Cusco: Round-Trip Archaeological Sites Private Tour

Cusco’s ancient Inca sites beckon history buffs and adventurers alike. This private tour offers an in-depth look at some of the region’s most impressive archaeological wonders. Guests will explore the iconic Sacsayhuaman fortress, Qenqo’s unique rock formations, and the mystical Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. With convenient hotel pickups, knowledgeable guides, and included admission, it’s an ideal way to take in Cusco’s captivating past. But what secrets do these sites hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Good To Know

• This private tour takes you to the top archaeological sites around Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
• The tour lasts 3 hours and includes round-trip transportation from Cusco hotels, entrance tickets, and a live English and Spanish-speaking guide.
• Highlights include exploring the massive stone construction of Sacsayhuaman, the religious complex of Qenqo, the military architecture of Puka Pukara, and the Inca Baths of Tambomachay.
• The tour is priced at $65.00 per person and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a water bottle are recommended for the tour, which is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large bags or pets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

This private round-trip archaeological sites tour in Cusco offers visitors a chance to explore some of the region’s most impressive Inca ruins.

Priced from $65.00 per person, the 3-hour tour is perfect for first-time visitors and includes a live English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Highlights include the Sacsayhuaman fortress, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Cusco hotels, admission tickets, and a bilingual guide.

Includes pickup and drop-off, admission tickets, and a bilingual guide for a comprehensive archaeological exploration.

Travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and sun protection.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with large bags or pets.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress, renowned for its massive stone construction.

Next, visitors explore Qenqo, a religious archaeological complex used for agricultural rituals.

The tour then moves to Puka Pukara, a military architectural complex with various features.

The final stop is Tambomachay, known as the Inca Bath, showcasing the civilization’s advanced hydraulic engineering.

Throughout the 3-hour tour, a bilingual guide provides commentary in English and Spanish, offering insights into the historical significance of these important Inca sites.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in Cusco’s Historic Center, as well as a bilingual tour guide who provides commentary in both Spanish and English.

The package also includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), granting access to the archaeological sites.

However, the tour excludes:

1. Personal expenses

2. Gratuities

3. Pickup from private residences (Airbnb)

It’s important to note that the rates don’t apply to Peruvians or foreigners staying in Peru for over 60 days, as sales taxes aren’t included in the pricing.

Important Information

Customers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rates do not apply to Peruvians or foreigners staying in Peru for over 60 days, as sales taxes are not included. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

| Feature | Details |

|—————————|——————————————|

| Reservation | Reserve now, pay later |

| Pickup | From hotels in Cusco Historic Center |

| Prohibited Items | Pets, oversize luggage, smoking, alcohol and drugs, unaccompanied minors |

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Preparation and Restrictions

What should visitors prepare for when taking this tour? To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the tour has several recommendations.

First, wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves navigating uneven terrain at the archaeological sites.

Second, bring sun protection like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, as the sites are largely exposed.

Finally, pack a water bottle to stay hydrated during the 3-hour tour.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets, oversized luggage, smoking, large bags, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Sacsayhuaman Fortress

As the first stop on the tour, Sacsayhuaman fortress impresses visitors with its massive stone construction.

Situated on a hill above Cusco, the fortress features gigantic polygonal stones that were meticulously fitted together without mortar.

Explorers can wander through the complex, marveling at the engineering prowess of the Incas.

The site’s strategic location provided a natural defense for the Inca capital.

Situated atop a hill, Sacsayhuaman’s strategic location offered a natural defense for the Inca capital.

Today, the fortress hosts an annual Inti Raymi festival, a celebration of the sun god.

Visitors can imagine the grandeur of this Inca stronghold and its role in the region’s history.

Qenqo Archaeological Complex

The Qenqo archaeological complex is a religious site known for its agricultural rituals.

Visitors can explore this unique site, which features:

1. A large rock with carved channels and depressions, believed to have been used for sacrificial rituals and ceremonies.

2. Impressive stonework, including carved staircases and niches, showcasing the Inca’s advanced construction techniques.

3. An underground cave system that was likely used for religious ceremonies and rituals related to water, fertility, and the agricultural cycle.

The Qenqo complex provides a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and ceremonial practices of the Inca civilization.

Puka Pukara and Tambomachay

After visiting the Qenqo archaeological complex, the tour continues to the impressive Puka Pukara and the renowned Tambomachay sites. Puka Pukara, meaning "Red Fortress," is a military architectural complex with various features like plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. Tambomachay, also known as the "Inca Baths," showcases the Inca’s advanced hydraulic engineering, with its intricate system of canals and aqueducts that supplied water for rituals. The tour provides an opportunity to explore these captivating sites and gain insights into the Inca’s remarkable architectural and engineering achievements.

| Feature | Puka Pukara | Tambomachay |

| — | — | — |

| Function | Military complex | Hydraulic engineering |

| Highlights | Plazas, baths, aqueducts, towers | Canals, aqueducts, water for rituals |

| Significance | Defensive and strategic location | Inca’s advanced water management |

| Impression | Impressive architectural features | Showcases Inca’s engineering prowess |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Included if I’m Staying Outside the Cusco Historic Center?

Unfortunately, transportation is not included if you’re staying outside the Cusco Historic Center. The tour only provides pickup and drop-off from hotels within the historic center. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation if you’re staying elsewhere.

Can I Request a Private Tour for a Larger Group?

Yes, the tour operator offers private tours for larger groups. They can accommodate groups of any size, though additional fees may apply for larger parties. Guests should inquire about group pricing when booking.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. Guests can receive a 10% discount by providing valid student or senior IDs when booking the tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific archaeological sites. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator and create a personalized itinerary within the 3-hour duration, subject to availability and guide approval.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Clients can discuss extending the tour with the tour operator to visit more archaeological sites or spend more time at the included locations.

The Sum Up

This private archaeological tour of Cusco’s iconic sites provides an insightful glimpse into the region’s rich Inca heritage. With knowledgeable English and Spanish-speaking guides, convenient transportation, and admission tickets included, it’s an efficient way to explore Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Comfortable footwear and sun protection are recommended for this three-hour excursion, priced at $65.00 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: