Cusco City Tour Half Day
The Cusco City Tour Half Day with a local English-speaking guide is one of the best tours in Cusco to gain a complete introduction to the Inca civilization.
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, is the gateway to the wonder of the world Machu Picchu and the historic Sacred Valley of the Incas. Located at 3399 meters above sea level, this colonial city has much to offer its visitors. There are numerous Inca ruins within and around the city. Some remarkable sites display a perfect blend of Inca and colonial architecture, such as the Temple of Qorikancha.
The city of Cusco was developed during the reign of the ninth Sapa Inca, Pachacútec. He was also responsible for the construction of Machu Picchu and Choquequirao. When the Spanish took control, they demolished many of the Inca sites and built churches over them. In some cases, they preserved the original foundations.
Our Cusco City Tour Half Day offers an excellent introduction to the Inca civilization. The tour begins at the Cusco Cathedral, which was once an Inca royal palace. You will then visit the Temple of Qorikancha. After the Spanish invasion, the temple was demolished and replaced with the Temple of Santo Domingo.
Afterward, you will visit the four most emblematic ruins located on the outskirts of the city of Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara. Each of these sites played an important role in the lives of the Incas, and our local guide will explain their significance during the tour.
We offer both group and private tours for this Cusco City Tour Half Day.
Take a moment to review our opinions on Trip Advisor.
Half Day
Cultural
Easy
Cusco
12 people
Detailed Itinerary
Cusco City Tour Half Day
Cusco Cathedral
We will begin the Cusco City Tour at the Cusco Cathedral. The Cathedral was built on the remains of an ancient Inca palace. Here, we will visit the altars and the impressive paintings found inside the cathedral.
Qorikancha
Just a few blocks from the Cusco Cathedral is the Temple of the Sun or Qorikancha. This was one of the most sacred sites for the Incas. The temple courtyard once featured numerous statues made of gold. Our guide will explain the history of the temple and how the Spanish occupation transformed the structure of this important Inca site.
Sacsayhuamán
Next, we will transfer you in our private transportation to Sacsayhuamán. This enormous Inca fortress is located on a hill overlooking the city of Cusco. It was built by Pachacútec. The site is famous for its massive stones, some weighing more than 100 tons. The Incas did not use mortar; instead, they carved the stones with great precision so they fit together perfectly.
Q’enqo
We will continue with a visit to the archaeological complex of Q’enqo. This was an important ceremonial center during the Inca civilization. In this place, the Incas performed sacrifices and mummifications.
Tambomachay
Tambomachay was a place intended for the rest of the Inca political elite. Here, there are several channels connected to nearby natural springs. Despite having been built centuries ago, these channels continue to function to this day.
Puca Pucara
Finally, we will visit Puca Pucara. Its name in Quechua means “Red Fortress.” From this location, the Incas protected the city of Cusco. The site receives this name due to the reddish color of the stones used in its construction, especially visible at sunset with the reflection of the sun.
After visiting Puca Pucara, we will transfer you back to the city of Cusco.
Inclusions
What's included
- Transportation
- Tour Guide
What's not included
- Admission to Qorikancha: 15 soles
- Tourist pass for archaeological sites: $23 per person
- Personal expenses
Packing List
We recommend that you bring essential items so you can comfortably enjoy the Half-Day Cusco City Tour.
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash
- Passport or ID
- Snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
Resolve the most common questions about the Cusco City Tour Half Day and get ready to discover the main historical and archaeological sites of the ancient Inca capital.
Is the Cusco City Tour Half Day recommended for first-time visitors to Cusco?
Yes. This tour is an excellent option for those who want a complete introduction to Inca history and culture. The tour includes some of the most important sites in Cusco and its surroundings.
What archaeological sites are visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara, considered some of the most emblematic sites of the city and the Inca civilization.
Do I need to purchase additional entrance tickets for the tourist sites?
Yes. Entrance to Qorikancha and the tourist ticket for the archaeological sites are not included in the tour and must be purchased separately.
Does the tour include transportation between the archaeological sites?
Yes. The tour includes transportation throughout the entire itinerary, especially for visiting the sites located on the outskirts of the city of Cusco.
What is the importance of Qorikancha in Inca culture?
Qorikancha was one of the most sacred temples of the Inca Empire and was dedicated to the Sun God. During the Inca period, this site featured important decorations and statues made of gold.
What makes Sacsayhuamán special?
Sacsayhuamán stands out for its enormous stone blocks perfectly fitted together without the use of mortar. This Inca fortress was built by Pachacútec and also offers a panoramic view of the city of Cusco.
Is it necessary to carry personal documents during the tour?
Yes. It is recommended to carry your passport or identity document, especially for entry to some tourist sites.
What type of weather can I expect during the Cusco City Tour?
The weather in Cusco can vary throughout the day due to its altitude of 3399 meters above sea level. It is recommended to bring water, snacks, and personal items for greater comfort during the tour.
Can the Cusco City Tour be done as a private service?
Yes. This tour is available in both group and private service.
Feel free to call us. We’re a team of experts and would be happy to speak with you.
