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Half Day - Cusco City Essentials (Afternoon Group Tour)

4.712 reviewsSacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)

  • 4 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • 2 languages
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Discover the magic of Cusco in just one afternoon. This guided city tour offers the perfect introduction to the historic capital of the Inca Empire, blending ancient archaeological sites with colonial charm. You'll visit iconic landmarks like Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the majestic Sacsayhuamán Fortress, and other impressive Inca ruins nestled in the hills surrounding the city. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll gain fascinating insight into Cusco’s rich history, architecture, and culture — all in the comfort of a small group setting. Perfect for travelers arriving in the morning or those with limited time, this tour allows you to make the most of your day in Cusco.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Professional guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pickup and drop off

What's not

  • Entrance to Koricancha (15 soles per person or $5 USD)
  • Entrance to the main cathedral (25 soles per person - $8 USD or included as part of the Cusco Tourist ticket)
  • Entrance fees to four archaeological sites. For this you, will need to buy a Cusco Tourist Ticket. This costs 130 soles or $45 USD and a 50% discount is available for students with an ISIC card.
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. We first visit the exquisite architectural feats of the ancient "Koricancha" Temple.

    20 min

  2. The first stone was placed to begin construction of the cathedral in 1560. It is a marvel of religious art, home to approximately 300 paintings from the Cusqueña School.

    30 min

  3. The archaeological complex of Saqsayhuamán is a majestic place with impressive works in stone, some up to 120 tons. (40 minutes)

    40 min

  4. A religious center dedicated to the adoration of the Earth.

    30 min

  5. that was used as a military control center.

    20 min

  6. a center of adoration and worship of water.

    20 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

4.7

  • 59
  • 42
  • 31
  • 20
  • 10

Ratings come from 12 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

Pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 20 travellers
Operated by
Valencia Travel Agency S.a.c.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Note: You can use the Cusco Tourist ticket for the Sacred Valley Tour. Alternatively, you can purchase a partial ticket that allows a one-day visit of just the four archeological sites in the city tour, if you are not planning to visit the Sacred Valley.

How it compares in Cusco

  • Its from-price is 18% 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 40 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.

See all 4460 experiences in Cusco

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