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Cusco City Tour

Cusco City Tour

1 day (5 hours)

1 day (5 hours)

20 pax

easy

3,600m

Overview

Explore the most iconic monuments of the Inca Empire's capital: the Cathedral, Qoricancha and the four archaeological fortresses of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay in one unforgettable afternoon.

The Cusco City Tour is the must-do experience for every visitor arriving in the imperial city. In one afternoon you'll explore two treasures of the historic center — the majestic Cusco Cathedral and Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun — then ascend to the hills surrounding the city to discover the four great Inca fortresses: Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

This tour blends colonial and Inca history in a single journey. From the over 600 canvases of the Cusco School inside the Cathedral, through the perfectly fitted stone walls of Qoricancha that were once covered in gold, to the cyclopean walls of Sacsayhuaman with stones weighing over 128 tonnes assembled without mortar. Each stop reveals a different layer of Cusco's fascinating history, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

The tour is ideal for your first or second day in Cusco, as the afternoon departure allows you to acclimatize during the morning. Our professional bilingual guides will give you a complete introduction to Andean history, culture and worldview that will enrich the rest of your trip.

Experience Highlights

Itinerary at a Glance

01

Cathedral – Qoricancha – Sacsayhuaman – Q'enqo – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco's historic center between 1:00 and 1:30 PM. We begin our walking tour through the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the ancient Inca capital, originally known as "Huacaypata".

First stop: the Cusco Cathedral, built in 1560 on the palace of Inca Wiracocha. This masterpiece of Andean baroque and Gothic architecture houses over 600 paintings from the renowned Cusco School, magnificent silver and gold works, and a history that bridges the Inca and colonial worlds. Our guide will reveal the hidden details of its canvases and the Andean symbolism present in the sacred art.

We continue to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, the most sacred site of the Inca Empire. Its perfectly polished stone walls were once covered in solid gold plates. The Spanish conquistadors built the Santo Domingo Convent directly on its foundations, creating a fascinating overlap of two civilizations that can be appreciated today.

We board our tourist bus and ascend to the hills of Cusco. First stop: Sacsayhuaman, the monumental Inca ceremonial fortress with three enormous zigzag walls up to 300 meters long. The largest stones weigh over 128 tonnes and stand up to 9 meters tall, assembled with a precision that continues to amaze engineers and archaeologists. From here you'll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city of Cusco.

We continue to Q'enqo ("Labyrinth" in Quechua), a ceremonial center dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth) with underground passages, a sacrificial altar and carved rock formations that reveal the spiritual sophistication of the Inca civilization.

We visit Puca Pucara, the "Red Fortress", an Inca military checkpoint whose iron-rich stones glow red at sunset. It served as a rest stop and watchtower for Inca troops.

Last stop: Tambomachay, the "Baths of the Inca", a temple dedicated to the worship of water. Its stone-carved aqueducts and fountains still channel crystal-clear water after more than 500 years, demonstrating the Inca mastery of hydraulic engineering.

We return to Cusco arriving approximately at 6:00 PM, dropping you off at Plaza de Armas or nearby.

Accommodation

-

Max Altitude

3,600 msnm

Meals

-

What Is Included?

Included

  • Hotel pickup in the historic center
  • Tourist transport
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
  • Drop-off at Plaza de Armas

Not Included

  • Partial Tourist Ticket: S/. 70 (Foreigners), S/. 40 (Students with ISIC)
  • Cusco Cathedral entrance: S/. 40
  • Qoricancha entrance: S/. 15
  • Meals and beverages
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses

Before You Go

Recommendations

Ideal for your first or second day in Cusco — the afternoon departure allows morning acclimatization
Purchase the Tourist Ticket in advance at the COSITUC office (Av. El Sol 103) or at site entrances
Wear layers: T-shirt + fleece/jacket + waterproof windbreaker
Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses and hat (UV radiation is very strong at 3,400m)
Comfortable non-slip shoes for cobblestones and uneven terrain at the ruins
Bring water and light snacks to stay hydrated at altitude
Bring cash in Peruvian Soles for entrance fees (some sites do not accept cards)
Flash photography is not allowed inside the Cathedral or Qoricancha

Pricing

2026 Tour Price

Price per person
US$10

This tour is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 people. Prices may vary according to season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tourist Ticket and where do I buy it?
It's a ticket that grants access to the 4 archaeological sites (Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay) and other Cusco sites. The Partial ticket costs S/.70 (foreigners) or S/.40 (students with ISIC card). Purchase it at the COSITUC office (Av. El Sol 103), OFEC offices, or at site entrances. It cannot be purchased online.
Are Cathedral and Qoricancha entrance fees separate?
Yes. The Cathedral has a separate entrance fee of S/.40 and Qoricancha S/.15. These are not included in the Tourist Ticket.
Is the morning or afternoon tour better?
We recommend the afternoon tour (1:00 PM). It allows you to rest and acclimatize during the morning, especially if you've just arrived in Cusco. Plus, the sunset light at Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara is spectacular for photos.
Will the altitude affect me?
The tour takes place between 3,400 and 3,700 meters above sea level. If you've just arrived from sea level, some fatigue is normal. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least one day before, drinking coca tea, staying well hydrated, eating light meals and avoiding alcohol on your first day.
Is the tour suitable for children and elderly?
Yes. Walks are short and easy. However, the terrain at archaeological sites is uneven with stairs, so people with severely reduced mobility may have difficulties.
Can I take photos inside the Cathedral?
Flash photography and tripods are not allowed inside the Cathedral or Qoricancha. However, non-flash photos are generally permitted. Check with your guide at the time of the visit.

Have questions?

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Starting from

US$10 per person
1 day (5 hours)
Cusco
Passengers
2
Total Price US$20
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