City Tour
Group size
Minimum 2 people
Maximum altitude
3650 m.s.n.m
Type of service
Group/Private
Transport
Bus
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
1 Day
Cusco City Tour – Half Day
Discover the living history of Cusco through an exciting City Tour covering 7 of the most significant sites in the capital of the Inca Empire.
The adventure begins in the Historic Center, where you will visit the impressive Cusco Cathedral, followed by Qoricancha, the legendary Inca Temple of the Sun, on top of which the Spanish built the Convent of Santo Domingo, a clear example of the encounter between two cultures.
In the second part of the tour, we head to the outskirts of the city to explore four remarkable Inca archaeological sites: Qenqo, Pukapukara, Tambomachay, and the main highlight of the tour, the majestic Sacsayhuamán Fortress, known for its enormous, perfectly fitted stone blocks, whose transport and carving remain a mystery to this day.
This is a half-day tour, perfect for acclimatization and getting to know the essentials of Cusco. It can be done in the morning or afternoon, according to your preference.
City Tour Trip Details
CITY TOUR IN CUSCO
(Daily departures: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
On this City Tour, you will explore the main historical and archaeological attractions of Cusco, combining Inca and colonial heritage in a half-day tour—perfect for acclimatizing and understanding the history of the capital of the Inca Empire.
Tour Itinerary
🔹 Cusco Cathedral – Plaza de Armas
We begin the tour visiting the impressive Cusco Cathedral (entrance: 40 soles cash – not included in the Tourist Ticket). This colonial masterpiece is a clear example of religious syncretism and houses valuable works of art from the Cusco School.
🔹 Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun
Next, we visit Qoricancha (entrance: 20 soles cash – not included in the Tourist Ticket), the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, later converted into the Convent of Santo Domingo. Here, you will learn about the fusion of Inca and Spanish architecture.
🔹 Sacsayhuamán
We travel by tourist transport to the majestic Sacsayhuamán Fortress, located on the outskirts of the city. Our guide will explain its history, ceremonial and military functions, and you will have time to explore the site.
🔹 Qenqo
Visit this Inca ceremonial center, famous for its passageways, rock-carved altars, and mystical character.
🔹 Puca Pucara
A small circular Inca military fortress used for control and surveillance purposes.
🔹 Tambomachay
Known as the Temple of Water, this site stands out for its ceremonial canals and fountains, associated with water worship and purification.
End of the Tour
The tour concludes near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, around 2:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m., depending on your chosen schedule.
📌 Duration: Half-day
📌 Ideal for: First day in Cusco, acclimatization, and culture
📌 Schedule: Morning or afternoon (your choice)
INCLUDES
Tourist transport by van
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
NOT INCLUDED
Cusco Tourist Ticket (S/ 70.00 – cash payment)
Entrance to Cusco Cathedral (S/ 40.00 – optional, cash payment)
Entrance to Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun (S/ 20.00 – optional, cash payment)
📌 Tickets are paid directly at the sites and are not included in the tour price.
WHAT TO BRING
Small backpack for personal items
Cash in soles for tickets and additional expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
Comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (trekking boots recommended)
Rain poncho (rainy season: October to April)
Sunscreen
Water (1.5 liters per person)
Sunglasses
Scarf or hat for sun protection
Warm jacket for the afternoon or wind
Personal medications
DO I HAVE TO WALK A LOT ON THIS TOUR?
No. Walking is minimal and very easy. There is only a short walk between the Cathedral and Qoricancha (approximately 10 minutes). At Sacsayhuamán, walking occurs within the archaeological site at a relaxed pace, and each visitor can move at their own comfort level.
Overall, the tour does not require significant physical effort and is ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. Additionally, we use a tourist van for transfers between sites, making the tour more comfortable and efficient.
This way, we can easily visit the archaeological sites outside the city, such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Our professional guide will accompany you at all times, providing detailed information and support throughout the tour.
WHY IS THE TOURIST TICKET NOT INCLUDED?
The Tourist Ticket is personal and cannot be purchased in advance. Each traveler has different interests, and some sites may not be mandatory for everyone, so the cost is not included in the tour price.
This allows you to choose which sites to visit and pay only for the entries you will actually use, creating a more flexible and personalized experience.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS CITY TOUR AND THE PANORAMIC BUS TOUR?
The City Tour offers a more complete and detailed experience. At each site, you get off the vehicle, visit the location, and explore with time, accompanied by a professional guide who explains the history, culture, and significance of each point.
In contrast, the panoramic bus tour mainly provides general views without stopping or going in-depth at the attractions.
Therefore, the City Tour is ideal for those who want to experience Cusco in a more authentic and enriching way.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour departure are eligible for a full refund. If canceled within 24 hours prior to the service, a penalty of 100% of the paid amount will apply.
Regarding rescheduling, requests can be made up to 5 days before the scheduled tour date at no additional cost. This date-change policy is valid until December 31, 2026.
Please note that itineraries may be modified due to weather conditions, technical reasons, or force majeure. If any changes occur, the travel agency will notify the passenger promptly and, if possible, offer suitable alternatives to ensure the best experience.
MAPA DE CITY TOUR CUSCO
From
$15
per person
- 100% Secure Payment
