About this experience
Discover the main vestiges of the Inca civilization on a tour that combines history, archaeology, and culture in the heart of Cusco. During this half-day tour, you will visit important archaeological sites located around the city, in a private service with exclusive transportation and guide, which will allow you to explore each place with greater tranquility and flexibility.
The tour includes Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, in addition to a special stop to get close to Peruvian llamas and alpacas. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide you with details about the history, architecture, and traditions that help to understand the importance of Cusco as one of Peru's main cultural destinations.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 hr–5 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 4 hr–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
- Vehicle with air conditioning.
- Optional drop-off at your hotel in Cusco or at the Plaza de Armas, at the end of the tour.
- A bottle of water.
- Internet connection via satellite during transport.
- Certified professional tour guide in Spanish or Portuguese (one van per language)
- Comfortable transport.
Not included
- Tips are at the discretion of each traveler.
- Foods and drinks not mentioned previously.
- Entrance to archaeological sites (Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay).
- Entrance to the Temple of Santo Domingo (Qorikancha).
Itinerary and highlights
In the heart of the historic center of Cusco is Qorikancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire.
During the visit, you will be able to see its Inca constructions and observe how the space was later integrated into the Convent of Santo Domingo.
Our next stop will be Sacsayhuamán, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in Cusco. Their enormous stones, carefully fitted together, reveal the high level of knowledge of the Incas in engineering and construction.
The site is located approximately 3,700 meters above sea level. The visit is done calmly, allowing you to enjoy the place and the guide's explanations.
A few minutes from Sacsayhuamán is Q'enqo, an important Inca ceremonial center. The site has rock formations, passages, and carved spaces that reveal part of the religious and ritual practices carried out by the Incas.
Following through the mountains, we will reach Puka Pukara, an archaeological site that presents characteristics similar to a fortress. It is believed that the place fulfilled functions of control, surveillance, and support for travelers arriving in Cusco.
Located approximately 3,700 meters above sea level, Puka Pukara also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Tambomachay is one of the most interesting examples of Inca hydraulic engineering. The complex is formed by carefully constructed channels, aqueducts, and water fountains, demonstrating the Inca knowledge of natural resource utilization.
The site is located approximately 3,800 meters above sea level.
At the end of the tour, we will make a special stop at Munay Wasi Farm, where you can get close to some of the most characteristic species of the Andes, such as llamas and Peruvian alpacas.
After the visit, you can be transferred to your hotel, as long as it is within the central route of Cusco, or to the Plaza de Armas, according to your preference and the service logistics. If your hotel is outside of this route, the tour will end in the same area where boarding took place or at a nearby point, according to the transfer route.
Meeting and pickup information
- Start • Pick up at your hotel in Cusco. • We will come to pick it up directly at your hotel, as long as it is within the central area of Cusco. • If your hotel is located in an area difficult for vehicles to access, especially within the Historic Center, we will indicate the nearest and most accessible meeting point for pickup. End • At the end of the tour, we can drop it off directly at your hotel, as long as it is within the central area of Cusco. • If you prefer, we can also leave it in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, so you can continue your night on your own, for example, by dining in one of the restaurants in the area.
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Viagens Machu Picchu
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 5 years old do not pay, as long as they do not occupy a seat of their own.
- We can include a child seat upon prior reservation, subject to availability and the number of passengers in the transport, for an additional cost.
- Since it is a walk in a high-altitude region, we recommend that travelers pay attention to how they feel and take the walk at a comfortable pace. Most of the route takes place at altitudes similar to or lower than those of Cusco.
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?
What are the pickup arrangements?
• Pick up at your hotel in Cusco.
• We will come to pick it up directly at your hotel, as long as it is within the central area of Cusco.
• If your hotel is located in an area difficult for vehicles to access, especially within the Historic Center, we will indicate the nearest and most accessible meeting point for pickup.
End
• At the end of the tour, we can drop it off directly at your hotel, as long as it is within the central area of Cusco.
• If you prefer, we can also leave it in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, so you can continue your night on your own, for example, by dining in one of the restaurants in the area.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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