Main Info
Our City Tour Cusco Half Day is an ideal option for people who want to learn a bit more about Inca´s culture. The Cusco city tour combines attractions from the Inca empire, and from colonial times.
Qosqo in Quechua, was the capital of the Inca Empire, called Tawantinsuyo. Cusco, with its special beauty and charm is considered the archeological capital of South America and a cultural legacy of humanity. This tour takes you to the majestic Qoricancha, the most important example of the change from Incan architecture to Spanish colonial architecture. You will also visit the four most important archeological sites in the hills above Cusco. These sites are essential in understanding the importance of Cusco during the Incan Empire.
| Departure |
“Everyday”
|
| Difficulty Level: | “Easy” |
| Included |
|
| Excluded |
|
Itinerary
The Traditional Cusco City Tour begins between 13:20 and 13:30pm in the afternoon.
This is a complete of tour Cusco city centre, where you will have the opportunity to visit six sites, the first being "Qoricancha" (Golden Place in Quechua), which comprises an Inca temple (one of the most important religious centers of the Inca period), now housed within the Santo Domingo Convent. We then visit the Cathedral in the main square, famed for its large collection of religious paintings of the Cusqueña School, among many other beautiful artifacts.
The next four stops on the tour are located on a nearby hill overlooking the city, locations that were used by the Incas for a variety of purposes and maintained intact until the present day. These are:
Sacsayhuaman (Puma’s Head) a majestic fortress of huge carved stones perfectly fitted together, the heaviest being 120 tons in weight, carried by workers from remote Inca quarries. Here, the famous Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is celebrated every year.
Qenqo (Labyrinth)
Tambomachay, a fascinating system of ancient waterworks and fountains.
Puca Pucara
End of the tour and return to the hotel.
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuman is located just 2.5 kilometers from Cusco city-centre. Here you will enjoy the impressive Inca architecture of the ancient fortress and temple. Sacsayhuaman boasts impressive Inca design and artwork with massive stones over 9 meters (30 feet) tall and weighing up to 120 tons. The spectacular archeological sites which surround Cusco are a true mark of Incan heritage and culture. Wonderful panoramic views of Cusco can be seen from the top of this massive construction.
Qenqo
Qenqo is an Inca labyrinth carved from a natural rock formation, including a sacrificial altar in its center, where it is likely that the Incas made animal sacrifices. With its innumerable staircases and channels, the site of Qenqo is believed to have been a site of many Inca rituals.
Tambomachay
Tambomachay is a spring water source that is believed to have been worshiped by the Incas. Although the function of Tambomachay, or "The Bath of the Incas" is not certain, many archaeologists believe that it had ceremonial functions, while others believe it could have served as a place of relaxation for the elite Inca. It remains a spiritual site and the water still flows to this day.
Puca Pucara
Puca Pucara (Red Place) is usually the last stop on the tour, where you can admire its architectural magnificence, springs, waterways and aqueducts before returning to Cusco city-centre.
