The Cusco City Tour Half Day is the ideal way to see the highlights of the Inca capital in just a few hours. This Cusco City Tour will take you to the most important archaeological sites, located outside the city, including Sacsayhuamán with its huge stone walls, Qenqo as a sacred ceremonial center, Pucapucara the military outpost, and Tambomachay, the so-called Inca Baths. You will travel a little distance by car and walk a bit while enjoying this seamless combination of history, culture, and scenery.
Cusco is a city that exists as a living museum with Inca and colonial heritage visible at every turn. With a professional guide, the Cusco City will assist in exploring the symbolism, architecture and legends, and ultimately, all the reasons to visit this unique, unforgettable and must-see destination in Peru.
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City tour cusco
Discover the magic of ancient Cusco on this half-day city tour that takes you to the most important Inca archaeological sites near the city. Explore the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán, the sacred site of Qenqo, the military lookout of Pucapucara, and the ceremonial fountains of Tambomachay. Perfect for travelers short on time, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and grandeur of the Inca civilization—all in just a few hours.
Cost: 45.00 USD
Duration of the tour: half day
Location of the tour: Cusco city.
Nature of the Tour: transportation and short walks.
Limitations of the Tour: location far from the city.
Itinerary
DAY 1
In the morning or afternoon, we head to the upper part of Cusco to explore some of the most iconic Inca sites that surround the city. Our first stop is Tambomachay, a peaceful ceremonial site where ritual water fountains still flow, showcasing the Incas’ advanced hydraulic engineering. We continue to Pucapucara, a reddish-stone fortress that once served as a military checkpoint and resting place for travelers entering Cusco. Next, we visit Qenqo, a sacred site with carved rock altars and underground chambers, believed to have been used for important religious ceremonies and possibly as a resting place for an Inca noble. Finally, we explore the impressive Sacsayhuamán, a massive fortress with precisely carved stones—some weighing over 100 tons—fitted together without mortar. Its scale and architecture remain one of the greatest achievements of Inca construction. After the visit, we return to Cusco with a deeper appreciation of its ancient past.
Included/Not Included
Included
- Transportation
- Professional guide
- Entrance ticket to the attraction
Not Included
- Water and tips
Recommendations
- Small backpack with personal items
- water bottle
- sun block and rain poncho.
Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 45 USDPRIVATE SERVICE
- 01 people 110 USD
- 02 people 80 USD
- 03 people 70 USD
- 04 or more people 60 USD
Travel Info - Cusco City Tour
Duration
The Cusco City Tour typically lasts between 4 to 5 hours, allowing visitors to comfortably explore some of the most important archaeological sites and cultural landmarks of the city. The tour is designed to provide a rich and immersive experience without feeling rushed.
Departure Time
Most tours begin in the morning, between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, when the city is calm and the weather is ideal for sightseeing. Exact departure times will be confirmed upon booking, and there is flexibility to accommodate early or late requests.
Meeting Point
Guests will be picked up directly from their hotels located in the Cusco city center for maximum convenience. For those who prefer, the meeting point can be arranged at the Plaza de Armas or the company’s main office, ensuring easy access.
What to Bring
To ensure a comfortable visit, it is recommended to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Sun protection including a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- A light jacket or layers, as weather can vary especially in mornings and afternoons.
- A camera or smartphone to capture the stunning sights.
- A small backpack for carrying personal belongings and any purchases.
Difficulty Level
The tour is classified as easy to moderate, suitable for most travelers. It involves walking short distances at each site and navigating some uneven stone paths and steps, typical of historic Inca architecture.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to enjoy the tour is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is mostly sunny and rain is minimal. This ensures the best visibility and comfortable conditions for exploring the sites.
Health and Safety
Cusco sits at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), which may cause mild altitude sickness for some visitors. It is recommended to rest upon arrival, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy physical activity prior to the tour. Please inform your guide of any health concerns.
Accessibility
Due to the nature of the sites visited, with uneven ground and stairs, this tour may not be fully accessible for people with limited mobility. We recommend contacting us in advance to discuss special needs or alternative arrangements.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
We suggest making your reservation at least 24 hours before the tour date to guarantee availability. Cancellations are accepted free of charge up to 48 hours prior to the tour. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur fees.
Additional Tips
- Carry some local currency (Peruvian soles) for small purchases, tips, or snacks during the tour.
- Respect the cultural heritage and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
- Wear comfortable, respectful clothing appropriate for religious and historic sites.
- Feel free to ask questions to learn more about the fascinating history of Cusco and the Inca civilization.
Frecuently Asked Questions
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From April to October, the night temperature drops significantly and the temperature gradually increases early in the morning until later
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Height: 3399 meters
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Due to the changeable weather, it is recommended to bring warm clothing as well as light clothing such as jackets, sweaters, polo shirts, pants and walking shoes. Of course, wearing a poncho is very useful.
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The dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit Cusco. These days it rains very little, so the weather is perfect for outdoor archeology.
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The city of Cusco has hundreds of hotels and accommodations for tourists. You can choose the service you want from 1 to 5 stars. You can also find accommodation on Airbnb.
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In addition to restaurants, Cusco has hundreds of restaurants where you can try typical international food. You will be able to choose the most suitable service for you. There are different qualities of services.
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Yes. Many older people visit Cusco. If you do not have adequate experience and permission from a doctor, it is recommended to avoid long walks. The first day you have to get used to the altitude of the city.
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Tour guide services are available at the entrance of each tourist attraction. You can also get a copy on the travel agency’s website. This service is included in the travel package.
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The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian sol. However, various tourist services and businesses in Cusco accept US dollars as currency.
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For people who are not accustomed to the geography of high mountains, altitude sickness is inevitable. However, its effects can be reduced by drinking plenty of water and avoiding fatty foods and alcoholic beverages.
This Cusco city tour half day offers a visit to the most important archaeological sites in the Cusco city: “Sacsayhuaman”, “Qenko”, “Pucapucara” and “Tambomachay”. We move to the different locations by car, where we will have short walks to know and understand the peculiarities of the archaeological sites.
Every corner of Cusco is full of history. Because the ancient capital of Peru (under the Inca Empire) still preserves the remains of this most important power of the ancient civilization. Every step you take through the city streets is full of ancient history and time seems to have stopped. Its cities are so full of mystery that you will never want to leave. If you have to leave, you always want to come back as soon as possible.
The first step is to get to Cusco. The easiest way? Flying. Due to the high demand of tourists, Cusco cannot do without an international airport, although most flights have to pass through Lima to reach the imperial city. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the chosen destination from the capital of Peru. However, this is not the only way to get to Cusco: for travel lovers, there are also the Lima-Abancay-Cusco and Lima-Arequipa-Cusco routes, each of which takes between 21 and 26 hours.
Museums are popular with tourists, but one place not to be missed is the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha). You can also admire the twelve-pointed stone or admire the art of the artisans of nearby San Blas. A visit to the colorful San Pedro market allows you to understand the peculiarities of the people of Cusco. So if you are adventurous, don’t think about it too much: Cusco awaits you with open arms. If you don’t have a wild soul, Cusco is also for you: the city has hotels and restaurants of the highest quality standards to satisfy the most demanding traveler. Make your decision now, Cusco is ready to welcome you.
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