Discovering the rich history and cultural heritage of Cusco has never been easier. The City Tour Cusco offers a captivating half-day journey through this ancient city’s iconic landmarks. Visitors can explore the vibrant Plaza Mayor, marvel at the Cusco Cathedral, and uncover the mysteries of the Qorikancha Temple. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this tour promises an immersive experience that will leave you eager to delve deeper into Cusco’s fascinating past.

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Key Points

The Cusco City Tour is a comprehensive half-day exploration of Cusco’s historic landmarks, including the Plaza Mayor, Cusco Cathedral, and Qorikancha Temple.
The tour visits archaeological sites like Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Sacsayhuamán, providing an opportunity to witness Inca architecture and engineering.
A 30-minute stop at Sacsayhuamán allows for sunset photography, capturing the stunning views of the city.
The tour includes transportation and a professional bilingual guide, with optional entry fees for Qorikancha and tourist ticket options.
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and hydration are recommended to fully enjoy the exploration of Cusco’s iconic sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Cusco City Tour

The Cusco City Tour offers travelers a comprehensive half-day exploration of the historic capital of the Inca Empire.

Starting from the iconic Plaza Mayor, the tour visits the grand Cusco Cathedral and the impressive Qorikancha Temple. Guests then venture out to uncover the archaeological wonders of Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Sacsayhuamán, where they can capture the sunset.

The tour visits the grand Cusco Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple, then ventures to Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Sacsayhuamán to capture the sunset.

The final stop is Qenqo before returning to the city center. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insights into Cusco’s rich cultural heritage and Inca legacy.

With pickup and drop-off in downtown Cusco, this tour is a convenient way to discover the highlights of this remarkable destination.

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Tour Highlights and Itinerary

The Cusco City Tour begins at the iconic Plaza Mayor de Cusco, the heart of the historic city. From there, visitors will explore key sites, including the Cusco Cathedral, the impressive Qorikancha Temple, and several nearby archaeological gems. The tour winds through Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and culminates with a 30-minute visit to the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán, where guests can capture stunning sunset photos. The final stop is the intriguing site of Qenqo before returning to the starting point at Plaza Mayor.

| Site | Duration |

| — | — |

| Cusco Cathedral | – |

| Qorikancha Temple | – |

| Tambomachay | – |

| Puka Pukara | – |

| Sacsayhuamán | 30 minutes |

| Qenqo | – |

Inclusion and Pricing Details

The Cusco City Tour includes transportation, a professional guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish, and drop-off in downtown Cusco upon completion.

There are additional fees for the Qorikancha entry (S/ 15 per person) and the tourist ticket, which comes in two options: Partial (S/ 70) or Integral (S/ 130).

All payments must be made in cash, in Peruvian soles. The tour is priced from $10.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Customers also have the option to reserve now and pay later.

Preparing for the Tour

Preparing for the tour is an important aspect to consider. Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the ancient sites.

Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the ancient sites when preparing for the tour.

Bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Pack a light jacket or sweater in case the weather changes.

Carry some cash to pay for the optional entry ticket to Qorikancha Temple. Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle.

With these essentials, you’ll be ready to learn about the rich history and captivating architecture of Cusco during this half-day city tour.

Comfortable walking shoes
Sun protection
Light jacket or sweater
Cash for optional entry fees
Water bottle

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Reaching the Starting Point

As the tour starts at the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, participants can easily reach the meeting point by making their way to the historic center of the city.

Cusco’s compact layout and well-connected streets make it simple to navigate to the famous Plaza Mayor. Whether arriving by taxi, walking, or using public transportation, visitors will find the Plaza Mayor, with its imposing cathedral and colonial-era architecture, a central and convenient starting point for the half-day city tour.

Arriving a few minutes early allows participants to take in the lively atmosphere of the plaza before the tour begins.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Cusco’s Iconic Sites

After leaving the central Plaza Mayor, the tour takes visitors on a journey to explore Cusco’s most iconic sites.

The Cusco Cathedral, with its intricate Spanish colonial architecture, stands tall as a symbol of the city’s history.

Next, the group visits the Qorikancha Temple, the former Inca temple of the sun.

The tour then ventures to the archaeological sites of Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Sacsayhuamán, where visitors can admire the impressive Inca stonework and capture sunset photos.

The final stop is Qenqo, a fascinating ritual site with carved rock formations.

Cusco Cathedral
Qorikancha Temple
Tambomachay
Puka Pukara
Sacsayhuamán

Capturing the Sunset at Sacsayhuamán

Why does the tour allot 30 minutes for sunset photos at Sacsayhuamán?

The ancient Inca fortress perched atop a hill offers panoramic views of Cusco. As the sun dips below the horizon, the ruins are bathed in a warm, golden glow. This magical moment provides an ideal photo opportunity.

Visitors can capture the striking silhouettes of the massive stone structures against the shifting skyscape. With 30 minutes set aside, travelers have ample time to find the best vantage points and experiment with different shots.

The sunset at Sacsayhuamán is a highlight, allowing guests to immortalize the beauty of Cusco.

Returning to Plaza Mayor De Cusco

The tour now makes its way back to the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, the heart of the historic city.

The tour returns to the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, the pulse of the historic city.

As the group descends from Sacsayhuamán, they’ll be treated to:

One last glimpse of the impressive Inca ruins against the fading light
Views of the colorful tile roofs and church towers that dot the landscape
The bustling energy of the plaza, where locals and visitors mingle
A chance to explore the shops and cafes that line the square
The opportunity to reflect on the day’s adventures before departing.

Things To Know

What Is the Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a group size. It’s likely a small group tour, as is common for city tours, but the exact number of participants isn’t provided in the details given.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The itinerary doesn’t mention it, and the inclusions cover transportation and a professional guide, but not any meals or beverages. Travelers should plan to purchase any desired snacks or drinks during the tour stops.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible?

The tour is generally wheelchair and stroller accessible, with transportation and some sites accommodating mobility needs. However, guests should check with the tour operator in advance to confirm accessibility for their specific requirements.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, with some restrictions at certain sites. The guide will provide instructions on where and when photography is permitted to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, customers can customize the tour itinerary. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing guests to adjust the schedule and focus on specific sites of interest within the 5-hour duration and overall tour scope.

Sum Up

The Cusco City Tour provides an immersive journey through the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors will explore iconic landmarks, archaeological sites, and marvel at the stunning scenery, all while guided by a knowledgeable professional. It’s an excellent way to uncover the essence of this remarkable Andean city in a single, half-day experience.