Free Walking Tour of Cusco

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The Free Walking Tour of Cusco offers an enriching experience for visitors to this historic Peruvian city. Departing daily from the picturesque Plazoleta Regocijo, the 2.5-hour guided tour leads participants through Cusco’s most significant cultural and architectural landmarks. Whether you’re interested in the ornate Plaza San Francisco, the lively Mercado San Pedro, or the enigmatic Twelve Angled Stone, this tour provides an immersive glimpse into the city’s vibrant heritage. With knowledgeable guides and flexible scheduling, the Free Walking Tour of Cusco presents an enticing opportunity to explore the captivating heart of the former Inca capital.

Key Points

Free Walking Tour of Cusco - Key Points

  • The Free Walking Tour of Cusco is a 2.5-hour guided tour that explores the city’s historic landmarks, including Plaza San Francisco and Mercado San Pedro.
  • The tour is available daily at 10am, with additional English-only tours at 1pm and 3:30pm (Mon-Sat), and the meeting point is at Plazoleta Regocijo.
  • The tour is free to join, and no upfront payment is required, but a minimum of 2 participants is needed for the tour to run.
  • Participants should bring essential items like sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the extensive exploration.
  • The tour offers an engaging introduction to Cusco’s rich history and culture, and the itinerary may vary based on the guide’s discretion.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Free Walking Tour of Cusco - Tour Overview

The Free Walking Tour of Cusco provides visitors with an informative and immersive exploration of the historic city. Priced at a budget-friendly $0.00 per person, the 2.5-hour tour is available daily at 10am, with additional English-only options at 1pm and 3:30pm (Mon-Sat).

Participants will meet at the Plazoleta Regocijo, in front of Chicha restaurant, and embark on a guided journey through landmarks like the Plaza San Francisco, Arco de Santa Clara, and the vibrant Mercado San Pedro.

The tour also includes stops at the Twelve Angled Stone, Casa Garcilaso, and Colegio Nacional de Ciencias. While the itinerary is subject to change, the experience promises an engaging and comprehensive introduction to Cusco’s rich history and culture.

Itinerary Highlights

Free Walking Tour of Cusco - Itinerary Highlights

Guided stops on the Free Walking Tour of Cusco include the Plaza San Francisco, known for its Baroque-style church and convent.

The tour then moves on to the Arco de Santa Clara, a historic arch dating back to the 18th century.

Next, visitors explore the lively Mercado San Pedro, a bustling market selling local produce, handicrafts, and more.

The highlight of the tour is the Twelve Angled Stone, an impressive Inca architectural marvel.

Optional stops include the charming Calle Inca Roca and the picturesque Kusicancha square.

  • Plaza San Francisco
  • Arco de Santa Clara
  • Mercado San Pedro
  • Twelve Angled Stone

Booking Information

Free Walking Tour of Cusco - Booking Information

Visitors can reserve their spot on the Free Walking Tour of Cusco without any upfront payment. The tour offers a free cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Based on 86 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5, indicating a positive customer experience. To help you plan your visit, here’s a quick overview:

Booking Details Description
Reserve Now & Pay Later Book your spot without upfront payment
Free Cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Customer Reviews Overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 86 reviews

The tour’s booking information provides flexibility and peace of mind, allowing you to secure your spot and make changes as needed.

What to Bring

Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are essential items to bring on the Free Walking Tour of Cusco. The tour takes place outdoors, so you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun’s glare and harmful UV rays.

Plus, it’s a good idea to bring:

  • A jacket or light layer in case the weather turns cooler.
  • Cash for any optional purchases or gratuities you may want to provide.
  • Comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves several kilometers of exploration on foot.
  • A bottle of water to stay hydrated during the 2.5-hour excursion.

Packing these items will help ensure you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience on the Free Walking Tour of Cusco.

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Important Notes

One should look for guides in yellow vests when joining the Free Walking Tour of Cusco.

Punctuality isn’t guaranteed for group tours, so the tour starts 15 minutes after the meet-up time. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

The tour includes a professional guide, but hotel pickup and drop-off, food and drinks, and gratuities aren’t included.

Participants should bring essential items like sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. The itinerary is subject to change based on the guide’s discretion.

Plazoleta Regocijo

Upon arriving at the Plazoleta Regocijo, visitors are greeted by a lively square adorned with ornate colonial-era buildings.

This centrally located plaza boasts a vibrant atmosphere, attracting both locals and travelers alike.

Key features of the Plazoleta Regocijo include:

  • The iconic Chicha restaurant, serving up traditional Peruvian cuisine and serving as the meeting point for the free walking tour.
  • The bustling activity of street vendors, artisans, and performers showcasing their crafts and talents.
  • The striking architecture, with a mix of Spanish colonial and Inca-inspired design elements.
  • The ample seating areas, providing a perfect spot to soak in the sights and sounds of the historic plaza.

Duration and Languages

Free Walking Tour of Cusco - Duration and Languages

The free walking tour of Cusco lasts for approximately 2.5 hours and is offered in both Spanish and English.

The tour starts at 10am daily, with additional English-only tours at 1pm Monday to Saturday, and bilingual tours at 3:30pm Monday to Saturday.

Meeting at Plazoleta Regocijo in front of Chicha restaurant, the guided tour takes visitors through historic sites like Plaza San Francisco, Arco de Santa Clara, and the Twelve Angled Stone.

The itinerary may vary depending on the guide.

While the tour itself is free, a minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to run; otherwise, it may be canceled or rescheduled.

Minimum Participants

A minimum of 2 people is required for the free walking tour of Cusco to run. Otherwise, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. This ensures that the guide can provide an engaging and interactive experience for all participants.

The tour offers several benefits:

  • Flexibility to adapt the itinerary based on the group’s interests and energy levels
  • Opportunity to meet fellow travelers and share the experience
  • Personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide
  • Chance to explore Cusco’s top landmarks at no upfront cost

If the minimum participant requirement isn’t met, the tour company may need to postpone or cancel the activity.

Travelers are encouraged to book their spot in advance to secure their place on this popular free walking tour of Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Join the Tour if I’m Traveling Solo?

Yes, solo travelers can join the tour. The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to run, so solo travelers are welcome as long as the tour meets the minimum number of people.

Is the Tour Exclusively for English Speakers?

The tour isn’t exclusively for English speakers. It’s offered in both Spanish and English, with specific English-only tours at 1pm on Mondays through Saturdays. Travelers can choose the language that best suits their needs.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?

You don’t need to make a reservation in advance for the Free Walking Tour of Cusco. You can simply book your spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has no stated maximum group size, but it requires a minimum of 2 participants to run. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Interests?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but participants can ask the guide about specific interests. While the tour follows a set route, guides are flexible and happy to provide additional information on points of interest along the way.

Recap

The Free Walking Tour of Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. With a flexible cancellation policy and no upfront payment required, participants can freely explore Cusco’s landmarks, learn from knowledgeable guides, and engage with the local atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching cultural experience, this tour is a must-do activity during your visit to Cusco.

You can check if your dates are available here: