Explore the highlights of Cusco City on a half-day tour. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the most important streets, temples, palaces, and Sacsayhuaman area, and learn about the Inca Capital’s history.
The Cusco City Tour is a half-day tour that takes visitors through the historical center of Cusco and the nearby Inca sites of Coricancha temple and Sacsayhuaman fortress. The tour includes private transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees to all places we visit.
Plaza de Armas: Home to the beautiful cathedral of Cusco and the church of the company of Jesus.
Qoricancha (The Golden Temple): The most important temple dedicated to the sun, now the convent of Santo Domingo.
Sacsayhuaman: A vast Inca fortress near Cusco, famous for its massive stone walls and impressive construction.
Q’enqo: An enigmatic Inca site near Cusco featuring intricate stone carvings, ceremonial altars, and labyrinthine tunnels.
Puka Pukara: An ancient Inca military fortress near Cusco, known for its red-colored stones and strategic defensive position.
Tambomachay: An Inca site near Cusco renowned for its intricate aqueducts, canals, water channels and ceremonial baths.
Cristo Blanco: A large white statue of Christ overlooking Cusco, offering panoramic views of the city.
12 Angled Stone Street: Watch the famous rock embedded in one of the first Inca palaces.
Loreto Street: The street with the finest example of Inca architecture.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco city at 1:00 pm and transfer you to the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, located in the heart of the town and is surrounded by many historical buildings, including the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. The square is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists, often used for public events and festivals. You will start a walking tour, exploring Cusco’s top attractions, restaurants, and shops.
After the main square, you will walk into the most important streets and neighborhoods, including the 12-angled stone street, San Blas, and Loreto street. Exploring these streets and neighborhoods will give you a great sense of the history and culture of Cusco.
Next, you will visit Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, a must-visit attraction in Cusco. It was one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire and was dedicated to worshipping the sun god Inti. The temple was covered in gold and decorated with precious stones, making it one of the most impressive structures of the Inca Empire. After the Spanish conquered Cusco, they built the Church of Santo Domingo on top of the temple, using some of the Inca stonework as the foundation for the church.
The second part of the tour starts with a 15-minute drive to Sacsayhuaman, a massive Inca fortress located just outside of Cusco. It is one of the most impressive examples of Inca stonework and engineering, and a visit to this site is a must for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Inca Empire. The fortress is made up of massive stone walls that were built without the use of mortar. The enormous stones weigh over 300 tons and are fitted together with incredible precision. Each year, on June 24th, The Inti Raymi is celebrated at this place to worship the Sun.
Continue driving to Qenqo, known for its underground chambers and passageways. Puka Pukara, a reddish color military fortress, and finally, Tambomachay, known for its series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls.
On the way back, you will stop at Cristo Blanco (Statue of Jesus) to enjoy the panoramic views of Cusco and the Andean landscape. The statue of Jesus was a gift from the Palestinian community in Cusco and was installed in 1945. It is made of white stone and stands over 8 meters tall, making it one of the largest statues in the city. The site is famous for tourists and locals, especially at sunset, with stunning views.
Group Discount:
The Cusco City Tour offers a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of the city’s major landmarks with expert guides, including entry to key sites like the Cusco Cathedral and Sacsayhuamán, and includes transportation and additional amenities for a comfortable experience.
In contrast, the Free Walking Tour provides a basic overview of the city with general information, does not include entry to paid attractions, relies solely on walking, and typically lacks the depth, customization, and comfort of a premium tour, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a quick introduction to Cusco.
The Cusco City tour usually lasts around 5 to 6 hours.
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages, but be mindful of the high altitude and the amount of walking involved. It’s advisable to take it easy and stay hydrated.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a camera. It’s also advisable to bring some local currency for souvenirs and snacks.
Yes all entrance fees are included in the Cusco City Tour package.
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