Archaeological City Tour in Cusco
Description
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.
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
Reviews(126)
We closed a 10-day package with Machu Picchu Travel and, according to the agency, the city tour in Cusco was a courtesy included in the route. The tour lasted about 2h30 walking through Plaza Regocijo, Plaza San Francisco and Mercado de San Pedro, with historical and cultural information presented by the guide. When we arrived at St. Peter's Market, I expected the guide to talk about local food and give time to explore the environment, but we ended up passing only by the chocolate store presented by him. After this tour, we participated in other tours (Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo etc.), and the guides ended up repeating many of the same information already presented on the city tour of Cusco. I felt a lack of explanations on important points, such as the Stone of the 12 Angles, as well as a presentation of the typical and different fruits found at the St. Peter’s Market. Of all the tours in the package, this was the one I liked least. I believe that a free morning to explore the city on your own would have been much more profitable.
Olá Marina! Agradecemos por compartilhar sua experiência de forma tão detalhada. Valorizamos muito comentários como o seu, pois nos ajudam a compreender diferentes perspectivas sobre os passeios oferecidos. Ficamos satisfeitos em saber que participou de diversas experiências ao longo da viagem e agradecemos suas observações sobre o city tour em Cusco. Entendemos que cada viajante possui expectativas e interesses diferentes, especialmente quando se trata de conhecer a cultura local e explorar a cidade em maior profundidade. Seu feedback será considerado por nossa equipe, pois buscamos constantemente aprimorar a experiência dos nossos passageiros. Obrigado por ter confiado em nós para sua viagem ao Peru e por dedicar seu tempo para compartilhar suas impressões. Atenciosamente, Equipe Viagens Machu Picchu
This tour was an exceptional, highly informative half-day excursion of Cusco starting at Qoricancha (Santo Domingo Temple), and nearby archeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, and Tambomachay. We took a private tour for our family of four. Herbert, our guide was very knowledgeable and shared deep hitorical context about the Inca and colonial history. He was very friendly and always attentive to our needs.
Hello! Thank you for such a detailed and wonderful review! 🌄 We’re delighted to hear your family enjoyed the tour and that Herbert made it so enriching with his knowledge and attention. It’s great to know the experience was both informative and enjoyable! 🌿
Fernando is wonderful, we were in a very good Van!! I highly recommend. He explained everything about the places visited!
Olá! Muito obrigado pelo seu comentário 😊 Ficamos felizes em saber que a van foi confortável e que o Fernando explicou tudo com tanta clareza durante o passeio. Esperamos acompanhá-los em novas experiências.🌄
Great experience! With the guide fred explained a lot about the place very clearly to us! He took us to feed the Lamas
Olá! Que alegria ler seu comentário 😊 O Fred certamente ficará contente em saber que vocês aproveitaram tanto o passeio e cada detalhe da experiência. Obrigado por confiar em nosso trabalho🦙
The guide Alberto was very attentive, polite and helpful. We recommend it to anyone who wants accurate and reliable information and guidance about the rich Inca culture.
Olá! Agradecemos muito seu comentário! 🙏 Alberto realmente é um guia excepcional, e é ótimo saber que sua experiência foi tão positiva. Será um prazer recebê-los novamente!
Excellent treatment we were given throughout the tour 10/10 I loved everything and everything we saw there the guide was very helpful throughout the tour
Hola! ¡Mil gracias por tu mensaje! 💛 Nos encanta saber que todo salió perfecto en tu excursión. ¡Vuelvan cuando quieran, estaremos encantados de acompañarlos nuevamente! 🌄✨
I would like to record my pleasant surprise with the tour, rich in information, history and culture, we were guided by Freddy, an excellent acquaintance of the region, I indicate to make the tour with him, very nice person
Olá! Que alegria ler seu comentário! 🙌 Ficamos felizes em saber que você aproveitou o passeio e que o Freddy tornou tudo ainda mais especial. Obrigado pela recomendação! 💙
An incredible experience, an unforgettable tour and a guide (freire) made all the difference, knows a lot of history, is kind and attentive. I indicate a lot this agency
Olá! Muito obrigado pelo seu comentário. 😊 Ficamos muito felizes em saber que você teve uma experiência incrível e um passeio inesquecível. É ótimo saber que o nosso guia tornou a sua viagem ainda mais especial. Agradecemos por nos recomendar e por confiar em nossa agência. Esperamos te ver em novas aventuras pelo Peru! ✨
I loved the city tour. Guia Alberto has enough knowledge to provide an afternoon with a lot of Inca culture. Caring driver Russell
Olá Katia! Queremos agradecer-lhe por ter tempo para escrever esta avaliação. Cada comentário como este nos enche de orgulho e felicidade! Obrigado por suas amáveis palavras para com Alberto, ele se lembra de sua visita e espera vê-lo em breve! Conte conosco para a sua próxima aventura! 😍🇵🇪🇧🇷 Receba um forte abraço de toda equipe Viagens Machu Picchu
Absolutely the WORST tour company we have ever taken in 50 years of traveling, Viagens Machu Picchu. Their pick up point was not clear at all, they ignored all my calls and messages regarding the pickup point. They did not make any efforts to find us within Cusco main square where all the other tour company representatives met with their tourists. The only saving grace was from the company that hires and sells these tours. I give Viator a 5 Star rating. Viator was very responsible; they requested all my information regarding the very poor service and late cancellation request and after Viator looked into our case, they decided to reimburse us for the cost of the tour. Do not take a Viagens Machu Picchu tour. The representative, Mr. Viagens was also very rude and lied about getting back to us; he never did!!
Hi! We are sorry to hear your account, and we regret what happened; we believe it was all just a coordination issue. We take each of your viewpoints into account, Viagens Machu Picchu strives every day to provide quality service.
