Cusco City Tour: Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puca Puca

The ancient Inca capital of Cusco offers visitors a chance to explore its rich cultural heritage. The Cusco City Tour provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the city’s renowned historical landmarks, from the magnificent Qoricancha temple to the impressive Saqsayhuaman fortress. Along the way, travelers will uncover the intriguing sites of Quenqo and Puca Puca, each brimming with captivating stories and breathtaking scenery. Guided by knowledgeable professionals and with convenient transportation included, this comprehensive tour promises an immersive experience that will leave you intrigued to learn more about Cusco’s enduring Inca legacy.

Key Points

• This Cusco city tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical and cultural highlights of the city, including the Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman, Quenqo, and Puca Puca.
• The tour provides panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains, showcasing the impressive Inca architecture and engineering at sites like Saqsayhuaman.
• Pricing for the tour ranges from $20 to $25 per person, with up to 20% savings, and includes pickup, a professional guide, partial tourist tickets, and transportation.
• Customer reviews indicate some discrepancies in tour details, such as entrance fees and unplanned stops, but the tour still offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s historical highlights.
• The tour is available with flexible booking options, and it is recommended to reserve in advance, especially during peak seasons, as availability may be limited.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cusco City Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and cultural highlights. The tour covers key sites like Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman, Quenqo, and Puca Puca.

Travelers can save up to 20% on the tour, with prices now ranging from $20 to $25 per person. The 6-hour experience includes pickup from your accommodation, a professional guide, partial tourist tickets, and transportation between sites.

Visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving now and paying later. With panoramic views and immersive experiences, this tour offers an engaging way to discover Cusco’s Inca heritage.

Itinerary and Highlights

At the start of the Cusco City Tour, visitors venture to Qoricancha, the largest Inca temple dedicated to the sun, now home to the convent of Santo Domingo.

Next, the tour explores the Sacsayhuamán fortress, marveling at the Inca’s impressive architectural prowess.

Afterward, the group discovers Qenqo’s magical altar, Puka Pukara (the red fort), and Tambomachay (the Water Temple).

Throughout the tour, participants enjoy panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains from the vantage point of Sacsayhuamán.

The tour concludes with a return to Plaza Regocijo, just one block from the iconic Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

Inclusions and Important Information

The Cusco City Tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, a professional tour guide (available in Spanish or English), and a partial tourist ticket (S/70.00 per person).

The tour also covers the entrance fee to Qoricancha, which is 15.00 soles. Transportation between the tourist sites and back to your hotel is provided.

Visitors should bring a camera, cash, a jacket, and their passport or ID card. Drones aren’t allowed on the tour.

It’s important to note that some travelers have reported discrepancies in the tour details, such as entrance fees and unplanned stops at shops.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Cusco City Tour’s customer reviews and feedback paint a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.

Some common complaints include:

1. Discrepancies in tour details, such as entrance fees and unplanned stops at shops.
2. Dissatisfaction with the guide’s explanations and the hurried pace of certain visits.
3. Concerns about the accuracy of the tour’s itinerary and information.
4. Suggestions for better communication and management of customer expectations.

Despite these issues, the tour still offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s historical and cultural highlights, including the impressive Inca structures of Saqsayhuaman and Qoricancha.

Travelers are advised to carefully review the tour details and provide feedback to help improve the overall experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Booking and Availability

Customers can check availability to see starting times and select participants and dates for the Cusco City Tour. The tour’s flexible booking options allow travelers to reserve their spot without paying upfront. The table below highlights the tour’s availability, start times, and pricing:

Date	Start Time	Price (per person)
June 1	8:00 AM	$20.00
June 2	9:30 AM	$20.00
June 3	10:00 AM	$20.00
June 4	8:30 AM	$20.00
June 5	9:00 AM	$20.00

Reserving the tour in advance is recommended, as availability may be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.

Exploring Qoricancha

One of the highlights of the Cusco City Tour is the visit to Qoricancha, the largest Inca temple dedicated to the sun.

Now the site of the Convent of Santo Domingo, Qoricancha offers a glimpse into the Inca’s reverence for the sun deity.

Visitors can explore:

1. The impressive Inca walls and foundations that remain intact.
2. The intricate stonework and attention to detail that characterized Inca architecture.
3. The mixture of Inca and colonial elements, reflecting the site’s multifaceted history.
4. Panoramic views of Cusco from the platform of the temple.

The Qoricancha visit provides a fascinating introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the Inca Empire, setting the stage for the rest of the Cusco City Tour.

Discovering Saqsayhuaman

After exploring the grandeur of Qoricancha, the tour proceeds to the impressive ruins of Saqsayhuaman. This Inca fortress, perched atop a hill, boasts massive stone walls and defensive terraces. Visitors can marvel at the engineering prowess of the Inca, who constructed these walls using precisely fitted, enormous blocks of stone. From Saqsayhuaman, the tour offers panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains, providing a breathtaking vantage point.

Feature	Description
Architecture	Massive stone walls and defensive terraces
Construction	Precisely fitted, enormous blocks of stone
Views	Panoramic views of Cusco and surrounding mountains
Location	Hilltop fortress overlooking the city

Unveiling Quenqo and Puca Puca

With the grandeur of Saqsayhuaman behind them, the tour now unveils the mystical wonders of Quenqo and Puca Puca.

Quenqo boasts a captivating stone altar, where the Incas performed sacred rituals. Visitors can explore its intricate carved channels and hidden passageways, marveling at the ingenuity of the ancient builders.

Next, the tour ventures to Puca Puca, a fortified complex that served as an Inca administrative center. Highlights include:

1. The striking red stone walls, from which the site derives its name.
2. Remains of former living quarters and storehouses.
3. Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Insights into the Inca’s strategic use of the site’s natural defenses.

The tour continues to uncover the rich tapestry of Cusco’s past, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region’s remarkable history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Cusco Attractions?

Yes, you can combine this Cusco city tour with other attractions. Many tour operators offer customizable itineraries that allow you to add or substitute different sites according to your interests and schedule.

Is There a Family Discount Available for the Tour?

There’s no family discount specifically mentioned for this tour. However, you can save up to 20% on the regular price of $25 per person. So booking together as a family could provide some cost savings.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the tour guide. When booking the Cusco City Tour, you can select your preferred language, either Spanish or English, and the tour provider will assign a guide accordingly.

How Difficult Is the Walking Involved in the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, including some uphill sections. Most paths are paved, but there may be uneven terrain. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for mild physical activity throughout the 6-hour duration.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Accessibility Considerations?

The tour doesn’t have age restrictions, but it may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. The walking can be quite extensive, with uneven terrain at some sites. Travelers should consider their fitness level before booking.

Recap

The Cusco City Tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the Inca’s rich heritage. With professional guides and convenient transportation, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s cultural highlights, including the stunning Qoricancha, the impressive Saqsayhuaman fortress, and the intriguing sites of Quenqo and Puca Puca. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and learn about the city’s history at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to discover the wonders of Cusco.

You can check if your dates are available here: