City Tour in Cusco

Cusco, the former Inca capital, is a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be explored. The city tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors on a captivating journey through its ancient wonders. From the Temple of Qoricancha to the impressive Sacsayhuaman, each site tells a story that transports you back in time. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide leading the way, travelers can uncover the rich tapestry of Cusco’s past and gain a deeper understanding of its enduring significance. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to learn about a remarkable destination, this tour promises to…

Key Points

• A half-day excursion that covers the major attractions of Cusco, including the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay.
• Includes hotel pickup and return, as well as a bilingual tour guide, with an approximate duration of 5 hours.
• Offers two shift options, morning and afternoon, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Provides an immersive journey through Cusco’s ancient wonders, highlighting the impressive Incan engineering and sacred rituals.
• Requires additional entrance fees for certain attractions and the Cusco Tourist Ticket for access, which should be budgeted for.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The city tour in Cusco offers a half-day excursion that covers the city’s highlights. Priced from €18.28 per person, it provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also choose the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour is valid for 1 day, with two shift options – morning (around 8:00 am) and afternoon (1:00 pm). The approximately 5-hour tour includes pickup from hotels near the historic center and a return to Plateros Street by 6:30 pm.

Highlights include the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay. Bilingual guides and round-trip transportation are included, but entrance fees and meals are extra.

Itinerary Details

The city tour in Cusco starts with pickup from hotels near the historic center, either in the morning around 8:00 am or in the afternoon at 1:00 pm.

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and visits several highlights, including the Temple of Qoricancha with a 1-hour guided tour, the archaeological center of Sacsayhuaman, the ritual center of Qenqo, the red fortress of PukaPukara, and the fortress of Tambomachay known for its main waterfall.

The tour ends by returning to the historic center of Cusco, near Plateros Street, around 6:30 pm.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This city tour in Cusco includes pickup and round trip transportation, as well as a bilingual tour guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

However, the tour doesn’t cover the cost of water, snacks, or meals. Visitors will need to pay additional entrance fees for the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral, as well as purchase a Cusco Tourist Ticket to access various attractions and museums.

While the tour provides a rundown of Cusco’s highlights, travelers should budget for these extra expenses to fully enjoy the experience.

Customer Experience

Customers have generally praised this city tour in Cusco, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 7 reviews.

Travelers highlighted the tour’s punctuality and the knowledgeable guides who led the experience. However, some noted a lack of interest in the stops at local artisan shops.

The city tour offers:

• Punctual pickups and drop-offs
• Highly knowledgeable bilingual guides
• Opportunity to visit key Cusco landmarks

While minor issues with artisan stops were noted, the overall customer experience appears positive, with the tour delivering on its promised itinerary and quality of service.

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Important Information

Passport or ID card is required for this city tour in Cusco. Participants must check availability and select a date when booking the tour.

The tour is valid for one day and operates in two shifts – morning around 8:00 am and afternoon at 1:00 pm. The total duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours, with pickup and drop-off near the historic center.

While the tour includes transportation and a bilingual guide, it excludes water, snacks, meals, and entrance fees to sites like Qoricancha and the Cathedral.

Travelers should bring their own provisions and be prepared to pay additional fees to access certain attractions during the tour.

Tour Highlights

The city tour of Cusco takes visitors on an immersive journey through the ancient wonders of this Incan capital.

The tour highlights include:

• Exploring the spiritual heart of Cusco at the Temple of Qoricancha, where guides share the captivating history of this Sun Temple.

• Marveling at the impressive stonework of the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site, a testament to the Inca’s engineering prowess.

• Discovering the sacred rituals of the Qenqo complex and the enigmatic red fortress of PukaPukara, offering glimpses into the city’s profound cultural heritage.

Throughout the tour, travelers are treated to the expertise of bilingual guides, bringing the Inca’s legacy to life in vivid detail.

Transportation and Pickup

The tour conveniently includes pickup from hotels near Cusco’s historic center, allowing participants to comfortably begin their journey. The tour operates on a morning shift around 8:00 AM and an afternoon shift at 1:00 PM, providing flexibility for travelers’ schedules. The duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours, ensuring ample time to explore the highlights. At the end of the tour, participants are returned to the historic center, specifically near Plateros street, by around 6:30 PM.

Pickup Location	Pickup Time	Duration	Drop-off Location
Hotels near Cusco’s historic center	Morning: ~8:00 AM Afternoon: 1:00 PM	~5 hours	Near Plateros street in Cusco’s historic center

Tour Duration

The tour’s duration is approximately 5 hours, ensuring ample time for participants to thoroughly explore Cusco’s must-see highlights.

This includes:

• A captivating 1-hour guided tour of the renowned Temple of Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun.

• Visits to the awe-inspiring archaeological center of Sacsayhuaman and the serene ritual center of Qenqo.

• An opportunity to admire the striking red fortress of PukaPukara and the impressive Tambomachay waterfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Way to Tip the Tour Guide?

The best way to tip the tour guide is to provide a gratuity in cash at the end of the tour. A typical tip range is 10-20% of the tour price, depending on the quality of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though the tour operator doesn’t provide them. Bringing snacks and water is recommended to stay hydrated and energized throughout the 5-hour experience.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but participants can choose between morning or afternoon departures. Travelers should check availability for their preferred date and number of participants when booking the tour.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Clothing for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment or clothing, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and bring water. Travelers should also carry their passport or ID card for the tour.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?

The tour seems moderately accessible for people with disabilities. The itinerary includes historical sites and attractions, some of which may have limited accessibility. It’s best to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations when booking the tour.

Recap

The City Tour in Cusco offers an engaging half-day excursion that showcases the city’s rich history and stunning attractions. Priced at €18.28 per person, the tour provides hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and visits to significant sites like the Temple of Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Tambomachay. With morning and afternoon shifts available, this 5-hour experience allows travelers to enjoy Cusco’s ancient wonders while enjoying the expertise of knowledgeable guides.

You can check if your dates are available here: