1 Day
Traditional
Low
| Group Size Up to 12 people | Max Altitude 3750 m.s.n.m (12142 feet a.s.l) |
| Difficulty Easy | Duration Half Day |
Cuzco is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba valley (Sacred Valley) of the Andes mountain range. Cuzco was the capital of Inca Empire. Many believe that the city was planned to be shaped like a Puma. The city had two sectors: the urin and hanan, which were further divided to each encompass two of the four provinces, Chinchaysuyo (NW), Antisuyo (NE), Contisuyo (SW), and Collasuyo (SE). A road led from each of these quarters to the corresponding quarter of the empire. Each local leader was required to build a house in the city and live part of the year in Cuzco, but only in the quarter of Cuzco that corresponded to the quarter of the empire he had territory in. According to Inca legend, the city was built by sapac Inca Pachachacuti, the man who transformed the Kingdom of Cuzco from a sleepy city-state into the vastempire of Tahuantinsuyo. But archaeological evidence points to a slower, more organic growth of the city beginning before Pachacuti. There was however a city plan and two rivers were channeled around the city. The first Spaniards arrived in the city on November 15th, 1533. Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, officially discovered Cuzco on March 23th, 1534, naming it the Very noble and great city of Cuzco. The many buildings constructed after the Spanish conquest are of Spanish influence with a mix of Inca architecture, including the Santa Clara and San Blas barrios. The Spanish undertook the construction of a new city on the foundations of the old Inca city, replacing temples with churches and palaces with mansions for the conquerors. During the colony, the city of Cuzco was very prosperous thanks to the agriculture, cattle rising, mining as well as the trade with Spain. This allowed the construction of many churches and convents, and even a Cathedral, university and an Archbishopric. Often, Spanish buildings were juxtaposed atop the massive stone walls built by the Inca.
Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun: Once the most important Inca temple, Qoricancha was dedicated to the Sun God, Inti. Admire its perfect stonework, sacred chambers, and the striking contrast with the colonial church built above it.
Cusco Cathedral – Plaza de Armas: A masterpiece of colonial art, the Cathedral showcases exquisite Cusco School paintings, ornate altars, and valuable religious artifacts. It is one of the city’s most important historical monuments.
Sacsayhuamán: This impressive Inca fortress features massive stone walls, some weighing over 120 tons. Located above Cusco, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire city.
Qenqo: A ceremonial site known for its labyrinthine passages, carved stone altars, and astronomical features used for Inca rituals and offerings.
Puka Pukara: A military complex built with reddish stones, serving as a strategic fortress and checkpoint that protected access routes to the city of Cusco.
Tambomachay: Known as the “Temple of Water,” Tambomachay features aqueducts, canals, and ritual fountains that highlight the Incas’ deep spiritual connection with water.
| Number of Passengers | 2 – 4 | 5 – 7 | 8 – Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 70 | 45 | 30 |
Private guided tours available daily – Morning (9:00 AM) or Afternoon (1:00 PM)
Explore the historical and spiritual essence of Cusco with South Adventure Peru Tours. This half-day guided city tour offers a deep dive into the fusion of Andean and colonial cultures that define the city today. Ideal for your first day in Cusco, it combines important archaeological sites with living history and breathtaking views.
Your experience begins with hotel pickup by our professional guide and private transportation. We’ll then begin exploring the legendary sites that make Cusco one of the most fascinating cities in South America.
Koricancha & the Convent of Santo Domingo: Our first stop is the majestic Koricancha, known in Quechua as the “enclosure of gold.” This was the most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the worship of Inti, the Sun God. Its walls were once covered with sheets of solid gold to reflect the power and presence of the sun on Earth.
After the Spanish conquest, much of the temple was dismantled, and atop its foundations rose the Convent of Santo Domingo, creating a remarkable fusion of Inca and colonial architecture. Today, you can still admire the finely-cut Inca stonework alongside beautiful colonial cloisters and a rich collection of colonial-era Cusqueña School paintings. Koricancha also functioned as an astronomical observatory used by Inca priests to monitor the heavens.
Sacsayhuamán – The Crown of Cusco: Towering above the city is the awe-inspiring complex of Sacsayhuamán, a masterpiece of Inca engineering and spiritual significance. Though often described as a fortress, archaeological evidence suggests it was more likely a ceremonial center and possibly a temple. Built with massive stones—some weighing over 120 tons—Sacsayhuamán showcases the precision and ingenuity of Inca stone-cutting, with no mortar used between the colossal blocks. The site forms the “head” of the puma-shaped design of ancient Cusco and is also the main stage for Inti Raymi, the Andean festival of the winter solstice celebrated each June 24th.
Q’enqo – Sacred Carvings and Hidden Rituals: A short drive from Sacsayhuamán brings us to Q’enqo, meaning “labyrinth” in Quechua. This unique site is known for its carved altars, channels, and tunnels cut directly into natural rock. The zigzag grooves were likely used in ritual libations of chicha, a traditional maize-based beverage. You’ll see carved representations of sacred animals such as the condor, snake, and puma—central figures in Inca cosmology. Beneath the site lies a small cavern with an altar, believed to be used for ceremonial sacrifices and mummification rituals.
Puka Pukara – The Red Fortress: Translating to “Red Fortress,” Puka Pukara is a small but strategic site constructed with reddish stones. While its exact function remains debated, it is widely believed to have served as a checkpoint or resting place for Inca messengers (chaskis) and nobles traveling to the sacred baths of Tambomachay. Its elevated position offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Tambomachay – The Temple of Water: The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, a ceremonial complex thought to be dedicated to water and purification. Featuring a network of finely carved aqueducts and fountains that still flow with fresh spring water today, Tambomachay may have also served as a royal retreat for Inca ruler Yupanqui during his hunting expeditions. The harmony between natural landscape and human construction here is impressive, showing the deep Inca respect for water as a sacred life force.
Return to Cusco: After a morning or afternoon filled with history, mysticism, and natural beauty, we will return you comfortably to your hotel in Cusco. This tour lasts approximately four hours and is an excellent introduction to the wonders of the Inca capital.
Enhance your cultural experience by adding a visit to a camelid farm in the community of Huayllarcocha (Manos de la Comunidad), where you’ll interact with llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and local artisans who preserve traditional weaving techniques.
| Group Size Up to 12 people |
Max Altitude 3750 m.s.n.m (12142 feet a.s.l) |
| Difficulty Easy |
Duration Half Day |
| Number of Passengers | 2 – 4 | 5 – 7 | 8 – Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 70 | 45 | 30 |
Before booking your tour to Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, please check the availability of entry tickets for your preferred dates. Entry is limited and often sells out in advance — especially during high season. Make sure your chosen date has available spots to ensure access.
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