From Cusco | Private City Tour + Qoricancha + Sacsayhuaman

Exploring the ancient Inca sites of Cusco is a captivating journey through history. This private city tour showcases the remarkable architectural marvels of Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman. Visitors can discover the grandeur of the once-gilded Temple of the Sun and marvel at the impressive defensive structures of the Inca fortress. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, travelers embark on a personalized exploration, seeing the fascinating heritage of the Inca Empire. What secrets await as you…

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Good To Know

This private city tour from Cusco focuses on exploring the archaeological sites of Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman over the course of 5 hours.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide, with entrance fees to Qoricancha and the Partial Tourist Ticket covered.
Itinerary highlights include guided tours of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, with return to Cusco’s historic center by 6:30 pm.
Tour pricing ranges from $80.00 to $72.00 per person, with up to 10% savings, and full refunds available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Recommended items for the tour include passport or ID, comfortable clothing, and cash for any additional expenses, with restrictions on alcohol, drugs, sprays, and aerosols.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private city tour of Cusco offers visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s renowned archaeological sites.

The tour lasts 5 hours and costs between $80.00 and $72.00 per person, a savings of up to 10%. Guests can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

The tour includes pickup from hotels near Cusco’s historic center, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide.

Entrance fees to Qoricancha and the Partial Tourist Ticket are covered, though snacks and water aren’t included.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from a hotel near the historic center of Cusco, with morning and afternoon shifts available at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, respectively.

Explore Cusco’s historic center with the tour, offering morning and afternoon shifts at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Visitors will explore notable archaeological sites, including the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), which features a 1-hour guided tour.

They’ll also discover the significant Inca military architecture at Sacsayhuaman, the ritual center on the limestone outcrop of Qenqo, the red fortress of Puka Pukara, and the famous Tambomachay waterfall, known as the "baths of the Inca."

The tour returns to the historic center of Cusco by approximately 6:30 pm.

Included Services

The Included Services for this private city tour in Cusco cover pickup from a hotel near the historic center, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual tour guide (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French).

Entrance fees to Qoricancha (S/15.00) and the Partial Tourist Ticket (70 soles for Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay) are also included.

Water and snacks, however, aren’t provided.

Please note that the service is subject to change due to weather conditions, strikes, or other unforeseen events, and cancellations on the day of service are considered completed without a refund.

Important Information

Service is subject to change due to weather conditions, strikes, or other unforeseen events.

Service may be impacted by weather, strikes, or unexpected events.

Cancellations on the day of service are considered completed without refund. The itinerary may vary for traveler safety and service optimization.

Here are some key points to note:

Weather, strikes, or other unplanned events could impact the tour.
Canceling on the day of the tour means no refund.
The tour itinerary is subject to change to ensure safety and efficiency.
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable clothing, and cash for any additional expenses.

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What to Bring and Restrictions

Visitors should bring their passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, cash, and a daypack for the tour.

Alcohol, drugs, sprays, and aerosols aren’t allowed. However, snacks like chocolate, nuts, and coca candy are permitted.

It’s important to remember these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable private city tour in Cusco.

The tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who doesn’t comply with the restrictions.

Following these simple guidelines will enhance the overall experience and keep travelers safe during the excursion.

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Visiting Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

One of the first stops on the private city tour is the Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This Inca temple was once covered in gold and was the most important religious site in the Inca Empire.

Today, visitors can explore the impressive stone ruins and learn about its fascinating history:

Visitors can explore the impressive stone ruins and learn about the Qoricancha’s fascinating history.

Imagine the temple’s splendor, with walls adorned in gold and silver.
Marvel at the intricate Inca masonry, featuring perfectly fitted stone blocks.
Uncover the temple’s religious significance as the center of sun worship.
Discover the Spanish influence, as a Dominican church was built atop the Inca ruins.

Exploring Sacsayhuaman

Next, the tour explores Sacsayhuaman, a remarkable example of Inca military architecture. This impressive fortress, located on the outskirts of Cusco, features massive stone walls and zig-zag formations designed for strategic defense. Visitors marvel at the sheer size and precision of the construction, with some blocks weighing over 100 tons.

| Architectural Feature | Significance |

| — | — |

| Zig-zag walls | Allowed for strategic positioning and defense |

| Large stone blocks | Showcased Inca engineering and construction prowess |

| Elevated location | Provided clear views and tactical advantage over the city |

The guide explains the historical importance of Sacsayhuaman, which was a key part of the Inca capital’s fortifications. Exploring this iconic site offers a window into the engineering brilliance and military might of the Inca civilization.

Discovering Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay

After exploring the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress, the tour continues to the nearby archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

The guide leads the group through these lesser-known but equally fascinating ruins:

The guide leads the group through these lesser-known but equally fascinating ruins, offering a glimpse into the Inca’s remarkable engineering prowess.

Qenqo, a ritual center built on a limestone outcrop, showcases intricate carvings and a subterranean labyrinth.
Puka Pukara, the "red fortress," impresses with its military architecture and strategic location overlooking the Cusco valley.
Tambomachay, known as the "baths of the Inca," features a main waterfall and aqueduct system that once provided water to the Inca elite.
These sites offer a glimpse into the Inca’s remarkable engineering prowess and the complexities of their civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Customers can customize the tour itinerary to their preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility in adjusting the sites visited and duration to accommodate individual interests and needs, within the overall tour framework.

How Accessible Are the Archaeological Sites for Mobility-Impaired Visitors?

The archaeological sites are generally accessible, with ramps and paved paths. However, some areas like Sacsayhuaman have uneven terrain that may be challenging for mobility-impaired visitors. It’s best to check with the tour provider for specific accessibility details.

Are Guided Tours Available in Other Languages Besides English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French?

The tour offers bilingual guides in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. While other language options aren’t specified, travellers can inquire about availability of guides in additional languages to accommodate their needs.

What Safety Precautions Are in Place During the Tour?

The tour includes safety precautions such as avoiding alcohol, drugs, and aerosols. Travelers must bring their passport or ID, and the itinerary may vary to ensure traveler safety and service optimization.

Can I Book a Private Tour for a Single Traveler or a Couple?

Yes, private tours can be booked for solo travelers or couples. The tour operator offers a flexible pricing structure, with per person rates ranging from $80.00 to $72.00 to accommodate individual or couple bookings.

The Sum Up

This private city tour of Cusco provides an immersive experience exploring the city’s remarkable Inca heritage. Visitors will discover the grandeur of Qoricancha, once adorned with gold, and marvel at the impressive defensive structures of Sacsayhuaman. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, travelers can explore the fascinating history of the Inca Empire during this personalized 5-hour adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: