CITY TOUR
Cusco
Half Day
Difficulty: Easy
Shared Service
Min Altitude: 3390 meters above sea level
Max Altitude: 3800 meters above sea level
The city tour is one of the best ways to start your trip and acclimate more effectively, in a magical city trapped in history that combines ancient and modern buildings of great value and architectural beauty.
Our half-day tour will allow you to visit and explore the Cusco Cathedral, to learn more about the Cusco and Spanish syncretism of Catholic faith. Then, you’ll discover an Inca architectural gem, Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun.
Finally, the tour will take you to 4 important Inca archaeological sites around the city: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Highlights
- Cusco, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Archaeological Capital of America, Historical Capital of Peru, and the Navel of the World.
- Discover the cultural and religious syncretism that defines the city of Cusco.
- Explore the architectural beauty of the most important Inca temples of worship.
- Visit the Cusco Cathedral
The city tour begins at 1:00 p.m. from the main square (Plaza de Armas), where you’ll visit the impressive Cusco Cathedral, a religious building over 300 years old, which houses countless relics showcasing cultural and religious syncretism. Admire altars made of gold and silver, paintings by important Cusco artists, the remains of Inca writer Garcilaso de la Vega, and many works in goldsmithing and silversmithing. - Visit the Temple of the Sun or Qorikancha
Explore the most important Inca temple, a unique site that stands out for the fine walls built by the Incas, which, according to chroniclers, were covered in gold plates. Learn about the temples dedicated to deities such as the moon, the stars, the rainbow, and more. - Explore the Archaeological Complexes of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay
Sacsayhuamán was an important administrative center during the Inca period, known for its massive megalithic stone walls. Also, visit other archaeological centers like Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, which feature rock carvings with religious, military, and hydraulic purposes.
At the end of the visit, our transportation will take you back to the city center of Cusco, concluding the tour around 6:30 p.m.
Includes:
- Professional guide (Spanish and English)
- Tourist transport and professional driver
Does Not Include:
- Entrance fees
- Partial Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00, valid for City Tour only, 1-day validity)
- General Tourist Ticket (S/.130.00, valid for Sacred Valley tours, Moray, and others)
- Cathedral: S/.40.00
- Qorikancha: S/.20.00
- Services not mentioned
- Water and snacks
- Tips
To enjoy our tour, don’t forget to bring:
- Passport or ID (valid)
- Tourist ticket (not included in the price, but can be purchased at the entrance of each archaeological site with guidance from our guide)
- Small backpack (water bottle, snacks, and more)
- Extra cash in Soles for souvenirs (optional)
- Comfortable shoes for the walk
- Hat or cap for the sun and sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
- Light and warm clothing for the trip
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (if visiting between October and March)
- Camera, phone, and extra batteries
Frequently Asked Questions
Cusco is located at an altitude of approximately 3399 meters above sea level.
The City Tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours.
No, the City Tour is a half-day tour and does not include any meals.
The City Tour operates with a minimum of 12 people and a maximum of 18 people.
Yes, the City Tour can be arranged privately. Please contact our agents for more information.
The Tourist Ticket for entrance to archaeological sites can be purchased at the entrance of each site or at the official Tourist Ticket office on Av. Sol N° 130. If you are doing the Sacred Valley tour, it is recommended to buy the Complete Tourist Ticket. Keep the ticket for the Sacred Valley trip as well.
Entrance to the Cusco Cathedral and Qorikancha can be bought at the entrance of each temple.