City Tour Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qoricancha, Catedral
Cusco is recognized as the Archaeological Capital of America, as well as the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire. Touring it will leave you amazed by archaeological sites, museums, temples, and more. The most important places in the city are: the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Coricancha, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. While it is possible to visit these places on your own, the best way is to do it with the ‘City Tour Cusco’. Find out what this tour is like.
- Why visit the city of Cusco?
- What is a City Tour like in Cusco?
- What places are included?
- How much does a City Tour cost?
- Are there any discounts?
- What is included in the tour?
- Differences between shared and private tours
- What is the itinerary like?
- How long does the service last?
- Other attractions in the city of Cusco
- The City Tour in pictures
- Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Majestic Qoricancha Temple
Why visit the city of Cusco?
- The city of Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, which is why important archaeological structures such as Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay still stand in its streets. By booking the classic City Tour of Cusco, you can visit these places as well as the Cathedral of the city and the Qoricancha Temple.
- Cusco in the Quechua language “Qosqo” means ‘Navel of the World’, highlighting the significance this city held since pre-Hispanic times. During the colonial period, there was a major architectural transformation in the city, and today you can see how Inca constructions coexist with colonial ones.
- Most tourists decide to take the city tour on the first day of their visit. It is the best way to acclimatize to the city’s high altitude (3,399 meters above sea level). For the remaining days, it is recommended to visit Machu Picchu, the Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley, among many other tourist attractions.
What is a City Tour like in Cusco?
- The City Tour Cusco is a tour of the main tourist attractions in the city, such as: the Cathedral, the Qoricancha, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
- The usual tour lasts for five hours (half a day). There are two schedules available, and you can choose the one that best fits your itinerary. The first schedule is from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and the second is from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Additionally, the tour includes the service of a tour guide, transportation to all locations, and entry to each tourist attraction. Visitors can also choose between a shared or private service.
What places are included?
Cusco Cathedral
The Cusco Cathedral, also known as the Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, is one of the most popular architectural monuments in the city. It is the first place you will visit during the tour. It is located in front of the Plaza de Armas, and its construction took almost 100 years to complete, finishing in 1654. It was originally an Inca temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha. During the Spanish invasion, the temple was plundered and demolished to build this historic Catholic monument. In 1983, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Qoricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo
Qoricancha was the most important religious center of the Inca culture. Its stone constructions are even more perfect than those of Machu Picchu. It was covered in gold and plants until the Spanish invasion, when they built the Convent of Santo Domingo there. It is located two blocks from the Plaza de Armas and houses paintings made by artists from the so-called ‘Cusco School’. Both Qoricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo coexist harmoniously as a symbol of Cusco’s cultural syncretism.
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Sacsayhuaman is one of the most enigmatic places of the Incas. Here, tourists can appreciate stones up to nine meters high and weighing over 120 tons. All fit together with incredible precision. Today, you can glimpse much of its foundations, revealing the importance and vastness of this site. Visiting it is to experience some of the most symbolic attractions of Cusco and Peru. Additionally, every June 24th, the famous ‘Festival of the Sun,’ also known as Inti Raymi, is celebrated in its main square.
Imposing Sacsayhuaman
Qenqo Archaeological Site
Qenqo is located about 1 kilometer from Sacsayhuaman. It was an Inca ceremonial center dedicated to Mother Earth. There, a space called the amphitheater stands out, where it is believed the Incas placed their dead in trapezoidal niches. Its main attraction is its underground labyrinths. In fact, the word ‘Qenqo’ in Quechua (the language of the Incas) means ‘Labyrinth’.
Puca Pucara Archaeological Site
Puca Pucara is known as the ‘Red Fortress’ due to the pigmentation of some of the stones in the complex, as well as the reddish hue the place takes on at sunset. It is believed that this site served as a military post and a resting place for the Inca army. Its main function was to guard Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman. Other structures such as fountains, aqueducts, and other Inca constructions can also be seen there.
