+51 942 097 720 info@peruancestralpaths Via A.H. Virgen del Rosario G-2 Cusco – San Jerónimo, Cusco, Peru
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Cusco City Tour – City Tour Cusco Half Day

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Tour Details

A Cusco City Tour with Peru Ancestral Paths is one of the most fundamental experiences. Discover the capital of the ancient Inca empire. Your adventure will begin at the iconic Plaza de Armas. This is a truly historical point. 

Cusco’s Main Square witnessed Inca ceremonies. The city center is also a hub where culture converges. Our Guided tour is a way of familiarizing with the area for further exploration. It also is an introduction to Cusco’s history.

Our local tour guide will lead you through the beautiful city center. This City Tour Cusco will show you the more important Inca sites. In the city center itself as well as in the outskirts. 

This Cusco city tour is an educational experience while exploring the city. The inca sites here, once were as impressive as Machu Picchu. Today the remains are part of the everyday life of locals. This gives the city center a unique look and feel.

Peru Ancestral paths will take you to the main church. The legendary Cusco Cathedral will be one of our destinations. Its interior guards paintings and decorations from colonial times.

Further from its role as a church, it is like a museum. The architecture on the outside and the artistry on the inside make it unique. Enjoy the baroque art and the gold leaf ornaments.

Another destination is Koricancha. The temple of the Sun. The ancient religious center of the empire. You will learn about the Inca’s spiritual beliefs. On top of it, we find the Santo Domingo Church. Its main cupula is a site to behold. The colonial church and the ancient temple are now one complex.

The journey will then take you to Sacsayhuaman, a sprawling stone complex with a panoramic view of Cusco. This archaeological site shows the power of Inca engineering.

Going a little further in the Cusco’ countryside we’ll explore other sites. Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay are smaller sites but they all are unique. Sacsayhuaman Qenqo is the typical route, but we’ll take you further.

The tour takes 4 hours. You can take it during the day or the evening. This day’s city tour is relaxing and enlightening. This is the perfect activity if you have jet lag or you are acclimatizing before going to Rainbow Mountain.

You don’t need a 24 hours tour to enjoy the best of Cusco. The views of Cusco are photo worthy. Whether you’re a history buff or cultural enthusiast, Cusco city tour offers a glimpse into South America’s greatest empire. 

Book your tour in Cusco with Peru Ancestral Paths and get ready for a day of exploration and discovery! This city tour Cusco will amaze you!

Highlights

  • Starting Altitude: 3,400 meters – 11,155 ft (City of Cusco)
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,700 meters – 12,140 ft (at Sacsayhuaman)
  • Total Distance of the Tour: Approximately 5 kilometers
  • Average Highest Temperature: 20°C (68°F)
  • Average Lowest Temperature: 1°C (34°F)
  • Meals Included: None (snacks and beverages can be purchased)
  • Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate (due to altitude)

Key Attractions and Activities:

  • Plaza de Armas: The historic heart of Cusco, surrounded by colonial buildings and churches.
  • Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha): A testament to Incan architectural skill and religious significance.
  • Sacsayhuaman: An impressive archaeological site. One of the biggest in Cusco.
  • Qenqo: A ceremonial site used by the Incas for rituals.

Puca Pucara and Tambomachay: Ancient military ruins and ceremonial bath sites, showcasing Inca engineering.

Include

  • Guided tour of Cusco
  • Entrance to all mentioned sites
  • Professional bilingual tour guide
  • Round-trip transportation from city center
  • Hotel pick up (from Cusco hotel)

Exclude

  • Meals and beverages
  • Tips for the tour guide
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Souvenirs
  • Additional activities not specified in the tour

Recommendations

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Warm jacket or sweater
  • Raincoat or poncho (especially during rainy season)
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Small backpack for personal items
  • Snacks
Itinerary

Day 1Discovering the Heart of Cusco

Your Cusco city tour with Peru Ancestral Paths kicks off at 9:00 am or 2:30 pm, after a Hotel pick up.  We’ll start at the Cusco’ Cathedral. You will witness part of the 300 paintings that reside here.  

Our tour guide will show you the beautiful decor of this baroque building. Here you can see the andean influence in colonial art. Learn about the Escuela Cusqueña art.

After that we’ll visit the Koricancha (Qoricancha or Coricancha sometimes). Its name in all its forms means Temple of the Sun. It was built before the Inca empire was completely formed. In its apogee, it was an important center for the diplomacy of the empire. Guarding the gods and idols form all the people assimilated into the Inca empire.

During the Spanish conquest this important center had to be put in service of the church. The church of Santo Domingo was built on top of it. This was a sign of the triumph of the catholic faith. But with time and the combinations of cultures, it became a symbol of the city. In the bases the andean culture, and in the top the influence of the occidental world.

Next in Our city tour, we’ll leave the historical city center. In the same route to the Sacred Valley, but not completely leaving the city. The visit to Saqsayhuaman begins. Its name means “The head of the Puma”. In Inca Times the city was puma shaped. And this complex of Sacsayhumana was its head.

The stone walls here are more ancient than the ones in Cusco’s streets. The rock bloques are giant. It’s believed that this archaeological site served as a place to pray for fertility. 

On the anniversary of the city, Saqsayhumana becomes the scenario for the massive celebration of the Inti Raymi.

Our next stop is 10 to 15 minutes away. Qenqo is a temple or ceremonial place. The main structure is an altar carved in stone. This ritual place was for the Pachamama (mother earth).

Our next place is a little further way. Puca Pucara was a tambo. A tambo  was a place in the Inca Trail (the original ancient net of paths) to rest and to replenish resources. Tambos were also control points. This shows the organization and functioning of the Inca empire.

The last visit of the day will be Tambomachay. 7 km away from Cusco City. This was a ceremonial place dedicated to Unu (water). This also was a tambo, but possibly one for the Inca class. This place has ancient still functioning fountains. 

Peru Ancestral path hope you enjoy the Cusco city tour. We work so you’ll have the best experience possible in this wonderful city.

Useful Information

Information

  • Best Time to Visit: The ideal months for this tour are May through September. These months offer the best weather across the regions you will visit.
  • Altitude Sickness: Be aware that parts of  Cusco City Tour involve high altitudes. Cusco itself has a high altitude. Acclimatize gradually to avoid altitude sickness. Consider spending a few days in The Sacred Valley or Arequipa.
  • Safety Precautions: Always follow your guide’s advice, particularly during treks and city tours. Keep your belongings in your sight.
  • Health and Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers health issues and unexpected events. Health facilities may vary outside major cities. Cusco is considered a major city, you’ll be fine on this tour.
  • Local Regulations: Respect local customs and regulations. This includes dress codes in religious sites and photography restrictions at archaeological sites during your City Tour Cusco.
  • Packing Essentials: Pack for varied climates as temperatures can change dramatically, all year. In the dry season expect drastic temperature changes.  In the wet season expect sudden rain showers of different intensity.
  • For further exploration: Consider buying the “Boleto Turistico del Cusco” An access pass to different Inca sites and museums. The cost is 75 UDS per person for foreign visitors. This can only be purchased in Cusco. You can use this pass at your leisure for 10 days.
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1 Review
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Sophie Müller

Solo Traveller

A captivating glimpse into history! The Cusco City Tour Half Day was a delightful exploration of the heart of the Inca Empire. From the majestic Plaza de Armas to the fascinating ruins of Sacsayhuamán, every stop offered a deeper understanding of Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.

February 2, 2024