Cusco City Tour
Half-day tour of the Inca capital and its sacred sites
Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay with a certified guide and entrance tickets included.
45 USD
per person
Half day · morning or afternoon shift
Reference image
Schedule
Morning or afternoon
Format
Guided bus tour
Sites
5 historic sites
Duration
Approx. 5.5 hours
The experience
The Inca capital, from its sacred heart to its hills.
Cusco was the heart of the Inca Empire, and its history is written in stone: in temples that survived the conquest, in walls held together without mortar and in sanctuaries carved directly into the mountain.
The tour begins at the Qoricancha, the empire's most sacred temple, where a Spanish convent rises over flawless Inca foundations: two worlds meeting in a single building.
From there, we head up into the hills that guard the city. At Sacsayhuamán, colossal zigzagging walls of stones weighing over 120 tons frame your first great panoramic view of Cusco. Next comes Q'enqo, a ceremonial center carved into the rock, with its mysterious underground chamber.
The route ends at Puka Pukara, the red fortress that guarded the roads into the capital, and at Tambomachay, where Inca fountains still flow with crystal-clear water, before heading back to the historic center.
Half a day to understand why Cusco was the heart of the Inca world.
Highlights
Why you'll love it.
01
Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun
The most sacred temple of the Incas, with a colonial convent built on its stones.
02
The giant walls of Sacsayhuamán
Zigzagging walls of stones weighing over 120 tons and a panoramic view of Cusco.
03
The mysteries of Q'enqo
A ceremonial center carved into rock, with a secret underground chamber.
04
Puka Pukara and Tambomachay
The red fortress and Inca fountains that still flow with crystal-clear water.
05
Morning or afternoon
Choose the shift that suits your plans; both visit the same five sites.
06
Tickets and guide included
Cusco Tourist Ticket, Qoricancha entrance and a certified local guide.
Itinerary · Half day
Two shifts, the same five wonders.
Each step shows the morning shift first and the afternoon shift second. Times are approximate.
Step
01
Hotel pick-up (historic center only)
The tourist minivan picks you up at your hotel in the historic center. We meet the group and begin the tour.
- Pick-up in the historic center
- Morning or afternoon shift
Step
02
Temple of the Sun and Santo Domingo Convent (Qoricancha)
The tour begins at the Qoricancha, the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, on whose perfectly polished stone foundations the Spanish built the Dominican convent. A striking cultural and architectural encounter.
- The most sacred Inca temple
- Colonial Dominican convent
Step
03
Transfer to the upper archaeological area
Board the transport to leave the city and head up into the hills that guard Cusco (about a 15 to 20-minute drive).
- 15 to 20-minute drive
Step
04
Sacsayhuamán megalithic fortress
Guided exploration of Sacsayhuamán, famous for its colossal zigzagging stone walls, with blocks weighing more than 120 tons. From here you'll enjoy your first spectacular panoramic view of all of Cusco.
- Zigzagging megalithic walls
- Blocks of over 120 tons
- Panoramic view of Cusco
Step
05
Transfer to the mystical temple of Q'enqo
A very short bus ride of just 5 minutes.
- 5-minute bus ride
Step
06
Q'enqo labyrinth and sacrificial altar
Visit Q'enqo, a ceremonial center carved into a giant limestone rock. You'll enter its secret underground chamber, where the Incas are believed to have performed embalming or sacred rituals.
- Ceremonial center carved in rock
- Secret underground chamber
Step
07
Transfer to the red fortress
We continue climbing along the road toward the outskirts of the city.
- Short drive uphill
Step
08
Puka Pukara (the Red Fortress)
A short walk and guided visit at Puka Pukara, a military and control site that guarded the approaches to the imperial capital. Its stones take on a characteristic reddish hue at sunset.
- Inca military checkpoint
- Reddish stones at sunset
Step
09
Tambomachay, the Temple of Water
Right across from Puka Pukara, explore Tambomachay, a site devoted to the worship of water and a bath for the Inca elite, where stone aqueducts and fountains still flow with crystal-clear water and perfect architectural precision.
- Sacred water site
- Inca aqueducts and fountains
Step
10
Return to the historic center
Head back down by bus to Cusco's historic center. On the afternoon shift, the city begins to light up in gold as you descend.
- Descent into Cusco
Step
11
Arrival in Cusco
Drop-off in the center, usually one block from the Plaza de Armas. The perfect moment for lunch or dinner.
- Drop-off near the Plaza de Armas
What's included
Everything you need for the tour.
Included
Pick-up at the Plaza de Armas.
Tourist transportation throughout the experience.
Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).
Entrance ticket to the Qoricancha Temple.
Professional certified local tour guide.
Ongoing assistance.
Not included
Breakfast or lunch.
Tips or personal expenses.
Transportation from hotels outside Cusco's historic center.
Before you go
Key tips for your city tour.
Strong sun protection
Especially on the morning shift, UV radiation in Cusco is extremely high due to the altitude. Sunscreen, a cap or hat and sunglasses are a must.
Dress in layers and bring a jacket
Early mornings can feel cold, and the sun warms things up quickly from around 10:00 AM. On the afternoon shift, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay are visited late in the day, at higher altitude and in open terrain, where the cold Andean wind is strong. A good jacket or windbreaker is essential.
Eat well before the tour
Have a good breakfast (or lunch, if you take the afternoon shift) before setting out: some of the archaeological sites in the upper area are more than 3,600 meters above sea level.
Bring cash in soles
As on other routes, local businesses don't accept credit cards or US dollars. Bring enough local cash for snacks or anything else you'd like to buy.
FAQ
What travelers often ask us.
Which places will we visit?
The Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Is there a morning and an afternoon shift?
Yes. The morning shift starts with pick-up between 8:50 and 9:00 AM and ends around 2:25 PM. The afternoon shift starts between 12:50 and 1:00 PM and ends around 6:25 PM.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes. The price includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket and the entrance ticket to the Qoricancha.
Are meals included?
No. Breakfast and lunch are not included, so we recommend eating well before the tour.
Which shift should I choose?
Both shifts visit the same five sites. The morning has more intense sun, while the afternoon brings golden light at Puka Pukara and colder wind at the upper sites.
Is the tour physically demanding?
The walks are short, but some sites are above 3,600 meters, so take it slowly and stay hydrated.
Where are pick-up and drop-off?
Pick-up is in Cusco's historic center, and the tour ends about one block from the Plaza de Armas.
What does the 45 USD price include?
Pick-up, tourist transportation throughout the tour, the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the Qoricancha entrance, a certified local guide and ongoing assistance. Meals, tips and personal expenses are not included.
Gallery
Moments in the Inca capital.
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