Set out on a captivating journey through Cusco’s renowned archeological sites with the "Cusco: Archeological Sites Tour and Forest Photo Experience." This affordable 5-hour tour offers a guided exploration of significant Inca ruins, including Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay. Discover the historical richness of these sites while capturing memorable moments with a complimentary souvenir photo. With flexible booking options, this tour promises both value and adventure amid Cusco’s stunning landscapes. What else can you expect from this immersive experience?

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Key Points

Comprehensive 5-hour tour exploring Cusco’s renowned Inca archeological sites, including Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay.
Opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the lush forest landscape surrounding the ruins.
Tour includes hotel pickup, guided exploration, entrance fees, and a souvenir photo.
Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Mixed customer reviews regarding organization and missed opportunities during the tour experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s iconic Inca archeological sites. Priced at $17 per person, it’s an affordable way to discover 4 major ruins – Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay.

The 5-hour experience includes pickup from your hotel, a guided tour, and a photography session in the Qenqo forest. You can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes entrance fees and a souvenir photo, making it a convenient and value-packed option for visitors to Cusco.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights of the Tour

Four key highlights await visitors on this Cusco archeological tour. The tour includes:

Exploration of Qenqo, a ceremonial center with natural rock formations ideal for photography
Discovery of Puca Pucara’s military ruins, featuring guard posts and housing from the Inca empire
Visit to the solar sanctuary of Sacsayhuaman, known for its impressive limestone blocks
Exploration of Tambomachay, celebrated for its water fountain and purification rituals

The tour culminates with a visit to Coricancha, showcasing the architectural excellence of the Inca civilization.

Detailed Itinerary

Visitors begin the tour with pickup from their hotel lobby, meeting the driver 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

First, they explore the Temple of Qenqo, a ceremonial center with natural rock formations.

Next, they visit the military ruins at Puca Pucara, which include guard posts and housing.

The tour then continues to the impressive Sacsayhuaman, a solar sanctuary built with large limestone blocks.

After, they head to Tambomachay, known for its water fountain and purification rituals.

The tour concludes with a visit to Coricancha, showcasing Inca architectural excellence.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour includes pickup and return to the hotel, a souvenir photograph in digital file, and a guided tour of the 4 ruins and Coricancha.

Entrance fees are covered, including the Tourist Ticket (70 soles) and Coricancha (15 soles).

Visitors should come prepared with:

Comfortable shoes
Sun hat
Biodegradable sunscreen
Cash for incidentals

The tour is recommended to bring a jacket and rain gear, as the weather in Cusco can be unpredictable.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have offered mixed reviews of the Cusco: Archeological Sites Tour, with an overall rating of 2.3 out of 5 based on 3 assessments.

The Cusco: Archeological Sites Tour has received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 2.3 out of 5 based on 3 assessments.

Issues with the tour’s organization and timing were noted, and some customers felt there was a lack of inclusivity and missed opportunities during the experience.

While the tour highlights, like visiting Inca ruins and Coricancha, are appealing, the execution seems to have fallen short for some visitors.

Prospective customers should consider these feedback points when deciding whether this tour aligns with their expectations and preferences for a Cusco archeological experience.

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Qenqo: The Ceremonial Center

One of the first stops on the Cusco: Archeological Sites Tour is Qenqo, a ceremonial center with remarkable natural rock formations.

Qenqo features:

Carvings and grooves in the rock, believed to have been used for religious rituals and ceremonies
A labyrinth-like underground tunnel system, with a central amphitheater-like space
An altar carved from a single block of stone, suggesting its importance in Inca spiritual practices
Intricate drainage channels, demonstrating the Inca’s advanced engineering capabilities

Visitors can explore Qenqo’s unique geological features and learn about its role in the Inca’s religious and cultural traditions.

Puca Pucara: The Military Ruins

After exploring the unique ceremonial center of Qenqo, the next stop on the Cusco: Archeological Sites Tour is Puca Pucara. This former military outpost features impressive stone ruins, including guard posts and housing. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved structures and imagine the activities that once took place here.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Guard Posts | Strategically positioned to monitor the surrounding area |

| Housing | Stone buildings that housed soldiers and their families |

| Ruins | Impressive stone structures that showcase Inca engineering |

Puca Pucara offers a glimpse into the Inca military presence in the Cusco region, providing a fascinating contrast to the spiritual sites explored earlier in the tour.

Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay: Inca Architectural Wonders

Although Puca Pucara offered a glimpse into the Inca military presence, the next stops on the Cusco: Archeological Sites Tour – Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay – truly showcase the architectural prowess of the Inca civilization.

Sacsayhuaman, a solar sanctuary, is known for its massive limestone blocks meticulously fitted together without mortar.

Tambomachay, in contrast, features intricate water fountains and purification rituals.

Together, these two sites demonstrate the Inca’s:

Advanced engineering capabilities, sophisticated understanding of astronomy, intricate water management systems, and commitment to religious and spiritual practices.

Advanced engineering capabilities
Sophisticated understanding of astronomy and astronomy
Intricate water management systems
Commitment to religious and spiritual practices

Things To Know

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, you can modify the tour itinerary to visit specific sites. The tour provider may accommodate requests for changes, though they may adjust the pricing or duration accordingly. It’s best to discuss any desired modifications directly with the tour operator.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration. The tour operator offers the flexibility to customize the itinerary and extend the tour time at an additional cost, allowing you to explore more archaeological sites or spend more time in the Qenqo forest.

Do You Provide Photography Equipment During the Photo Session?

The tour doesn’t provide photography equipment for the forest photo experience. Guests need to bring their own cameras or smartphones to capture the scenic shots with guidance from the expert photography guide.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this tour for a private group. The tour operator offers private tours with flexible scheduling and personalized attention for groups of any size. Additional fees may apply for private bookings.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

The tour price includes pickup, a guided tour, entrance fees, and a souvenir photo. There are no additional fees or hidden costs. However, travelers should bring cash for optional expenses and tips.

Sum Up

This immersive Cusco tour offers unparalleled value, allowing visitors to explore the region’s captivating archaeological heritage. From the ceremonial site of Qenqo to the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, the tour showcases Cusco’s enduring cultural richness. With convenient hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and a complimentary souvenir photo, this experience promises an unforgettable journey through the ancient wonders of this remarkable destination.