Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, beckons travelers with its captivating cultural heritage. On this walking tour, visitors can enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, exploring iconic landmarks and uncovering the secrets of its Inca and colonial past. From the grand Main Square to the stone-carved wonders of the Qoricancha, each step reveals the remarkable story that has shaped this enchanting Andean gem. But the true gem lies in the guide’s intimate knowledge, as they unveil the city’s hidden gems and invite you to experience the pulse of Cusco firsthand.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 138-minute cultural walking tour in Cusco, blending Inca and colonial architecture, including a visit to the renowned Qoricancha site.
Exploration of the charming San Blas neighborhood, featuring the famous Stone of the 12 Angles and opportunities for scenic photography.
Immersive experience in Cusco’s rich history, with insight into the daily life of its residents through contrasting architectural styles.
Visit to a luthier workshop to learn about the intricate crafting of traditional Andean musical instruments and their cultural significance.
Opportunity to savor local Peruvian beverages, such as the classic pisco sour, chicha morada, and Cusqueña beer, at the conclusion of the tour.

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Overview of the Cultural Walking Tour

The Cultural Walking Tour in Cusco takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Over the course of 138 minutes, guests explore key sites, including the Main Square, Qoricancha (an Inca palace), the Stone of the 12 Angles, and the charming San Blas neighborhood.

Along the way, they’ll stroll through a blend of Inca and colonial streets, visit a luthier to learn about traditional instruments, and capture stunning photos at the picturesque 7 borreguitos street.

The tour culminates with a pisco sour or other local drink, providing a delightful conclusion to the immersive cultural experience.

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Key Sites Explored on the Tour

Key sites explored on the tour include the iconic Main Square, where visitors marvel at the blend of Inca and colonial architecture surrounding the central plaza.

Next, they’ll visit the Qoricancha, an Inca palace that was once covered in gold.

The group will wander through the charming San Blas neighborhood, home to the famous Stone of the 12 Angles.

Visitors wander through the charming San Blas neighborhood, home to the renowned Stone of the 12 Angles.

They’ll also stop by a luthier’s workshop to learn about traditional musical instruments.

Along the way, they’ll capture stunning photos at the picturesque 7 borreguitos street and enjoy the best viewpoints in Cusco before concluding with a refreshing pisco sour.

Inca and Colonial Streets of Cusco

As visitors explore the Inca and Colonial Streets of Cusco, they’ll be immersed in a captivating blend of Inca and colonial architecture. Cobblestone streets wind through the city, showcasing the city’s rich history. Towering Inca walls stand alongside ornate Spanish cathedrals, creating a striking contrast. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleyways, discovering hidden plazas and charming shops. The streets offer a glimpse into the daily life of Cusco’s residents, with locals going about their routines. Exploring these streets allows travelers to truly enjoy the cultural fabric of this remarkable city.

| Inca Architecture | Colonial Architecture | Contrast |

| — | — | — |

| Massive stone walls | Intricate cathedrals | Striking blend |

| Carefully carved stonework | Ornate facades | Captivating |

| Winding alleyways | Cobblestone streets | Immersive experience |

| Hidden plazas | Charming shops | Glimpse into daily life |

| Insight into Inca culture | Spanish influence | Cultural fabric |

Visit to a Luthier Workshop

After exploring the captivating Inca and colonial streets, the walking tour now takes visitors to a luthier workshop.

Inside, they’ll find a skilled artisan crafting traditional Andean instruments. The guide explains the intricate process, from selecting the finest woods to meticulously shaping and tuning each piece.

A skilled artisan carefully crafts traditional Andean instruments, selecting fine woods and meticulously shaping and tuning each piece.

Visitors can witness the luthier’s deft hands as they bring these instruments to life. They’ll learn about the cultural significance of these musical treasures and have a chance to try their hand at playing them.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into the rich musical heritage of Cusco.

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Capturing Beautiful Photos in Cusco

With camera in hand, visitors now make their way to the charming street of 7 borreguitos, where they’re treated to a visual feast.

The quaint, cobblestone alleyway is lined with colorful houses, vibrant murals, and unique architectural details.

Ornate balconies and flower-adorned windows frame the picture-perfect scene.
Intricate iron railings and carved wooden doors add to the historic ambiance.
Stray cats lazily bask in the sun, completing the quintessential Cusco vibe.

Visitors capture the essence of the city, snapping stunning shots from every angle.

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Discovering the Best Viewpoints in Cusco

Where do visitors find the best viewpoints to capture Cusco’s stunning vistas? The walking tour offers several prime spots to snap photos of the historic city center. One of the most popular is 7 borreguitos street, where the charming alleyway offers a quintessential Cusco view. Another highlight is the viewpoint above the San Blas neighborhood, providing a panoramic vista of the city’s iconic red-tiled roofs and distant mountains. The tour also takes guests to the top of the Qoricancha site, formerly an Inca palace, for a bird’s-eye perspective of Cusco’s winding streets and plazas.

| Viewpoint | Location | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| 7 borreguitos street | Inca alleyway | Quintessential Cusco vista |

| San Blas neighborhood | Hilltop overlook | Panoramic city and mountains |

| Qoricancha site | Inca palace ruins | Sweeping view of historic center |

Enjoying Local Drinks and Beverages

As visitors conclude the cultural walking tour of Cusco, they’ve the opportunity to savor a refreshing local drink.

The guide might suggest a classic pisco sour – a frothy cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.

Or they could enjoy:

A chilled, fruity chicha morada, a traditional purple corn beverage
A bold, aromatic coca tea, made from the leaves of the coca plant
A creamy, indulgent api, a warm, purple corn-based drink
A crisp, refreshing Cusqueña beer, a popular local lager

These unique and flavorful beverages provide a perfect complement to the rich cultural experience.

Tour Logistics and Practical Information

The cultural walking tour in Cusco begins at the iconic Plaza de Armas, near the Inca fountain.

This 138-minute adventure explores the city’s key sites, including the Qoricancha Inca palace and the charming San Blas neighborhood.

Along the way, you’ll walk through a mix of Inca and colonial streets, admire the stone of the 12 angles, and visit a luthier to learn about traditional musical instruments.

The tour concludes with a pisco sour or other local drink.

Keep in mind this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those over 70.

It’s easy to book and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Things To Know

Are There Any Fitness Requirements for the Walking Tour?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 70 years old, indicating there may be some physical requirements. However, the walking portions are manageable for most able-bodied participants.

Can We Bring Our Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, participants can bring their own camera equipment to capture the beautiful scenery and landmarks on the walking tour. Photography is encouraged to immortalize the cultural and historical sights explored throughout the experience.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Historical Context at Each Site?

The tour guide will provide historical context and insights at each site, offering a deeper understanding of Cusco’s rich cultural heritage. Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture the tour’s highlights.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

No, the tour may not be suitable for families with young children. The itinerary involves a significant amount of walking and the exclusions mention it’s not recommended for individuals over 70, suggesting it may be challenging for young kids.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs or Local Handicrafts During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes a visit to a Luthier where you can browse and purchase traditional musical instruments and local handicrafts. There’ll also be time to shop for souvenirs at other stops along the way.

Sum Up

This captivating cultural walking tour offers an immersive experience of Cusco’s vibrant heritage. From exploring iconic sites like the Main Square and Qoricancha to visiting a luthier workshop, the tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s Inca and colonial past. Stunning vistas, traditional music, and refreshing pisco sours complete this unforgettable adventure, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Cusco’s rich cultural tapestry.