Cusco – City Tour

The Cusco City Tour offers a captivating half-day exploration of the historic heart of this Peruvian gem. Visitors can discover the city’s rich Inca heritage and architectural marvels, including the stunning Koricancha, the formidable Sacsayhuaman, and other intriguing sites. With a knowledgeable guide providing insights, participants gain a deeper understanding of Cusco’s cultural significance. It’s an experience not to be missed, leaving one eager to uncover more of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• This half-day excursion explores the historic heart of Cusco, including highlights like Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
• The tour departs from city center hotels at 1:00 PM and returns by 7:00 PM, with a live guide providing commentary in English and Spanish.
• Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, showcases the blending of Inca and Spanish architectural elements and insights into Cusco’s Inca heritage.
• Sacsayhuaman features towering fortifications of massive stone blocks, showcasing the Inca civilization’s architectural prowess and engineering marvels.
• The tour also includes visits to Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, each site revealing the cultural significance and sacred practices of the Inca civilization.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Cusco City Tour is a half-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the historic heart of the ancient Inca capital.

The 6-hour tour departs from hotels in the city center at 1:00 PM, with a live guide providing commentary in English and Spanish.

Highlights include the Koricancha temple, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Guests will be transported by tourist van and returned to the main square by 7:00 PM.

The tour is priced from Kč 369 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a 1:00 PM hotel pickup from the historic center of Cusco, near the Plaza de Armas. The first stop is Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, for a 45-minute guided tour. Next, the group travels to Sacsayhuaman, the "place of satiated falcon", followed by visits to Qenqo, a ritual center on a rocky outcrop, and Puca Pucara, the red fortress. The final stop is Tambomachay, the Inca baths and water cult site. The tour returns to Cusco by approximately 7:00 PM, with drop-off near the main square.

| Stop | Duration |

| — | — |

| Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) | 45 minutes |

| Sacsayhuaman | N/A |

| Qenqo (Ritual Center) | N/A |

| Puca Pucara (Red Fortress) | N/A |

| Tambomachay (Inca Baths) | N/A |

Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)

The tour begins at Koricancha, the "Temple of the Sun", where visitors enjoy a 45-minute guided tour.

This Inca site features impressive stone foundations and the remains of what was once a magnificent temple.

The guide points out:

1. The temple’s original splendor, with its walls covered in gold panels.

2. The blending of Inca and Spanish architectural elements after the Spanish conquest.

3. The significance of the site as a place of sun worship for the Incas.

Travelers gain valuable insights into Cusco’s Inca heritage and the conquest by the Spanish at this iconic location.

Sacsayhuaman (Quechua for "Place of Satiated Falcon")

Towering fortifications of massive stone blocks characterize Sacsayhuaman, the Quechua-named "place of satiated falcon."

Visitors explore the impressive Inca-constructed ruins, marveling at the vast size and precision of the ancient stonework.

Situated on a hilltop overlooking Cusco, the site served as a defensive fortress for the Inca. Massive walls, some stones weighing over 100 tons, are precisely fitted without mortar.

Winding paths lead through the complex, allowing visitors to discover plazas, stairways, and towers.

The site’s strategic location and engineering feats left early Spanish conquerors awestruck, unable to comprehend how the Inca built such an impressive structure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Qenqo (Ritual Center on a Rocky Outcrop)

Situated on a rocky outcrop, Qenqo is an Inca ritual center that captivates visitors with its intricate carvings and mysterious underground tunnels.

Carved into solid rock, Qenqo features:

1. An amphitheater-like space believed to have been used for ceremonies and rituals.

2. Zigzag channels and carvings that may have been used for religious rites involving water.

3. An underground labyrinth of tunnels, some leading to subterranean chambers.

Exploring Qenqo transports visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into the sacred practices of the Inca civilization.

The site’s remote and rugged setting adds to its mystique, making it a must-see on any Cusco city tour.

Pucapucara (Red Fortress)

Pucapucara, or the "Red Fortress," stands as a testament to the Inca’s architectural prowess.

This fascinating ruin sits atop a hill, its walls and structures crafted from distinctive red volcanic stone. Visitors can explore the complex, which includes plazas, baths, and fortified walls.

Experts believe it served as a military outpost, guarding the eastern entrance to Cusco. The site’s strategic location and robust construction bear witness to the Inca’s engineering expertise and defensive capabilities.

Wandering through Pucapucara offers a glimpse into the engineering marvels of the Inca civilization.

Tambomachay (Inca Bath and Water Cult Site)

Tambomachay, an Inca site revered for its water cult, lies nestled in the Cusco region.

Visitors can explore this ancient marvel, discovering:

1. Expertly constructed stone aqueducts that channeled fresh spring water for bathing rituals.

2. Ornate ceremonial baths carved into the rock, where the elite would purify themselves.

3. Intricate stone terraces and walls that exemplify the Inca’s engineering prowess.

This serene site offers a glimpse into the sacred water practices of the Inca civilization.

Exploring Tambomachay transports travelers back in time, revealing the reverence the Inca held for this natural resource.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Cusco City Tour package includes several key elements, such as hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip tourist transport, and a professional guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

Plus, a first aid kit is provided for any emergencies that may occur.

However, the tour package excludes entrance fees, which cost 85.00 soles per person. Meals, beverages, and any extra expenses incurred during the tour are also not included.

Guests are advised to bring their passport or ID, sun protection, and comfortable clothing, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those traveling with baby strollers or electric wheelchairs.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English and Spanish?

The tour is only available in English and Spanish, as specified in the itinerary. It doesn’t mention any other language options being offered.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 2 to 15 travelers. The exact number may vary depending on the day and demand, but the small group size allows for a more personalized experience with the guide.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Historical or Cultural Insights?

The tour guides provide historical and cultural insights throughout the tour, sharing information about the ancient Inca sites and their significance in Cusco’s rich heritage. They offer details in both English and Spanish.

Can I Purchase the Entrance Ticket at the Sites or Do I Need to Buy It in Advance?

The entrance ticket to the sites can be purchased on-site. Travelers don’t need to buy it in advance, as it’s included in the tour package and the guide will handle the logistics.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for This Tour?

There are no package deals or discounts mentioned for this tour. The entrance ticket of 85.00 soles per person is the only additional cost not included in the tour price from Kč 369.

Sum Up

The Cusco City Tour provides a captivating exploration of the city’s rich Inca heritage. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of iconic sites like Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay. With a knowledgeable guide, the half-day tour culminates in a memorable experience by the evening, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for Cusco’s architectural marvels and historical importance.

You can check availability for your dates here: