Cusco City Tour - Half Day

Our Cusco day trip begins in the morning, heading first to the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, perched on a hill above Cusco. Here, you will witness some of the finest examples of Inca masonry and construction, including enormous boulders that were meticulously cut and perfectly fitted to form the walls.

After exploring Sacsayhuamán on our Cusco tours, we will climb the hill to Qenqo, one of the most intriguing archaeological sites of the Inca civilization. This enigmatic sanctuary, whose name in Quechua means "labyrinth" or "zigzag," offers visitors a fascinating mix of history, spirituality, and architecture. From here, you will also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Cusco.

Next, on our Cusco excursions, we visit the Tambomachay Archaeological Complex. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Inca spa. Incan hydraulic engineering is evident here, with a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls running through the terraced rocks.

We then continue to the wonderful Koricancha, adjacent to the Church of Santo Domingo. According to chroniclers writing during the period immediately following the Spanish conquest, the Koricancha was the most sacred and important temple in the Incan Empire. Its walls were covered in gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals, all made of pure gold and silver, decorated its rooms and hallways. Sadly, this wealth was stripped away by the Spanish conquistadors. However, it remains a magnificent temple, and your Cusco private tour guide will show you details that you would almost certainly miss if you visited without a guide.

After visiting the Koricancha, we will head to the Cusco Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on the foundations of an existing Inca temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art from the Cusco School of painters, and its main altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver reliefs. Look closely, and you will also see elements of indigenous religious symbolism incorporated into the church by the natives who worked on its construction, such as the carved head of a jaguar on the doors.

Finally, our guide will bid you farewell, offering restaurant recommendations for a delicious meal (not included) or providing directions on how to return to your hotel.

Note: Our city tour begins at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm, with a brief coordination with the office.

Total trekking distance:  3 km (1 hour approx). 
Highest altitude: 3,750 m (12,303 ft).
Lowest Altitude: 3,400 m (11,154 ft).