CITY TOUR CUSCO

Historical and Archaeological Tour in Cusco

The Cusco City tour offers 2 starting times in the morning (08:00 h) and in the afternoon (12:00 h).

For the start of the tour you will be picked up from your hotel in the city of Cusco to start the tour with the following places to visit:

1. Qoricancha - Temple of the Sun

The most sacred temple of the Inca empire, built by Pachacutec and today occupied by the convent of Santo Domingo.

2. Sacsayhuaman

Impressive megalithic stone fortress. Here the Inti Raymi, the Feast of the Sun, is celebrated every June 24.

3. Qenqo

Mysterious ceremonial center, formed by labyrinths and formations carved in bedrock.

4. Pucapucara

Ancient military and resting place, known for its reddish architecture of walls and terraces.

5. Tambomachay

Temple dedicated to the cult of water, with canals and fountains that still flow naturally.

Includes

• Previous briefing to solve doubts before the tour.

• Comfortable and safe tourist transportation.

• Official bilingual guide (Spanish / English).

• Tourist ticket: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay (Complete plan)

• Religious ticket: Qoricancha (Complete plan).

Does not include

• Snacks
• Travel insurance
• Tickets: Tickets are only included in the complete plan.

NOTE: Tickets can be purchased at the same centers on the same day.

Full Itinerary – Cusco Inca City Tour

A journey through the temples, sanctuaries, and fortresses of the Inca Empire

We begin this experience with pickup from your hotel, as long as it is located within the historic center of Cusco or nearby areas. To ensure a punctual and well-organized service, we will coordinate your exact pickup time in advance based on the selected schedule.

We offer two departure times for your convenience:

• Morning tour: starts at 8:00 a.m.
• Afternoon tour: starts at 12:00 p.m.

Our team will provide all logistical details before the tour. At the end of the route, you will be dropped off at a central location near the Plaza de Armas, perfect for continuing your exploration of Cusco or enjoying a local meal.

This tour takes you to the most iconic archaeological sites in and around Cusco. With a certified bilingual guide, you’ll uncover the history, spirituality, and wisdom of the ancient Incas, all surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes.

Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun

We begin by visiting the sacred Temple of the Sun, considered the most important religious site of the Inca Empire. Qoricancha was a ceremonial center dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, and served as an astronomical observatory. Its finely polished stone walls were once covered in sheets of gold. Today, part of the structure is occupied by the Convent of Santo Domingo, yet visitors can still admire the original Inca craftsmanship and sacred design.

Sacsayhuamán – Ceremonial Fortress

We continue to the upper part of Cusco to explore Sacsayhuamán, a true masterpiece of Inca engineering. This massive fortress is made up of enormous stones—some weighing over 100 tons—expertly fitted together without mortar. Beyond its defensive purpose, Sacsayhuamán served as a ceremonial center and is now the main stage for the Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun.

Qenqo – Rock-Cut Ritual Center

Next, we visit Qenqo, a sacred Inca sanctuary full of spiritual symbolism. The site features underground passages, carved altars, and ritual channels directly sculpted into natural rock. It is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies, embalming, and offerings to the gods. Mysterious and atmospheric, Qenqo is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of Inca cosmology.

Pucapucara – The Red Fortress

Our journey continues to Pucapucara, known as the "Red Fortress" due to the reddish hue its stones take on at sunset. This site functioned as a military checkpoint and resting place for travelers, messengers, and soldiers heading toward the Sacred Valley. Its layout includes terraces, defensive walls, stairways, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Andean landscape.

Tambomachay – Temple of Water

We conclude the tour at Tambomachay, a ceremonial site dedicated to the worship of water. This peaceful complex features aqueducts, canals, and fountains that still function after centuries. Water was sacred to the Incas, and Tambomachay is believed to have been a site for purification rituals and royal retreats

Recommendations

The Cusco city tour takes into account the following recommendations:

• Carry your identity card, passport or student card.
• Comfortable shoes
• Bring rain ponchos (October - March).
• Bring extra money
• Warm clothes
• Sunglasses and hat

City Tour Cusco is available every day of the year

FLEXIBLE PLAN (without entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 13.00 per person.

