1. English
  2. 中文 (中国)

Cusco or 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. Without a doubt, Cusco is the most important  tourist destination in Peru because of Machu Picchu. The streets of the city are over flowing with the history of Peru. As you tour Cusco the different stages of history from ancient times until the Conquest of the Incas.  Cusco has numerous archeological sites, old majestic cathedrals and numerous museums to explore. There are endless things to do and discover in Cusco.

Cusco is also the cradle of Machu Picchu, a secret and magic citadel and recently named; one of the seven new Wonders of the world, showing the more refined work of Inca genius and wisdom. At last Cusco, in addition to the numerous archeological sites to visit, is one of the most auspicious places to do amazing treks, and discover incredible Andean landscapes and more!

  • ALTITUDE: 3400m/11200 ft
  • CLIMATE: Hot and sunny by day and cold by night
  • DRY SEASON: April to October
  • RAINY SEASON: November to March

ITINERARY

CUSCO CITY TOUR – PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS EVERY DAY – In the morning (9 am) or afternoon (1pm)

In the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel  proceeding to visit the Imperial City. It is a living example of the mix of andean and spanish culture. We start the tour at the  Convent of Santo Domingo  built over the Koricancha, which was the Ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. You are given plenty of time to enjoy these amazing historical sites. From there we visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, with its impressive Inca architecture which dominates the city. Finally, we explore the archaeological sites of Q’enqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, which are located in the north east section of the city.  You’ll return to your hotel in Cusco in the early evening.

Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo

The convent was built on the spectacular Coricancha ‘enclosure of gold’. This was the most important temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun and the walls of which were lined with solid sheets of gold. All that remains now is the fine stonework, the conquistadors took the rest and destroyed the temple to build the convent. Coricancha was also an observatory, where priests kept track of major celestial events. Today it houses an impressive collection of canvas paintings from the Escuela Cusqueña of art.

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman (which means ‘a place where the falcon is satisfied’) is one of the most impressive sites built by the Incas. It is generally referred to as a fortress; however it is not certain what its main function was in reality. Current research suggests that it was more likely used as a temple, as Inca tombs have been discovered in the area.
The site is a marvellous archeological feat; even now after it was destroyed, one can only imagine its greatness when it stood in its full glory. Its construction of  stones on the walls is incredible and the largest one weighs 128 tons.
The Incas envisioned Cusco as having a puma shape and Sacsayhuaman was the head. Its  magnificent zigzag walls are the biggest attraction. The grounds surrounding Sacsayhuaman are still used today for the colourful festival of Inti Raymi which is held to celebrate the winter solstice on the 24th of June.

Q’enqo

The site of Q’enqo (meaning ‘maze’ in quechua) contains the most impressive carved rocks in the Cusco area. There are carvings everywhere, although some are very indistinct, such as a llama, a condor and snakes have been identified. There are many zigzag channels on top of the natural rock, probably used for pouring sacrificial chicha (a local drink made from corn). Below the rock, there are a number of caves and passageways , an altar which was used for the sacrifices of llamas, and buried remains of people that have been mummified were discovered.

Pukapukara

Puka Pukara is translated to ‘the red fortress’ in quechua. This is a small site and although the name suggests that it was a fortress, it does not appear to have had any defensive purpose. Probably it was used as an administrative center. The most interesting part is the way in which the Incas built the walls over the rocks.

Tambomachay

The name means “place of rest” in quechua. It used to be the royal hacienda of the Inca Yupanqui when he went to hunt in the surrounding area. This site was also thought to have been used as a Temple to the Water. There are some interesting aquaducts, canals and cascades sculpted out of stone, designed to channel water flowing from a nearby stream.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

INCLUDED

  • Pick up at your hotel
  • Professional English speaking guide
  • Private transportation to visit all Inca places
  • Tax
  • Water

NOT INCLUDED

  • Entrance to Archeological sites: Purchase the Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket)  70 soles (about US$22), at the first site you enter. This can be used for 1 day to visit archeological sites in the Cusco region.  (See important Questions & Answers for other options)
  • Entrance into Koricancha ( 10 Soles per person)
  • Meals

PRICE

Please Note:  The Cusco city Tour and price is only for our clients who have booked any 2, 3, 4, 5  days  or other tours or treks with INCA TRAIL.

  • GROUP of 1 to 6 people – $150 for the total group  (not per person)
  • GROUP  of 7 to 12 people – $180 for the total group (not per person)

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

ENTRANCE FEES

  • Entrance to Archeological sites: The Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket)  70 soles (about US$22), at the first site you enter. The ticket is good for 1 day (See important info)
  • Entrance of Koricancha ( 10 Soles per person)
  • Meals 

UESTION & ANSWERS

You have the Option to Purchase a 1 Day or a 10 Day Boleto Turistico. 

The partial ticket, or 1 Day ticket costs 70 soles (US $22) and is valid for 1 day.  You can visit as many sites as you like in one day with no further charge.  There are no discounts with this ticket.

Both tourist tickets, of 1 day or 10 day, allows the access to different archeological sites around Cusco, and Sacred Valley.  This is the best way to visit all the archeological sites of the region and the Sacred Valley. Most of the main archeological sites are not accessible for free.

The general ticket allows you to enter 16 archeological and cultural sites over the next 10 days in Cusco, the south valley and the Sacred Valley. The price of this ticket is 130 soles (about US $40) and is valid for 10 days. This is the cheapest and most convenient way to plan to see different sites in a few days. The cost for students under 25 (with the presentation of a valid ISIC card) and for teenagers under 18 (with the presentation of an identity card) is 70 soles (US$20). Children under 11 are free.

Here is a list of sites where you can use your Boleto Touristico:

  • Sacsayhuaman
  • Qenqo
  • Pucapucara
  • Tambomachay
  • Pisaq
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Chinchero
  • Moray
  • Tipon
  • Piquillaqta

Note : The entrance ticket  to the main archeological sites like Sacsaywaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo,Chinchero,Tipón and Moray cannot be sold individually; you must buy the Boleto turístico to visit them. You can get it in Avenida el Sol nearby Peru office or at the time you enter the first site that you are visiting.  YOU MUST PAY IN SOLES, NO CREDIT CARD OR US DOLLARS ARE ACCEPTED.

Important: These entrances are not included in the Boleto Touristico.

  • The entrance to Qoricancha or Santo Domingo Convent (10 soles)
  • The entrance to the Cathedral (25 soles), free on Sunday during Sunday Mass

THE BRIEFING

It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the your Culinary Tour your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free. 

HOW TO BOOK?

FIRST, to book your Tour to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of US$55.00 per person.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com to complete the payment.

WHAT TO BRING?

  • Warm jacket
  • Hat
  • Water
  • Sun protection
  • Some money for souvenirs
  • Money in soles to purchase boleto touristico y entrance to salt mine
  • Original passport
  • If you are a student, take your ISIC card (only works for the 10 day boleto touristico)

Gallery CITY TOUR OF CUSCO

Similar tours that may interest you