About this experience
The tour in Cusco takes you to all the most important sites in the city. This includes visits to the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) and various Inca sites located outside the city. You'll witness an incredible blend of Inca and Spanish styles, with the Qoricancha being a perfect example of both combined. Cusco is truly a fascinating place to visit; offering a mix of both Inca and Spanish cultures, the city has a unique atmosphere and feel that sets it apart from the rest of Peru.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Comfortable, authorized tourist transportation.
- Pickup from your accommodation located in Cusco’s Historic Center.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish & English).
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Qoricancha: S/. 20.00 soles per person
- Tourist ticket for archaeological sites (PARTIAL BTC): S/. 70.OO Soles per person
- Entrance ticket to Cathedral : S/. 40.00 soles per person
- Tips
- Souvenirs
Itinerary and highlights
It is one of the most beautiful and significant constructions in the city of Cusco, combining unique features such as its Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles.
It was, during the Inca period, a place of worship to the god Inti (the sun), a site rich in history.
One of the emblematic buildings of the Inca Empire (just a few minutes from the city center and a UNESCO World Heritage site), it was built by Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century. It is an immense fortress constructed with enormous stones; the way they were transported and worked remains a mystery.
What remains today of the Q'enqo archaeological complex are carved rocks that could not be destroyed by the Spanish; little remains of the paths and aqueducts, as well as the enclosures, storage areas, or liturgical baths, in addition to the great layer of gold that once illuminated the entire site.
Puka Pukara had specific military purposes; it was the checkpoint for entering the city of Cusco, "The capital of the Empire." It also served as a "tambo" (resting place) for the chaskis who carried messages or packages from town to town. On the hillside, dehydrated products were stored; thanks to the strong winds, these products could be preserved for longer periods, acting like a kind of refrigerator.
Tambomachay was a center of worship to water. The Incas would pray to the gods for rain to come to nourish their crops and make them fertile; for this reason, this site is also known by some as "The Temple of Fertility." It is impressive that, despite the passage of time, crystal-clear water still flows through its aqueducts. The Incas used their ingenuity to channel water from a small waterfall and split it into two cascades. Legend says that if women drink from these waters, they can conceive easily; if the water comes from the right side of the fall, they will have a male child, and if it comes from the left side, it will be a female. Tambomachay had restricted access for the local population; only the Inca and his entourage were allowed to use its facilities.
Meeting and pickup information
- All pick-ups are around the city center of Cusco.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- English — Written
- Spanish — Guide
- Spanish — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Paqarina Journeys Peru
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tourist ticket (not included in the price).
- Waterproof jacket/poncho for rain.
- Water and snacks.
- Sun hat.
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended).
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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