Half-Day Private Cusco City Tour, Nearby Archaeological Sites and Local Market
Description
Enjoy a private guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf. Then, visit the Cathedral at the Main Square and the San Pedro market. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Finally, visit Tambomachay. Afterwards, return to your hotel.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This place is also known as "The Temple of the Sun"(QuriKancha: golden temple). Upon the arrival of the Spanish, it became the basis for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent.
The Cusco Cathedral has countless works from the Cusqueña school, combining the styles of European devotional painting of the 17th century, with the symbolism of indigenous artists from the Andes of Cusco.
The central market of San Pedro is the oldest in Cusco. It was opened in 1925 and designed by the French architect Gustave Eiffel. It was part of a section of the Inca trail that connected with the main square. Today there are more than 1180 stores that offer fruits, vegetables, breads, food, handicrafts and others.
Sacsayhuamán is one of the most incredible buildings in the world. It began to be built during the Inca Pachacutec government in the XV century. Approximately more than 20 thousand men extracted the stones from the nearby quarries and transferred them 20 kilometers to the hill in the city of Cusco.
A religious archaeological compound founded on natural rock formations where it is believed that agricultural rituals were carried out. Your guide also informs you about the sacrifices and mummifications that are thought to have taken place here.
An ancient garrison that was presumably used for military purposes. Wander through its many rooms, open squares, terraces, and towers, where it sits in the jungle on high ground overlooking the Cusco valley.
Tambomachay is located 7 km from the city of Cusco. It has an amazing underground hydraulic system since the Inca civilization venerated water as a deity.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-up from hotels located at Cusco Historic Center.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is important to inform us the name of the hotel where you are staying to coordinate your activity.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Rates do not apply for Peruvians or foreign passengers whose stay exceeded 60 days in Peru because sales taxes are not included in the above total and, if applicable, will be collected by the local operator.
- To visit the 4 archaeological sites (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara & Tambomachay) it is important that you acquire your Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC).
Reviews(1)
I made a recent trip to Peru (18 to 27/04) and was welcomed by Lima Tours. I would like to leave recorded compliments to the following tour guides: Lourdes (Lima), José Luis, Geizi, Oscar (Sacred Valley and Cusco) and Sandi (Machu Picchu). Everyone was friendly, kind, responsible and passed great information.
Querida viajante, muito obrigado por compartilhar sua experiência conosco! Ficamos felizes em saber que Lourdes, José Luis, Geizi, Oscar e Sandi tornaram sua viagem pelo Peru ainda mais especial com tanta simpatia, dedicação e conhecimento. Seus elogios serão compartilhados com toda a equipe. Esperamos recebê-la novamente em breve!
