Cusco by Night: Walking Tour, Pisco Sour Lesson, Dinner

Exploring the vibrant city of Cusco by night offers a unique opportunity to experience its enchanting charm. Visitors can embark on a guided walking tour, delving into the historic Plaza de Armas and marveling at the grandeur of the Cathedral. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – guests will also have the chance to learn the art of crafting the iconic Pisco sour cocktail from an expert bartender. As the evening progresses, they’ll savor the flavors of traditional Peruvian cuisine, seeing the rich culinary heritage of this remarkable destination. With each step, the allure of Cusco’s nightlife captivates the senses, leaving travelers eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• Guided nighttime walking tour of Cusco’s historic center, including the iconic Plaza de Armas and Cathedral of Cusco.
• Engaging pisco sour tasting lesson, providing insights into Peru’s national spirit and hands-on cocktail crafting.
• Exploration of the artisan-filled San Blas neighborhood, showcasing Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.
• Delightful dinner featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine, complemented by a refreshing pisco sour.
• Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, enhancing the overall immersive Cusco experience.

Tour Overview

This guided night tour of Cusco, Peru offers visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to explore the city’s historic landmarks and sample local cuisine.

The tour includes a visit to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, where guests can admire the impressive Cathedral of Cusco, built in 1654.

Guests will also explore the charming San Blas neighborhood, known for its artisan products.

The highlight of the tour is a Pisco sour tasting, where participants learn to make the iconic Peruvian cocktail.

The tour concludes with a traditional Peruvian dinner, providing a well-rounded introduction to the local culture and cuisine.

Inclusions and Highlights

As part of the Cusco by Night Tour, the tour includes a food tasting and Pisco sour tasting, led by a local professional guide.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience. While additional alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, gratuities aren’t included.

The tour highlights include:

• Exploring the historic Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Cusco, built in 1654.
• Discovering the charming San Blas area, known for its artisan products.
• Indulging in traditional Peruvian cuisine during the included dinner.

The Cusco by Night Tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults aged 18 and above, with no serious medical conditions required.

Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off

The Cusco by Night Tour offers the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the evening’s activities.

Guests are picked up from their hotels within Cusco at the tour’s 6:00 PM start time. This allows participants to sit back and relax as they’re transported to the historic city center, where the guided tour commences.

At the tour’s conclusion, travelers are returned to their hotels, eliminating the hassle of finding their own way back. This inclusive service is a welcomed perk, enabling guests to fully enjoy the Cusco experience without worrying about transportation logistics.

Exploring Cusco’s Historic Center

The guided Cusco by Night Tour takes visitors on an enchanting exploration of the historic city center.

The first stop is the iconic Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco. Here, the guide captivates the group with the stories and significance of the impressive Cathedral of Cusco, built in 1654.

As the group wanders the cobblestone streets, they:

• Admire the blend of Inca and Spanish architecture that defines Cusco’s unique character.
• Discover hidden artisan workshops and markets in the charming San Blas neighborhood.
• Feel a sense of wonder at the city’s rich history and vibrant cultural heritage.

The tour’s immersive experience offers a compelling introduction to Cusco’s captivating historic center.

Visiting the Plaza De Armas

The guided Cusco by Night Tour begins with a visit to the iconic Plaza de Armas, the historical heart of the city.

Here, the local guide provides an in-depth explanation of the square’s significant buildings and monuments. The group spends about an hour exploring the plaza, admiring the stunning 17th-century Cathedral of Cusco and surrounding colonial architecture.

The guide shares insights into the plaza’s role as a center of political, religious, and social life throughout Cusco’s history. Visitors have the opportunity to wander the square, taking in the lively atmosphere and observing locals and fellow travelers alike.

This initial stop sets the stage for the rest of the immersive nighttime tour of Cusco.

Pisco Sour Tasting Lesson

After exploring the historic Plaza de Armas, the tour next takes participants to a local hotel for a Pisco sour tasting lesson.

Under the guidance of an expert bartender, guests learn the art of crafting this quintessential Peruvian cocktail.

The lesson covers:

• The history and importance of Pisco, Peru’s national spirit
• The proper techniques for shaking and straining the perfect Pisco sour
• Customizing the drink with fresh citrus and a frothy egg white

Dinner and Traditional Cuisine

Next, the tour continues with a delightful dinner featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine.

Guests will savor an authentic Peruvian meal, seeing the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of the region.

The menu may include dishes like lomo saltado, a stir-fried beef dish, or cuy, a delicacy of roasted guinea pig.

Complementing the main course are sides like quinoa, potatoes, and choclo, a type of large-kernel corn.

To complete the experience, diners can enjoy a refreshing pisco sour, the national cocktail of Peru, made with the tour’s earlier pisco tasting lesson in mind.

This dining experience provides a true taste of Cusco’s gastronomic traditions.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Satisfied customers have consistently rated the Cusco by Night Tour highly, with a 5.0 average score across 9 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Guests highlight the tour as a great introductory experience to explore Cusco, praising the engaging local guides who provide valuable tips for further discoveries.

The tour’s Pisco sour making demonstration is noted as a particular highlight, allowing participants to learn about this iconic Peruvian cocktail. Reviewers also appreciate:

• The opportunity to visit historic sites like the Cathedral of Cusco
• The delicious Peruvian cuisine served during the dinner portion of the tour
• The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off included in the experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and casual, weather-appropriate clothing. Smart casual attire is generally suitable for the evening activities.

Can I Bring My Own Pisco to the Tasting?

The tour does not allow guests to bring their own pisco for the tasting. The pisco sour lesson and tasting is provided as part of the tour experience, and bringing outside alcohol is not permitted.

Is the Tour Guided in Multiple Languages?

The tour is guided in multiple languages. The description indicates the tour includes a "local professional guide," suggesting the guide can accommodate different languages to cater to the diverse nationalities of the tour participants.

Can I Book This Tour for a Group Larger Than 8 People?

Yes, the tour can accommodate larger groups. According to the information provided, the tour is suitable for groups of any size, as it doesn’t specify a maximum group size. Guests can book the tour for their desired group size.

Is There a Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Reservation?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel or modify their reservations up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time without incurring any penalties. Refunds may be available, subject to the tour operator’s terms and conditions.

Recap

Enjoy the enchanting charm of Cusco’s historic center on this guided night tour. Explore the renowned Plaza de Armas, learn the art of crafting the iconic Pisco sour, and savor traditional Peruvian cuisine, providing a comprehensive introduction to Cusco’s rich culture and vibrant culinary scene. Embrace the city’s captivating ambiance and discover why it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Peruvian experience.