The Cusco City Tour provides a captivating exploration of the city’s Inca heritage. Visitors can choose from morning or afternoon departures and enjoy guided tours in both Spanish and English. From the sacred Temple of Qoricancha to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, this half-day experience offers a chance to uncover the remarkable architectural wonders that have shaped Cusco’s enduring legacy. The tour’s itinerary promises to leave travelers with a newfound appreciation for the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

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Key Points

The Cusco City Tour is a half-day excursion that lasts approximately 5 hours and is available in both morning and afternoon schedules.
The tour includes guided visits to the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour price starts from $20 per person and live guides are available in Spanish and English.
Entrance fees to archaeological sites are not included in the tour price.
The tour meets at the historic center of Cusco and returns by approximately 6:30 pm, with flexible scheduling to accommodate guest preferences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco City Tour is a half-day excursion that allows visitors to explore key archaeological sites within the historic city of Cusco.

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is priced from $20 per person. Live guides are available in both Spanish and English. Guests can choose between a morning or afternoon schedule, with pickup from the historic center.

The tour includes visits to the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay. Entrance fees to these sites aren’t included.

Cancellations can be made with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

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Tour Schedule

Two schedule options are available for the Cusco City Tour.

The morning shift departs around 9:00 am, while the afternoon shift leaves around 2:00 pm. Both tours meet at the historic center of Cusco.

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, returning to Cusco by 6:30 pm. Guests have the flexibility to choose the schedule that best suits their needs.

Whether you prefer an early start or a more leisurely afternoon, the Cusco City Tour offers convenient pickup and a comprehensive itinerary to explore the city’s renowned archaeological sites.

Itinerary

During the Cusco City Tour, visitors explore a series of renowned archaeological sites within the historic center.

The tour begins with a 1-hour guided visit to the Temple of Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. Next, they travel to Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca military architecture site.

The tour then moves on to Qenqo, a ritual center on a limestone outcrop, followed by PukaPukara, notable for its reddish military construction.

The final stop is Tambomachay, famous for its waterfall, referred to as the baths of the Inca.

The tour concludes by returning to Cusco around 6:30 pm.

Temple of Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

The Temple of Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, kick-starts the Cusco City Tour. This Inca religious site was once covered in gold and dedicated to the sun god Inti. Visitors can explore the temple’s impressive architecture and learn about its history during a 1-hour guided tour.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Downtown Cusco |

| Significance | Inca religious site dedicated to the sun god |

| Highlights | Impressive Inca architecture, guided tour |

After the tour, the itinerary continues to other notable Inca sites around Cusco, providing a comprehensive introduction to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

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Sacsayhuaman

After exploring the impressive Inca architecture at the Temple of Qoricancha, the Cusco City Tour proceeds to Sacsayhuaman.

This Inca military site’s massive zigzag walls were constructed from enormous stone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons.

Believed to have been a fortress, Sacsayhuaman’s strategic location provided panoramic views of Cusco.

Visitors can wander through the site’s plazas and admire the remarkable stonework.

The guide explains the site’s history and significance as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.

Departing Sacsayhuaman, the tour continues to uncover more of Cusco’s ancient wonders.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Qenqo

Next, the Cusco City Tour takes visitors to Qenqo, a remarkable ritual center situated atop a limestone outcrop.

This ancient site is known for its intricate carved rock formations and caverns, which the Incas likely used for religious ceremonies and rituals.

Visitors can explore the labyrinthine passages and observe the impressive natural amphitheater, all while learning about the site’s historical significance.

Qenqo offers a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual practices of the Inca civilization, complementing the other archaeological wonders visited during the comprehensive Cusco City Tour.

PukaPukara

Following the tour of Qenqo, the Cusco City Tour next takes visitors to the remarkable site of PukaPukara.

This notable reddish military construction once served as a fortress, watchtower, and administrative center for the Inca.

Visitors can explore:

Extensive stone walls and structures
Plazas and terraces
Staircases and pathways
Panoramic views of the surrounding valley
Remnants of defensive towers and storehouses

PukaPukara offers a glimpse into the strategic military planning and engineering prowess of the Inca Empire, complementing the tour’s other Inca archaeological wonders.

Tambomachay

The final stop on the Cusco City Tour is Tambomachay, a site renowned for its impressive waterfall and aqueduct system.

Tambomachay, also known as the "Baths of the Inca," features a series of terraced stone canals and fountains that were once used for ritual bathing and water worship.

Visitors can explore the site’s well-preserved architecture and marvel at the engineering feat that supplied the Inca with a steady flow of water.

The tranquil setting and the site’s historical significance make Tambomachay a captivating finale to the comprehensive Cusco City Tour.

Things To Know

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized to visit specific sites. Customers should contact the tour provider to discuss their interests and request modifications to the standard itinerary within the tour’s 5-hour duration.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues, as it involves walking at several archaeological sites. Visitors should inquire about accessibility accommodations when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code is casual and comfortable. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes suitable for exploring archaeological sites. No formal attire is required, as the tour involves significant walking outdoors.

Can I Pay the Entrance Fees in US Dollars?

The entrance fees for the tour sites can only be paid in Peruvian soles, as they do not accept US dollars. Visitors should exchange currency or withdraw local currency prior to the tour to cover these costs.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. Entrance fees must be paid in the local currency, Peruvian Soles, at the individual sites. The tour price is a flat rate per person.

Sum Up

The Cusco City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s Inca heritage and architectural wonders. At just $20 per person, travelers can choose from morning or afternoon departures, with tours available in Spanish and English. From the sacred Temple of Qoricancha to the serene Tambomachay, this half-day experience provides an enriching glimpse into Cusco’s captivating history and culture.