Archaeological City Tour in Cusco
- 4–5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Discover the most important remnants of Inca civilization on a tour that combines history, archaeology, and culture in the heart of Cusco. During this half-day tour, you'll visit major archaeological sites on the outskirts of the city and learn more about the grandeur of the Inca Empire with a guide by your side. The route includes Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, plus a special stop to get an up-close look at Peruvian llamas and alpacas. Throughout the tour, your guide will share details about the history, architecture, and traditions that make Cusco one of Peru's most important cultural destinations.
Inclusions
What's included
- A bottle of water.
- Air-conditioned transportation.
- Onboard satellite internet during transport.
- Certified professional tour guide.
- Optional drop-off at your hotel in Cusco or at the Plaza de Armas on return.
- Comfortable transportation.
What's not
- Gratuities and tips, at each traveler's discretion.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above.
- Admission tickets to the archaeological sites (Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay).
- Admission to the Temple of Santo Domingo (Qorikancha).
Itinerary
In the heart of Cusco's historic center stands Qorikancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire. During the visit, you'll get to see its Inca stonework and observe how the space was later incorporated into the Convent of Santo Domingo.
Our next stop will be Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in Cusco. Its massive stones, carefully fitted together, reveal the Incas' advanced knowledge of engineering and construction. The site is located at approximately 3,700 meters above sea level. The visit takes place at a relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy the site and the guide's explanations.
Just a few minutes from Sacsayhuaman lies Q'enqo, an important Inca ceremonial center. The site features rock formations, passageways, and carved spaces that reveal some of the religious practices and rituals carried out by the Incas.
Continuing through the mountains, we'll arrive at Puka Pukara, an archaeological site with features resembling those of a fortress. It's believed the site served functions related to control, surveillance, and support for travelers arriving in Cusco. Located at approximately 3,700 meters above sea level, Puka Pukara also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Tambomachay is one of the most fascinating examples of Inca hydraulic engineering. The complex consists of carefully built channels, aqueducts, and water fountains, showcasing the Incas' knowledge of how to make the most of natural resources. The site is located at approximately 3,800 meters above sea level.
Before wrapping up the tour, we'll make a special stop at Granja Munay Wasi, where you can get an up-close look at some of the Andes' most iconic species, such as Peruvian llamas and alpacas.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.7
- 5108
- 411
- 35
- 22
- 13
Ratings come from 129 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- The meeting point will be at the entrance of the Temple of Santo Domingo, at the top of Qorikancha, next to the church entrance. Our guide will be waiting for you there to welcome you and begin the tour.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 17 travellers
- Operated by
- Viagens Machu Picchu
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 5 do not pay, as long as they do not occupy their own seat.
- We can include a child car seat upon request, subject to availability and the number of passengers in the vehicle, at an additional cost.
- Because this is a high-altitude tour, we recommend travelers pay attention to how their body is responding and move through the experience at a comfortable pace. Most of the route takes place at altitudes similar to or lower than Cusco's.
How it compares in Cusco
- Its from-price is 71% below the median of the 182 city tours we list in Cusco.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 6 of 182.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Cusco
Cusco, the old Inca capital high in the Peruvian Andes, blends massive stone walls with colonial churches and is the gateway to Machu Picchu.
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, framed by the cathedral and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Inca stonework survives throughout the centre, most famously at the Qorikancha, the sun temple on which the Spanish built a monastery, and in the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street. San Blas, the artisans' quarter, climbs steeply with workshops and cafés.
Top-ranked sights in Cusco: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo Ruins.
Special offers in Cusco
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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