Cuzco, the former heart of the Inca Empire, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring ancient civilizations. This 6-hour tour takes you on a captivating journey through the city’s rich history and stunning architectural marvels. From the iconic Qoricancha to the awe-inspiring Sacsayhuaman, you’ll get a glimpse into the engineering prowess and cultural heritage of the Incas. With flexible booking options and morning or afternoon departures, it’s easy to learn about this extraordinary experience. But what makes Cuzco truly special goes beyond the itinerary…

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Key Points

Explore the Inca city of Cuzco with a 6-hour guided tour that visits key sites like Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo, and Puka Pukara.
Tour Qoricancha, the former Inca Temple of the Sun, now a museum showcasing Inca resistance and featuring ancient foundations, stonework, and colonial elements.
Marvel at the impressive Inca architecture of Sacsayhuaman, a massive fortress with interlocking stone blocks and a zigzag design for strategic defense.
Discover the water temple of Tambomachay, an engineering marvel that was a center of water worship in the Inca civilization.
Enjoy flexible booking options, including morning and afternoon departures, free cancellation, and pay-later options, starting at $18 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour to the Inca city of Cuzco starts at $18.00 per person.

Visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a flexible booking option, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.

Whether you choose the morning pick-up at 8:00 am or the afternoon schedule at 12:30 pm, you’ll explore key Inca sites like Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay.

The tour lasts 6 hours, with a return to Cusco near Plaza de Armas around 1:30-2:00 pm or 6:30 pm, depending on the shift.

Want to see more of Cusco? Here are other city tours we've reviewed

Itinerary and Duration

Although the tour duration is 6 hours, visitors have the flexibility to choose between two schedules – a morning pick-up at 8:00 am or an afternoon departure at 12:30 pm.

The tour includes visits to:

Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun
Sacsayhuaman, the impressive Inca military center
Tambomachay, the water temple and center of water worship
Qenqo, the ceremonial site for limestone rituals
Puka Pukara, the strategic military center with views of the Inca city

Regardless of the schedule, the tour returns to Cusco near Plaza de Armas around 1:30-2:00 pm for the morning shift and 6:30 pm for the afternoon shift.

Key Attractions

Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, now serves as a museum that showcases the Inca resistance to the Spanish conquest. Nearby, the impressive Sacsayhuaman was an important Inca military center. Further along, visitors will find the Tambomachay, a water temple where the Incas worshipped this precious resource. The Qenqo site was used for rituals on its limestone formations. Finally, the Puka Pukara was a strategic military center with stunning views of the Inca city.

| Key Attraction | Description |

|—————-|————-|

| Qoricancha | Inca Temple of the Sun, now a museum |

| Sacsayhuaman | Important Inca military center |

| Tambomachay | Water Temple, a center of water worship |

Qoricancha: Inca Temple of the Sun

One of the most iconic sites in Cuzco is the Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun. This former Inca temple was covered in gold panels and dedicated to the sun god Inti.

Today, it’s a museum showcasing Inca resistance to the Spanish. Visitors can explore:

Today, the Qoricancha museum showcases Inca resistance to the Spanish. Visitors can explore the ancient foundations, Inca stonework, and colonial elements.

The ancient foundations and architecture
Inca stonework and engineering
The blending of Inca and colonial elements
Artifacts and exhibits on Inca history and culture
Stunning views of the city from the site

The Qoricancha provides a fascinating glimpse into Inca civilization and the Spanish conquest.

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Sacsayhuaman: Impressive Inca Architecture

Sacsayhuaman is an impressive Inca architectural site located just outside Cuzco.

This massive fortress features huge, interlocking stone blocks carefully fitted together without mortar. The sight of these towering walls is truly awe-inspiring.

Visitors can explore the zigzag design and imagine how this strategic military center was defended. The site offers stunning views of Cuzco below.

Exploring Sacsayhuaman is a highlight of any visit to the Inca capital. Don’t miss the chance to wander among these impressive ruins and imagine the Inca empire in its heyday.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Tambomachay: Water Temple

The Water Temple of Tambomachay is a serene and meditative site, nestled just a short distance from the bustling heart of Cuzco.

Dedicated to the worship of water, the temple’s well-preserved aqueducts, canals, and tiered stone fountains captivate visitors.

Key features of Tambomachay:

Intricate hydraulic engineering showcasing Inca mastery of water management
Carefully crafted ceremonial baths and cascading pools
Strategic location overlooking the Inca capital, suggesting its importance
Combination of natural springs and man-made water structures
Opportunity to experience the tranquility and spirituality of the site

Exploring Tambomachay offers a chance to step back in time and appreciate the Inca’s reverence for the natural world.

Qenqo: Ceremonial Site

Qenqo, an intriguing ceremonial site, sits nestled in the shadows of Cuzco’s towering mountains. This ancient limestone formation was a hub for Inca rituals and ceremonies.

Visitors can explore the site’s maze-like underground passages, where the Incas conducted their mysterious rites. The most notable feature is the giant carved rock, believed to have been used as an altar for animal sacrifices.

Today, Qenqo offers a glimpse into the Incas’ spiritual practices and their deep connection to the natural world. It’s a must-see for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Inca Empire.

Puka Pukara: Strategic Military Center

Perched atop a hill overlooking Cuzco, Puka Pukara was an important strategic military center for the Inca Empire.

This impressive complex features:

Impressive stone walls and watchtowers
Intricate network of stairways and plazas
Irrigation channels and storage rooms
Stunning views of the surrounding landscape
Evidence of advanced engineering and defensive capabilities

Puka Pukara’s strategic location and robust construction made it a formidable fortress, allowing the Inca to monitor and defend their capital city.

Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the bustling activity that once took place within these walls.

Things To Know

Can I Visit the Sites Independently Without a Guide?

Yes, you can visit the sites independently without a guide. However, a guided tour provides valuable insights and ensures you don’t miss key highlights. It’s worth considering if you want a more enriching experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be appropriate for young children or those with mobility issues. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I Leave the Group During the Tour for Personal Activities?

The tour itinerary is fixed, so you can’t leave the group during the tour. However, you’ll have some free time at the end to explore Cusco on your own. Let your guide know if you need any recommendations.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but you can opt for a more flexible booking option. Reserving now and paying later allows you to customize your schedule within the provided 6-hour timeframe.

Can I Purchase the Entrance Tickets Separately From the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase the entrance tickets separately. The tour package doesn’t include the entrance fees, so you’ll need to pay for those on your own when visiting the sites.

Sum Up

Cuzco’s 6-hour tour provides an immersive journey through the Inca Empire’s rich heritage. With flexible scheduling and affordable pricing, it’s a must-do for those seeking to explore the city’s architectural marvels and cultural treasures. Whether you’re a history buff or simply want to soak in the breathtaking vistas, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you awed by Cuzco’s enduring legacy.