Cusco City Tour: Complete Guide, Itinerary, and What to Visit
Cusco is known as the Archaeological Capital of the Americas and was once the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire. Exploring the city means being amazed by archaeological sites, museums, temples, and much more. The most important attractions in the city include the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Qoricancha, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Although it is possible to visit these places on your own, the best way to experience them is by taking the ‘Cusco City Tour’. Discover what this tour is like.
- What is the Cusco City Tour?
- Which places are visited?
- How much does a City Tour cost?
- What does the tour include?
- Differences between a shared and private tour
- What is the itinerary like?
- How long does the service last?
- The City Tour in pictures
- Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Majestic Qoricancha Temple
What is the Cusco City Tour?
- The Cusco City Tour is a sightseeing tour of the city’s main attractions, including the Cathedral, Qoricancha, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
- The tour typically lasts five hours (half a day). There are two departure times, so you can choose the one that best fits your itinerary. The first option runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the second runs from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- The tour also includes a professional tour guide, transportation to all the sites, and admission to each attraction. Visitors can also choose between a shared or private service.
Which places are visited on the Cusco City Tour?
Cusco Cathedral
Cusco Cathedral, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, is one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks. It is the first place you will visit during the tour. Located in front of the Plaza de Armas, its construction took nearly 100 years and was completed in 1654. It was originally an Inca temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha. During the Spanish invasion, the temple was looted and demolished to make way for this historic
Catholic monument. In 1983, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Qoricancha and Convent of Santo Domingo
Qoricancha was the most important religious center of the Inca culture. Its stonework is even more precise than that of Machu Picchu. It was covered in gold and silver before the Spanish invasion, when the Convent of Santo Domingo was built on the site. It is located two blocks from the Plaza de Armas and houses paintings created by artists of 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 Inca sites. Here, visitors can see stones measuring up to nine meters in height and weighing more than 120 tons. All of them fit together with incredible precision. Today, much of its foundations can still be seen, revealing the importance and vast size of this complex. Visiting it means discovering one of the most iconic attractions in Cusco and Peru. Additionally, the famous
‘Festival of the Sun’, also known as Inti Raymi, is celebrated on its main esplanade every June 24.
Impressive SacsayhuamanQenqo Archaeological Site
Qenqo is located approximately 1 kilometer from Sacsayhuaman. It was an Inca ceremonial center whose structures were dedicated to Mother Earth. One of its most notable features is an area known as the amphitheater, where it is believed that the Incas placed their dead in trapezoidal niches. Its main attraction is its network of underground passages. 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’ because of the pigmentation of some of the stones at the site, as well as the reddish hue the area takes on at sunset. It is believed that this complex served as a military outpost and resting place for the Inca’s troops. Its main purpose was to guard Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman. Other structures, such as fountains, aqueducts, and additional Inca constructions, can also be seen here.
Entrance to the Puca Pucara Archaeological ParkTambomachay Archaeological Site
Tambomachay is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites. It is located approximately 400 meters from Puca Pucara. Its Inca structures honor water with such precision that even today, after several centuries, its channels continue to carry water. The complex also consists of a series of finely carved rocks, as well as waterfalls, channels, and aqueducts fed by natural springs. The scenic beauty of the site blends harmoniously with its
buildings and the surrounding nature.
Tambomachay Water Fountain
How much does a City Tour cost?
The cost of a City Tour varies depending on the following factors:
- Whether the tour includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket (admission to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and Qoricancha); 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 a private service, the cost is higher.
What does the tour include?
All tours include the following:
- Transportation to the tour (hotel pickup).
- Return transportation to a location a few meters from the Plaza de Armas (at San Francisco Square).
- Bilingual tour guide service.
Most ‘City Tours’ include hotel pickup, full tourist transportation, a professional guide, and admission to the attractions included in the tour: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the Cathedral (optional on some tours). Other tours offer all of these services except admission to the attractions, which must be purchased separately by the tourist. The choice is yours!
