City Tour Cusco

Duration

Half Day

Overview

The Cusco City Tour is the perfect introduction to the historical and cultural wonders of the ancient Inca capital. This half-day experience will take you through a fascinating journey across the most important landmarks of the city, blending Inca heritage with colonial influence. You’ll explore impressive temples, sacred ceremonial centers, and stunning architecture that reflect Cusco’s rich past and vibrant present.

This tour is ideal for travelers who have just arrived in Cusco and want to acclimate to the altitude while beginning to understand the historical significance of the city. It is a great way to dive into the legacy of the Inca Empire and its blend with Spanish colonial heritage.

Places to Visit

Qoricancha Temple – The most important Inca temple dedicated to the sun god, later converted into a colonial church
Cusco Cathedral – A stunning example of colonial baroque architecture located on the Main Square
Sacsayhuamán – An impressive Inca fortress with massive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco
Qenqo – A sacred ceremonial site carved into natural rock formations
Puka Pukara – A military site and lookout post of the Incas
Tambomachay – Known as the Inca baths, a ritual site associated with water worship

Itinerary

City Tour Cusco

Hotel Pickup (1:00 PM)

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the early afternoon. The tour begins with a visit to the heart of the city.

Qoricancha Temple (1:30 PM – 2:00 PM)

Your first stop is the Qoricancha Temple, known as the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire. Learn how it was once covered in sheets of gold and dedicated to Inti, the sun god. Today, it stands as a fascinating mix of Inca foundations and Spanish colonial architecture, now part of the Santo Domingo Church.

Cusco Cathedral (2:10 PM – 2:40 PM)

Next, you’ll explore the Cusco Cathedral, located in the Main Square. Inside, admire its priceless collection of colonial paintings, silverwork, and wood-carved altars.

Sacsayhuamán (3:00 PM – 3:45 PM)

We then head uphill to the spectacular Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, where you’ll see massive megalithic walls fit together with remarkable precision. It also offers a breathtaking view of the entire city of Cusco.

Qenqo, Puka Pukara & Tambomachay (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)

Continue to Qenqo, a sacred rock sanctuary used for rituals, then to Puka Pukara, a small military outpost with strategic views, and finally to Tambomachay, known as the Inca baths, a site of worship related to water.

Return to Cusco (6:00 PM)

After exploring all the sites, we return to the city. You will be dropped off at your hotel or near the main square at approximately 6:00 PM.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Tourist transport
Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites and museums included in the tour
Assistance throughout the tour

Does not include

Meals and drinks
Tips for the guide and driver
Personal expenses
Partial tourist ticket (if not already purchased)

Recomendations

Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be cobblestone streets and uneven terrain.
Bring warm clothes and a light rain jacket, as the weather can change quickly in the Andes.
Don’t forget sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before the tour to adapt better to the altitude.
Bring your camera to capture the incredible views and ancient architecture.
If you haven’t yet purchased the Boleto Turístico, it’s advisable to do so before the tour begins