If you’ve been learning about Peru and the Incas, you’ll be familiar with Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco. Machu Picchu is a well-known site in South America with a mysterious past and impressive presence. The citadel sits on the side of a mountain on the fringes of the Amazon rainforest.
People who visit Peru always visit the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. But did you know that there are many other equally fabulous ruins and temples that you should not miss?
You need to plan a Cusco city tour when you are in town. This will take you past different attractions that you cannot miss. Therefore, we have prepared a short article about the Cusco city tour with experts from Machu Travel Peru. Get to know what this beautiful corner of the city has to offer.
Some Cusco city tour ideas to consider
- Overview
- How long does it take?
- What places are included?
- Itinerary
- How much does the city tour cost?
- Options of City Tour
- What to pack
- Recommendations
- Alternative things to do
When people think of the ceremonial city of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu immediately comes to mind. But the city of Cusco has much more to offer. So, you may wonder why visit Cusco City.
Cusco is a beautiful city with Machu Picchu, ancient churches, temples, and ruins. It is a must-see destination in Peru. A tour of Cusco is a fun and educational activity during your trip to Peru. It’s a great way to explore the city.
A Cusco city tour will last approximately half a day. You can do it during your first day in Cusco, as long as you are in the city before 11 a.m. One good idea is to rest in different hotels in Cusco on the first day. This will help dyou acclimate to the high altitude.
The City Tour has two schedules: The first runs from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the second runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Overview
A tour of Cusco lets visitors explore the city’s history, culture, and architecture in the Andes mountains of Peru. The tour provides an opportunity to learn about Cusco’s rich history and experience its unique culture.
A tour of Cusco lets visitors explore the city´s history, culture, and architecture in the Andes mountains of Perú. The tour provides an opportunity to learn that Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Civilization. World Heritage architecture of Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Civilization. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage. It is famous for its colonial architecture and Inca Ruins.
Additionally, they can admire the stunning architecture of Cusco. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Civilization. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its colonial architecture and Inca ruins.
How long does it take?
The city tour duration in Cusco can vary depending on what you want to see and how in-depth you wish to explore the attractions. Generally, a standard city tour can last anywhere from half a day to a full day.
Visiting important landmarks is usually part of the itinerary. These landmarks include Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), and nearby ruins. Some nearby ruins are Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
A half-day tour shows the main highlights of Cusco’s historic center. A full-day tour includes more sites or allows for leisurely exploration.
Spend extra time at each stop to learn more about the site’s history, culture, and importance. This will allow you to delve deeper into each location’s significance.
Take the time to explore and absorb the information provided at each site. By dedicating more time to each stop, you can better understand the historical and cultural context.
What places are included?
The city tour covers some of the city’s most essential points. You will find many historical buildings, colonial churches, and archeological sites. Finally, if you want to locate yourself better, you can use a Cusco map or the online Google Maps device, which provides you with your current location, where you want to go, and the exact address of services in the city.
Visitors will be dazzled by the locations below:
1. Cusco main square
The Plaza de Armas in Cusco is considered the heart of the vibrant city. The Cusco main square is surrounded by numerous restaurants, bars, and buildings, and it has magnificent architecture from the Spanish conquest. The Plaza del Cusco is world-famous for being a meeting point for people worldwide, in addition to its beauty and great history. Formerly it was the religious center of the capital and the administrative center during the height of the Empire. After the Spanish conquest, many colonial churches and temples were built around it. Today, the Plaza de Armas forms one of the main attractions that cannot go unnoticed.
2. Cusco Cathedral
The Cusco Cathedral is part of the many ancient churches of the Imperial City. It is the main religious temple in the city and also one of the most popular architectural monuments. It is located right in front of the Plaza de Armas. It was originally an ancient Inca temple designed to worship Wiracocha. However, during the conquest, it was looted and demolished to build the monument that is appreciated today.
It took almost a hundred years to build it. Today it forms one of the most recognized architectural monuments in the city along with other churches. And in 1983, it was declared Humanity Heritage by UNESCO. This will be one of the first sites that you will visit within the Cusco city tour.
3. Qoricancha and convent of Santo Domingo
Coricancha, also known as the “Templo Dorado” (Golden Temple). It is stated that formerly the walls of the interior of the Coricancha were covered with gold plates. It even had a giant gold statue of the sun god, Inti, which was taken out of the temple every day and placed in the garden until sunset when it was returned. All the gold and treasures disappeared with the arrival of the Spanish conquerors who caused the decline of the Incas.
