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Cusco City Tour Details

City Tours are a great way to get an introduction to the city’s history and culture. Cusco City, the ancient capital of Incas has mysteries hidden in almost every turn. Often the city is seen as a gateway to Sacred Valley of Incas and Machu Picchu. Cusco City Tour reveals the fact that its reputation as a jump-off point underscores its enduring popularity.

Cusco, was referred by Incas as Qosqo in Quechua which means the navel of the world. This is because the Inca empire was massive. Cusco was a strategic part of the empire, primarily because of its centric location.

On this half day tour, you will discover many astonishing facts. Some that only a handful of locals are aware of. The tour begins at the cathedral of Cusco. It then takes you to the ancient Inca temple of the sun – Coricancha (Santo Domingo Church).

You will then be visiting the prime four archaeological sites – Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

We highly recommend doing Cusco City Tour on your first day in the city. It would help you acclimatise to the altitude of Cusco. It would also serve as an introduction to Incas past. This would help you on your trip to Machu Picchu.

Departure & Return Location

Plaza De Armas Cusco (Google Map)

Departure Time

City tour cusco on the morning: 08:00 AM

City tour cusco on the afternoon: 01:00 PM

Price Includes

Bi-lingual Guide
All transportation

Price Excludes

Cusco Tourist Tickets
Meals

Recommended To Carry

Camera
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Peruvian Soles in cash

Itinerary

Cusco City Tour

Join Kawsay Travel Peru for a captivating journey through Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Our day begins at 8:00 AM, where we’ll conveniently meet you at your Cusco hotel. For those situated near the city center, we’ll embark on foot, immersing ourselves in the local scene. Should your accommodation be further afield, rest assured as we’ve arranged private transportation to ensure your comfort.

Our first destination is the iconic Plaza de Armas. Here, amidst the grandeur of the cathedral, you’ll experience the lively fusion of locals and visitors that defines this city’s spirit. This is the perfect moment to absorb the rich local history and architectural wonders that Cusco offers.

As we tread along the historic cobblestone paths once walked by the Incas, we’ll arrive at Coricancha, the revered Temple of the Sun. Your knowledgeable guide will unveil the layers of history, culture, and architectural ingenuity that mark this site, highlighting the dynamic between Incan traditions and Catholic influences.

By 9:30 AM, we’ll transition from foot to private transport for a scenic journey to Sacsayhuaman. This majestic citadel, perched on the city’s northern fringes, is not only a testament to Incan engineering but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you explore the ruins with your private guide, you’ll gain insights into the site’s historical significance, its architectural precision, and the symbolic narratives etched into its stones.

Our exploration concludes at 12:30 PM back at the vibrant heart of Cusco. We encourage you to indulge in the local culinary delights, with recommendations from our guide on how to further immerse yourself in the city’s offerings. Whether you’re interested in museums, shopping, relaxing massages, or savoring a Pisco Sour while enjoying live music, we ensure you’re well-equipped to enjoy the rest of your day in this enchanting city.

Places to visit in City Tour Cusco half day

Cusco Cathedral

It is an unmissable building right next to the main square – Plaza De Armas. It was once a site of the Royal Palace of Incas. On conquering Cusco, the Spanish troops demolished the palace and built the church on its remains.

Qorikancha

This was one of the most sacred Inca temples dedicated to the Sun. The patio was once full of statues made entirely of gold. When the Spanish kidnapped the Incan emperor, Athahualpa, they demanded a ransom for his release.

Most of the gold from Qorikancha was given to them for Atahualpa’s release. The Spanish rulers however, much to the colonial form, assassinated him on receiving their ransom.

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is one of the most visited sites off the city of Cusco. The beautiful stone fortress stands up the hill overlooking the city.

The Incas have built this quite skill-fully. They accurately carves the massive stones to fit perfectly without using any mortars.

It is a massive complex and houses many significant sites. However, it is still a mystery how the Incas carried these large stone blocks here.

Q’enqo

This was the site where the Incas did sacrificing and mummification of corpses.

Tambomachay

Tambomachay served as a spa to the elites of Incas. The natural spring water flows in even today from the nearby hot springs.

Puca Pucara

The name signifies the red colour of the rock at dusk. This is an interesting site which is located right in front of Tambomachay. The Inca military used Puca Pucara to safeguard Cusco from any intruders.

FAQs about the Cusco Half Day City Tour

What is the Cusco Half Day City Tour?

The Cusco Half Day City Tour is an immersive guided experience that takes you through the historic heart of Cusco, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the majestic ruins of Sacsayhuaman. This tour is designed to offer a deep dive into the rich history, culture, and architecture of the ancient Inca Empire and its Spanish colonial legacy.

How long does the tour last?

The tour is designed to last approximately 4.5 hours, starting at 8:00 AM and concluding around 12:30 PM.

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Cusco. For guests staying in the city center, the tour may start on foot, while those located further away will be provided with private transportation to the starting point.

What sites will we visit during the tour?

You will visit several key attractions, including the vibrant Plaza de Armas and its beautiful cathedral, the ancient streets of Cusco leading to Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman.

Is entry to all sites included in the tour price?

No, entry to all sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sacsayhuaman, is not included in the tour price. You have to buy a ticket call “Boleto Turistico – BTC” and you can use for more places to visit in Cusco.

What should I bring on the tour?

It’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a camera to capture the memorable sights. Depending on the season, you may also need a rain jacket.

Who will guide the tour?

The tour is led by an expert local guide, fluent in English and knowledgeable about the history, culture, and architecture of Cusco and the Inca Empire.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

Yes, private transportation is provided for parts of the tour that require travel outside the immediate city center, specifically to Sacsayhuaman.

Can the tour accommodate dietary restrictions for the street food tasting?

Yes, please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs during the street food tasting segment.

How can I book the Cusco Half Day City Tour and what is the cancellation policy?

You can book the tour directly through Kawsay Travel Peru’s website or by contacting our customer service. The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund. For cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour date, please refer to the specific terms and conditions provided at booking.

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1 Review

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Gerard

Group Traveller

he comprehensive insights shared by our guide about the city’s history and cultural heritage added a whole new layer of appreciation to the experience. We were taken to captivating historical sites and architectural marvels, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Cusco.

March 1, 2023

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Cusco City Tour (Half Day)

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