Step into the living heart of the Andes. Cusco, the legendary capital of the Inca Empire and the spiritual center of Tawantinsuyo, is a city where every cobblestone whispers a story. Here, the world’s most sophisticated stonemasonry serves as the literal foundation for ornate Spanish colonial cathedrals, creating a visual and historical tapestry unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Far more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is an archaeological powerhouse. As you wander through vibrant neighborhoods or stand amidst the colossal megalithic walls of the surrounding hills, you are walking through the most important cultural crossroads in South America. Our City Tour is masterfully designed to pull back the curtain on this high-altitude marvel, balancing deep historical insight with the exhilarating energy of a city that thrives at 3,400 meters. From the hidden subterranean tunnels of Q’enqo to the water-sculpted stone cascades of Tambomachay, you will experience the genius of the Inca civilization firsthand.
3400 m.s.n.m
Up to 12
Group or private
Self-guided
Mild
1 day
The City tour starts with a convenient hotel pick-up at either 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM. Over the course of four hours, you will immerse yourself in the living history of the Imperial City, witnessing the seamless blend of Andean and Spanish culture. We begin in the historic center at the Koricancha and then venture into the majestic hills overlooking Cusco to explore the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the ritualistic mazes of Q’enqo, the administrative outposts of Puka Pukara, and the serene water sanctuaries of Tambomachay. Following this deep dive into Inca engineering and culture, we return you safely to your hotel.
Once known as the “Enclosure of Gold,” this was the most sacred site in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Inti. During the Inca era, the interior walls were reportedly lined with solid sheets of gold. While the Spanish dismantled the temple to construct the Convent of Santo Domingo, the original foundation remains a masterpiece of fine stone masonry. Beyond the architecture, you will explore its history as a celestial observatory where priests tracked solar events, and view the impressive collection of canvas paintings from the Escuela Cusqueña de Arte.
Meaning “satisfied falcon,” this architectural marvel dominates the Cusco skyline. While often called a fortress, current research suggests it served as a vital temple, and several Inca tombs have been uncovered in the vicinity. The site is a testament to incredible engineering, featuring colossal stones—the largest weighing roughly 128 tons—fitted with impossible precision. The Incas envisioned Cusco in the shape of a puma, with Sacsayhuaman as the head. Its magnificent zigzag walls are the site’s most famous feature and remain the stunning backdrop for the annual Inti Raymi festival, which celebrates the winter solstice every June 24th.
Translating to “maze” in Quechua, Q’enqo is home to some of the most intricate rock carvings in the Cusco region. As you navigate the site, your guide will point out carvings representing a llama, a condor, and snakes sculpted directly into the natural bedrock. You will see zigzag channels carved into the stone, which were likely used for pouring ritual chicha (sacrificial corn beer). Below the surface, the site features mysterious caves, passageways, and altars once used for sacred ceremonies and mummification rites.
Known as the “Red Fortress” due to the reddish hue of its stones, this site likely served as a strategic administrative center and a resting point for chaskis—the legendary Inca messengers who ran messages across the empire. It is a smaller, intimate site that offers a fascinating look at how the Incas engineered their walls to sit perfectly atop the natural stone landscape rather than fighting against it.
Meaning place of rest in Quechua, this was the royal palace and retreat of the Inca Yupanqui when he traveled to the region for hunting. Beyond its role as a palace, it is widely considered a “Temple to the Water.” The site features a sophisticated series of aqueducts, canals, and cascading fountains sculpted from stone, designed to harness and channel water flowing from a nearby mountain spring.
This Cusco City Tour is available exclusively to guests who have already booked a 2, 3, 4, 5-day trek or any other tour package with INCA TRAIL HIKE PERU. We offer these special rates to provide a seamless, high-quality extension to your Peruvian adventure.
Note: The prices above are per group, not per person.
To keep our tour prices competitive and flexible, the following entry fees are not included. Please ensure you have these amounts in local currency (Peruvian Soles) on hand, as credit cards are rarely accepted at these specific sites:
The Partial Ticket (1 Day) costs 70 Soles and is ideal if you are only planning to visit the four sites included in our City Tour (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay). If you are staying in the Cusco region for multiple days and plan to visit other archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley or Southern Valley, the Full Ticket (10 Days) costs 130 Soles and offers significantly better value.
Where do I buy the Tourist Ticket?You can purchase it at the main COSITUC office (Avenida El Sol 103) or at the entrance to the first archaeological site you visit. You must pay in Peruvian Soles cash. Credit cards and foreign currency are not accepted for these official government tickets.
Yes. Certain religious and colonial sites are managed independently of the government archaeological ticket:
Note: Please have cash in Soles ready for these specific entrances, as they are paid directly at their respective ticket offices.
Cusco sits at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,200 feet). We strongly recommend arriving at least 24 to 48 hours before your tour to acclimatize. Stay hydrated, rest, and drink coca tea. Our guides are trained to monitor your well-being throughout the tour to ensure you have a comfortable experience..
Both options provide the same professional guiding and high-standard private vehicle transport. Private tours offer a more flexible pace tailored to your specific interests and photography needs, whereas small-group tours are excellent for meeting fellow travelers.
Yes. While we often have availability, we recommend booking at least a few days in advance to secure your preferred departure time (morning or afternoon) and to ensure we have your logistics fully coordinated for your arrival.
Our City Tour focuses on the major Inca archaeological sites surrounding the city. If you wish to visit the Cathedral, we recommend doing so independently before or after your tour, as it is located centrally in the Plaza de Armas.
Absolutely! This tour is very family-friendly due to the mild difficulty and short duration. Please ensure you provide accurate age information during booking so we can advise on any applicable entrance fee discounts.
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