The temple of the sun had a famous garden entirely dedicated to Inti. It is also said that the garden had many elements from the Inca Empire that were used to decorate the garden made of gold and silver. All of the various figures included corn, llamas, jaguars, birds, and many pots and jars. There aren’t many of these treasures left these days, but the garden is believed to have been a spectacular sight. The construction of the church was a way to undermine the Inca religion. However, you must visit the Church on your Peru vacation. For this is a beautiful piece of Spanish architecture, with marvelous decorative carvings and unique vaulted ceilings that are truly beautiful. Take the time to see the carved entrance doors of Santo Domingo, the only place in Cusco where you can see such carvings.
4. Sacsayhuaman
The emblematic fortress of Sacsayhuaman is one of the most imposing and enigmatic places on the planet. It was built between the 15th and 16th centuries, and its size impresses many people from all corners of the world. There, tourists can appreciate stones up to nine meters high and more than 120 tons. It was built on a mountain where you can see an excellent view of Cusco.
One of its most characteristic features is its stone walls, which are up to nine meters high and weigh more than 120 tons. They all fit together with incredible precision. The Spanish believed that it was a work of the devil. Even there brutal struggles were fought between the Incas and the Spanish. Today it is one of the most symbolic attractions of the Cusco city tour. It is also the headquarters of the celebration, Inti Raymi or Sun Festival. This is celebrated every June 24 of each year—one of the best places to visit within the tours in Peru.
5. Qenqo
Qenqo is a large limestone ruin surrounded by a complex pattern of steps, niches, seats, geometric reliefs, and symbolic carvings. Qenqo can be translated from the ancient Quechua language as “zigzag” or “labyrinth”. One of its main attractions is an underground cave that has altars finely carved into the rock. Qenqo is very close to the Sacsayhuaman fortress, just one kilometer away. It is believed that it was an ancient Inca ceremonial center whose buildings were dedicated to the Pachamama. It is also associated with fertility rites, solstice, and equinox ceremonies.
6. Puca Pucara
Puca Pucara is also known as “Red Fort” because of the color of its stones when it gets dark. Puca Pucara was a military and rest center for the numerous Inca troops. It is in front of the Valley of Cusco, where beautiful panoramic views are offered. Furthermore, it was an entrance and exit controlled by those traveling to or from the Imperial City. It is believed that one of its primary functions was to watch over Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman. You can also see fountains, aqueducts, and other Inca constructions in this place.
7. Tambomachay
The Tambomachay ruin is made up of aqueducts and water channels. It is believed that its purpose was to worship water. It is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites that you will visit in the Cusco city tour. It is located approximately 100 meters from Puca Pucara. Even today, its channels continue to flow water after so many centuries. In addition to canals and aqueducts, the enclosure comprises a set of finely carved rocks.
How much does the city tour cost?
The cost of the Cusco city tour will depend a lot on whether you are with your Cusco tourist ticket. All these attractions can be visited individually without needing a tourist ticket. But to save a little and take advantage of your time in the city, it is advisable to buy one. The ticket includes all the aforementioned attractions. Like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay among others. The cost of the Ticket ranges between $ 50 to $ 60. If your Cusco city tour does not include the Ticket, then it can cost about $ 15 to $ 30. Now, if you prefer, you can also opt for a private walking tour in Cusco, but the cost will be higher. Round-trip transportation is generally included as well as a bilingual guide.
Options of City Tour
The main difference between a private city tour and a plural city tour lies in the level of exclusivity and customization.
| Private City Tour | Group Tour |
| Exclusivity: A private city tour is exclusively for you and your group. You typically have a dedicated guide and transportation just for your party. Customization: Private tours often offer more flexibility regarding itinerary and pace. You can tailor the tour to your specific interests and preferences. Cost: Private tours are more expensive since you pay for the exclusivity and personalized service. | Shared Experience: A plural city tour involves joining a group of other travelers. You’ll share the guide and transportation with other participants. Fixed Itinerary: Group tours usually have a pre-set itinerary, offering less flexibility than private tours. Cost: Group tours are typically more budget-friendly since the price is shared among all participants. However, they may include additional fees or optional extras. |
Ultimately, the choice between a private or plural city tour depends on your preferences, budget, and the experience you’re looking for. A private tour might be best if you value personalized service and have specific interests. However, a group tour could be more suitable if you’re looking to save money and enjoy a social experience with other travelers.
Itinerary
A typical city tour itinerary for Cusco usually spans around half a day, typically around 4 to 6 hours. Here’s a sample itinerary:
Morning
- Start at Plaza de Armas: Meet your guide at the main square of Cusco, Plaza de Armas. This square is surrounded by colonial architecture and is a great starting point to learn about the city’s history.
- Cathedral of Santo Domingo: Visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, located right on Plaza de Armas. This cathedral is known for its stunning architecture and religious artifacts.
- Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun): After the cathedral, head to Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This was one of the most important temples in the Inca Empire and showcases the impressive Incan stonework.
Midday
- Lunch Break: Take a lunch break at one of the many restaurants in Cusco. Enjoy traditional Peruvian cuisine while resting and re-energizing for the rest of the tour.
- Afternoon:Sacsayhuamán: After lunch, visit Sacsayhuamán, an Inca fortress on the outskirts of Cusco. Marvel at the massive stone walls and learn about the site’s military and religious significance.
- Q’enqo: Next, visit Q’enqo, an archaeological site featuring intricate carvings and tunnels. The Incas likely used it for ceremonial purposes.
- Puca Pucara: Continue to Puca Pucara, a site believed to be a military outpost or a resting place for travelers. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Tambomachay: Finally, visit Tambomachay, a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls believed to have been a site of worship for water in the Inca culture.
Evening
- Return to Cusco: After visiting Tambomachay, head back to Cusco. Depending on your preference, you can end the tour here or explore more of the city alone.
This itinerary covers some of Cusco’s main highlights, including its colonial architecture, Inca ruins, and historical sites. However, the duration of the tour may vary depending on factors such as transportation and the group’s pace.
What to pack
When preparing for a city tour in Cusco, you’ll want to ensure you have the essentials to maximize your exploration while staying comfortable. Here’s a suggested packing list:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Daypack or backpack
- Camera or smartphone
- Rain gear (jacket or poncho)
- Map or guidebook
Alternative things to do
In Cusco, Peru, there are plenty of alternative activities to enjoy beyond traditional city tours. Here are some suggestions:
- Sacred Valley Tour: Explore the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas just outside Cusco. Visit ancient Inca ruins, traditional markets, and picturesque villages.
- Rainbow Mountain Trek: Embark to Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, to witness its stunning, colorful landscapes. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike through the Andean mountains.
- Peruvian Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes with a cooking class. Discover the secrets of Peruvian cuisine and enjoy the fruits of your labor afterward.
- Textile Workshops: Cusco is known for its vibrant textiles. Take a workshop to learn about traditional weaving techniques and even create textiles.
- Spanish Language Classes: Immerse yourself in the local culture by taking Spanish language classes. It’s a great way to connect with locals and enhance your travel experience.
Recommendations
The city of Cusco is located about 3,399 meters above sea level. At that point, it is always advisable to be acclimatized or drink coca tea.
Keep in mind that Cusco’s climate is temperate. This means that the days are sunny. However, depending on your travel time, rain can occur anytime. Make sure you are well equipped with the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, clothing for hot and cold temperatures, and a hat.
Many people wonder the reasons why visit cusco city, however a post would not be enough to explain it. This beautiful city offers unique and exciting moments since it is the cradle of the Inca culture and part of our country’s Andean-religious syncretism. Finally, this place is home to many customs, magic, and natural treasures you should not miss.
Remember to bring bottled water, snacks, and cash. A good option is to visit the San Pedro market in Cusco before leaving for your tour; here, you will find everything you are looking for.
Remember to bring your documents, such as your passport or identity card, to avoid problems at the Cusco airport or other service institutions.
Alternative things to do
The Cusco city tour offers some exciting and unmissable activities to enjoy. Remember that the city tour is intended to summarize those activities and places you cannot ignore. But you can also consider other things to do in Cusco. Some alternative activities to enjoy are:
- Have a Pisco Sour: our flagship drink.
- Try a typical Cusco dish: Cuy Chactado.
- Visit the San Pedro Market, one of Cusco’s oldest markets.
- Enjoy the Cusco nightlife. Not everything is tours of ruins and museums. Have a little fun!
- See the Stone of the Twelve Angles: Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru.
- Visit Chinchero, Known as the “Ciudad del Arco Iris” (Birthplace of the rainbow).
- Go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a beautiful place to enjoy Cusco’s flora and fauna. You can also do adventure sports.
- Explore Machu Picchu: Obviously, it is a must. Some exciting options exist from Cusco to Machu Picchu to get to the Inca citadel.
- On the other hand, the general population also celebrates important festivals in Cusco. These unique dates will make your visit to Cusco a magical experience.
“REMEMBER THAT HAPPINESS IS A WAY OF TRAVEL, NOT A DESTINATION”
In conclusion, the Cusco city tour is an activity that you cannot miss. Especially if you have planned to know everything that this beautiful corner of Peru has to offer. From beautiful colonial churches to ancient archaeological ruins to visit. Everything will be a pleasant surprise for your senses.
Machu Travel Peru hopes to have helped summarize this popular tour. But we think the best way to get to know it is to experience it on your own. If you want to know more about our tours of Cusco, you can consult with our qualified advisers.
