Cusco’s rich cultural heritage comes alive on this comprehensive city tour. Discover four remarkable archaeological sites, including the sacred Qorikancha, with the guidance of bilingual experts. This flexible 5-hour adventure offers convenient hotel pickups, all entrance fees, and a cancelation policy that caters to the modern traveler’s needs. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, this tour promises to unlock the wonders of Cusco’s past.

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Key Points

This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s cultural heritage, including visits to Qoricancha and four archaeological sites.
The tour duration is 5 hours, with flexible pickup times from Cusco hotels, and the price range is $12.60-$14.00 per person.
The itinerary includes guided visits to Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, showcasing military architecture, ritual centers, and water worship sites.
The tour includes transportation, bilingual guides, and entrance fees, with recommendations to drink coca tea to prevent altitude sickness.
Restrictions include no pets, drinks in the vehicle, alcohol, drugs, or littering, and the tour may not be suitable for individuals with vertigo.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s rich cultural heritage, encompassing a guided visit to the renowned Qoricancha religious complex and four captivating archaeological sites.

Lasting 5 hours, the tour provides flexible pickup times from Cusco hotels, letting guests choose between a morning or afternoon excursion.

Priced at $12.60-$14.00 per person, the tour includes transportation, bilingual guides, and entrance fees.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve without upfront payment.

The tour concludes near Cusco’s main square, allowing for further exploration of the city.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The tour commences with pickup from hotels in Cusco, offering two convenient schedules – one in the morning from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, and another in the afternoon from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Pickup from Cusco hotels, with morning and afternoon tour schedules available for visitor convenience.

Guests will embark on a guided tour of the sacred Qoricancha site, followed by visits to four renowned archaeological centers.

Explore the military architecture of Sacsayhuaman, the ritual center of Qenqo, the fortress of Puca Pucara, and the water worship site of Tambomachay.

The tour concludes near Cusco’s main square on Plateros Street.

Inclusions

The tour includes tourist transport, a bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English), and the necessary entrance fees (Boleto turistico).

Meals are also provided, though extra expenses not mentioned aren’t included.

Visitors should come prepared with their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, and sunscreen.

It’s recommended to drink coca tea before the tour to prevent altitude sickness.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with vertigo, and certain items like pets, drinks in the vehicle, alcohol, drugs, and littering are prohibited.

Preparation and Recommendations

Visitors should come prepared with their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, and sunscreen.

To help prevent altitude sickness, it’s recommended to drink coca tea before the tour. Appropriate attire includes a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with vertigo due to the high-altitude sites.

Pets, drinks in the vehicle, alcohol, drugs, and littering are prohibited.

Following these preparation tips will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable city tour of Cusco’s ancient ruins and historic sites.

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Restrictions and Guidelines

Although the Cusco city tour promises to be an unforgettable cultural experience, there are some important restrictions and guidelines visitors should be aware of. The tour is not suitable for individuals with vertigo, as some sites may involve heights or steep staircases. Plus, certain items are prohibited on the tour, such as pets, drinks in the vehicle, alcohol, and drugs. Littering is also strictly forbidden. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors are encouraged to follow these guidelines.

| Prohibited Items | Restrictions |

|——————|————–|

| Pets | Not suitable for vertigo |

| Drinks in vehicle| No alcohol or drugs |

| Alcohol | No littering |

| Drugs | |

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Getting to Cusco

How does one get to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire?

Cusco is easily accessible by air or ground transportation. The city has an international airport with daily flights from major cities in Peru and beyond.

Visitors can also take a scenic bus ride from Lima, which takes approximately 10 hours.

Once in Cusco, travelers can navigate the city on foot, by taxi, or by using the local public transportation system.

The city’s compact size and well-preserved colonial architecture make it a walkable destination, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this Andean gem.

Exploring the Ruins

What better way to explore the ancient Inca civilization than by visiting the iconic ruins surrounding Cusco?

The 5-hour city tour takes you to 4 impressive archaeological sites. First, you’ll tour Qoricancha, the Inca’s religious complex.

Next, marvel at the military architecture of Sacsayhuaman, the massive stone fortress.

Explore the ritual center of Qenqo, carved into a limestone outcrop.

Uncover the secrets of Puca Pucara, the military fortress with walls, terraces, and staircases.

Finally, witness the water worship site of Tambomachay.

With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain deep insights into Inca history and culture.

Visiting Qorikancha

Why does the tour begin at Qoricancha, the Inca’s religious complex?

It’s the ideal starting point to explore Cusco’s history and significance. This temple-sanctuary was the most important religious site in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti.

Visitors marvel at the intricate stonework and the Inca’s advanced architectural techniques. The guide explains the temple’s role in Inca spirituality and how it was transformed during the Spanish conquest.

Visitors marvel at the Inca’s intricate stonework and advanced architectural techniques, as the guide explains the temple’s spiritual significance and Spanish transformation.

Qoricancha provides a fascinating introduction to the city’s Inca heritage before venturing out to the archaeological sites beyond.

Things To Know

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not specifically mention discounts for children or seniors. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator to inquire about any available discounts that may apply.

Can We Stop for a Local Lunch During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes a stop for a local lunch. The itinerary provides ample time for participants to enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal during the tour. However, the cost of the meal is not included in the tour price.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Archaeological Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the archaeological sites on the tour, though visitors should avoid disrupting the experience of others. Some sites may have specific restrictions, so it’s best to follow the guide’s instructions.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Ruin Site?

The tour spends approximately 30-45 minutes at each ruin site, allowing visitors to explore the unique architectural features and insights provided by the bilingual guide. The duration at each location may vary depending on the group’s pace and interest.

Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific sites. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator and create a personalized itinerary that focuses on the ruins they’re most interested in seeing.

Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers a captivating glimpse into Cusco’s rich cultural heritage. With convenient hotel pickups, knowledgeable guides, and all entrance fees included, it’s an excellent value for travelers. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance makes it easy to fit into any itinerary. Exploring Qorikancha and the four remarkable ruins provides an immersive experience that’s not to be missed on a visit to Cusco.