Differences between a shared and private tour
| 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 other languages. |
Guided according to the group. | Personalized guidance. |
Strict schedules at each tourist attraction. | Flexible schedules according to 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 |
| Tour begins | Visitors meet at a point near the city’s Plaza de Armas with their tour guide. |
| Visit to the Cathedral | The first destination is the famous Cusco Cathedral, where visitors will discover the temple’s treasures, including its gold and silver relics and paintings created during the colonial period. |
| Visit to Qoricancha | After visiting the cathedral, the group will head to the famous Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), the most important religious site of the Incas. They will also visit the Church of Santo Domingo, a Christian temple built on the walls of Qoricancha. |
| Visit to Sacsayhuaman | After visiting Qoricancha, tourist transportation will take visitors to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a mysterious site located high above the city. Some of the most impressive Inca structures can be found here. |
| Visit to Qenqo | The tourist transportation will then take visitors to the Qenqo archaeological site, where they can explore its labyrinths and other Inca structures. |
| Visit to Puca Pucara | After visiting Qenqo, the tour continues to the Puca Pucara archaeological site. This Inca complex is famous for its walls and terraces, which are believed to have served as a resting place for the Inca’s troops. |
| Visit to Tambomachay | After visiting Puca Pucara, tourist transportation will take visitors to the Tambomachay archaeological site, where they can appreciate the mastery with which the Incas harnessed water through channels that are still functioning centuries later. |
| Return to Cusco and end of the tour | Finally, visitors will return to the city of Cusco. The tour ends at a point near the city’s Plaza de Armas. The entire tour lasts approximately 5 hours. |
Some ‘City Tour’ services include a visit to one of the famous ‘Textile Centers’ in Cusco. There, visitors can learn how traditional alpaca garments are made. They will also have the opportunity to purchase products made from baby alpaca fiber (the first alpaca shearing, which produces the finest fiber).
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 take this tour during your first few days in the city. These are the available City Tour schedules:
- 1st schedule: from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- 2nd schedule: from 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The City Tour in pictures
Gallery
Recommendations
- The city of Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level (11,152 feet). At this altitude, it is recommended to engage in light activities, stay well hydrated, and eat light meals to help avoid altitude sickness symptoms during the first few days of your trip.
- Cusco has a mild climate. Days are generally sunny, especially during the daytime. However, rain can occur at any time, so it is advisable to carry a rain poncho throughout your excursions.
- The Cusco City Tour can be booked just a few days in advance. Contact our sales advisors to learn about all the options available and make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Which places are included in the Cusco City Tour?
The Cusco City Tour visits some of the city’s main historical and archaeological attractions. The classic tour includes Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha Temple, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. The order of the visits may vary depending on the schedule and tour arrangements.
2) How long does the Cusco City Tour last?
The Cusco City Tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is considered a half-day activity. The duration may vary slightly depending on the itinerary, traffic, weather conditions, and the amount of time spent at each attraction.
3) What time does the Cusco City Tour start?
The Cusco City Tour is usually offered in two time slots: morning and afternoon. For the Boleto Machu Picchu service, the currently indicated departure times are approximately 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The morning tour ends at around 2:00 p.m., while the afternoon tour ends at around 7:00 p.m.
4) Can I do the Cusco City Tour on my own?
Yes, it is possible to visit the main City Tour attractions on your own, but you will need to arrange transportation, admission tickets, and the order of the itinerary yourself. To visit Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, you can use the Cusco Tourist Ticket, while Cusco Cathedral and Qoricancha have separate admission fees.
5) Which tickets are needed for the Cusco City Tour?
To visit the archaeological sites included in the City Tour, you need the Cusco Tourist Ticket – Circuit 1, which includes Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Admission to Qoricancha and Cusco Cathedral is purchased separately. In some organized tours, these admission fees are already included in the service price.
6) Does the City Tour include Sacsayhuaman?
Yes. Sacsayhuaman is one of the main attractions of the Cusco City Tour. During the visit, you can explore its main areas and admire its enormous stone walls, as well as enjoy views over the city of Cusco.
7) What is the difference between a shared and private City Tour?
The main difference is how the tour is conducted. On a shared City Tour, transportation and the guide are shared with other travelers, and the itinerary follows a set schedule. On a private City Tour, transportation and the guide service are exclusive to your group, allowing greater flexibility when arranging the itinerary and schedule.
8) What should I bring to the Cusco City Tour?
It is recommended to bring water, sunscreen, a cap or hat, comfortable clothing, and suitable walking shoes. It is also a good idea to bring rain gear, especially during the rainy season. Since the tour lasts approximately five hours, there is no need to carry too much luggage.
9) Is it recommended to take the City Tour on the first day in Cusco?
Yes, many people choose to take the City Tour during their first or second day in Cusco, as it allows them to visit important sites in the city without undertaking a full-day activity. It can also be a good way to start your trip with a relatively relaxed tour before taking longer excursions.
10) Is the City Tour suitable for children and older adults?
Yes, the City Tour can be enjoyed by children and older adults. However, keep in mind that Cusco is located at a considerable altitude and some visits involve walking on uneven surfaces, especially at the archaeological sites. It is recommended to take the tour at a comfortable pace, stay hydrated, and consider each traveler’s individual circumstances. The Boleto Machu Picchu service indicates that the tour is suitable for people of
all ages.
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 1, 2026