Cusco’s rich historical heritage shines through this half-day tour, offering visitors a chance to uncover the city’s ancient wonders. From the iconic Cathedral to the revered Qoricancha, this experience delves into the cultural tapestry that has captivated travelers for centuries. With an expert guide, air-conditioned transport, and carefully curated sites, the tour promises an immersive exploration – but there’s more to discover about this UNESCO-listed gem.

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Key Points

The Cusco Historic City Tour explores the cultural heritage of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and lasts approximately 7 hours.
The tour includes visits to key landmarks like the Cathedral of Cusco, Qoricancha Museum, Sacsayhuaman, and a craft center.
The tour provides air-conditioned transportation, a local guide, and entrance fees for the Cathedral of Cusco and Qoricancha Museum.
Visitors must pay entrance fees separately in local currency for other sites included in the "Tourist Ticket" access.
The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and participants should wear weather-friendly clothing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cusco Historic City Tour is a half-day excursion that explores the rich cultural heritage of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Priced from €17.38 per person, the tour lasts 7 hours and limits group size to 12 participants. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a local guide. Visitors will see landmarks like the Cathedral of Cusco, Qoricancha Museum, Sacsayhuaman, and conclude at a craft center to learn about Incan crafts.

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Itinerary Highlights

The Cusco Historic City Tour‘s itinerary highlights include a pickup from either Cusco hotels or the Inka Ahy statue in the main square.

Participants will visit the Cathedral of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Qoricancha Museum, an Inca temple for sun worship.

The tour also encompasses Sacsayhuaman, a site with 33 archaeological wonders, as well as Qenqo, a sacred ceremonial location, and Puca Pucara, a military complex and food storage.

The final stop is Tambomachay, a freshwater spring, before concluding at a craft center to learn about Incan craftsmanship.

Transportation and Guide

Air-conditioned coach transportation is provided for the Cusco Historic City Tour.

Cusco Historic City Tour offers air-conditioned coach transportation for the tour.

A local guide is included for group tours of up to 20 people. This guide provides insights and historical information throughout the tour.

The tour concludes around 7:30 PM, with a return to the Santa Catalina Street near the main square.

Key guide and transportation features include:

Air-conditioned coach
Local guide for groups up to 20 people
Return to main square around 7:30 PM
Guided insights and historical information provided

Inclusions and Exclusions

Although the tour price doesn’t include all entrance fees, it covers several key inclusions. Guests will receive hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a local guide for the group tour.

The entrance fees for the Cathedral of Cusco, Qoricancha Museum, and the Tourist Ticket, which provides access to 16 archaeological sites, are also included. However, visitors must pay these fees separately in local currency.

The tour excludes any other entrance fees not specified in the inclusions. It’s important to come prepared with cash to cover the additional costs and ensure a smooth experience.

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Important Information

One key consideration for this tour is that it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

This tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

However, the tour does operate rain or shine, so participants should come prepared with appropriate weather-friendly clothing and gear.

Plus, the tour requires:

Bringing a valid passport or ID.
Wearing comfortable hiking shoes.
Packing sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
Bringing cash to pay for any entrance fees not included in the tour price.

Pets aren’t allowed, except for assistance dogs.

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Customer Reviews Summary

According to the customer reviews, the Cusco Historic City Tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.

Reviewers gave high marks for the tour’s transportation, rating it 5 out of 5, and noted the good value for money with a 4.7 rating.

However, some found the tour a bit rushed and suggested allowing more time at certain locations.

The quality of the local guide was also mentioned, with a 4.3 rating.

Cathedral of Cusco (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The Cathedral of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The Cathedral of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

This grand cathedral, constructed between 1559 and 1654, showcases a unique blend of Spanish Colonial and indigenous Inca architecture.

Some key features include:

Massive stone walls adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
A stunning main altar crafted from solid silver.
Ornate chapels dedicated to various patron saints.
Impressive stained-glass windows that flood the interior with vibrant natural light.

Visitors can explore the cathedral’s vast interior and marvel at the harmonious fusion of two distinct cultural influences.

Qoricancha Museum (Inca Temple for Sun Worship)

The Qoricancha Museum stands on the site of an impressive Inca temple once dedicated to the Sun god. Visitors can explore the museum’s rich history and see the remnants of this sacred structure. The museum features a diverse collection of Inca artifacts, including intricate textiles, stone carvings, and gold and silver objects.

| Highlights | Duration | Cost |

| — | — | — |

| Inca Temple Ruins | 1 hour | 15 soles |

| Artifact Exhibits | 30 minutes | Included |

| Guided Tour | 45 minutes | Included |

The Qoricancha offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of the Inca civilization and its reverence for the sun. Exploration of this site is a must-do for anyone seeking to understand Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.

Things To Know

Are Bottled Water and Snacks Provided During the Tour?

No, bottled water and snacks are not provided during the tour. The tour description does not mention any food or drink inclusions. Participants will need to bring their own snacks and water for the duration of the 7-hour tour.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Cathedral and Qoricancha Museum?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Cathedral of Cusco and Qoricancha Museum, but visitors should be respectful and follow any posted rules or instructions from the guides. However, flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas to preserve the artifacts.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour offers a set itinerary, but travellers can’t customize it. However, they can request additional time at certain sites or skip stops they’re less interested in if discussing their preferences with the guide beforehand.

Do the Guides Speak English Fluently?

The guides on the tour speak English fluently, allowing them to provide in-depth historical insights and commentary throughout the excursion. Customers have praised the guides’ knowledge and ability to engage the group effectively during the tour.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Shopping at the Craft Center?

The tour provides a final stop at a craft center to learn about Incan crafts, but the amount of time allocated for shopping isn’t specified. The focus seems to be on gaining insights into the local artistry rather than extensive shopping time.

Sum Up

The Cusco Half-Day Historic City Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage. With visits to iconic landmarks, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover Cusco’s historical treasures. Priced at €17.38 per person, this 7-hour experience is a great way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site‘s captivating past.