City Tour Cusco Half day
The Cusco City Tour is a captivating journey through the heart of the ancient Inca capital, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Explore iconic sites such as the majestic Cathedral of Cusco (optional), the sacred Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), and the impressive archaeological ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, and Tambomachay. This half-day tour provides a deep insight into the rich heritage of the Incas and their remarkable engineering, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andean landscape. Perfect for history lovers and cultural enthusiasts!
DURATION
Half day
Activity Level
Light
Group Size
15 Person
Transportation
Complete transfer
Max altitude
3500 m / 11,1482 feet
- Cusco
The Cusco City Tour is a half-day exploration of the most iconic landmarks in the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Visit the awe-inspiring Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress, the intriguing ruins of Q’enqo and Tambomachay, and optionally, the magnificent Cusco Cathedral. This tour offers a perfect introduction to Cusco’s rich history, fascinating culture, and stunning Inca architecture, all while surrounded by the beauty of the Andes.
Timeline
Itinerary in hours
- 1:00 PM: Hotel pickup and tour begins.
- 1:20 PM – 1:50 PM: Optional visit to the Cusco Cathedral (Church of the Sagrada Familia).
- 2:00 PM – 2:40 PM: Visit to the Temple of the Sun – Qoricancha.
- 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM: Explore the impressive Sacsayhuaman ruins.
- 4:10 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit the caves and altar at the Q’enqo ruins.
- 4:50 PM – 5:20 PM: Tour of Tambomachay, known for its fountains and Inca rituals.
- 5:30 PM: Return to the hotel and end of the tour.
Details
City tour Cusco
Descriptive itinerary
The Cusco city tour begins with pickup at your respective hotel in the afternoon, starting at 1:00 PM. Then we visited the following tourist places.
Optionally, we visit the Cathedral of Cusco, also known as the Church of the Sagrada Familia. After exploring the most outstanding ruins that the city of Cusco offers, we headed to the majestic Temple of the Sun, known as the Qoricancha or Golden Enclosure. The Qoricancha is located in the city of Cusco, a few meters from the Plaza de Armas .
This magnificent temple is considered one of the most sacred and impressive buildings that the Inca lords had. It is said that it housed a select group of Inca priests, in charge of worshiping the moon and the sun god. When the conquistadors arrived at Qoricancha, they found walls covered in solid gold and so many gold ornaments and jewelry that it took them weeks to melt it all down to send to Spain.
Then we head to the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca construction located north of the city. Sacsayhuaman is one of the most significant archaeological legacies of Cusco, due to its enormous construction made up of gigantic stone blocks. It is estimated that the construction of Sacsayhuaman lasted more than 50 years and that more than 20,000 men were used in its construction.
We will continue our tour to the ruins of Q’enqo, cold caves carved by the Incas where you can see a small altar where it is believed that the Incas mummified their dead. Afterwards, we will visit the ruins of Tambomachay, a beautiful place where water emerges from a hill towards fountains built by the Incas. It is said that the Inca emperor came here to take baths and perform religious worship in the water.
Finally, we conclude the excursion.
Included
- Transfer at 4:00 am from your hotel to Ollantaytambo by private van.
- Full transportation throughout the tour
- Tourist ticket
Not included
- Tips for your guide.
- Meals
10 people interested
Local Company
Elvis Adventures is a destination management company based in Cuzco (Peru). They are led by a team with years of experience in inbound tourism in Southern Peru. Their main objective is to provide the best service in the organization and offer memorable experiences to their clients. Elvis Adventures staff is well equipped to assist you, as your trip will be handled by their excellent and dedicated staff and partners around the world. They are willing to work as a team to guarantee you the best possible travel experience.
Cancellation policy
Refund of deposits
We will hold your place for you as soon as you make your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will not be able to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully paid trips
You can change or cancel your trip up to 1 month in advance for a refund. After this period, no refunds will be issued. You can change or cancel your trip by contacting us through the various means listed on the website.
Included
- Transfer at 4:00 am from your hotel to Ollantaytambo by private van.
- Full transportation throughout the tour
- Tourist ticket
Not included
- Tips for your guide.
- Meals
FAQ
What should I bring for the City Tour?
It’s recommended to bring:
- A valid tourist ticket (Boleto Turístico) or money for entrance fees.
- A small backpack.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A rain jacket (depending on the season).
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Bottled water and snacks.
Do I need to purchase entrance tickets for the attractions?
Yes, entrance fees are required for most sites:
- Qoricancha: Around S/15 (Peruvian soles).
- Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, and Tambomachay: Included in the Boleto Turístico, which costs S/70 (partial) or S/130 (full).
How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, particularly at Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. Be prepared for some uphill paths and stairs.
What is the best time of year to take the City Tour?
The dry season (May to October) offers the best weather for sightseeing, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. However, the tour runs year-round, even during the rainy season (November to April).
USD 25
Per person