City Tour Cusco: Qorikancha and 4 Ruins | Half Day
Overview
Discover the magic of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire with our fascinating Cusco City Tour. Located in the southern region of the country, Cusco, Peru, is historically known as the "navel of the world" (Qosqo in Quechua) and preserves some of the most beautiful and important archaeological monuments in the Americas, a product of the fusion between the legacy of the Inca Empire and Spanish colonial architecture.
During this half-day tour, you'll enjoy one of the best tours in Cusco, exploring a stunning colonial city built upon solid Inca foundations. We'll visit the iconic Qorikancha (Coricancha), the ancient Temple of the Sun, which now also serves as the Convent of Santo Domingo, located in the heart of Cusco's historic center.
Afterward, we'll leave the city to explore the fascinating ruins surrounding Cusco. You'll admire the grandeur of Sacsayhuaman, a ceremonial fortress surrounded by beautiful landscapes; Qenqo, a mysterious sacred amphitheater; The imposing Puka Pukara (Pucapucara), known as the "red fortress"; and Tambomachay, an architectural pillar of the Andean worldview dedicated to the worship of water.
Immerse yourself in history and marvel at Cusco's main tourist attractions. Secure your reservation and experience the best tourism in Cusco!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco City Tour: Colonial City and Surrounding Inca Ruins
Our Cusco City Tour begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel to start our guided tour of the city and nearby archaeological sites. The tour will showcase the impressive colonial city, masterfully built upon Inca foundations.
Qorikancha (Coricancha)
Our first visit will be to the ancient Temple of the Sun, or Qorikancha, which now houses the Convent of Santo Domingo. Here, we can appreciate the perfect fusion of Inca and Spanish architecture.
After this visit, we will head to the outskirts of the city to explore four impressive ruins near Cusco:
Sacsayhuamán
We will explore this grand ceremonial fortress, famous for its impressive megalithic structures and its location amidst beautiful and imposing Andean landscapes.
Qenqo
We will visit this important sacred amphitheater, which, according to history, served as a center for worship of the Puma god.
Puka Pukara (Pucapucara)
We will visit the archaeological site known as the "red fortress," a name given due to the peculiar hue its rocks take on at dusk.
Tambomachay
We will conclude our tour by visiting one of the pillars of the Andean worldview. This site is notable for its impressive hydraulic architecture, specifically designed to worship water.
What's Included?
Included
- Hotel pick-up at the start of the tour.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English).
Not Included
- Entrance to the Cusco Cathedral.
- Entrance to Qorikancha (Convent of Santo Domingo).
- General Tourist Ticket (BTG) for access to the surrounding ruins.
Recommendations
- Bring a valid physical passport or national identity document (DNI).
- Bring cash for the purchase of entrance fees not included (BTG, Qorikancha, Cathedral).
- Wear appropriate clothing, preferably warm, for the city's changing weather.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the archaeological sites.
- Use sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
- Bring bottled water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Bring a camera with sufficient battery power for capturing the scenery.
FAQs
The City Tour lasts half a day, making it perfect for getting to know the most important sights of the city and its outskirts in a short amount of time.
During the tour you will visit the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) within the urban area, and four surrounding ruins: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
No, the entrance fees are not included. You will need to purchase your own General Tourist Ticket (BTG), as well as separate tickets for Qorikancha and the Cathedral.
It is essential to bring your original passport or ID and cash to pay for admission. We also recommend comfortable clothing, good shoes, water, and sun protection.
The city of Cusco is located at an approximate altitude of 3350 meters above sea level. The journey is easy, so you can adapt and enjoy the views without much effort.
Yes, the service includes pick-up from your hotel at the start of the tour, provided it is located within the central area, giving you greater comfort and security.