COMPLETE PLAN (with entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 43.00 per person.

If you are a national tourist, contact us via WhatsApp to access a special rate.

PRIVATE TOUR 

The private service does not include admission tickets; however, if you would like them to be included, simply indicate this when booking the tour and we will take care of everything.

Taking a private tour allows you to:

• Choose your tour start time
• Enjoy comfort in our new vehicles
• Professional bilingual English/Spanish tour guide
• Pickup from your hotel
• Extra stops at viewpoints that make this tour special.

Inquire about other languages ​​by emailing us at info@ukumariperutravel.com

Entrance tickets:

Tickets can also be purchased in person at all visiting points. Ticket prices are as follows:

• Partial tourist ticket (70 soles)
• Qoricancha ticket (20 soles)

If you want to visit only the four archaeological sites and skip Qoricancha, you can take the tour without any problem; simply the cost of admission to Qoricancha is not included.

Payment Policies

Advance Reservation:
Secure your spot by making a prepayment of 20% of the total tour cost.

Balance Payment in Cusco:
The remaining 80% is paid upon arrival in Cusco. We accept the following payment methods:
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
• MoneyGram
• Western Union
• Cash (recommended)

Important:
Payments made by card are subject to a 5% fee charged by the payment platform, which must be covered by the client.
Therefore, we recommend making the final payment in cash to avoid additional fees.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions - City Tour Cusco

1. Can I bring my camera to all the sites?

Yes, but in the Cathedral and Qoricancha it is forbidden to use flash or record video without permission.

2. Are there restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, at several points there are public restrooms or toilets, some at an additional cost.

3. How much cash should I carry during the tour?

It is recommended to carry between S/90 to S/150 for entrance fees not included, snacks or personal expenses.

4. Can I buy souvenirs during the City Tour?

Yes, especially in Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Tambomachay there are small craft markets.

5. Is there a cell phone signal during the whole tour?

In most places yes, although you can get lost in some sections from Sacsayhuaman to Tambomachay.

6. Are there stops to eat during the tour?

No, but you can bring snacks. The tour ends before lunch or dinner time.

7. Does the weather change a lot during the tour?

Yes, it can change quickly. It is recommended to bring a light jacket and sun protection.

8. What happens if I feel sick from the altitude during the tour?

The guide is prepared to assist, and we carry oxygen on board if necessary.

9. Can I do the tour if I have reduced mobility?

Some areas are uneven or have steps. It is possible, but it is recommended to consult beforehand for special assistance.

10. How long do you stay at each site?

Between 20 and 40 minutes per site, depending on group size and interest.

11. Is it allowed to enter with pets?

Pets are not allowed in archaeological sites and temples.

12. Does the tour operate if there are protests or blockades in the city?

In case of blockades, the tour may be rescheduled or modified for security reasons.

13. Can I leave my luggage in the vehicle during the tour?

It is not recommended for security reasons. It is best to leave them at your accommodation or luggage locker.

14. Is the tour private or shared?

It depends on what is contracted. There is the option of a shared tour or private service.

15. What happens if I arrive late at the pick-up point?

In shared tours you wait a few minutes, but you could miss the tour. On private tours the schedule is better coordinated.

16. Can I finish the tour earlier if I need to?

Only if it is a private service. In shared tours it is not possible to modify the itinerary.

17. Are there discounts for students or minors?

Yes, with valid ID, but it applies only for entrance fees, not for transportation or guides.

18. Are the archaeological sites far from each other?

No. They are located in the outskirts of Cusco and the journey between them is short (10-15 minutes by car).

19. Can drones be flown on the tour?

No. It is not allowed in most of the archaeological sites without a special permit from the Directorate of Culture.

20. Do I need to buy a Tourist Ticket for this tour?

Yes, to enter Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay a Partial or General Tourist Ticket is required.