- +51 970 409 091
- [email protected]
Customer Experience
Posted on Tripadvisor Erick WVerified Thanks Richard! Did this two day trek with Richard, our guide. He was very friendly, informative and passionate to share his knowledge about the local traditions and customs. The trek included all meals and were all freshly cooked. The camping sites were located overlooking the valley. The red valley trip was the highlight and i truly enjoyed it more than the rainbow mountain.Posted on Tripadvisor Valery HVerified Viaje mágico ✨️ I took the 4-day, 3-night tour to Choquequirao, and it was definitely an amazing experience. The organization was excellent, the service was outstanding throughout, and the team was always attentive and professional. Plus, the atmosphere was super fun, which made the whole trip even more special. I highly recommend this tour company if you're looking for a well-planned adventure full of great moments 😉Posted on Tripadvisor Miguel Ángel MVerified Choquequirao Hi everyone, I highly recommend the Choquequirao tour (the one I did) with this agency because of all my options, it offered the best guaranteed service. There were no problems, so I'm very satisfied.Posted on Tripadvisor Navigate03655434048Verified Recommended I did the Machu Picchu-Inca Trail tour with this agency, 100% recommended guys, the service was excellent and seeing all these places was simply beautifulPosted on Tripadvisor Navigator25956226682Verified A really wonderfull experience Visiting Manu National Park with this agency was truly the best choice! 👌 The Peruvian rainforest is truly magnificent and wonderful, and the agency really gives you the opportunity to experience the best of it.Posted on Tripadvisor LuisVerified A Remarkable Journey to Choquequirao An unforgettable 5-star adventure to Choquequirao, with breathtaking views, incredible Inca ruins, and a true sense of untouched beauty throughout the trek. The experience was made even better by our tour guide, Richard, who was knowledgeable, funny, and kind—he kept us motivated, shared fascinating insights, and made every moment along the journey even more enjoyable.Posted on Tripadvisor Nancy MVerified The trip of my dreams!!! I'm Nancy and I loved the experience we had with the tour. We had a wonderful experience to remember. The service was excellent, punctual, and professional from everyone who accompanied us. We'll definitely be back, thank you so much! 🤗Posted on Tripadvisor rocio cVerified beautiful experience We had an unforgettable experience with this company visiting Manu National Park for two days. My family and I are very happy to have enjoyed such a well-organized tour. We saw monkeys, birds, snakes, capybaras, caimans, and much more. Thank you for this great experience, Trails to Machu Picchu.Posted on Tripadvisor Sreeram HariharanVerified Worth it Had a wonderful trip to Choquequirao Site with Richard as our guide. Everything was perfect and Richard was very knowledgeable.Posted on Tripadvisor Warner JVerified Very well organised trip I felt little sick because of the altitude, a day before the tour, but since everything was booked, I decided to do the tour anyways. Thanks Richard for going above and beyond in ensuring that everything was going smoothly. He was constantly in touch with me through Whatsapp ensuring that I was doing well. The guide was very kind and took things really slowly and never made felt rushed. The lunch was very nice at a local restaurant in Sacred Valley. I was accommodated for a night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the room was very nice and the hotel was right in the centre of the town. The guide showed up the night before and briefed me on what to expect. Everything was just perfect. In Machu Picchu, the guide walked us directly to the view point first while other groups were still in the lower part of the citadel. We had plenty of time in Machu Picchu and got a detailed insight into the Andean history and culture.
Posted on FedeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Machu Picchu-Inca Trail tour with this agency, 100% recommended guys, the service was excellent and seeing all these places was simply beautifulPosted on sofi_soTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Visiting Manu National Park with this agency was truly the best choice! 👌 The Peruvian rainforest is truly magnificent and wonderful, and the agency really gives you the opportunity to experience the best of it.Posted on Luis Fernando Chullo OchoaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tuvimos un viaje inolvidable al parque manu de 2 dias 1 noche. Fue un tour inolvidable para nosotro y lo disfrutamod al maximo. Esta agencia de viajes es muy recomendable, desde el transporte, aalimentacion, guiado profecional y toda la logistica muy bien organizada gracias por todo señores de traisl to machupicchuPosted on David Soncco C. (D.v.D)Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fue uno bonita experiencia realizar el tour al Parque Nacional del Manu por 3 días, los guías super buenísimos que nos ayudaron a llevarnos una bonita experiencia, muy atentos y super divertidos!!!Posted on AhsanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They made my day 😊⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Posted on Ahsan Visa servicesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with them, recommendedPosted on DivCodeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good tour that I have done, highly recommended to know the Inca Trail🙂😌Posted on Nelly Montalvo PaccoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tuvimos la oportunidad de ir con mi familia a conocer Cusco y la experiancia fue única, lo pasamos muy bien desde el transporte, nuestro guía fue muy profesional, la alimentación excelente. Hizo que mi estancia fuera realmente memorable. Estamos muy agradecidos y recomendamos la Agencia de viajes.Posted on david abraham soto lopezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Buen servicio... me encanto el Guiado de la agencia ... siempre atentos y aclarando cada duda y pregunta con mucho conocimiento.