(200 reviews)
Cusco City Tour Half Day
The Cusco City Tour is the perfect way to acclimate and get a first glimpse into the history and legacy of the Inca culture. You’ll visit the most important historical sites in the city of Cusco, beginning with a general introduction to the attractions around the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), including the fountain and the imposing Cusco Cathedral.
Then, you’ll head to Qoricancha – the Temple of the Sun during Inca times, later transformed into the Temple of Santo Domingo by the Spanish conquistadors – both located within the Historic Center. In the second part of the tour, we’ll travel back to the time of the Inca Empire and visit four archaeological sites surrounding the city: Qenqo, Pukapukara, Tambomachay, and the highlight of the day: the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, where you’ll see some of the largest stones found in any archaeological site in Peru – still a mystery as to how they were cut and transported to this location.
The panoramic views of these archaeological areas are simply spectacular.
This is a half day tour, and you may choose to do it in the morning or afternoon.
Overview
CITY TOUR IN CUSCO
DURATION: ½ DAY (5 a 6 hours).
DISPONIBILITE: Every day (advance reservation required)
SCHEDULES:
FIRST: MORNING
- DEPARTURE: 09:30 HRS.
- RETURN: 14:30 HRS.
SECOND: AFTERNOON
- DEPARTURE: 12:30 HRS.
- RETURN: 18:30 HRS.
ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT:
- TEMPLO DE QORICANCHA.
- PARQUE ARQUEOLÓGICO DE SACSAYHUAMAN.
- PARQUE ARQUEOLÓGICO DE QENQO.
- PARQUE ARQUEOLÓGICO DE PUKA PUCARÁ.
- PARQUE ARQUEOLÓGICO DE TAMBOMACHAY.
Itinerary
ITINERARY: Cusco City Tour Half Day
In the morning or afternoon, according to our selected time, we will pick you up from your hotel and/or accommodation 15 minutes before the tour begins.
We will start the tour in the imposing Plaza de Armas of Cusco, beginning at the iconic fountain where the guide will give a brief introduction about the most important points of the Plaza de Armas, highlighting the majestic Cathedral.
Then we will head along one of the narrow streets, like many in Cusco, to the Inca Palace of Qoricancha, where the Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is also located. It was considered during Inca times as the most important palace built for the Sun god. After the visit, we will board our tourist bus, which will take us to the 4 ruins located around the city of Cusco, arriving first at the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán, which is strategically built on a nearby mountain from where the entire city of Cusco can be seen. It is famous for its megalithic stones made of limestone, some of which are 9 meters high and weigh approximately 100 tons. The Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is held here every year.
Next, we visit the archaeological site of Qenqo, which means labyrinth or zigzag. It served a purely religious function and it is believed that the Incas mummified their dead there. On the outside, it has a
semicircular enclosure with trapezoidal niches and a monolith that resembles a puma, which measures approximately six meters.
Then we head to the archaeological site of Puka Pukara, which means “red fortress”, as the limestone stones used to build this site have taken on the reddish color of the terrain. This place served as a strategic checkpoint for people entering the city of Cusco during Inca times.
And finally, we visit the archaeological site of Tambomachay, or “tambo”, which means a place of supply and rest, strategically located along the Inca road network. Here, we can also see water fountains with religious or supply purposes, as well as niches that held mummies and offerings—a truly magical place.
At the end of our tour, we return to our transport, which will take us back to the city of Cusco and drop us off at a point near the Plaza de Armas, thus ending the tour.
For morning departures, arrival in Cusco is scheduled for around 2:30 PM. For afternoon departures, return will be approximately at 6:30 PM.
End of services.
Included
INCLUDES:
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Tourist transport.
- Professional English and Spanish guide.
Not Included
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips, snacks, meals, and services not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Entrance fees to all tourist sites:
- Partial Tourist Ticket: S/70.00 for foreign adults, S/40.00 for Peruvian adults.
- Entrance to Qoricancha: S/20.00.
(It is important to bring cash in soles to purchase entrance tickets. Children under 10 years old do not pay entrance fees).
What To Bring
WHAT TO BRING:
- Passport or ID card.
- Comfortable and non-slip footwear
- Water bottle.
- Raincoat (long poncho) in rainy season.
- Long-sleeved shirts.
- Long pants.
- Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat for sunny days.
- Sunglasses.
- Photographic camera or video recorder.
- Have low denomination money on hand, such as soles or dollars.
Prices
COST OF THE TOUR IN SHARED/GROUP SERVICE (COST PER PERSON):
| TYPE OF TOURIST | TOUR COST |
| ADULT | USD 15.00 |
| STUDENT
(under 17 years old) |
USD 12.00 |
| CHILD
(under 11 years old) |
USD 12.00 |
PRIVATE TOUR COST (TOTAL COST PER GROUP):
| FROM 1 TO 6 PEOPLE | FROM 7 TO 18 PEOPLE | FROM 19 TO 30 PEOPLE |
| USD 140.00 | USD 180.00 | USD 220.00 |
PRE-TOUR INFORMATION:
One day before the excursion, our team will contact you via WhatsApp to provide recommendations and final details.
For more details or any additional inquiries, you can write to us at libertyperutravel@gmail.com or contact us directly via WhatsApp: +51 980 806 947 (Operations Area) / +51 908 851 331 (Reservations Area). We’re here to make your experience unforgettable!
Map City Tour in Cusco Half Day
FAQS Cusco City Tour Half Day
The duration of the City Tour is usually half a day, approximately 5 hours, but may vary depending on the itinerary and traffic conditions.
Entrance fees to certain archaeological sites are not included in the tour. The entrance fee to these archaeological sites is approximately $28.
Most tourist sites are easily accessible and do not require strenuous hiking. However, some locations may require climbing stairs or walking on uneven terrain.
Yes, expert tour guides will accompany the group throughout the tour. They will provide historical, cultural, and tourist information about each location visited.
Meals and snacks are generally not included on the standard city tour. However, you can make stops at locations where you can purchase food and drinks if you wish.
The weather in Cusco can be changeable, even within a single day. It’s recommended to wear comfortable, warm clothing, as well as sunscreen and a raincoat in case of rain.
Yes, the tour includes transportation to and from hotels located in central Cusco. If your hotel is outside the designated area, alternative meeting points can be arranged for an additional fee.
Yes, we will make stops at locations where participants can use restroom facilities.
There’s usually enough time to explore each site independently and take photographs. However, it’s important to return to the meeting point at the agreed-upon time to continue the tour.
You can reserve your spot on the City Tour through our website, Libertrek Peru Travel, or by visiting our office in Cusco, located in Street Qheswa N° 349. We’re here to help you plan an unforgettable experience in this city steeped in history and culture.
Code LPT 001
Talk to an Specialist
One of our specialists will attend your travel request as soon as possible.
Enquire Private Tour Get a Custom Response by WhatsApp: +51 980 806 947Highly Recommended on TripAdvisor
Gallery de Photos Cusco City Tour Half Day
