitude of 3399 meters.
The highlights of the tour include learning about Inca military architecture, discovering the ritual center of Qenqo, and admiring the Inca baths at Tambomachay.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The City Tour Cusco 4 Ruins + Koricancha is a popular tour that provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the rich Inca culture and history of Cusco.

Explore Cusco’s rich Inca culture and history with the popular City Tour Cusco 4 Ruins + Koricancha.

Priced from $15.00 per person, the tour lasts approximately 4-5 hours and is available in both English and Spanish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include visiting the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) and significant archaeological sites like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

The tour includes hotel pick-up, transportation, and a bilingual guide, but excludes entrance fees and meals.

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Highlights of the Tour

One key highlight of the City Tour Cusco 4 Ruins + Koricancha is the opportunity to learn about Inca culture.

The tour includes visits to several significant archaeological sites:

Explore the Temple of the Sun, Qoricancha, and uncover the spiritual importance of this Inca site.
Marvel at the impressive military architecture of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Inca engineering.
Discover the ritual center of Qenqo, set amidst a limestone outcrop.
Visit Puka Pukara, known for its reddish color and military construction.
Conclude at Tambomachay, where you can admire the main waterfall and Inca baths.

Itinerary of the Tour

The tour begins with hotel pick-up near the historic center of Cusco.

The morning shift departs around 8:00 a.m., while the afternoon shift is at 1:00 p.m.

The first stop is the Temple of the Sun, Qoricancha, for a guided tour that lasts an hour.

Next, the group explores the impressive Sacsayhuaman, an example of Inca military architecture.

The tour then moves on to Qenqo, a ritual center on a limestone outcrop, followed by Puka Pukara, known for its reddish color and military construction.

The final stop is Tambomachay, characterized by a main waterfall, before returning to the historic center of Cusco.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The City Tour Cusco 4 Ruins + Koricancha includes hotel pick-up, transportation, and a bilingual tour guide.

However, it excludes:

Water and snacks
Food (Breakfast, Lunch)
Entrance to Qoricancha (S/ 20.00)
Cusco Tourist Ticket (issued by COSITUC for various attractions)

Participants should be aware of these exclusions and plan accordingly.

The tour takes place in Cusco, which is located at an altitude of 3399 meters above sea level, so visitors should take precautions for high-altitude conditions.

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Additional Information for Travelers

Situated at an impressive altitude of 3399 meters above sea level, Cusco’s city tour promises an immersive experience in the heart of the Inca empire.

Travelers can check availability and select their preferred starting time and group size. The meeting point is conveniently located and easily accessible through Google Maps.

It’s important to note that the tour excludes the entrance fee to the Qoricancha Temple (S/ 20.00) and the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which provides access to various attractions.

Packing water, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes is recommended to fully enjoy the tour’s highlights.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha)

One of the highlights of the City Tour Cusco is the visit to the Temple of the Sun, also known as the Qoricancha. This former Inca temple was covered in gold and dedicated to the sun god Inti.

Visitors can explore the temple’s impressive stonework and admire the remaining sections of the original structure.

The tour includes:

A guided tour of the Qoricancha site
Learning about the temple’s history and significance in Inca culture
Seeing the blending of Inca and Spanish architectural styles
Understanding the temple’s role as a religious and administrative center

Discovering the Inca Military Architecture at Sacsayhuaman

After exploring the captivating Qoricancha, the City Tour Cusco takes visitors to witness the impressive Inca military architecture at Sacsayhuaman. This massive fortress complex showcases the Inca’s advanced construction techniques and strategic thinking. Towering stone walls, zigzagging staircases, and interlocking boulders demonstrate the ingenuity of the Inca engineers. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale and precision of this ancient site.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Structure | Massive stone fortress |

| Architecture | Zigzagging staircases, interlocking boulders |

| Purpose | Inca military defense |

| Condition | Well-preserved ruins |

| Significance | Example of Inca engineering prowess |

Visiting the Ritual Center of Qenqo and Other Ruins

From Sacsayhuaman, the City Tour Cusco continues to the captivating ritual center of Qenqo.

This limestone outcrop was an important site for the Incas, used for:

Ceremonial rituals and sacrifices
Astronomical observations
Underground chambers and passages
Natural water sources for purification

After exploring Qenqo, the tour visits Puka Pukara, known for its reddish color and military architecture.

The final stop is Tambomachay, featuring an impressive main waterfall and believed to be Inca baths.

The City Tour Cusco offers a comprehensive look at the region’s rich Inca heritage.

Things To Know

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $15.00 per person, regardless of age. Travelers can check the website or contact the tour provider for any updates on pricing.

Can We Extend the Tour to Visit More Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit more sites. Additional ruins and attractions like the Chinchero Village and the Urubamba Valley can be added for an extra fee. Speak with the tour operator to customize the itinerary.

How Challenging Is the Walking Involved in the Tour?

The walking on this tour is moderately challenging, as it involves exploring several archaeological sites with some uneven terrain. Guests should expect to do a fair amount of walking and climbing stairs during the 4-5 hour tour.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized, but it may incur additional costs. Travelers can coordinate with the tour operator to adjust the sites visited or the duration of the tour to meet their preferences.

What Should We Bring to Make the Most of the Tour?

To make the most of the tour, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a water bottle, and small snacks. Dressing in layers is also recommended to accommodate the changing weather conditions.

Sum Up

This guided city tour of Cusco and its Inca ruins offers an excellent opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Inca Empire. At just $15 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore significant archaeological sites like Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Qenqo. Travelers should be prepared for high-altitude conditions and entrance fees, but the bilingual guide and transportation provided make for a hassle-free experience.