City Tour in Cusco

Cusco’s City Tour provides visitors with an immersive glimpse into the city’s captivating heritage. From the awe-inspiring Inca architecture of Qoricancha to the impressive colonial Cathedral, this tour unveils the remarkable fusion of cultures that has shaped Cusco’s identity. As the tour winds through significant sites like Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, travelers uncover the engineering marvels of the Inca civilization. With a blend of guided exploration and independent discovery, the City Tour offers a multifaceted experience that leaves one eager to delve deeper into Cusco’s storied past.

Key Points

• A comprehensive 4.5-hour city tour in Cusco that includes hotel pickup, transportation, and guided visits to six major historical and cultural attractions.
• Highlights include the Inca ruins of Qoricancha, the impressive Cathedral, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, and Tambomachay.
• The tour provides insights into Cusco’s blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture, as well as the engineering prowess and religious significance of the Inca civilization.
• Guided tours are available in English or Spanish, ensuring an informative and immersive experience for visitors.
• The tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the top sights of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The City Tour in Cusco is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that allows visitors to explore the historical and cultural highlights of this captivating Peruvian city.

The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, starting at 1:45 PM and ending around 6:30 PM. Available daily year-round, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation by tourist bus, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and entrance tickets to six renowned attractions: Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Main Attractions

Qoricancha, once known as the Temple of the Sun, showcases a captivating blend of Inca architecture and Spanish colonial elements.

Qoricancha, the former Temple of the Sun, presents a captivating fusion of Inca architecture and Spanish colonial influences.

Nearby, the Cathedral was built by indigenous labor, showcasing colonial goldsmithing, wood carving, and works from the renowned Cusqueña School.

Just outside the city, visitors can explore:

• Sacsayhuaman, a significant Inca ceremonial center constructed over seven decades by an estimated 20,000 workers.

• Qenqo, an amphitheater and ceremonial site with engravings representing the sacred puma.

• Tambomachay, revered by the Incas for its sacred waterfalls.

Qoricancha: Temple of the Sun

Nestled in the heart of Cusco, Qoricancha – once known as the Temple of the Sun – captivates visitors with its remarkable fusion of Inca architecture and Spanish colonial influence. This sacred site was once covered in gold, until the conquistadors stripped it bare. Today, the temple’s surviving walls and foundations showcase the precision and craftsmanship of Inca stonemasons. Visitors can explore the site’s intricate layout, including:

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Sunken Courtyard | The central hub for religious ceremonies |

| Cloister | A Spanish colonial addition with arched walkways |

| Inca Stonework | Perfectly fitted, polygonal blocks of stone |

| Carved Puma | A symbolic representation of power and strength |

| Astronomical Alignments | The temple’s orientation to celestial bodies |

The Cathedral

Towering above Cusco’s central plaza, the Cathedral commands attention with its imposing Renaissance-style architecture.

Constructed from indigenous labor, the Cathedral boasts:

• Intricate colonial goldsmithing along the altar and side chapels

• Elaborate wood carvings adorning the choir stalls and pulpit

• A collection of paintings from the renowned Cusqueña School, reflecting the blending of European and Andean artistic traditions

Visitors can explore the Cathedral’s rich history and admire the skilled craftsmanship that has made it an enduring symbol of Cusco’s cultural heritage.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sacsayhuaman

Situated a short distance from the city center, Sacsayhuaman is a remarkable Inca ceremonial center that impresses visitors with its colossal stone constructions.

The massive limestone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons, were meticulously fitted together without the use of mortar. Experts believe the construction involved around 20,000 workers over several decades.

Today, the site’s zigzagging walls, terraces, and plazas offer a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Incas. Tourists can explore the remnants of this once-grand complex, which served as an important religious and defensive location for the Inca Empire.

Qenqo

Qenqo is an ancient Inca archaeological site that features an impressive amphitheater-like structure and ceremonial center. The site is known for its intricate engravings and carvings, representing the sacred puma. Visitors can explore the site’s underground channels, believed to have been used for religious rituals and ceremonies.

• The site’s name, "Qenqo," means "zigzag" in the Quechua language, referring to the site’s unique architectural design.

• Qenqo is located just a few kilometers outside of Cusco, making it a popular stop on the city’s tour circuit.

• Archaeologists believe Qenqo was an important site for the Inca Empire, used for both religious and administrative purposes.

Puka Pucara

Although smaller in scale compared to other Inca archaeological sites, Puka Pucara‘s functional urban layout and well-preserved structures make it a fascinating stop on the Cusco city tour.

Once an old dairy farm and surveillance post, the site features numerous enclosures, aqueducts, and a characteristic reddish-pink hue to its walls, giving it the name "Puka Pucara" which means "Red Fortress" in Quechua.

Visitors can explore the remains of this strategic military outpost, marveling at the Incas’ impressive engineering and imagining the activity that once bustled within its walls.

Tambomachay

Tambomachay, known for its cascading waterfalls, was revered by the Incas as a sacred water source.

Located just north of Cusco, this ancient site offers a glimpse into the Inca’s profound connection with the natural world. Visitors can explore the intricate aqueduct system, marvel at the skillful stonework, and imagine the rituals that once took place here.

The site’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning views make it a popular stop on the Cusco city tour.

Some key highlights include:

• The well-preserved stone baths and aqueducts

• Panoramic vistas of the surrounding Andes mountains

• The site’s religious and ceremonial significance for the Incas

Things To Know

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, and sun protection like a hat or sunglasses are recommended. There’s no need for formal attire as the focus is on exploring the historic sites.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy the historical sites and scenic views. The tour provides all necessary entrance tickets and transportation.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the tour. Photography is generally permitted at the various historical sites and attractions visited. However, flash photography may be restricted in some areas to preserve the artifacts and structures.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Way?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at some of the main attraction sites visited during the tour. Guests can use the restrooms at Qoricancha, the Cathedral, and Sacsayhuaman without any issues.

Is There an Option to Skip Certain Attractions?

Yes, there is an option to skip certain attractions on the tour. Customers can discuss this with the guide and customize the itinerary based on their interests and time constraints.

Sum Up

The City Tour in Cusco offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich Inca and colonial heritage. Visitors enjoy hotel pickup and transportation, guided in English or Spanish. Highlights include the remarkable Qoricancha, the impressive Cathedral, and the majestic Sacsayhuaman. The tour also features other significant sites like Qenqo and Tambomachay, revealing the engineering brilliance of the Incas.

You can check availability for your dates here: