TourismCusco

Tours & experiences

Half-Day Private Cusco City Tour, Nearby Archaeological Sites and Local Market

About this experience

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.

At a glance

  • Duration: 4 hr 30 min
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Private departures
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour4 hr 30 min
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 4 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Pickup and drop-off.
  • Admission to Coricancha and Cusco Cathedral.
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish).

Not included

  • Cusco Tourist ticket (BTC)
  • Personal expenses.
  • Gratuities.
  • Snacks and beverages.

Itinerary and highlights

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.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Pick-up from hotels located at Cusco Historic Center.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • LimaTours

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • 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).

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 4 hr 30 min.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Pick-up from hotels located at Cusco Historic Center.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 5–10; Adult tickets: age 11+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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