The ancient Inca ruins scattered across Cusco’s countryside offer a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can’t help but be awed by the sheer size and precision of Saqsaywaman’s massive stone walls, while the mysterious ceremonial site of Qenqo leaves them curious about the Incas’ spiritual practices. Further exploration reveals the strategic importance of Pukapukara and the Incas’ ingenious water management at Tambomachay. What secrets do these remarkable Inca monuments still hold?

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Key Points

The Cusco city tour includes visits to the archaeological sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.
Saqsaywaman is known for its massive stone walls, while Qenqo is an ancient ceremonial site.
Pukapukara was a military complex, and Tambomachay is famous for its intricate water fountains and aqueducts.
The tour provides a comprehensive experience of Cusco’s Inca heritage and cultural sites.
The tour is offered at a starting price of $15 per person for a 5.5-hour excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Cusco’s expansive city tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich Inca heritage, with a package that includes visits to the renowned archaeological and religious sites of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.

Priced from $15 per person, the 5.5-hour excursion provides guided tours and free time at each location. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, and travelers can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

With highlights like exploring Inca constructions and immersing in Cusco’s cultural richness, this tour promises an enriching experience for visitors.

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Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from Plaza de Armas in Cusco, the captivating city tour takes visitors on a journey through the region’s rich Inca heritage.

The first stop is Coricancha, the former Inca sun temple, where guests enjoy a guided tour and free time.

Guests explore the former Inca sun temple of Coricancha, enjoying a guided tour and free time to discover its rich heritage.

Next, they explore the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, marveling at its massive stone walls.

The tour then moves to Qenqo, an ancient ceremonial site, and Puka Pukara, a former Inca military complex.

Finally, they visit Tambomachay, known for its intricate water fountains and aqueducts.

Throughout, knowledgeable guides share insights, allowing participants to enjoy Cusco’s cultural tapestry.

Included Services and Fees

The tour package includes a range of services and fees to ensure a comprehensive experience. Travelers receive tourist transportation via a shared service and a professional guide to lead them through the historic sites. Admission to the Qoricancha Temple and the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which grants access to the archaeological complexes, are covered by the tour price. However, food, tips, and any additional expenses are not included. The tour cost starts at $15.00 per person.

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Tourist Transportation | Food |

| Professional Guide | Tips |

| Qoricancha Entrance Ticket | Extra Expenses |

| Cusco Tourist Ticket | |

| Starting at $15.00 per person | |

Participant Information and Requirements

Where does the tour meet? The meeting point for the Saqsaywaman and surrounding sites tour is Plaza de Armas, next to the Inca monument.

The meeting point for the Saqsaywaman and surrounding sites tour is Plaza de Armas, next to the Inca monument.

Participants are encouraged to bring:

Passport or ID to enter the archaeological sites.
Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen to protect against the Andean sun.
Water to stay hydrated during the 5.5-hour tour.
Student card, if applicable, to receive discounted entrance fees.

Certain items aren’t allowed, such as pets, weapons, smoking, large bags, bikes, alcohol, littering, baby carriages, and fireworks.

The tour give you a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have lauded the Saqsaywaman and surrounding sites tour, awarding it an impressive 5-star rating based on 2 reviews.

Renata from Brazil praised the tour’s punctuality and the guide Ruben Dário’s enriching information.

Ajanth from the United States found the trip informative and appreciated guide Micky’s friendliness.

Customers highlighted the opportunity to explore Inca constructions, learn about their history, and immerse in Cusco’s cultural richness.

The tour’s highlights include guided visits to Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, providing a comprehensive experience of Cusco’s archaeological and religious sites.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Saqsaywaman

Although it may appear as an imposing fortress at first glance, Saqsaywaman captivates visitors with its intricate Inca masonry and strategic positioning.

Perched atop a hill overlooking Cusco, the colossal limestone blocks were meticulously fitted together without mortar, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Inca.

As visitors explore the site, they’ll be awed by:

The sheer scale of the massive stone walls, some standing over 20 feet tall.
The ingenuity of the zigzag design, which was engineered to withstand earthquakes.
The panoramic views of Cusco’s vibrant cityscape and the surrounding Andes mountains.
The haunting echoes of Inca history that seem to reverberate through the ruins.

Discovering Qenqo

After exploring the grandeur of Saqsaywaman, visitors can venture to the nearby Qenqo Archaeological Complex. This intriguing site features unique carved rock formations and underground chambers that were used for religious ceremonies by the Incas. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the site’s history and purpose. Visitors can marvel at the intricate stonework and explore the underground labyrinth. Qenqo offers a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced engineering and spiritual practices, complementing the impressive scale of Saqsaywaman.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Near Saqsaywaman, Cusco |

| Highlights | Carved rock formations, underground chambers |

| Purpose | Religious ceremonies |

| Tour Duration | Approximately 40 minutes |

| Entrance Fee | Included in Cusco Tourist Ticket |

Unraveling Pukapukara and Tambomachay

Beyond the grandeur of Saqsaywaman, the Pukapukara and Tambomachay sites offer visitors a captivating glimpse into the Inca’s strategic defense and ceremonial practices.

Pukapukara, or the "Red Fortress," was a military outpost that guarded the eastern approach to Cusco. Its impressive stone ramparts and plazas suggest a complex designed for surveillance and security.

Tambomachay, in contrast, was a site of ritual significance, with its intricate stone architecture and flowing spring waters believed to have held sacred meaning for the Inca.

Exploring these sites evokes:

Awe at the Inca’s engineering prowess.
Curiosity about their military tactics.
Wonder at their reverence for the natural world.
Appreciation for the enduring legacy of their civilization.

Things To Know

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point in Cusco?

The meeting point is at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, right next to the Inca monument. Travelers can easily locate this central square, which is the heart of the city and a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

Can I Bring a Small Backpack on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring a small backpack on the tour. The tour guidelines indicate that large bags are not allowed, but personal items like a small daypack are permitted. Just be mindful of the size and avoid bringing anything bulky.

Is Photography Allowed at the Archaeological Sites?

Yes, photography is allowed at the archaeological sites during the tour. Visitors can capture the impressive Inca constructions and enjoy Cusco’s rich cultural heritage to their heart’s content.

What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?

The tour guides speak both Spanish and English, allowing them to provide informative and engaging explanations of the archaeological sites to visitors from around the world. They’re skilled at bringing the Inca history to life.

Is There an Option to Join a Private Tour Instead?

Yes, there is an option to join a private tour instead of the shared service. Private tours allow for a more personalized experience and can be customized to your interests. Pricing may vary based on group size and your preferences.

Sum Up

Immersing oneself in the ancient ruins of Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay offers a captivating glimpse into the Inca empire’s impressive engineering feats and spiritual practices. From the massive stone walls to the intricate water systems, this cultural tour showcases the Incas’ remarkable achievements, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich heritage.