Cusco City Tour

This half-day tour explores the most famous historical sites in and around Cusco. You can choose to start at 9am or 1pm. Depending on your start time, the journey either begins in the city center at the Cathedral and the Qoricancha Sun Temple, or at the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán to beat the crowds.

Tour Details

  • Duration: Half day (approx. 4.5 to 5 hours).
  • Start Times: 9am or 1pm.
  • Difficulty: Easy.
  • Initial Altitude: 3,399 meters (11,151 feet).
  • Highest Altitude: 3,765 meters (12,352 feet) at Tambomachay.
  • Walking Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours total across all sites.
  • Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour total.

Tour Information

Afternoon Departure (1:00 PM)

The experience begins at the Cathedral of Cusco, where you will explore its remarkable collection of colonial art and learn about its historical significance. The tour then continues to Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, where impressive Inca stonework meets colonial architecture.

From the city center, the route moves to the archaeological complex above Cusco:

  • Sacsayhuamán – Approximately 1 hour exploring its monumental megalithic walls and panoramic views.
  • Qenqo – 30-minute visit to this ceremonial limestone site with underground chambers.
  • Puca Pucara – 20-minute stop at this former military checkpoint known as the “Red Fortress.”
  • Tambomachay – 40-minute visit to admire the still-functioning water channels and fountains of the “Baths of the Inca.”

The tour concludes with a return to the city center.

Morning Departure (9:00 AM)

The morning tour follows the same sites in reverse order, beginning at the archaeological complex and concluding at the Cathedral.

Inclusions

  • Professional tour guide (English/Spanish).
  • Tourist transportation for the whole circuit.
  • Guided visits to all sites in the itinerary.
  • Pick-up from your accommodation (when applicable).
  • Small group experience.
  • Modern bus with larger panoramic windows for better views.
  • Audio guide system (headsets) for clearer explanations during the tour.

Exclusions

  • All entrance tickets.
  • Water and snacks.
  • Hotel Drop-off: The tour usually ends near the Plaza de Armas (city center) rather than at your hotel door, so you can enjoy dinner, lunch or explore the square.
  • Prices:
  • Cusco Cathedral: 40 Soles
  • Qoricancha: 15 Soles
  • Partial Tourist Ticket: 70 Soles (Valid for 1 day; covers the 4 ruins)
  • General Tourist Ticket: 130 Soles (Valid for 10 days; covers 16 sites)

What to pack:

  • A light jacket or sweater: Even if it is sunny, it gets cold at the ruins.
  • Rain poncho or rain jacket: It can rain at any time, even in the dry season.
  • Comfortable pants: Long pants are better than shorts because of the sun and wind.
  • Walking shoes or sneakers: You will be walking on uneven stones and grass. Do not wear sandals or dress shoes
  • Sun hat or cap: The sun is very strong at this altitude.
  • Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the bright light.
  • Sunscreen: You can get a sunburn very quickly here.
  • Small backpack: To carry your things.
  • Water bottle: To stay hydrated.
  • Original Passport: You must show this to buy your entry tickets.
  • Cash (Soles): For your entrance fees.
  • Camera or Phone: To take photos.

1. Is the entrance fee included in the price?

  • Daily Tours: No. You must pay in cash at each site.
  • Tour Packages: Yes. If you booked a multi-day package, your tickets are usually included.

2. Can I pay with a credit card the entrance fees?

No. All ticket offices (Cathedral, Qoricancha, and ruins) only accept Cash in Peruvian Soles.

3. Do I need my physical passport?

Yes. You must show your original passport to buy the Tourist Ticket.

4. When are the rainy and dry seasons?

  • Dry Season (May to October): Sunny days, blue skies, and very cold nights. This is the busiest time for tourism.
  • Rainy Season (November to April): Rain is frequent, especially in the afternoons. January and February are the wettest months.

5. Will the altitude affect me?

The tour is easy and involves mostly bus travel. Drink water and walk slowly at the ruins.

6. What is the difference between the Standard and Classic City Tour?

We offer the City Tour starting from 11 USD. The Classic option (11 USD) includes the full itinerary but may include brief stops for local vendors and souvenir shopping. As the price increases, the service level improves. Higher-tier options focus entirely on the archaeological visits, with no shopping stops and a more streamlined experience.

7. Are there bathrooms at the sites?

Yes, at the entrance of the archaeological sites. You will need 1 or 2 Soles in coins to use them.

