Trek
Explore Cusco city the capital of the Incan Empire
An Introduction to Cusco’s history and culture through the half-day City Tours Cusco with our local guide is the best way to start your trip in the ancient capital of Incas. Cusco City, which once served as the capital of the Incas, showcases the remnants of Incan architecture at every turn. Immerse yourself in time through history, from where it all began, and know part of what the first European explorers saw and admired. Explore the fascinating architecture, its narrow streets, its people, its tradition, and its culture that still remain to be discovered; enter this new world as if you were an explorer you were eager to discover something new.
Cusco was the capital of one of the greatest civilizations in all of America, conquered in the mid-sixteenth century until then Cusco had been the most important administrative and religious center of the Inca Empire; a city where great palaces were built for its rulers; magnificent temples and altars, such as Qoricancha (temple of the sun), Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay (water worship center) and much more. Qosqo or Cusco was the center from where the roads to the most sacred places of its territory started, some of them went to sacred mountains such as the Salkantay to the north, to the Ausangate to the south; they built roads and surveillance centers along the most fertile valleys of their territory, such as the sacred valley of the Incas, the Limatambo valley and the Apurímac, sacred roads that led to sacred citadels such as the enigmatic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, today known worldwide.
Often Cusco is considered a jump-off point to the Sacred Valley of Incas, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. On this half-day Cusco Tour, our local guide will reveal that reputation simply underscores its acclaim.
Trip Details
Highlights
- Qoricnacha temple, the Sun temple of the Incas
- The main plaza of Cusco City and colonial houses
- Saqsayhuaman site, the megalithic constructions
- Qenqo site, and the stone altar
- Pukapucar site, Incan guard residence
- Tambomachay site, and liturgical water fountain
Route Map
Wold Heritage Inca City and its monumental remains
Cusco City is one of the oldest city in south America built is the remain of what once was the capital of the Incan Empire, conquered by at the iddle of XVI century. Hear amazing stories and legends of the Incan culture, enjoy the incredible constructions and megalitic monuments. Don't miss the chance to explore and live a life time experience with Kuntur Peru Travel.
Trip Overview
It is ideal to do the half-day Cusco city tour before doing the Sacred Valley tour, before your trip to Machu Picchu citadel, or any other trekking activity; it will not only help you acclimatize to the altitude but will also give you an orientation to the history and culture of the Incas.
A glimpse of our Itinerary
Get introductory Information about the Incas and its Culture
Enjoy Cusco city in its half-day tour exploring the outstanding sites in the city center and surrounding archeological remains, submerge in the history told by one of our expert tour guides.
Our city tour service can be made either in the morning or in the afternoon. Whichever schedule your choice is, we guarantee you an authentic experience. Come with us! You won’t regret it.
What to expect
- Pick up from your hotel
- Meet our experienced local guides, English / Spanish speaking
- Private transportation to all sites in and out of Cusco City.
- Detailed guided tour in Qoricancha (the sun temple.
- Explore Sacsayhuaman, the megalithic constructions site
- Guided tour at Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay.
- 4 to 5 hours total tour, during which you’ll learn about the Origin and history of Incan culture.
- Take advantage of taking photos at Inca sites, guides are also skillful at taking photos.
- Door-to-door transportation service, unless you request drop-off at a specific point in the city.
Degree of difficulty
The city tour is rated as an effortless excursion, as it does not involve a hiking activity. Day trips are generally made by private transportation. We suggest taking it easy while exploring the sites, as it will help you acclimate to the altitude. The city tour in Cusco can be done all year round. However, you will have a better experience during the dry season (March-November)
Why you should go with us
- Kuntur Peru Travel is a fully locally owned tour operator and certified travel company with all licenses to operate Inca trail tours and alternative treks.
- Experience is the key! Long tracking record tour guides, graduated from the university and recognized institutes of Cusco city.
- We deliver our tour services with safety standards, ethics, and responsibility; we rely on the opinion of our travelers.
- Book and travel! Your trip is confirmed once booking the tour service; we don’t transfer the service to other tour groups. So that you book with us, you go with us.
- Quality of services is our personal motto, so we provide both as small groups, no more than 8 pp., and private tour services.
- No hidden charges! You pay the cost of your trip with all services included as mentioned in the itineraries.
- Tailor-made tours and customizable experiences to the needs of our travelers.
- Our guides are natives of Cusco city, fluent English speaking, friendly and great storytellers.
- Our management center is located in Cusco city. Therefore, we have everything in control nearby.
Itinerary
An in-depth tour of Cusco, the capital of the Incan empire
The city of Cusco has a lot to offer to its visitors from a simple stroll through the city center to short day trips to the mountains. Due to its millenary history, its tradition, festivities, customs, and archaeological monuments, Cusco is cataloged as a historical city of Peru and a cultural world heritage city.
Kuntur Peru guarantees you an authentic experience through our Cusco city tour and its surrounding archaeological sites in two options.
Opt 1 Cusco City Tour Classic
The tour typically starts in the afternoon first visit Qoricancha, the most important temple of the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Kingdom), where you will appreciate impressive enclosures built with the best stone ashlars, millimetric precision engineering that guaranteed its permanence even after two major earthquakes occurred in Cusco. After a guided tour, continue up to visit the surrounding Inca sites exploring Sacsayhuaman and its megalithic construction; Qenqo, and its stone altar, Pukapukara, the red fortress; and Tambomachay and its aqueducts and liturgical water fountains.
