English and Spanish-speaking guide
Audioguide included (English and Spanish)
Group tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Check the Dates
This half-day city tour in Cusco offers a deep dive into the historical heart of the Inca Empire, covering both the colonial center and four major archaeological sites. You will explore the golden foundations of Qoricancha, the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and the sacred fountains of Tambomachay. With a professional guide leading the way, this 6-hour expedition is the ideal introduction to Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.
Highlights:
- Marvel at the massive, zigzagging megalithic walls of the Sacsayhuaman fortress.
- Explore Qoricancha, the Sun Temple, where Inca stonework meets Spanish colonial church.
- Discover the mysterious limestone altars and subterranean tunnels of the Qenqo complex.
- Witness the strategic “Red Fortress” of Puka Pukara and its panoramic mountain views.
- Conclude your tour in the main square, perfect for trying local street food or shopping.
About this tour:
This half-day city tour in Cusco is a comprehensive 6-hour journey designed to reveal the layers of history that make the Imperial City a UNESCO World Heritage site. By combining walking segments through the ancient stone streets of the historic center with a scenic bus circuit to the hilltop ruins, this tour provides a perfect introduction to both Incan engineering and Spanish colonial grandeur.
The adventure begins at the vibrant Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the iconic Cusco Cathedral to admire its collection of colonial art and architecture. From the main square, you will walk through narrow Incan corridors to reach Qoricancha, or The Temple of the Sun. Here, your professional bilingual guide will explain the fascinating “clash of cultures,” showcasing how the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo directly upon the most sacred gold-lined walls of the Incan Empire.
The second half of this Cusco half-day city tour takes you just outside the city limits to explore the massive megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman. After a guided tour of its zigzagging walls and panoramic city views, you will continue the circuit to the limestone altars of Qenqo, the strategic reddish fortress of Puka Pukara, and finally Tambomachay. Known as the Temple of Water, Tambomachay features impressive stone fountains that still flow today. The tour concludes back in the heart of Cusco, leaving you perfectly positioned to explore the local markets or enjoy a traditional meal.
Included:
- Transportation: Tourist transportation (bus/minivan) for the archaeological circuit.
- Personnel: Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
- Audio Guide: Included audio guide available in English and Spanish.
- Pickup: Available for selected hotels (must be coordinated at booking).
Essential Information:
- Departure Times: Morning shift (9:00 AM) or afternoon shift (1:00 PM).
- Exclusions: Entrance fees are NOT included and must be paid in cash. This includes the Cathedral (S/ 40), Qoricancha (S/ 20), and the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for the hilltop ruins (S/ 70).
- Meeting Point: For those not using pickup, the meeting point is at the monument to the Inca in the Plaza de Armas.
- Recommendations: Bring your passport or ID card, plenty of cash in local currency (soles) for entrance fees, and a camera.
Activity provider: Libertrek Peru Travel Agency
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this half-day city tour in Cusco include?
This comprehensive 6-hour excursion provides round-trip tourist transportation for the archaeological circuit, moving you comfortably between the city center and the outlying ruins. You will be accompanied by a professional bilingual guide who offers expert commentary in English and Spanish at all six major stops. Additionally, an audio guide is included to provide further historical depth as you explore the cathedral and temples.
What is not covered by the tour price?
The tour price does not include entrance fees, which must be paid in cash in local currency (soles) on the day of the trip. You will need to budget for the Cusco Cathedral (approx. S/ 40), the Qoricancha Sun Temple (approx. S/ 20), and the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for the hilltop archaeological sites (approx. S/ 70). Optional tips for the guide and driver, as well as meals and personal snacks, are also excluded.
Where and when does this Cusco half-day city tour begin?
The tour offers two daily departures, with a morning shift starting at 9:00 AM and an afternoon shift starting at 1:00 PM. For those not utilizing the hotel pickup service, the group meets at the monument to the Inca located in the center of the Plaza de Armas. We recommend arriving at the meeting point 15 minutes early to ensure a prompt departure for the first site.
What should I bring for this tour?
It is essential to carry your original passport or national ID card, as you will need to present it to purchase your entrance tickets at the various sites. We recommend bringing a daypack with a reusable water bottle, high-SPF sunscreen, and a sun hat to protect against the intense high-altitude UV rays. You should also carry enough cash in soles for all entry fees, as many ticket offices do not accept credit cards.
What will I experience during this half-day city tour around Cusco?
You will experience a captivating journey through the “clash of cultures” that defines Cusco, starting with a visit to the opulent Cusco Cathedral and its incredible collection of colonial art. As you walk through ancient Inca corridors to reach Qoricancha, you will witness firsthand how Spanish colonial structures were built directly atop the polished, earthquake-proof golden walls of the original Sun Temple. The transition from the ornate Catholic interiors to the minimalist precision of Inca stonework provides a powerful visual history of the city’s transformation.
The adventure continues as you head into the hills to experience the megalithic grandeur of Sacsayhuaman, where massive stones weighing over 100 tons are fitted together with staggering precision. You will explore the mystical limestone tunnels of Qenqo, see the strategic reddish stone walls of the Puka Pukara fortress, and visit the serene water fountains of Tambomachay. Throughout the 6-hour circuit, you will enjoy panoramic views of the red-roofed city and gain a deep understanding of why Cusco remains the archaeological capital of the Americas.