8. What happens if it rains?

The tour continues. Please bring a rain poncho.

9. Can I leave the tour early?

Yes, but you must pay for a taxi back to your hotel yourself.

$ 12.00

People
Additional services
Smaller group (up to 16) and bigger bus
$ 0.00

Tour Information

Afternoon Departure (1:00 PM)

The experience begins at the Cathedral of Cusco, where you will explore its remarkable collection of colonial art and learn about its historical significance. The tour then continues to Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, where impressive Inca stonework meets colonial architecture.

From the city center, the route moves to the archaeological complex above Cusco:

  • Sacsayhuamán – Approximately 1 hour exploring its monumental megalithic walls and panoramic views.
  • Qenqo – 30-minute visit to this ceremonial limestone site with underground chambers.
  • Puca Pucara – 20-minute stop at this former military checkpoint known as the “Red Fortress.”
  • Tambomachay – 40-minute visit to admire the still-functioning water channels and fountains of the “Baths of the Inca.”

The tour concludes with a return to the city center.

Morning Departure (9:00 AM)

The morning tour follows the same sites in reverse order, beginning at the archaeological complex and concluding at the Cathedral.

Inclusions

  • Professional tour guide (English/Spanish).
  • Tourist transportation for the whole circuit.
  • Guided visits to all sites in the itinerary.
  • Pick-up from your accommodation (when applicable).
  • Small group experience.
  • Modern bus with larger panoramic windows for better views.
  • Audio guide system (headsets) for clearer explanations during the tour.

Exclusions

  • All entrance tickets.
  • Water and snacks.
  • Hotel Drop-off: The tour usually ends near the Plaza de Armas (city center) rather than at your hotel door, so you can enjoy dinner, lunch or explore the square.
  • Prices:
  • Cusco Cathedral: 40 Soles
  • Qoricancha: 15 Soles
  • Partial Tourist Ticket: 70 Soles (Valid for 1 day; covers the 4 ruins)
  • General Tourist Ticket: 130 Soles (Valid for 10 days; covers 16 sites)

What to pack:

  • A light jacket or sweater: Even if it is sunny, it gets cold at the ruins.
  • Rain poncho or rain jacket: It can rain at any time, even in the dry season.
  • Comfortable pants: Long pants are better than shorts because of the sun and wind.
  • Walking shoes or sneakers: You will be walking on uneven stones and grass. Do not wear sandals or dress shoes
  • Sun hat or cap: The sun is very strong at this altitude.
  • Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the bright light.
  • Sunscreen: You can get a sunburn very quickly here.
  • Small backpack: To carry your things.
  • Water bottle: To stay hydrated.
  • Original Passport: You must show this to buy your entry tickets.
  • Cash (Soles): For your entrance fees.
  • Camera or Phone: To take photos.

1. Is the entrance fee included in the price?

  • Daily Tours: No. You must pay in cash at each site.
  • Tour Packages: Yes. If you booked a multi-day package, your tickets are usually included.

2. Can I pay with a credit card the entrance fees?

No. All ticket offices (Cathedral, Qoricancha, and ruins) only accept Cash in Peruvian Soles.

3. Do I need my physical passport?

Yes. You must show your original passport to buy the Tourist Ticket.

4. When are the rainy and dry seasons?

  • Dry Season (May to October): Sunny days, blue skies, and very cold nights. This is the busiest time for tourism.
  • Rainy Season (November to April): Rain is frequent, especially in the afternoons. January and February are the wettest months.

5. Will the altitude affect me?

The tour is easy and involves mostly bus travel. Drink water and walk slowly at the ruins.

6. What is the difference between the Standard and Classic City Tour?

We offer the City Tour starting from 11 USD. The Classic option (11 USD) includes the full itinerary but may include brief stops for local vendors and souvenir shopping. As the price increases, the service level improves. Higher-tier options focus entirely on the archaeological visits, with no shopping stops and a more streamlined experience.

7. Are there bathrooms at the sites?

Yes, at the entrance of the archaeological sites. You will need 1 or 2 Soles in coins to use them.

8. What happens if it rains?

The tour continues. Please bring a rain poncho.

9. Can I leave the tour early?

Yes, but you must pay for a taxi back to your hotel yourself.

How to Book?

  1. Pick a tour.
  2. Pick a date.
  3. Click “Book Tour”.
  4. Fill out checkout information.
  5. Payment.
  6. Recieve confirmation through email.