Join our half-day Premium Cusco City Tour to see the best of the old Capital of the Incan empire. Walk through the lively Cusco city center and see Coricancha, a history-filled place. Visit the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the mysterious site of Quenqo. Check out the old guard post of Puca Pucara and the ritual baths at Tambomachay. End your tour with a beautiful view of Cusco from Cristo Blanco. This tour offers a fun and educational experience, showcasing Cusco's rich culture and beautiful scenery, perfect for creating lasting memories.

Tour details

Duration
4 hours
Activities
Walking tour - Cultural
Difficulty
Easy
Maximum Altitude
3574 m / 11725 ft
Destination
Cusco - Sacsayhuaman
Group Size
6 to 10
Overview

Prepare for an incredible journey through Cusco's rich history and culture with our Cusco City Half-Day Tour. Wander through the ancient streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

You'll visit the Plaza de Armas, the central square where old buildings mingle with towering mountains. Our guides will regale you with thrilling tales of the Inca people and Spanish explorers.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. We'll escort you to Qoricancha, the Great Inca Temple, Sacsayhuamán, an ancient Inca fortress with colossal stone walls and stunning mountain vistas, Quenqo to explore the labyrinthine passages, Pucapucara to relish the fantastic views of the fortress, and Tambomachay to discover the hidden Inca Baths. You'll also uncover hidden gems around Cusco, like vibrant markets and quaint craft shops where local artists showcase their work.

Join us for an unforgettable half-day excursion. Whether you're passionate about history and nature or simply enjoy exploring new places, our Cusco City Half-Day Tour is tailored just for you. Let's create cherished memories together in Cusco!

Highlights

  • Admire the ancient architecture at Cusco's Plaza.
  • Explore the Koricancha Inca Temple and delve into Inca history.
  • Tour Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
  • Enjoy an all-inclusive package with entrance tickets, a guide, and transportation.

Cusco City Tour at a Glance

During our exclusive Half-Day Cusco City Tour, you will explore the best of Cusco and its surroundings, including:

  • Plaza de Armas of Cusco: Explore the heart of Cusco, surrounded by historic buildings and a lively atmosphere.
  • 12 Angled Stone Street: A marvel of Inca craftsmanship, featuring precisely carved stones in a narrow cobblestone street.
  • Loreto Street: A charming, picturesque street lined with colorful colonial buildings, cafes, and artisan shops.
  • Koricancha and Santo Domingo Church: This complex combines Inca and Spanish architecture, showcasing the revered Temple of the Sun and colonial church.
  • Sacsayhuaman: Majestic Inca ruins with massive stone walls and panoramic views over Cusco.
  • Qenko: An ancient ceremonial site with carved altars and labyrinthine passages.
  • Puca Pucara: A fortress-like structure offering insight into ancient Inca defensive strategies.
  • Tambomachay: Serene site with stone fountains and aqueducts, believed to have been used for spiritual purification rituals.
  • Cristo Blanco: A serene monument overlooking Cusco, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Important to know before booking:

  • Everyday departure with a minimum of 2 participants
  • Morning and afternoon tours
  • Group tours average of 6 to 10 people
Full Itinerary
Full Itinerary

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 1:00 pm. Then, start exploring the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, Cusco's Cathedral, where you can discover the priceless paintings and colonial art combining European paintings with Andean symbology from the Inca Religion. Continue exploring the twelve-angled stone street, the Loreto Street, and continue walking to Santo Domingo church; inside, we can find the magnificent Inca Temple of Koricancha (The Temple of the Sun).

The second part of the tour starts with a short drive to the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site (3574 m / 11725 ft), a vast complex located in the upper part of Cusco's city, just 20 minutes drive. Here you'll explore the Megalithic walls built-in limestone, some of the weights close to 300 tons. Next, visit the underground ceremonial passages of Quenqo, where the tour guide will explain the Inca rituals.

After Quenqo, drive to Pucapucara Military Complex, and last visit Tambomachay, where Incas used to worship the water. Drive back to Cusco and finish the tour at your hotel.

Included: 

  • Entrance ticket to Koricancha
  • Entrance ticket to Sacsayhuaman
  • Entrance ticket to Quenqo
  • Entrance ticket to Tambomachay
  • Entrance ticket to Pucapucara
  • Modern Transportation with AC
  • Exclusive professional tour guide
  • Small group tours

Not Included:

  • Meals, water
  • Gratuities
FAQs

Cusco City

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a popular destination for travelers visiting Peru. A Cusco City Tour is an excellent way to explore the city's rich history, architecture, and cultural attractions.

How long does the Cusco City Tour take?

The main attractions usually included in a Cusco City Tour are:

  • The Plaza de Armas, the city's central square with its beautiful colonial architecture, and the Cusco Cathedral.
  • Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), is an important Inca temple now part of the Convent of Santo Domingo.
  • Sacsayhuamán, is a massive Inca fortress and ceremonial site with impressive stone walls.
  • Q'enqo, is an Inca ceremonial site featuring carved limestone formations and underground chambers.
  • Puka Pukara, is a small Inca military site with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Tambomachay, is an Inca site known for its intricate water channels and fountains.

Is the Cusco City Tour guided?

Most Cusco City Tours are guided, with knowledgeable local guides providing information about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of each site. Many guides are fluent in multiple languages to cater to international travelers.

Do I need a ticket or tourist pass for the Cusco City Tour?

Yes, you will need a ticket or tourist pass to enter many of the attractions included in the Cusco City Tour, such as Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) is a popular option that provides access to numerous sites in and around Cusco. Some tour operators may include the cost of the ticket in their tour price, while others may require you to purchase it separately.

What should I wear and bring on the Cusco City Tour?

Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. Bring a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can drop in the evenings. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. A camera or smartphone is essential for capturing the beautiful sites and architecture.

Is the Cusco City Tour suitable for children?

The Cusco City Tour can be suitable for children, depending on their age and interest in history and culture. Some walking and climbing may be required at certain sites, so it's essential to consider your children's abilities and interests when deciding if the tour is appropriate for your family.