The Cusco Magic City Tour offers travelers a captivating half-day exploration of the Inca and colonial wonders that define this ancient South American city. Guided by professionals, visitors will uncover the treasures of iconic sites like the Koricancha Temple and Sacsayhuaman, delving into Cusco’s rich history and architectural marvels. With wheelchair accessibility and a starting cost of Kč 322, this tour provides an immersive experience not to be missed. What secrets await those who embark on this journey?
Key Points
- The Cusco Magic City Tour is a half-day excursion in Cusco, the oldest city in South America, with a starting cost of Kč 322 per person.
- The tour includes a professional guide, transportation, and entrance fees to Inca and colonial sites like Koricancha Temple, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.
- The tour provides insights into Inca engineering and the blend of Inca, colonial, and republican archaeological sites in Cusco.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible and has a flexible cancellation policy, with a full refund available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.
- Participants should bring necessary items such as a passport, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash.
Tour Overview
The Cusco Magic City Tour is a half-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the oldest city in South America, rich in Inca history and architecture.
The tour lasts one day and costs from Kč 322 per person. It’s available in English and Spanish and is wheelchair accessible.
Guests can cancel for a full refund if they do so 24 hours in advance. The tour includes a professional guide, transportation, and entrance fees for both foreigners and domestic travelers.
However, food and other personal expenses aren’t covered.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins at Plaza de Armas in Cusco, where you will explore several Inca and colonial archaeological sites.
First, they’ll visit the Koricancha Temple for a guided tour lasting an hour. Next, they’ll head to Sacsayhuaman, a remarkable Inca fortress, for a 45-minute guided tour.
The Qenqo Archaeological Complex, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay follow, each with a 30-minute guided tour.
The total travel time, including bus/coach travel, is approximately 9.5 hours, with the tour returning to Plaza de Armas.
Along the way, the guide will share insights into the impressive engineering of the Inca civilization.
Tour Highlights
Explore the oldest city in South America, rich in Inca history and architecture. Experience a blend of Inca, colonial, and republican archaeological sites on this half-day tour.
Learn about the impressive engineering feats of the Inca civilization from a professional guide. Marvel at the Koricancha Temple, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay – each with its own unique history and significance.
This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Cusco’s cultural and historical highlights, allowing visitors to explore the city’s captivating past.
With round-trip transportation and entry fees included, this is an efficient and immersive way to discover the magic of Cusco.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes a professional tour guide, transportation, and entrance fees for both foreigners and domestic travelers.
However, it excludes the following:
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Food
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Extra expenses
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Items not mentioned in the "Includes" section
The guide will be in uniform for easy identification, and participants should bring their passport, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash.
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – a full refund is available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance, but there’s no refund for cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Booking for the Cusco Magic City Tour can be done conveniently – simply reserve now and pay later, allowing for flexible travel plans.
The tour staff will be clearly identifiable in uniform, making it easy to find the meeting point at Plaza de Armas.
Participants should bring their passport, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, and biodegradable sunscreen, as well as some cash for any extra expenses.
The cancellation policy is flexible – guests can receive a full refund if they cancel more than 24 hours in advance, but no refund is provided for cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows.
Exploring the Koricancha Temple
What makes the Koricancha Temple so captivating? This former Inca palace was once covered in solid gold, a testament to the empire’s immense wealth and craftsmanship.
Today, visitors can admire:
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The impressive stonework, with perfectly fitted blocks creating the foundations of the temple.
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The unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture, as the temple was converted into a Catholic church after the Spanish conquest.
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The museum’s collection of Inca artifacts, offering a glimpse into the advanced civilization that once thrived in Cusco.
A guided tour provides deeper insights into the temple’s rich history and enduring significance.
Discovering Sacsayhuaman
After exploring the captivating Koricancha Temple, the Cusco Magic City Tour continues to the impressive Sacsayhuaman.
This Inca fortress, perched atop a hill, boasts massive stone walls and terraces. The guide explains the site’s impressive engineering, with stones weighing several tons fitted together without mortar.
Visitors wander through the complex, imagining the battles that once took place here. The guided tour lasts 45 minutes, providing an in-depth look at this remarkable example of Inca architecture and military might.
With its strategic location and formidable design, Sacsayhuaman offers a glimpse into the power and ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
Visiting the Archaeological Complexes
After exploring the impressive Sacsayhuaman, the tour continues to a series of other Inca archaeological complexes.
First, the group visits the Qenqo Archaeological Complex, a ceremonial site featuring carved rock formations and underground passages.
The group visits the Qenqo Archaeological Complex, a ceremonial site with carved rock formations and underground passages.
Next, they explore Pucapucara, a fortified structure that served as a checkpoint and administrative center.
Finally, the tour concludes at Tambomachay, an impressive Inca site with its carefully constructed stone aqueducts and baths, highlighting the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.
Throughout, the guide provides insights into the history and significance of these remarkable sites.
Things To Know
Is There Any Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code for the tour. However, comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, such as sun-protective clothing, sturdy shoes, and layers in case of changing weather conditions.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
The tour does not have any restrictions on bringing your own snacks and drinks. You’re free to pack your own refreshments to enjoy during the tour. However, food and drinks are not included in the tour package.
How Physically Demanding Is the Tour?
The tour involves walking around ancient Inca sites and moderate physical activity. Participants should be able to walk for extended periods and handle some uneven terrain. However, the pace is casual, and there are opportunities to rest along the way.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?
There are regularly scheduled breaks for restrooms during the tour. The guide ensures participants have opportunities to use facilities at the various archaeological sites visited, providing a comfortable and convenient touring experience.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended if needed. Participants can discuss this with the tour guide, who will try to accommodate any requests to extend the tour within reasonable limits, subject to availability.
Sum Up
The Cusco Magic City Tour provides an immersive half-day experience, exploring the Inca and colonial heritage of Cusco. Visiting iconic sites like the Koricancha Temple, Sacsayhuaman, and Qenqo, the tour offers an engaging, wheelchair-accessible journey into the architectural and cultural significance of this ancient city. Priced affordably from Kč 322, the tour is a must-visit for those seeking to uncover the captivating history of Cusco, the oldest city in South America.
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