CUSCO CITY TOUR

Altitude

3,800m / 12,467ft

Passengers

Nivel

easy

Duration

Days

Welcome to the fascinating Cusco City Tour!

Over the next few hours, we will embark on a journey through the living history of one of the most emblematic and enigmatic cities in the world: Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a melting pot of cultures that has left an indelible mark in its architecture, traditions and vibrant spirit.

Join us as we explore cobblestone streets, lively plazas and monuments that tell the story of an ancient civilization that still resonates in every corner of this city. From the majestic remains of ancient Inca constructions to imposing colonial churches, each step we take immerses us in a rich and complex past that has shaped Cusco’s present.

Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of the Plaza de Armas, the pulsating heart of the city, where Inca and colonial architecture converge in perfect harmony. We will discover the magnificent Cathedral, an architectural jewel that houses priceless artistic treasures, as well as the Temple of the Sun, known as Qorikancha, a sacred place that holds secrets of the Inca cosmovision.

Cusco is not only a city of historical monuments, but also a place where ancestral traditions are still alive in every festivity, in every dance and in every ceremony. It is a place where past and present merge in a unique way, creating an atmosphere that captivates all those who have the privilege of walking its streets.

So get ready to be carried away by the magic of Cusco as we explore its historical and cultural wonders in this exciting City Tour, let’s start this adventure together!

This short half-day tour is perfect for every kind of traveler. Remember that you can join our groups any time of the year, and get a fantastic exploration of the bewitching Cusco. We will pick you up at around noon in your accommodation and lead you to visit the closest tourist sites you can find there.

Cusco Cathedral

Starting in the heart of Cusco, our first stop is the Cusco Cathedral, located in the Main Square of the city and one of the most beautiful and renowned religious buildings in Peru. Inside, you will admire the precious colonial art pieces, and get involved in Cusco’s religious tradition.

Qorikancha. Temple of the Sun

Just a few minutes from the Main Square, we find the Qorikancha, a Quechua word that means Gold Palace, and it is also known as the Temple of the Sun. It is a colonial site constructed above the bases of an ancient Inca Palace. The Qorikancha is a must stop for every visitor coming to Cusco.

Inside this place, you will find smaller temples dedicated to the moon, sun and other astronomic deities. Also, you can visit its gardens, fountains, and colonial rooms full of art pieces.

Saqsayhuaman

It is located outside the city, at 2 km from the center of Cusco. Saqsayhuaman is the most popular destination in this region. In this site, you will see mega stones that the Incas used to make giant esplanades. Saqsayhuaman is a place that is highlighted for its ancient engineering masterpiece.

In this day tour, you will enjoy a guided excursion around the place, and enjoy the panoramic views of Cusco and its surrounding from the best rated viewpoints of Saqsayhuaman.

Qenqo

Qenqo is very close to Saqsayhuaman, and it is our next stop during the tour. Its name originates in Quechua as well, and means labyrinth because of its many subterranean passages between giant rocks, and zigzag marks on the stones. It is believed that Qenqo used to be a ceremonial sacrifice center.

Puca Pucará

Puca Pucara means Red Fortress in the language of the Incas, and its name comes from . It is another important stop for a city tour in Cusco, located near Qenqo and Saqsayhuaman.

Tambomachay

This is the final stop in this tour. The Tambomachay Archaeological complex is an Inca building constructed with aqueducts and fountains dedicated to water worship.

High Quality Service & Safety

Pre-departure briefing Phone Call

The evening before the tour, you will receive a phone call via WhatsApp from your guide, who will provide you with important information about your trip. To ensure that you receive all the necessary information, it is essential that you provide us with accurate and complete personal information.

Experienced Tour Guide

English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!

Medical Kit or First AID Kit

All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.

24/7 Customer Service

We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.

Transportation

Transport

All your transportation is included in this package. We will pick you up from your hotel to explore the city of Cusco. Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel.

Cusco Tourist Ticket

This ticket is necessary and allows you admission to many of the most popular attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including archaeological sites and museums.

From PEN 70.00 (US$ 20.00) to PEN 150.00 (US$ 45.00) per person.

Cusco’s Cathedral Entrance Ticket

Adult: PEN 40.00 (US$ 12.00)
Students and Children (11-17): PEN 25.00 (US$ 6.00)
Children (under 10): Free

Qoricancha Entrance Ticket

Adult: PEN 15.00 (US$ 5.00)
Students and Children (11-17): PEN 8.00 (US$ 3.00)
Children (under 10): Free

Travel Insurance

Tips for our staff

Tipping is the norm on any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome.

Additional costs or delays beyond our control

Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.