Entrance to the Puca Pucara Archaeological Park
Tambomachay Archaeological Site
Tambomachay is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites. It is located about 400 meters from Puca Pucara. Its Inca constructions pay homage to water with such perfection that even today, after several centuries, its channels continue to flow with water. The site is also formed by a set of finely carved rocks, waterfalls, channels, and aqueducts fed by springs. The scenic beauty of the site harmonizes with the constructions and surrounding nature.
Tambomachay Water Source
Textile Center
The textile centers of Cusco offer a demonstration of the spinning and dyeing process for garments made from alpaca and other traditionally used materials. Additionally, each visitor can learn about the different types of materials such as alpaca, baby alpaca, vicuña, and more. At the end, tourists can purchase garments and other handcrafted items made by Cusco artisans.
How much does a City Tour cost?
The cost of a City Tour depends on the following factors:
- If the tour includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket (entry to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and Coricancha), the cost ranges from $60 to $70.
- If the tour does not include the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the cost ranges from $15 to $30.
- If the tour is private, the cost is higher.
Most ‘City Tour’ tours include: hotel pickup, full tourist transportation, a professional guide, and entry to the tourist attractions visited: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay, and Cathedral (optional in some tours). Other tours offer everything except entry to the tourist attractions (tickets are purchased separately by the tourist). You choose the best option!
Are there any discounts?
Some City Tour services offer discounts for:
- Peruvian tourists: To access the discount, they must present their identity document (DNI).
- Minors under 18 years old: To access the discount, they only need to show their identity document confirming their age.
What’s included in the tour?
All tours include the following:
- Transportation to the tour (hotel pickup).
- Return transportation to a location near Plaza de Armas (at Plaza San Francisco).
- Bilingual tour guide service.
Some tours also include the following:
- Cusco Tourist Ticket: entry to all the archaeological sites included in the tour.
Differences between shared and private tours
| Shared tour | Private tour |
Group of approximately 5 to 15 people. | Group of approximately 1 to 7 people. |
Guided in Spanish or English. | Guided in Spanish, English, or additional languages. |
Guiding based on the group. | Personalized guiding. |
Strict schedules at each tourist attraction. | Flexible schedules based on the tourist’s preferences. |
Tour duration: 5 hours. | Tour duration: 5 hours. |
Transportation by minivan. | Transportation by car or minivan (depending on the number of visitors). |
What is the itinerary like?
| Tourist attraction | Description |
| Start of the tour | Visitors meet at a location near Plaza de Armas in the city, accompanied by their tour guide. |
| Visit to the Cathedral | The first destination is the famous Cusco Cathedral, where visitors will discover the treasures of the temple, such as its gold and silver relics, and paintings made during the colonial period. |
| Visit to Coricancha | After visiting the Cathedral, the group will head to the famous Sun Temple (Coricancha), the most important religious site of the Incas. They will also visit the Church of Santo Domingo, a Christian temple built over the walls of Coricancha. |
| Visit to Sacsayhuaman | After visiting Coricancha, a tourist transport will take visitors to the Sacsayhuaman fortress, a mysterious site located high above the city. It is home to some of the most impressive Inca constructions. |
| Visit to Qenqo | The tourist transport will then take visitors to the Qenqo archaeological site, where they can explore its labyrinths and other Inca constructions. |
| Visit to Puca Pucara | After visiting Qenqo, the group will proceed to the Puca Pucara archaeological site. This Inca structure is famous for its walls and terraces, which were believed to serve as a resting place for the Inca troops. |
| Visit to Tambomachay | After visiting Puca Pucara, the tourist transport will take visitors to the Tambomachay archaeological site, where they can admire the masterful way the Incas used water through channels that still function after many centuries. |
| Return to Cusco and end of the tour | Finally, visitors will return to the city of Cusco. The tour ends at a location near Plaza de Armas. The total duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours. |
Some ‘City Tour’ services include a visit to one of the famous ‘Textile Centers’ in Cusco. There, visitors will learn how alpaca garments are traditionally made. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to purchase products made from baby alpaca fiber (the finest first cut of alpaca).
