Cusco: Private City Tour and Saksaywaman Visit With Transfer

Exploring the rich heritage of Cusco has never been easier. This private tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the colossal stonework of Saksaywaman to the spiritual significance of the Koricancha Sun Temple. With an expert guide and private transportation, travelers can enjoy the Inca Empire’s legacy, uncovering fascinating stories and hidden gems along the way. Whether a history buff or simply curious, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you eager to discover more.

Good To Know

• This private tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s Inca heritage, including a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Saksaywaman.
• The tour includes pickup from your hotel, private transportation, and an expert guide who will provide insights at each location.
• Key sites visited include Saksaywaman, Tambomachay, Puca Pukara, Qenqo, Cusco Cathedral, and the Koricancha Sun Temple.
• The Koricancha Sun Temple experience offers a unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture, with insights into its historical significance.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes snacks and entrance fees, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Cusco: Private City Tour and Saksaywaman Visit with Transfer," is priced from $80.00 per person and lasts approximately 4 hours.

It’s available in English, Spanish, and Quechua, and is wheelchair accessible.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can reserve now and pay later to secure their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes private transportation, an expert guide, snacks, and entrance fees to key sites such as Saksaywaman, the Cusco Cathedral, and Koricancha.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco kicks off the tour, allowing for a seamless start to the day’s exploration. The itinerary showcases the region’s Inca heritage, with visits to key archaeological sites like Saksaywaman, Tambomachay, Puca Pukara, and Qenqo. At each location, the private guide provides insights into the engineering marvels and cultural significance. The tour also includes stops at the Cusco Cathedral and the Koricancha Sun Temple, where visitors can admire colonial art, silver, and gold artifacts. Throughout the experience, travelers will enjoy included snacks and comfortable private transportation.

| Site | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Saksaywaman | Inca architecture and engineering |

| Tambomachay | Temple of water with impressive fountains |

| Puca Pukara | Discover the ancient Inca fortress |

| Qenqo | Temple for the Puma and Inca mummification |

| Cusco Cathedral | Colonial paintings, silver, and gold |

Saksaywaman Exploration

As visitors venture to Saksaywaman, they’ll be awestruck by the colossal limestone blocks intricately fitted together without the use of mortar.

This Inca fortress showcases the engineering prowess of the ancient civilization, with massive walls reaching up to 20 feet high.

Guests will explore the site’s zigzagging ramparts, staircases, and plazas, marveling at the complex layout and intricate stonework.

The guide will share insights into the site’s strategic military role and its significance in Inca religious and cultural practices.

Saksaywaman offers a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of the Inca Empire.

Tambomachay Temple Visit

Next, visitors explore the serene Tambomachay, revered as the "Temple of Water" by the Incas.

This well-preserved archaeological site features:

• Impressive fountains and canals that once supplied water to the Inca nobility

• Remains of stone aqueducts and bathing pools, showcasing the Inca’s advanced hydraulic engineering

• Spiritual significance as a site for ritual bathing and water worship ceremonies

Guests marvel at the site’s architectural beauty and engineering prowess, gaining insights into the Inca’s deep connection with water and its role in their spiritual and everyday lives.

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Puca Pukara Fortress Discovery

After exploring the serene Tambomachay, visitors are transported to the ancient Inca fortress of Puca Pukara.

Perched on a hilltop, this imposing structure was once a strategic military outpost, guarding the Cusco valley. Visitors can wander through the site’s impressive stone walls, towers, and plazas, imagining the hustle and bustle of Inca soldiers patrolling the grounds.

The site’s unique architecture and engineering feats leave guests in awe of the Inca’s remarkable capabilities.

Puca Pukara’s hilltop location offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, providing a tranquil moment of reflection on the region’s storied past.

Qenqo Temple Tour

The Qenqo Temple stands as a testament to the Inca’s mastery of stonework and their reverence for the puma, a sacred animal in their cosmology.

Visitors can explore this captivating site and discover:

• Intricate carvings and sculptures depicting pumas, snakes, and other symbolic motifs

• An underground labyrinth where Inca priests performed mummification rituals and other ceremonial practices

• Impressive carved stone altars and channels that were used for religious libations and offerings

The Qenqo Temple provides a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s spiritual beliefs and architectural prowess, offering a rich cultural experience for all who explore it.

Cusco Cathedral and Its Treasures

Located just two blocks from Cusco’s main square, the Cusco Cathedral stands as a striking example of colonial architecture, housing a remarkable collection of art and religious artifacts. Its interior boasts over 2,000 kilos of silver and more than 1,500 kilos of gold, showcasing the immense wealth and power of the Catholic Church during the colonial era. The cathedral’s walls are adorned with captivating colonial paintings that depict biblical scenes and Inca symbols, providing a unique fusion of indigenous and European artistic traditions. Visitors can explore this architectural and cultural gem, marveling at its stunning beauty and historical significance.

| Item | Quantity |

| — | — |

| Silver | Over 2,000 kilos |

| Gold | Over 1,500 kilos |

| Colonial Paintings | Captivating biblical and Inca scenes |

| Architectural Style | Colonial |

| Location | 2 blocks from Cusco’s main square |

Koricancha Sun Temple Experience

What makes the Koricancha Sun Temple such a captivating destination for visitors to Cusco? This ancient Inca site offers a glimpse into the empire’s rich history and religious practices.

Visitors can:

• Admire the impressive stonework and engineering feats of the Inca builders

• Learn about the temple’s role as the most important religious center in the Inca Empire

• Discover the temple’s unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture after its conversion to a convent

Exploring the Koricancha Sun Temple provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing travelers to connect with Cusco’s enduring heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Forms of Payment Are Accepted for This Tour?

This tour offers convenient payment options – travelers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment and pay later. The tour provider accepts various forms of payment, allowing for a hassle-free booking experience.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?

The tour has no minimum group size and a maximum of 10 participants. This private tour allows for a personalized experience tailored to your group’s needs, providing flexibility and an intimate exploration of the sights.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. Travelers can discuss their interests with the tour operator, who can tailor the itinerary to meet their preferences within the tour’s duration.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for This Tour?

There are no strict dress code requirements for this tour. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Avoiding overly casual or revealing attire is advised to respect the cultural and historical sites visited.

Can the Tour Be Arranged for a Specific Time on Request?

Yes, the tour can be arranged for a specific time on request. The tour provider offers flexible starting times and encourages customers to check availability for their preferred schedule.

The Sum Up

This private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s rich Inca heritage. Visitors will marvel at the colossal stonework of Saksaywaman, uncover the spiritual significance of Tambomachay, and discover the treasures of the Cusco Cathedral and Koricancha Sun Temple. With private transportation, expert guidance, and all entrance fees included, this immersive experience provides a unique glimpse into the legacy of the Inca Empire.

You can check availability for your dates here: