Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Cusco just got easier. This half-day city tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the iconic landmarks that define this captivating Peruvian city. From the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman to the mystical Qoricancha temple, travelers can explore Cusco’s fascinating past, guided by knowledgeable experts in both Spanish and English. With convenient hotel pickup and a flexible booking policy, this tour presents an ideal opportunity to uncover the city’s secrets without the hassle.

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Key Points

This half-day city tour in Cusco lasts approximately 5 hours and covers iconic landmarks like Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay.
The tour is guided in both Spanish and English and is priced from $20 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Participants can take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option and plan their tour based on the available morning (8:00 AM) or afternoon (1:00 PM) shifts.
The tour includes hotel pickup from locations near the historic center and transportation back to the same area, concluding around 6:30 PM.
Entrance fees for the individual sites are not included, and the Cusco Tourist Ticket is required to access various attractions on the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This half-day city tour in Cusco provides a rundown of the city’s top historical and cultural sites.

The activity lasts approximately 5 hours and is guided in both Spanish and English. Priced from $20 per person, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour lasts around 5 hours, is guided in Spanish and English, and costs $20 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests are picked up from hotels near the historic center, with morning and afternoon departure options.

The tour visits iconic landmarks like Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay, showcasing Inca architecture and history.

Transportation and a bilingual guide are included, though entrance fees are extra.

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

Booking Information

Reserving a spot on this Cusco city tour is easy. You can book your tour without immediate payment, as the platform offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option.

Simply check the available starting times and participant selection to secure your spot.

To make the most of your experience, consider these tips:

Plan ahead to ensure availability for your preferred date and time.
Select the morning or afternoon shift based on your schedule.
Familiarize yourself with the cancellation policy to avoid any unexpected fees.

With a seamless booking process and flexible options, you can confidently reserve your place on this immersive Cusco city tour.

Itinerary

The city tour in Cusco begins with hotel pickup, with the morning shift starting around 8:00 AM and the afternoon shift at 1:00 PM. The tour takes visitors to several renowned Inca sites, including:

| Site | Duration |

| — | — |

| Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) | 1 hour |

| Sacsayhuaman | – |

| Qenqo | – |

| Puka Pukara | – |

| Tambomachay | – |

The tour concludes with transportation back to the historic center of Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM. Throughout the journey, a bilingual guide provides insights into the historical significance of these remarkable Inca constructions.

Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

Qoricancha, the revered Temple of the Sun, serves as the first stop on the guided city tour.

During the one-hour visit, guests marvel at the site’s historical significance, Inca architecture, and cultural heritage.

Guests marvel at Qoricancha’s historical importance, Inca architecture, and cultural heritage during the one-hour visit.

The tour guide shares insights about:

The temple’s importance as a sacred religious center for the Inca Empire.
The blending of Inca and Spanish colonial elements in the building’s design.
The temple’s destruction and reconstruction after the Spanish conquest.

The visit to Qoricancha provides an engaging introduction to Cusco’s rich history and lays the foundation for the rest of the city tour.

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Sacsayhuaman

After exploring the historic Qoricancha, the city tour continues to the impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman.

Perched on a hilltop, Sacsayhuaman showcases the military engineering prowess of the Incas. Visitors are awestruck by the massive limestone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons, that were intricately fitted together without mortar.

The site’s zigzag walls and towers provided a formidable defense for the Inca capital. During the guided tour, travelers learn about Sacsayhuaman’s strategic role and the ingenuity behind its construction.

This stop offers a glimpse into the Inca’s architectural and engineering achievements.

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Qenqo and PukaPukara

After visiting the impressive Sacsayhuaman, the city tour continues to the nearby ritual center of Qenqo.

This limestone outcrop was an important site for Inca ceremonies and rituals. Visitors can explore the series of channels, niches, and stone altars carved into the natural rock formation.

The tour then moves on to PukaPukara, a notable Inca military construction known for its reddish hue.

This once-fortified complex showcases:

Impressive stone walls and towers
Evidence of residential areas and plazas
Strategic location overlooking the Cusco valley

Exploring these lesser-known Inca sites provides deeper insight into the empire’s architectural and cultural wonders.

Tambomachay

The tour then moves on to Tambomachay, known for its main waterfall and referred to as "the baths of the Inca."

This site was an important Inca construction, featuring a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls thought to have been used for ritual bathing and relaxation.

Visitors can admire the impressive stone architecture and the flowing water that’s believed to have held spiritual significance for the Inca.

The well-preserved site offers a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced understanding of hydraulic engineering and their reverence for natural water sources.

Inclusions and Additional Information

The tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip transportation, as well as a bilingual tour guide to accompany visitors throughout the experience.

Entrance fees aren’t included, such as the S/ 15.00 fee for Qoricancha and the S/ 40.00 fee for the Cathedral. Plus, the Cusco Tourist Ticket is required for access to various attractions and museums.

The tour highlights include:

Exploring nearby tourist attractions
Admiring Inca architectural constructions
Learning about the historical significance of the sites visited

Things To Know

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Formal attire is not required, as the focus is on exploring the historical sites comfortably.

Can Children Under 12 Join the Tour?

Children under 12 can join the half-day city tour in Cusco. The tour accommodates families and offers a bilingual guide to provide an educational and engaging experience for all participants.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Packages Available?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for children under 12 and senior citizens. They also have special packages that include additional attractions or extensions at a reduced rate. It’s best to inquire about these options when booking the tour.

How Challenging Is the Walking Involved in the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with some steep and uneven terrain at the archaeological sites. Guests should be prepared for a moderate physical activity level, but the pace is relaxed to allow time to explore the sites comfortably.

Can I Book the Tour in Advance From My Home Country?

Yes, you can book the tour in advance from your home country. The tour has a reservation and booking system that allows you to secure your spot without immediate payment.

Sum Up

The half-day city tour of Cusco provides an immersive experience into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay with the convenience of hotel pickup and a multilingual guide. With flexible booking options and free cancellation, this tour offers an ideal way for travelers to discover the splendor of Cusco at an affordable price.