How long does the service last?
Exploring Cusco through the City Tour takes approximately five hours, making it a half-day experience. It is highly recommended to do it during your first days in the city. Here are the available time slots for the City Tour:
- 1st Slot: From 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
- 2nd Slot: From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Other attractions in the city of Cusco
Here are some tourist attractions in the city of Cusco that are not included in the City Tour:
- The Stone of the 12 Angles – A famous stone that fits perfectly into its twelve corners with the immense rock wall that belonged to the palace of Inca Roca. It is located on Hatun Rumiyoc Street, just a few steps from Plaza de Armas. Since it is on the street, the visit is free.
- The Machu Picchu Museum at Casa Concha – A museum within a colonial house that exhibits some of the pieces found at Machu Picchu in 1911, which were returned by Yale University from the United States between 2010 and 2012. It is a few steps from Plaza de Armas.
- The Church of the Society of Jesus – A beautiful and imposing colonial church in Baroque style, located right on Plaza de Armas in Cusco. Its interior features objects made of silver and gold used in religious rites. It also boasts a collection of paintings from the ‘Cusco School’ of art.
- The Temple of the Moon – A mysterious Inca building carved inside a cave. Light filters through its cracks, giving it a mystical appearance. It is also known as the ‘Temple of Fertility.’ It is located near Sacsayhuaman, on the outskirts of the city.
The City Tour in images
Gallery
Recommendations
- The city of Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). At this altitude, it is recommended to engage in light activities, stay hydrated, and eat light meals to avoid altitude sickness symptoms during the first days of travel.
- The weather in Cusco is temperate. Days are generally sunny. However, rain can occur at any time, so it is recommended to carry a rain poncho during all your tours.
- The Cusco City Tour can be reserved with just a few days’ notice. Please consult with our sales advisors for all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do I need to book the City Tour Cusco in advance?
No, you can book the City Tour with just a few days’ notice, even during high season. Booking in advance ensures availability at the time that best fits your itinerary and allows you to coordinate the service details calmly.
2) When is the best time to take the City Tour in Cusco?
The ideal time is to do the City Tour on your first or second day in the city. This will allow you to gradually acclimate to the altitude of Cusco before undertaking more strenuous tours like Machu Picchu or the Rainbow Mountain.
3) Is the City Tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for people of all ages. The walks are easy, and the tourist transport makes it easy to access each attraction, making the tour a comfortable and safe experience.
4) Does the tour include all entrance fees to the tourist attractions?
If the classic City Tour includes entrance fees to all the destinations to be visited, along with transport and guide services. Some tours only include transport and the guide service. Before booking, we will assist you in choosing the option that best suits you.
5) Can I choose between a shared or private tour?
Yes, the tour offers both options. The shared option is ideal if you want a group experience at a more affordable price, while the private tour offers more flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to adjust to your pace.
6) In which language is the guided tour offered?
Our shared tours are conducted in Spanish or English. For private tours, it is possible to request other languages in advance.
7) Does the City Tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, the service includes pickup from hotels located in the historic center of Cusco. At the end of the tour, the return will be to a point near the Plaza de Armas.
8) What should I bring to the City Tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat or cap, and bringing a rain poncho. It is also important to carry water, snacks, and some cash for potential purchases.
9) Is the City Tour physically demanding?
No, it is a tour of easy level. However, since it is located at over 3,399 meters above sea level, we recommend walking slowly, staying hydrated, and following the guide’s instructions.
10) Why should I book the City Tour Cusco with a travel agency?
Because it allows you to optimize your time, learn about each attraction with clear and reliable information, travel safely, and enjoy the experience with professional guides who enrich your visit.
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 29, 2026