English, Quechua, and Spanish-speaking guide
Private tour (only for your group)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Wheelchair accessible
Check the Dates
This exclusive private Cusco city tour provides a rapid and rich introduction to the Imperial City’s two main historical eras. You will explore the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuaman and the ancient rituals at Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pukara. The tour concludes downtown with guided visits to the magnificent Cusco Cathedral and the sacred Koricancha.
Highlights:
- Explore five key sites: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pukara, and Koricancha.
- Visit the majestic Cusco Cathedral, home to impressive quantities of gold, silver, and colonial art.
- Enjoy the convenience of a private Cusco city tour with a dedicated van and driver.
- Benefit from personalized attention and historical interpretation from an expert guide.
- Your experience includes complimentary snacks.
About this tour:
This exclusive Private Cusco city tour offers the most comprehensive and personalized introduction to the Imperial City’s blended Inca and Colonial history in just four hours. Designed for maximum comfort, your private guide and driver will collect you directly from your hotel at your selected time in a dedicated van, ensuring a seamless experience.
The tour begins on the outskirts of the city, first visiting Sacsayhuaman, the massive military and ceremonial complex known for its staggering Inca architecture and engineering—a true masterpiece of stone. The journey continues to the tranquil Tambomachay, the “Temple of the Water,” renowned for its impressive ceremonial water fountains. Nearby, you will also explore the ancient Inca fortress of Puca Pukara. Before heading back downtown, you will explore Q’enqo, a fascinating rock formation and temple site dedicated to the Puma, where you will learn about Inca rituals, including the mummification process.
Returning to the city center, the focus shifts to the Colonial era, starting with the magnificent Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas. Inside, you can admire over 2,000 kilos of silver, 1,500 kilos of gold, and spectacular colonial paintings. The final stop is the iconic Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), located just two blocks from the main square, where the intricate Inca stone walls merge with the colonial Santo Domingo Convent, illustrating the clash of cultures.
This fully guided private city tour in Cusco is led by an expert guide (English, Spanish, and Quechua-speaking) and includes private transportation and complimentary snacks, making for an efficient and unforgettable experience before returning you to your accommodation.
Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private van
- Private tour guide
- Snacks
Essential Information:
- Time: Start time is customizable, as you select your preferred time during booking.
- Exclusions: Entrance fees are NOT included and must be paid on site. These include 70 soles for Sacsayhuaman (requires tourist ticket), 40 soles for the Cathedral, and 15 soles for Koricancha.
Activity provider: Andina Expeditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this private Cusco city tour include?
This is a highly personalized experience that includes a dedicated private van and driver, ensuring efficient and comfortable transport between all sites. You will be accompanied by an expert private guide who speaks English, Spanish, and Quechua. The price also covers convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and complimentary snacks throughout the 4-hour tour.
What is not covered by the tour price?
The tour price specifically excludes all entrance fees required for the guided visits. You must purchase the following tickets on-site:
- Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pukara: These sites require the Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket – Circuit I, which costs S/ 70.00 for foreigners (approx. $19 USD).
- Cusco Cathedral: Entrance fee is approximately S/ 40.00.
- Koricancha (Temple of the Sun): Entrance fee is approximately S/ 15.00.
Where and when does this private city tour in Cusco begin?
This private tour offers maximum flexibility: it begins with pickup directly from your hotel in Cusco, and the exact start time is customizable, usually available between 7:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The entire experience lasts 4 hours from pickup to drop-off.
What will I experience during this private Cusco city tour?
Your experience begins with a journey to the massive Inca complexes outside the city. You will explore the stunning architectural genius of Sacsayhuaman, the Temple of the Water (Tambomachay), the Inca fortress of Puca Pukara, and the ceremonial rock formations at Q’enqo, where you learn about ancient Inca rituals.
The tour then shifts to the heart of the city’s colonial history. You will be guided through the Cusco Cathedral, admiring its immense collection of gold, silver, and colonial paintings. The final stop is the sacred Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), where you witness the incredible fusion of perfectly cut Inca stone walls with the colonial Santo Domingo Convent.