Cusco Peru City Tour – City Tour Cusco

Our tour will begin with a personalized pickup from our hotel in the city center of Cusco. We will meet our guide  at either 8:30 am or 1:30 pm, depending on the selected schedule. From the hotel, we will start our journey through the highlights of Cusco.

Our first stop will be at the impressive Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Plaza de Armas. We will explore its rich history, walking through grand halls filled with exquisite colonial art. The intricate designs and religious artifacts will showcase the deep cultural influence that shaped the city’s spiritual life. We will admire the beautiful altars made of wood and silver and learn about the cathedral’s history in the city.

Next, we will visit the Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This sacred Inca site once housed shrines dedicated to the sun, moon, stars, and other deities.

 We will admire the amazing stonework that combines Inca construction with Spanish colonial architecture. It is present on the Santo Domingo convent, built over the Sun Temple.

  The craftsmanship of the Incas will leave us awestruck, especially as we witness how their stone-cutting techniques have stood the test of time.

SAQSAYHUAMAN

Afterward, we will leave the city center and drive to Sacsayhuamán. A large archaeological site at 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) above sea level. We will explore the fortress-like structure known as the «head of the puma» because of its shape. 

The huge stones, some weighing up to 200 tons, fit together perfectly, showing the Inca amazing engineering skills. From here, we will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city of Cusco.

QENQO

We will visit Qenqo, an ancient ceremonial site that was important to the Inca culture and spirituality. This sacred site lies in the hills just outside of Cusco, radiating mystery and rich history. 

At Qenqo, we will explore its winding tunnels and stone altars, once used in ancient Inca rituals. These structures suggest that Qenqo was important for religious ceremonies, possibly connected to death, rebirth, and nature’s cycles. These altars show that it was a place for offerings, where priests and shamans held rituals for their gods.

As we explore further, we will notice the unique carved stone labyrinths and passages that snake through the site. These winding paths are thought to represent the intricate relationship between life and the spiritual world.

 The walls are carved with a precision that reflects the advanced craftsmanship of the Incas, showing their deep respect for the sacred. 

As we walk through the narrow passages of Qenqo, we will learn how the Incas used it to connect with their gods and nature. This site will show us the strong spirituality that shaped Inca culture and their close connection to nature.

PUKA PUKARA

Next, we will visit Puka Pukara, the Red Fortress, located 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Cusco. This military outpost was likely used to guard the entrance to Cusco. We will explore its red stones, terraces, and walls, built to protect the city and overlook the nearby valleys.

TAMBOMACHAY

Finally, we will reach Tambomachay, an ancient Inca site often referred to as the «Bath of the Inca”. Located at a high altitude of 3,765 meters (12,352 feet), this site shows the Inca’s impressive skill and spirituality. The setting is tranquil and serene, surrounded by lush landscapes and impressive stonework.

Tambomachay was a place where Inca rulers relaxed and worshiped, with water symbolizing life and purification. The high elevation makes the site feel more mysterious and helps us connect with nature, as the Incas did.

Tambomachay is special because its complex system of aqueducts and canals still works exactly as it did centuries ago. The water flows continuously through carefully engineered stone channels, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced hydraulic knowledge and precision. 

The architecture shows how the Incas skillfully worked with nature, creating a place where water still flows smoothly today. 

We will witness this enduring feature highlights the skill and sophistication of the Inca civilization, leaving us with a profound appreciation for their architectural mastery.

After visiting these incredible sites, we will return to our hotel in Cusco’s city center. Finishing our day of history and culture.

Day Statistics:

• Distance traveled: 30 km (18.6 miles) total
• Highest altitude: 3,765 meters (12,352 feet) at Tambomachay
• Lowest altitude: 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco
• Difficulty level: Moderate, with some uphill walking and high-altitude sites.