Full Day City Tour
OverviewDiscover the historical and cultural treasures of Cusco on this immersive full-day tour. This experience takes you through the heart of the former Incan capital, where colonial and Incan heritage blend seamlessly. From bustling markets to ancient temples and breathtaking viewpoints, this tour offers a deep dive into Cusco’s fascinating past.
Begin your journey at the San Pedro Market, Cusco’s most traditional marketplace, where you can experience the vibrant local culture, browse fresh produce, and admire handmade crafts. Next, visit the Chocolate Museum, where you’ll learn about Peru’s rich cacao heritage, explore the chocolate-making process, and enjoy a tasting of locally produced treats.
Continue to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, surrounded by colonial buildings and steeped in history. Admire the grandeur of the Cusco Cathedral, home to impressive colonial artwork and religious relics. Then, explore the Temple of the Sun – Coricancha, an architectural marvel where Incan engineering meets Spanish colonial influence.
Head to the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city’s rooftops, historic churches, and surrounding mountains.
After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, prepare to be amazed by the impressive Incan ruins that surround Cusco. Visit Sacsayhuamán, a monumental fortress with massive stone walls, followed by the enigmatic site of Q’enqo, known for its ceremonial altars and intricate carvings. Continue to Puca Pucara, a strategic military outpost with stunning views of the Andean landscape, and conclude your journey at Tambomachay, an Incan site famous for its intricate water channels and ceremonial baths.
This full-day tour is perfect for travelers seeking a rich historical and cultural experience, exploring both the city’s colonial heritage and its remarkable Incan legacy.
Highlights:
- San Pedro Market: Experience Cusco’s vibrant marketplace, filled with local products, handicrafts, and fresh produce.
- Chocolate Museum: Discover Peru’s cacao heritage, learn about the chocolate-making process, and enjoy a delicious tasting.
- Plaza de Armas: Explore the heart of Cusco, surrounded by colonial buildings and rich history.
- Cusco Cathedral: Admire the stunning colonial architecture and religious artworks housed in this iconic landmark.
- Coricancha – Temple of the Sun: Witness the remarkable blend of Incan and Spanish architecture at this sacred site.
- San Cristóbal Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of Cusco and its surrounding landscapes.
- Sacsayhuamán: Marvel at the massive stone walls of this impressive Incan fortress.
- Q’enqo: Discover this ancient ceremonial site with fascinating rock carvings and altars.
- Puca Pucara: Visit this Incan military outpost, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape.
- Tambomachay: Explore the Incan site known for its intricate water channels and ceremonial baths.
- Cultural & Historical Experience: Gain insights into Cusco’s rich past, from its Incan origins to its colonial transformation.
Price per person
$ 105.00 USD
- Tour Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM.
- Return Time: Around 2:00 PM.
- Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Hotel pick-up and drop-off included (Cusco city center only).
- Difficulty Level: Easy – suitable for all travelers.
- Altitude: The tour takes place at high elevation (3,400m / 11,150ft); allow time for acclimatization.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though the dry season (May–October) offers clearer skies.
Next, we visit the Chocolate Museum, where you’ll learn about Peru’s rich cacao heritage, discover the chocolate-making process, and enjoy a tasting of locally produced treats.
We then head to the majestic Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, surrounded by stunning colonial buildings and rich Incan history.
Following this, we explore the Cusco Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that houses an impressive collection of colonial artworks and religious treasures.
At 10:30 AM, we continue to the Temple of the Sun – Coricancha, one of the most significant Incan temples, where you will witness the fascinating blend of Incan and colonial architecture.
Next, we visit the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Cusco’s rooftops, churches, and surrounding mountains.
By 12:00 PM, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional regional flavors.
After lunch, we venture to the outskirts of Cusco to explore four impressive archaeological sites:
- Sacsayhuamán – A magnificent Incan fortress with massive stone walls.
- Q’enqo – A sacred site with intriguing carvings and ceremonial altars.
- Puca Pucara – A small but strategic military outpost with stunning views of the Andean landscape.
- Tambomachay – An important Incan site known for its intricate water channels and ceremonial baths.
Our tour concludes at 5:00 PM, leaving you with incredible memories of Cusco’s rich history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
- Briefing.
- Morning hotel pick-up and private transportation.
- Private guide.
- Entrance tickets for all archaeological centers.
- Cathedral and Qoricancha entrance tickets.
- Visit to San Pedro Market and Chocolate Museum.
- Panoramic stop at San Cristóbal Viewpoint.
- First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle (available in the vehicle).
- Gratitudes
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers, as temperatures can change throughout the day. A light jacket is recommended.
- Use Comfortable Footwear: Expect some walking on cobblestone streets and uneven terrain at archaeological sites.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as Cusco has strong sun exposure due to its altitude.
- Carry Local Currency: Some small vendors may not accept credit cards, so having some Peruvian Soles is recommended.
- Respect the Sites: Follow the guide’s instructions and avoid touching historical artifacts or climbing on ruins.
- Bring a Camera: Capture the stunning architecture, historical sites, and vibrant local culture.
- Small Backpack: To carry essentials comfortably.(optional)
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Suitable for walking on streets and uneven surfaces.
- Light Jacket or Sweater: Cusco’s weather can change quickly, so layering is recommended.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect from the strong Andean sun.
- Camera or Smartphone: Capture the beautiful architecture and historic sites.
- Personal Identification: Always carry a copy of your passport or ID.
- Rain Poncho (Optional): If visiting during the rainy season (November to March).
Location for: Cusco City Tour
The tour begins at 9:00 AM with hotel pick-up and concludes at approximately 5:00 PM.
2. Is this a private or group tour?
This is a private tour, meaning you will have a dedicated guide and transportation for a more personalized experience.
3. Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
Yes, all entrance tickets, including those for archaeological sites, the Cathedral, and Coricancha, are included in the tour.
4. Will we have free time to explore or take pictures?
Absolutely! The itinerary allows time at each stop for exploring, taking photos, and enjoying the surroundings.
5. Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the tour price, but we will stop at a recommended local restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Cusco cuisine.
6. What should I bring for this tour?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, a camera, and some cash for personal expenses or souvenirs.
7. What happens in case of altitude sickness?
Our vehicle is equipped with an oxygen bottle and a first aid kit. We also advise staying hydrated and taking your time adjusting to the altitude before the tour.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Cusco with this captivating half-day city tour. Explore the iconic Plaza de Armas, admire the grandeur of the Cusco Cathedral, and uncover the fascinating blend of Incan and colonial architecture at Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun. Then, venture beyond the city to visit the impressive archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, and Puca Pucara, where you’ll witness the ingenuity of Incan engineering. This tour offers a perfect introduction to Cusco’s most significant landmarks, making it an unforgettable experience for history lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
- Briefing.
- Morning hotel pick-up and private transportation
- Private guide
- Entrance tickets for all archeological centers
- Cathedral and Qoricancha Entrance Tickets
- First aid kit, including an emergency
- oxygen bottle (available in the vehicle).
What’s Not included
- Gratitudes
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Recommendations
- Sun hat and sunglasses. • Sunscreen. • Confortable clothes
- Personal items. • Personal Snacks
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