Cuzco: Excursion City Tour in Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, beckons travelers with its rich history and awe-inspiring sites. One of the most popular excursions in the city is the Cuzco City Tour, which promises an immersive exploration of its iconic landmarks. From the captivating Coricancha temple to the mighty Sacsayhuaman fortress, this tour offers a seamless opportunity to uncover the city’s cultural treasures. But what truly sets this experience apart is the chance to discover the serene Tambomachay, a site dedicated to the divine essence of water. Prepare to be enchanted by Cusco’s timeless allure.

Key Points

• The Cuzco City Tour is a 6-hour excursion that takes visitors to key historical sites, including the Coricancha temple complex and the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
• The tour includes comfortable transportation via a tourist minivan and a live guide available in English and Spanish.
• Entrance fees to the Qoricancha and the Tourist ticket are not included, and participants are advised to bring cash for additional costs.
• The tour is suitable for all ages, but uneven terrain may pose challenges for some visitors, and pregnant women or individuals over 95 are not recommended.
• The tour offers a flexible booking option with the ability to reserve now and pay later, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This Cuzco City Tour offers an exciting 6-hour excursion that takes visitors to the must-see sites of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay.

Priced at $14.40 per person, it’s a great value with up to 20% savings.

The tour features a flexible booking policy – reserve now and pay later, plus free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

A live English and Spanish-speaking guide brings the tour to life, and transportation is provided via a comfortable tourist minivan.

Whether you’re exploring Coricancha, admiring the views at Sacsayhuaman, or discovering Tambomachay, this comprehensive city tour isn’t to be missed.

Itinerary Highlights

Commencing at the iconic Plaza de Armas, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Cusco’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The first stop is the impressive Coricancha, a temple complex that seamlessly blends Inca and Spanish architectural elements.

Next, the tour ventures to the mighty Sacsayhuaman, an awe-inspiring Inca fortress offering panoramic city views.

The final highlights include:

1. Qenqo: An archaeological complex featuring intricate stone carvings and subterranean passages.

2. Puca Pucara: A former military fortress with impressive stone structures.

3. Tambomachay: A revered water cult site with its iconic cascading aqueducts.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour provides convenient transportation, with a tourist minivan ferrying participants to the various sites. Pickup service is available from hotels in urban Cusco or the main square, ensuring a hassle-free start to the day. The itinerary may change based on the selected schedule, allowing for flexibility to accommodate any changes.

| Transportation | Details |

| — | — |

| Vehicle | Tourist minivan |

| Pickup Service | Available from hotels in urban Cusco or main square |

| Itinerary Changes | Based on selected schedule |

| Duration | 6 hours |

| Language | Live tour guide available in English and Spanish |

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The Cuzco City Tour package includes a range of essential services to ensure a seamless experience.

The tour includes:

A tour inclusive of comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide to explore the historical and cultural highlights.

1. Tourist transport, providing comfortable and reliable transportation throughout the excursion.

2. A professional guide, who’ll share their expertise and insights about the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited.

Excludes entrance fees to Qoricancha (S/20.00) and the Tourist ticket (S/70.00), which must be purchased separately.

Meals, such as breakfast and lunch, are also not included in the tour price. Participants are advised to bring cash to cover these additional costs.

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Recommendations and Considerations

Suitable for all ages, the Cuzco City Tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or individuals over 95 years.

Visitors should bring a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, cash, and a charged smartphone.

The tour offers scenic views of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, but the uneven terrain may pose challenges for some.

With an overall rating of 3/5 based on one review, the tour provides a solid introduction to Cusco’s key historical sites.

However, travelers should consider their physical abilities and pack appropriately to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience.

Exploring the Coricancha

Although the Coricancha, also known as the Qorikancha, is an optional visit during the Cuzco City Tour, it’s a captivating site that offers a glimpse into the city’s Inca heritage.

The former Inca temple, now a Catholic church, showcases the blending of cultures.

Visitors can:

1. Admire the impressive Inca masonry work, with finely fitted stones that demonstrate the empire’s architectural prowess.

2. Explore the site’s religious significance, learning about the sun deity Inti and the intricate rituals that took place here.

3. Marvel at the stunning golden sun disc that once adorned the temple’s main hall, a testament to the Inca’s reverence for the sun.

Marveling at Sacsayhuaman

As visitors depart from the Coricancha, they’ll find themselves captivated by the majestic ruins of Sacsayhuaman.

This ancient Inca fortress, perched atop a hill, boasts massive stone walls and terraces that once served as a strategic vantage point.

Strolling through the site, guests marvel at the sheer size and precision of the stonework, marveling at the engineering feats of the Inca civilization.

Visitors marvel at the monumental stonework and engineering marvels of the Inca civilization as they stroll Sacsayhuaman’s ruins.

From the ruins, sweeping views of Cusco unfold, providing a breathtaking panorama of the city.

Exploring Sacsayhuaman offers a glimpse into the architectural wonders and military might of the Inca Empire.

Discovering Tambomachay

Leaving the impressive Sacsayhuaman behind, the tour group now heads to Tambomachay, a remarkable site where the Incas once worshipped water.

This ancient archaeological complex offers a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s reverence for the element.

Visitors can explore:

1. The expertly engineered aqueducts and fountains that once supplied fresh water to the site.

2. The well-preserved stone terraces and structures, showcasing the Incas’ advanced architectural skills.

3. The breathtaking natural setting, surrounded by towering mountains and lush vegetation, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

The tour guide shares insights about the site’s history and cultural significance, leaving the group in awe of the Inca’s engineering prowess and reverence for the natural world.

Things To Know

Can I Visit the Sites on My Own Instead of a Tour?

Yes, you can visit the sites on your own. Many travelers choose to explore Cusco’s historical landmarks independently, allowing for more flexibility and personalized experiences at their own pace.

Are There Any Cultural Performances or Activities Included?

The tour doesn’t include any cultural performances or activities. It’s primarily a sightseeing excursion to explore the historical sites in Cusco and its surrounding areas. Visitors can experience the sites on their own if they don’t wish to join the guided tour.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour for Elderly Participants?

The tour may be moderately physically demanding for elderly participants, with walking and exploration of archaeological sites. However, the duration is 6 hours, and there are flexible scheduling options to accommodate different fitness levels.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour does not include luggage storage services. Participants will need to make their own arrangements to store any bags or luggage before the tour begins, as they’ll be expected to carry their belongings throughout the day.

Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance or Can I Pay on the Day?

You can book the tour in advance to secure your spot, but you can also pay on the day. The tour offers flexible booking – you can reserve now and pay later or cancel up to 24 hours for a full refund.

Sum Up

The Cuzco City Tour offers an enriching and comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s historic and cultural treasures. From the iconic Coricancha temple to the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress, this tour provides a seamless experience with knowledgeable guides. Participants can marvel at the intricate stone carvings of Qenqo and the serene Tambomachay, all while enjoying comfortable transportation. Though additional costs and varying terrain are to be expected, the Cuzco City Tour is an exceptional way to take in the region’s captivating heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: