Cusco City Tour Full Day
OVERVIEW
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, architecture, and culture with our Cusco City Tour, a full-day exploration designed to unveil the wonders of this ancient Inca capital. Known for its archaeological treasures, stunning colonial architecture, and vibrant street life, Cusco is not just a gateway to Machu Picchu but a fascinating destination in its own right.
Your adventure begins in the historic center of Cusco, where Inca and Spanish influences fuse into something truly spectacular. The tour includes visits to the iconic Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Inca engineering that offers panoramic views of the city. This colossal fortress is famed for its massive, perfectly fitted stones and its role in the annual Inti Raymi festival, which brings the Inca history to life with colorful performances and rituals.
Next, you’ll descend into the sacred complex of Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, where the precision of Inca stonework is on full display beneath later Spanish colonial architecture. This site, once the richest temple in the Inca empire, was where the Incas worshiped the sun and its walls were reportedly once covered in sheets of solid gold.
The City Tour
As the tour continues, you’ll stroll through the bustling San Pedro Market, where you can experience the local flavors and aromas of Andean cuisine. This market is a sensory overload with its vivid displays of fruits, vegetables, textiles, and crafts, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the residents of Cusco.
Your full-day tour also includes a visit to the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, a marvel of colonial art and architecture, which houses a vast collection of paintings from the Cusco School of Fine Arts and beautifully adorned chapels. This historic cathedral stands as a symbol of the city’s complex past, encapsulating the confluence of Andean and Spanish cultures.
Throughout the day, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will enrich your experience with detailed narratives and insights into the historical significance of each site. The Cusco City Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the history and heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Peru.
DURATION:
1 Day
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco | Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Puka Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass (Minasniyuc Pass) – Surineqocha
The city tour begins with a visit to Cusco’s cathedral, where the guide will provide complete information about the Church of the Sacred Family, the main cathedral, and the El Triunfo Church, and you will also see catacombs. Continuing our tour, we will visit the great Inca temple known as Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) and learn something about Inca astronomy. Finally, we will end our tour by visiting the four archaeological complexes of Sacsayhuaman (a temple to the deities of the Incas), Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. At the end of the tour, we will return to Cusco at around 6:30 p.m.
ENTRANCE TICKETS REQUIRED
TOURIST TICKET: 70 SOLES (OR 130 SOLES IF YOU ARE ALSO DOING THE SACRED VALLEY)
ENTRANCE TO QORIKANCHA (US$ 5.00 ADULT AND US$ 2.50 WITH STUDENT CARD), OR THE CATHEDRAL (US$ 8.00 ADULT AND US$ 4.00 WITH STUDENT CARD).
PLACES THAT ARE VISITED:
IN CUSCO
-Cathedral
-Santo Domingo Monastery / Qoricancha
AROUND CUSCO
-Sacsayhuaman
-Qenko
-Tambomachay
-Puca Pucara
Included
- Briefing at your hotel, the night prior to the start of the tour.
- All hotel transfers (pick up and drop out).
- Private transport from Cusco to the Malaga Pass/Santa Maria.
- Bike in rental and protective gear ( helmets, knee pads, etc).
- 3 nights accommodation in hostels.
- 3 breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
- Bilingual professional tour guide (English and Spanish).
- Machu Picchu entrance fees.
- Return to Cusco (by car or train, optional).
- River rafting.
- Zip line.
Not Include
- Hot springs entrance fee in Cocalmayo (3 USD).
- Bus to Machu Picchu (12 USD, double if you want to return by bus).
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch at Machu Picchu (you will have options to choose a restaurant and explore).
- Snacks.
Price
If you are a university student you can get a 20 USD discount on your entrance to Machu Picchu. To apply for this benefit you have to send a digital copy of both sides of your current student card.
Make sure all data (name, university’s name, visible student photo) is visible. You can only apply to this benefit if you are 25 years old or younger. After getting the discount, you have to present your student card at the control point before entering Machu Picchu.
The regular pricing for the Inca Jungle Trek depends on your return option. However, we have available many services that can enhance your Inca Jungle Trek.
The return by car can cost you 185 USD per person. The return by train can cost you 285 USD per person. For the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu we recommend adding the 50 USD. For the complete adventure sport experience.
Additionals
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: 20 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: 20 USD
- Vistadome Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (luxury upgrade): 30 USD
- And all extras mentioned in the Not-Included section above.
What Do You Need To Bring/Carry
- Original Passport, ID and other important documents.
- Hiking footwear (waterproof if possible).
- Backpack with rain cover.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen with high SPF.
- Light clothing with a warm layer.
- Hat for sun protection.
- Swimsuit, towel and sandals.
- Rain poncho or waterproof light jacket.
- Personal medication and basic first aid personal kit.
- Caloric portable snacks for the route.
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