From Cusco: Guided Tour of Cusco and Its 4 Ruins

Cusco’s captivating history and remarkable architecture come alive on this guided tour. Visitors will explore the city’s crown jewels – the Cathedral, Qoricancha, and the imposing Sacsayhuamán fortress. But the journey doesn’t stop there. Lesser-known yet equally fascinating sites like Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay offer a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s vibrant heritage. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, this tour promises to leave you intrigued and eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• A 6-hour guided tour offering a comprehensive exploration of Cusco and its ancient ruins, including the Cathedral, Qoricancha, and Sacsayhuamán.
• Stops at lesser-known attractions like Qenqo shrine, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, providing a well-rounded experience.
• Hotel pickup and return transfer to downtown Cusco included, allowing for a hassle-free experience.
• Entrance fees to the sites not included in the tour price, requiring visitors to budget accordingly.
• Key sites visited include the Cathedral of Cusco, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This guided tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Cusco and its renowned ancient ruins.

Over 6 hours, travelers will visit the city’s iconic Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun at Qoricancha, and the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress.

The tour also includes stops at the Qenqo shrine, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Along With the main sites, the tour visits lesser-known attractions like the Qenqo shrine, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Transportation is provided, with hotel pickup and return to downtown Cusco.

Admission fees are included, though visitors should bring local currency.

The tour is priced from $24 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the Cathedral of Cusco, renowned for its stunning architecture and Inca gold decorative elements.

Next, guests explore Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun – a significant religious center of the Inca Empire.

The tour then takes visitors to the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress, recognized as the greatest architectural work of the Incas.

The itinerary also includes:

• Qenqo shrine

• Puca Pucara (Red Fortress)

• Tambomachay (Inca Bath)

This guided journey provides a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s most captivating historical sites and ruins.

Transportation Details

Hotel pickup and return transfer to downtown Cusco are included as part of the tour.

Guests will be transported throughout the experience in a comfortable minibus. This convenient transportation solution allows visitors to sit back, relax, and focus on the captivating sights and information provided by the knowledgeable guide.

The minibus provides a seamless transition between the different ruins and landmarks on the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and efficient tour. With no need to worry about navigation or logistics, guests can fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Cusco and its impressive Inca ruins.

Entrance Fees

Although the tour provides a rundown of Cusco’s highlights, visitors should be aware that entrance fees to the various sites aren’t included in the tour price.

Visitors should be aware that entrance fees to the various sites aren’t included in the tour price.

The Cathedral of Cusco costs 40 S/ (about $10) for foreign visitors and 12.50 S/ (about $3) for locals. Entrance to Qoricancha is 15 S/ (about $4) per person.

The four ruins – Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay – collectively cost 70 S/ (about $18) for foreign visitors and 40 S/ (about $10) for locals.

Visitors should budget accordingly to make the most of this enriching tour.

• Cathedral of Cusco: 40 S/ (foreign), 12.50 S/ (local)

• Qoricancha: 15 S/ per person

• 4 ruins: 70 S/ (foreign), 40 S/ (local)

More Great Tours Nearby

Cathedral of Cusco

The Cathedral of Cusco stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage, blending Spanish colonial architecture with intricate Inca craftsmanship.

Adorned with ornate gold decorative elements, the cathedral’s interior is a sight to behold. Visitors can explore the impressive stone facade, intricate altars, and grand central nave.

The entrance fee for foreign visitors is 40 soles, while locals pay 12.50 soles. Though the tour doesn’t include a visit to the cathedral’s interior, it’s a must-see landmark that offers a glimpse into Cusco’s captivating past and the enduring influence of the Inca Empire.

Qoricancha: Temple of the Sun

After exploring the ornate Cathedral of Cusco, the tour moves on to the captivating Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun.

This significant Inca religious center features stunning architecture and intricate golden decorations. Visitors marvel at the impressive stonework and the temple’s central role in Incan spirituality.

Key highlights include:

• Remnants of the original Inca walls and foundations

• Beautifully carved stone blocks and perfectly fitted masonry

• Ornate golden panels that once adorned the walls

• Intriguing underground chambers and passageways

• Remnants of the Inca’s revered sun worship rituals

Sacsayhuamán Fortress

Towering atop a hilltop, Sacsayhuamán fortress is a stunning testament to the engineering prowess of the Incas.

This colossal structure, with its massive stone blocks weighing up to 200 tons, was once the site of fierce battles between the Spanish and the Inca.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate zig-zag design of the walls, which were built without the use of mortar.

The sheer scale and precision of the construction is truly awe-inspiring.

Exploring Sacsayhuamán is a must for anyone seeking to understand the remarkable achievements of the Inca civilization.

Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay

Beyond the grand Sacsayhuamán fortress, visitors will discover a trio of remarkable Inca ruins: Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Qenqo is an intricately carved limestone ritual site with subterranean passages and a giant stone amidst terraces.

Puca Pucara, the "Red Fortress," was likely a military checkpoint guarding the royal estates.

Tambomachay, the "Inca Baths," features aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls, suggesting it was an important spa or religious site.

These lesser-known gems offer a glimpse into the advanced engineering and architectural prowess of the Incas, complementing the majestic Sacsayhuamán.

• Qenqo: Carved limestone ritual site with subterranean passages

• Puca Pucara: Military checkpoint guarding royal estates

• Tambomachay: Inca Baths with aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls

• Advanced engineering and architectural prowess of the Incas

• Complementing the grandeur of Sacsayhuamán

Things To Know

Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour?

No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Visitors will need to purchase their own meals and beverages during the tour or at their own expense.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Cathedral of Cusco?

Yes, you can take photos inside the Cathedral of Cusco during the guided tour. However, visitors should be respectful and follow any rules or restrictions in place to preserve the historic site.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention whether it’s suitable for children. However, the 6-hour duration and focus on historical sites may make it less engaging for younger visitors. Parents should consider their children’s interests and stamina before booking this tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

You can customize the tour itinerary, but it may incur additional fees. The tour operator typically provides a set itinerary, though they may be willing to adjust it based on your interests and needs if requested in advance.

Are Guided Tours Available in Other Languages?

Yes, the guided tours are available in multiple languages. Travelers can choose from Spanish, English, French, German, and other languages when booking the tour to ensure they can comfortably experience the tour in their preferred language.

Sum Up

This guided tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s rich history and architectural wonders. Visitors can experience the city’s significant sites, including the Cathedral, Qoricancha, and the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress, as well as lesser-known treasures like the Qenqo shrine, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. With convenient transportation and the opportunity to explore these historical landmarks, this tour provides an immersive cultural experience for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: