Cusco City Tour and Sacsayhuaman

Cusco City Tour will show you the best choice to visit Cusco city and 4 ruins around Cusco. Cusco's setting is one of breathtaking beauty the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Andes rising above the warm colors of the Cusco valley and Sacred valley Tour.

The Cusco City is one of Peru's greatest treasures, seat of the ancient Inca culture, Cusco is home to many of the country's most splendid examples of pre-colombian art and architecture, many of its building rest upon Inca foundations.

It is also rich in Peru's vibrant living heritage, the culture of the Quechua or Inca, many of whom maintain essentially the same way of life They have known for thousands of years.

Cusco is a worthy destination in itself, some visitors only spend a few days exploring the city and its surrounding on their way before the tour to Machu Picchu, but even if your time is limited, keep in mind that a visit to Cusco is best approached at a leisurely pace.

You can get the most out of your stay if you take it slow, giving yourself at least a day to adjust to the altitude, as well as the lifestyle in Cusco.

Cusco City Tour Overview

Departure times: In the morning and in the afternoon.
Morning pick-up times: We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:50 AM.
Afternoon pick-up times: We will pick you up from your hotel at 12:50 PM.
Places to Visit: The Cathedral of Cusco, the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Pucapucara, and the Inca Baths (Tambomachay).
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Maximum Height (Tambomachay): 3 700 m.s.n.m. / 12 139 feet.
Minimum Height (Cathedral of Cusco) : 3 400 m.s.n.m. / 1 1154 feet.
Ubicación: Located to the northeast of the city of Cusco.
Tour Duration: 4:30 hours to 5 hours.
Temporada de Visita: Todo el año.
Nivel del Tour: Facil.
End of Tour: We will return to Cusco between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Cusco City Tour Itinerary

Cusco City Tour is the traditional trip where We will visit Cusco City and 4 Ruins around Cusco, It is a daily trip, you can take the trip in the morning or afternoon, the pick up in the morning is 8:50 am from your hotel and the tour last are 4 hours, and the pick up in the afternoon is 12:50 pm from your hotel and the tour last are 4 hours.

The Cusco City ruins Tour begins in the city centre with visits to the impressive Cathedral of Cusco and the remains of the Incan temple Qoricancha. From here we go by bus to visit the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Quenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay just outside the city.

The mystery of the ancient city beckons. Don't be afraid to answer it, get off the beaten path explore and enjoy.

Cathedral of Cusco

The Cathedral dominates Cusco's main square and covers the remains of the famous Inca Wiracocha Palace (Kiswar Kancha).

The Construction commenced in 1559 and it took almost a hundred years to complete the work, nowadays the cathedral is impressive and imposing.

The Cathedral contains one of the city greatest collections of colonial art with nearly 300 colonial paintings including, The Last Supper by Marcos Zapata which depicts Christ and the Apostles having a typical Cusqueñan supper of guinea pig with a glass of chicha! In the sacristy there is a painting of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, attributed to the Flemish painter Van Dyke.

Ten smaller chapels surround the nave - the Chapel of El Señor de los Temblores (The Lord of the Earthquakes) and Immaculate Conception are worth a look.

Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

Qoricancha, this temple was dedicated to the Sun, its walls were entirely covered with sheets of gold, and today its fine and unique constructions are still intact. In the Incas time, Qoricancha was the center of the center, located in the lower part of the city Hurin Qosqo.

It was without a doubt the richest palace in the Inca Culture, It was a place where all the divinities were hallowed, after the arrival of the Spaniards, it was awarded to the Dominican order soon after the conquest. They built the church and convent of Santo Domingo onto walls, Often substituting them.

Arqueological Park of Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman means "speckled falcon", One of the great feats of Inca engineering, it is a large complex situated on top of the hills.

Based on enormous blocks of calcareous rocks measuring more then 9 meters in height , they are made all the more fascinating by the high level of precision with which the blocks are joined, This site took around 100 years to construct. The Incas learned the carving of stones from the Tiahuanaco culture that developed in the Peruvian-Bolivian highlands where we found Lake Titicaca.

The enormous complex has squares, streets, amphitheaters, buildings, fountains, agricultural zones and temples.

Qenqo Ceremonial and Sacrifices Cave

Qenqo was one of the places of worship of the city. Qenqo means is labyrinth in Quechua, when you arrival you notice a large outcrop of rocks emerging from a rectangular Puma. The sculpture was partially destroyed by the Spanish during the period known as the destruction which were used for storing mummies and sculptures representing Gods.

Within the rocky area there is a man cave shaped in the form of a llamas head, here We will find a ceremonial rock table where animals would have been slaughtered exterior area there is a bowl sculpted out of the rock used to hold the blood of the sacrificial animals which Inca priest predicted the future.

Puka Pukara Red Fortress

Puka Pukara means is Red Fortress in Quechua, it is a rough, the name was given due to its location as it served as control point for the entrance and exit from Cusco.

Puka Pukara are attractive with a variety rooms, interior places, ritual baths, aqueducts and communicate with Tambomachay from the highest point.

Tambomachay Inca springs

Tambomachay means is Mach'ay means cave, and Tampu means station, a stations where the inca could relax and be purified. The ruins comprise four terrace shaped walls. The higher two are of superior quality and were built with stones of varying dimensions.

The upper wall has four niches that were possibly used to place the mummies of the last Inca rulers, seated in their benches. Tambomachay was a place of worship, of ritual purification for the panaqa in preparation for ceremonies intimately tied to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Include

Professional Guide.
Tourist transportation.
Visit the Cathedral of Cusco, the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Pucapucará, and Tambomachay.

Not Include

Meals
All entrance fees to the Cathedral of Cusco, the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Pucapucará, and Tambomachay, Most attractions are included in the Boleto Turístico.
Services not mentioned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What places are visited during the City Tour in Cusco?

The City Tour in Cusco includes a guided visit through the main historical and archaeological attractions of the city. It starts at the majestic Cathedral of Cusco, a jewel of colonial art, followed by the Temple of the Sun, known as Qoricancha. The tour continues to the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán, famous for its massive stone walls, and then to Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, located on the outskirts of the city. Each stop offers a unique combination of history, spirituality, and Inca architecture.

How long does the tour last and what are the available schedules?

The City Tour in Cusco lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours. There are two daily schedules: morning (starting at 9:00 a.m.) and afternoon (starting at 12:50 p.m.). In both cases, hotel pick-up and tourist transportation are included. This flexibility allows travelers to choose the most convenient time, especially if they want to combine this tour with other activities in the city.

What is included in the City Tour in Cusco?

The service includes tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English), and guided visits to the main attractions: Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Entrance tickets and meals are not included, but the guide will explain where and how to buy them. Everything is designed to offer a comfortable and culturally enriching experience.

Are additional entrance tickets required for the archaeological sites?

Yes. Entrance tickets are not included in the tour price. You will need the Partial or General Tourist Ticket to access the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Separate entrance fees are required for the Cathedral and Qoricancha. Prices vary depending on nationality and type of ticket, but your guide will assist you with all the necessary information before the tour begins.

What is the level of difficulty and do I need to be in good physical condition?

The City Tour in Cusco is considered easy and suitable for all types of travelers, including families with children and seniors. The walking sections are short and taken at a relaxed pace. However, since Cusco is located at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet (3,400 meters), it is recommended to acclimatize for at least one day before the tour to avoid altitude sickness. Bringing water, sunscreen, and wearing comfortable clothing will help you enjoy the experience without any issues.

What is the best time of year to do the City Tour in Cusco?

The City Tour in Cusco can be done all year round. However, the dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit, as it offers sunny days and clear skies perfect for sightseeing and photography. During the rainy season (November to March), weather can be more unpredictable, but the landscapes are greener, and there are fewer crowds, making for a more peaceful experience.

What should I bring for the tour?

We recommend bringing a small backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat or cap, sunglasses, a light jacket or rain poncho, a camera, and your entrance tickets. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for walking around archaeological areas. The weather in Cusco can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared for both sunny and cool conditions.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pick-up is included if your accommodation is located within Cusco’s historic center. For hotels outside this area, a nearby meeting point will be coordinated. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off near the main square or a convenient location along the route. This service is designed to make the tour easy and stress-free for all travelers.

Should I book the tour in advance?

It’s highly recommended to book your City Tour in advance, especially during the high season (June to September) when Cusco welcomes many visitors. This guarantees your spot and allows us to coordinate pick-up details smoothly. However, during the low season, last-minute bookings are often available. You can easily reserve through WhatsApp or email and receive confirmation with all the tour details.

Is the tour private or shared?

The City Tour in Cusco is available in both shared and private options. The shared group tour allows you to meet other travelers and is more budget-friendly, while the private tour offers a personalized experience with flexible timing and one-on-one attention from the guide. Both options include professional guides and comfortable transportation, ensuring a high-quality cultural experience.