Cusco City Tour: History and Living Culture

Package Details

Duration Half a day
Max Altitude 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
Group Size Small groups
Languages Spanish, English, Portuguese
Level Easy

Overview

Cusco is known as the "Archaeological Capital of the Americas" and is brimming with archaeological sites, museums, and temples. This City Tour is the best way to discover the magic of this ancient civilization. You'll appreciate the contrast between Inca culture and Catholicism, and marvel at iconic sites such as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, Coricancha, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Packing List
  • Travel Tips
  • FAQs
Day 1

Tour of the Archaeological Capital of America

We begin our visit at the Convent of Santo Domingo Koricancha, an ancient Inca religious center that housed the Sun God (Inti). Here, we will observe the incredible Inca construction methods and various colonial paintings from that era.
After this visit, the group will take the tour bus to the outskirts of the city.
We will arrive at Sacsayhuamán, a majestic Inca site famous for its enigmatic stone monoliths weighing up to 200 tons. The guide will explain the complex, and you will have free time to explore it on your own.
A short five-minute bus ride will take us to Q'enqo, a site with fascinating altars that possibly served as a ceremonial center. Its semicircular amphitheater and underground galleries are particularly noteworthy.
We will continue to Puca Pucará, known as the Red Fortress. This small structure, composed of walls, terraces, and staircases, is believed to have been used as a watchtower by the Inca Empire. The last stop is Tambomachay, also known as the Royal Baths of the Inca. It's a temple dedicated to water worship, featuring impressive springs, aqueducts, and waterfalls cascading among the rocks.
Finally, we'll return in our transport to conclude the tour near the center of Cusco.

Included

  • Round trip tourist transportation.
  • Professional guide.
  • Guided tour of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

Not Included

  • Tourist Ticket: S/70.00.
  • Entrance to Qoricancha: S/20.00.

Documents & Essentials

Cash (soles) and/or credit cards
Cash (soles) and/or credit cards
Passport or ID card (and digital copies)
Passport or ID card (and digital copies)
Personal medications and basic first aid kit
Personal medications and basic first aid kit
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Clothing & Footwear

Lightweight and comfortable trousers
Lightweight and comfortable trousers
Polos or breathable t-shirts
Polos or breathable t-shirts
Rain poncho
Rain poncho
Sandals or light footwear for relaxation
Sandals or light footwear for relaxation
Warm jacket
Warm jacket

Trekking Gear

Photographic Camera
Photographic Camera
Reusable water bottle
Reusable water bottle

Hygiene & Recommended

Energy snacks (bars, nuts, etc.)
Energy snacks (bars, nuts, etc.)

Recommendations for this Tour

  • Bring cash in Soles to pay for entrance fees not included (Tourist Ticket and Koricancha).
  • Bring your original ID or passport (required to purchase the Tourist Ticket).
  • Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, and bring a water bottle.
  • Apply sunscreen and wear a hat.

Important Info

  • Altitude Sickness Drink coca tea and acclimatize.
  • Local Currency Carry Soles (PEN) in cash.
  • Changing Weather Dress in layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your trip.

What archaeological sites will we visit during the tour?

The City Tour includes visits to Coricancha, the Sacsayhuamán fortress, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

Do I have to pay extra for tickets during the tour?

Yes, you must purchase the Tourist Ticket (S/70.00) and the entrance to Qoricancha (S/20.00) on your own.

Price from USD $ 9.00
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