Cusco City Tour

The Cusco City Tour offers an immersive exploration of the Inca Empire’s rich cultural heritage. With convenient round-trip transportation and flexible scheduling, this 5-hour experience guides visitors through the city’s most significant archaeological sites, including the iconic Temple of Qoricancha and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Priced at $80 per person, the tour promises a comprehensive introduction to Cusco’s captivating history, expertly delivered by knowledgeable guides in either English or Spanish. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover the mysteries of the Inca civilization, this tour provides a compelling glimpse into Cusco’s enduring legacy.

Good To Know

• A 5-hour guided tour of key Inca historical sites in and around Cusco, including Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay.
• Priced at $80 per person, with round-trip transportation and a live English/Spanish guide.
• Offers morning and afternoon departure options with pickups from an agreed location in Cusco’s historic center.
• Provides insights into Inca architecture, engineering, and religious practices through visits to these well-preserved archaeological sites.
• Features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cusco City Tour Overview

The Cusco City Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic city’s key attractions. Priced from $80 per person, the 5-hour tour includes round-trip transportation and a live English/Spanish guide.

Key sites visited are the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay. Guests have the flexibility to choose a morning or afternoon departure.

The tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover Inca architectural marvels and learn about the region’s rich history. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Cusco City Tour is a convenient and immersive way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meeting Point and Schedule

The Cusco City Tour begins with a pickup at an agreed location in the historic center of Cusco. Guests can choose between a morning shift, with pickup around 9:00 AM, or an afternoon shift, with pickup at 2:00 PM.

The tour then visits several key sites, including the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay.

At the end of the tour, guests are transported back to near the historic center, arriving around 6:30 PM.

The guided tour, round-trip transportation, and pickup service are all included in the tour price, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to explore Cusco’s top attractions.

Temple of Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

One of the first stops on the Cusco City Tour is the impressive Temple of Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun.

The guided tour here lasts approximately one hour. Visitors will learn about the temple’s history as a religious site dedicated to the sun god in Inca times.

The guided tour of the Temple of Qoricancha lasts approximately one hour, during which visitors learn about its history as an Inca sun god sanctuary.

They’ll marvel at the intricate stonework and the site’s central role in Inca culture. Qoricancha was once covered in gold, but the Spanish conquistadors stripped and looted it.

Today, it remains an important archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the Inca empire’s architectural and spiritual achievements.

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is an impressive example of Inca military architecture located just outside of Cusco. This massive stone fortress features enormous limestone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons, expertly fitted together without mortar.

The complex layout with zig-zag walls and terraces was designed for defense, offering strategic vantage points. Visitors can walk along the site’s winding paths, marveling at the engineering feats of the Inca. Sacsayhuaman also offers stunning views of Cusco below.

The site was an important religious and administrative center during the Inca Empire and remains one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Peru.

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Qenqo

Qenqo is a unique ritual center built on a distinctive limestone outcrop, just a short distance from Cusco.

This pre-Inca site features:

• Intricately carved stone channels that may have been used for ritual ceremonies involving water.

• Niches and carvings carved into the natural rock formations, suggestive of religious or ceremonial purposes.

• A large, semi-circular amphitheater structure, likely used for gatherings and events.

Exploring Qenqo provides visitors with a glimpse into the sacred practices and architectural ingenuity of the cultures that thrived in the Cusco region prior to the Inca Empire.

PukaPukara

After exploring the unique Qenqo site, visitors continue their Cusco City Tour by heading to the next destination – PukaPukara.

This impressive archaeological site is known for its reddish color and military construction. Situated on a hill, PukaPukara served as a military, administrative, and ceremonial center for the Incas.

PukaPukara, an impressive Inca archaeological site, is known for its reddish hue and military architecture atop a strategic hilltop.

Visitors can wander through the ruins, taking in the impressive stone walls, plazas, and staircases. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, providing insight into the strategic position it once held.

PukaPukara is a must-visit for those eager to delve deeper into Inca history and architecture.

Tambomachay

Continuing the Cusco City Tour, visitors next venture to the archaeological site of Tambomachay. This impressive site is known for its main waterfall, referred to as the "baths of the Inca."

Tambomachay offers a glimpse into the advanced hydraulic engineering of the Inca civilization:

• Intricate stone aqueducts and canals channel water from nearby springs, creating a natural bathing area.

• Finely-carved stone and granite structures suggest the site’s importance as a place of rest and relaxation for the Inca ruler.

• Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and imagine the site’s former use as a royal spa or place of worship.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Highlights

The Cusco City Tour includes several key inclusions for visitors. Travelers receive pick-up in the historic center of Cusco, round-trip transportation, and a live guide who can provide commentary in English or Spanish. While the tour covers admission to impressive Inca sites like Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman, entrance fees to the Cathedral and Cusco Tourist Ticket are additional expenses. The tour highlights key attractions, allowing guests to admire Inca architecture and learn about the region’s history.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Pick-up in historic center
Round-trip transportation
Live guide (English, Spanish) | Services not mentioned
Water, snacks, meals
Entrance fees |

Highlights:

• Discover key tourist attractions

• Admire Inca culture architecture

• Learn about the history of visited sites

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited during the Cusco City Tour, but visitors should check with the guide or on-site staff for any restrictions. Some sites may have special rules or fees for photography.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but they’re not included in the package. The tour only provides transportation and a live guide, so any personal snacks or refreshments are your responsibility to bring along.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Each Site?

The tour allocates approximately 1 hour for each site visited, allowing ample time to explore and learn about the Inca architecture and history at locations like the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay.

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, as it involves walking through uneven terrain and visiting sites with steps. Visitors with limited mobility should consult the tour operator for accommodation options.

Can I Purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket on the Day of the Tour?

The Cusco Tourist Ticket can be purchased on the day of the tour, but it’s best to get it in advance to save time. Doing so allows visitors to easily access the attractions included in the ticket.

The Sum Up

The Cusco City Tour provides an immersive exploration of the Inca Empire’s rich history and architectural marvels. With English or Spanish-speaking guides, convenient transportation, and a flexible schedule, the tour offers a comprehensive insight into Cusco’s cultural heritage. The $80 per person price and hassle-free cancellation policy make this 5-hour experience an excellent choice for visitors seeking an engaging and informative introduction to the wonders of the Inca capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: