Uncover the captivating history and cultural richness of Cusco through the City Tour Cusco. This half-day exploration takes you on a journey to iconic sites like the Temple of Qoricancha and the impressive Sacsayhuaman. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll explore the archaeological wonders of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and the vibrant atmosphere of this remarkable city. Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring with family, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to discover more.

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Key Points

A half-day Cusco city tour that visits key historical and cultural sites like the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Tour priced at $20 per person with bilingual guide services in English and Spanish.
Includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and entrance fees to select attractions like Qoricancha and the Cathedral.
Tour duration is approximately 5 hours with morning and afternoon departure options.
Flexibility to book in advance and cancel up to 24 hours prior without penalty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The city tour of Cusco offers a comprehensive half-day exploration of the city’s cultural and historical highlights. Priced from $20 per person, the tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is led by a live, bilingual guide in English and Spanish.

Travelers can choose from morning or afternoon departure times, with hotel pickup and drop-off near the historic center. The itinerary includes visits to iconic sites like the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

Entrance fees, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide are included, providing a seamless and informative experience. Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance add to the convenience.

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Itinerary

The city tour kicks off with hotel pickup near the historic center, offering two convenient departure times – morning at 8:00 AM and afternoon at 1:00 PM.

The first stop is the Temple of Qoricancha, the "Temple of the Sun", where a guided tour takes about an hour.

Next, visitors explore the archaeological center of Sacsayhuaman, known for its impressive Inca military architecture.

The tour then moves on to the ritual center of Qenqo, built on a limestone outcrop, and the red fortress of Puka Pukara.

The final stop is Tambomachay, famous for its waterfall and "the baths of the Inca".

The tour concludes with drop-off near the historic center.

Inclusions

The city tour includes hotel pickup and round trip transportation. This allows you to relax and focus on the sights as you’re whisked away to the highlights of Cusco.

A bilingual tour guide accompanies you, providing informative commentary throughout the journey. The entrance fees to Qoricancha and the Cathedral are covered, ensuring seamless access to these iconic landmarks.

While water and snacks aren’t provided, you’ll have the flexibility to grab refreshments during stops. The Cusco Tourist Ticket grants access to an array of attractions and museums, enhancing your cultural experience.

Important Information

Alongside the comprehensive inclusions, a few important details to note for this city tour. Firstly, a WhatsApp number is required for communication with the tour company. Plus, customers should check availability for their desired dates and group size. The tour is flexible, allowing guests to reserve now and pay later. Lastly, entrance fees for Qoricancha and the Cathedral are not included in the tour price, and must be paid separately.

| Requirement | Details |

| — | — |

| WhatsApp Number | For communication with tour company |

| Availability Check | For specific dates and group size |

| Booking Flexibility | Reserve now, pay later |

| Entrance Fees | Qoricancha (S/15) and Cathedral (S/40) |

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Customer Reviews

A handful of verified traveler reviews provide insights into the City Tour Cusco experience.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, who bring Cusco’s history to life through their engaging commentary. One couple enjoyed the "perfect balance of information and free time to explore."

Knowledgeable guides bring Cusco’s history to life with engaging commentary, providing the perfect balance of information and exploration.

A solo traveler appreciated the "comfortable transportation" and "well-paced itinerary." Families note the tour’s family-friendly nature, with one parent remarking, "Our kids learned so much."

However, a few reviewers feel the tour could be improved with the inclusion of water and snacks.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Highlights of Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

One of the highlights of the City Tour Cusco is the guided visit to Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This Inca ceremonial center was once covered in gold and was the most sacred site in the Inca Empire. Today, visitors can marvel at the impressive Inca stonework and learn about the temple’s religious significance. The guided tour provides insight into the temple’s history and the Inca’s advanced architectural techniques.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Scale | Qoricancha was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. |

| Architecture | The temple exhibits expert Inca stone masonry and engineering. |

| Significance | Qoricancha was the spiritual and administrative center of the Inca civilization. |

Exploring the Archaeological Center of Sacsayhuaman

After visiting the impressive Temple of the Sun, the City Tour Cusco takes travelers to explore the archaeological center of Sacsayhuaman.

This Inca fortress, situated on a hilltop overlooking Cusco, showcases the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization. Visitors marvel at the massive stone walls, some blocks weighing over 100 tons, fitted together with incredible precision.

The site’s impressive zigzag design and strategic location make it clear why Sacsayhuaman was an important military stronghold. Exploring the ruins provides a deeper understanding of Inca architecture and the empire’s power.

Visiting Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay

After exploring the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the City Tour Cusco takes visitors to three additional archaeological sites.

At Qenqo, they’ll discover a complex ritual center carved into a limestone outcrop.

Next, they’ll visit Puka Pukara, a former military outpost known for its impressive red stone walls.

The tour concludes at Tambomachay, where they’ll see the famous "baths of the Inca" – a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that were once used for ritual bathing.

Throughout, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the history and significance of these important Inca ruins.

Things To Know

What Is the Total Number of Participants Allowed per Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum number of participants. However, the flexible booking mentions reserving now and paying later, suggesting the tour can accommodate various group sizes based on availability for the selected date.

Are There Any Special Requirements for Solo Travelers?

There are no special requirements for solo travelers on this tour. They can book the tour just like any other traveler, with the flexibility to reserve now and pay later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Pay in a Currency Other Than the Local One?

The tour operator accepts payment in the local currency, Peruvian soles. However, they may also accept payment in major international currencies, such as US dollars or Euros, subject to the current exchange rate. Travelers should inquire about acceptable payment options when booking.

Do You Offer Any Discounts for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any specific discounts for senior citizens or students on this half-day Cusco city tour. However, they do have a flexible booking policy, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. The operator offers flexible booking options, allowing you to tailor the itinerary to your interests within the half-day time frame. Just let them know your preferences when booking.

Sum Up

The City Tour Cusco offers a captivating half-day exploration of the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. With a bilingual guide leading the way, participants enjoy insightful commentary while discovering iconic sites like the Temple of Qoricancha and the impressive Sacsayhuaman. Priced at $20 per person, this tour provides comfortable transportation and the flexibility to experience Cusco’s vibrant atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for families and solo travelers alike.