Explore all of this on a 4 hours guided tour accompanied by a professional guide, who will provide all details at each site you visit. Our private transport will be at your service at all times during the tour.
- Style Tour
Cultural / Classic - Difficulty
Easy - Max Altitude
3700 m. / 12,139 ft. - Circuit
5 hrs - Transportation
Private transport. - Guidance
Site Exploration
Opt 2 Cusco City Expedition Tour service
We will take you to explore first the surrounding sites out of Cusco city. You will be picked up from your hotel at 8:00 am to drive towards Tambomachay ruins, where you will see a small Inca construction, walls, and liturgical fountains; near Tambomachay is Pukapukara, another Inca site made up of small enclosures and a Platform from where you will have a panoramic view of mountains and Cusco valley, carry on in a private transport you will get Qenqo, a mysterious site with stone altars and big niches built over a massive natural rock outcrop, where Inca priest took out ritual practices, the tour continues toward Saqsayhuaman to admire its megalithic constructions. From Saqsayhuaman, you will be driven down to Cusco’s main square, where we will have the chance to visit the Cathedral (optional), considered an art museum for its invaluable collection of paintings made by Andean people in the XVI century. You will end up on our city tour visiting Qoricancha, the Sun temple of the Incas.
Enjoy the city tour the way only Kuntur Peru knows to do, avoiding the crowds; we are engaged in providing memorable experiences to all our travelers.
- Meals
Lunch - Difficulty
Moderate - Max Altitude
3700 m. / 12,139 ft. - Circuit
6hrs total - Transportation
Private transport. - Tour Style
Hiking, Cultural
Including
Cusco City tour Includes
- Experienced local guides
- All entrance tickets included in the service
- All private transportation SUVs or Minivans.
What to take
- Day pack / Tote bag
- Passport
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Warm clothes, the weather in the evenings is cold and windy.
- Rain jacket. Always recommended to take.
- Peruvian Soles in cash
What does not include
- Meals
- Tips
- Cusco cathedral
- Any personal expenses
Pricing
The pricing below is subject to a new Peruvian law governing the employment of our staff In the region. These changes are expected to substantially raise the cost of operating tours In Cusco City for all licensed tour companies.
OPTION 1 Cusco City Tour Classic
$ 110.00 per person Price based on 2 ppl in the group
- Price for 2 trekkers: 110.00 USD per person
- Price for 3-4 trekkers: 100.00 USD per person
- Price for 5-6 trekkers: 95 USD per person
- Price for 7-8 trekkers: 85 USD per person
OPTION 2 Cusco City Tour Expedition
$ 130.00 per person Price based on 2 ppl in the group
- Price for 2 trekkers: 130.00 USD per person
- Price for 3-4 trekkers: 120.00 USD per person
- Price for 5-6 trekkers: 110 USD per person
- Price for 7-8 trekkers: 100 USD per person
Discounts
Students from the University benefit traveling in Peru! Museums, tourist tickets, archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and more. Get discounts by presenting your International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Students under 17 years old and children do not need the ISIC to apply for a discount. Please, email us with a copy of the ISIC and passport at the time of booking for a trek or tour to info@kunturperu.com. We will be glad to help you.
- Student discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$10.00
- Students from 12 to 17 years. US$ 10.00 Discount
Groups booking
GO ON GROUP SERVICE:
From USD 80.00 per person for 8+ up to 12 participants in the group. Please note booking in advance is required.
We reward your preference! More details will be available if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, such as free walking tours in Cusco City, discounts on Cusco City tours, Sacred Valley tours, or items for hiking activities. Contact us at info@kunturperu.com
Trip Info
Weather in Cusco City
Humantay Lake tour is a very high-altitude activity, therefore, the weather may be cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 14 F. / -10 C. And in the early mornings of the dry season, during the day, it can get quite warm if the sun is out, anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind that if the weather is rainy or cloudy, it will be windy and colder, and it may change instantaneously, particularly when going up at the high-altitude passes; as with any high-altitude hike, you should bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
Tour departure
It is highly recommended to spend at least two days before any trekking activity acclimating to the altitude in the Andes; drinking enough water and avoiding heavy meals also help you to adapt quickly to the environment. Cusco is an Andean city located at 3,399 m. / 11,151 ft. We suggest doing short day tours in and around the city.
It is imperative to attend the pre-trek briefing a day before the scheduled date of the trip, usually set at 17:00 hrs. See the itinerary instructions section of the tour and its details. For additional information, speak directly to your trekking guide.
Note on Itinerary
The current itinerary described accurately expresses the trekking activities we offer. However, please, notice that due to some circumstances occasionally turns beyond our control, such as natural disasters, weather conditions, strikes, and others that may force us to deviate from our original plan, in which case, we will provide you with the best alternative option available, so then you won’t miss the wonderful experience.
Trip Payment Schedule
At the time of booking, you must be paid 30% of the total cost of the tour; this will allow us to make the corresponding reservation and purchase some tickets that may be sold out rapidly. A month before the departure date, the balance must be paid or upon your arrival in Cusco city, the 70% left of the final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee (hike permit fee): $130 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost.
Gratuities for the trekking crew
One of the greatest ways to express your gratitude to your trekking crew for everything they do to help you to make your adventure trip is by tipping. This is a tradition of years since the beginning of the tourism industry in our region, a personal appreciation based on the team’s effort during your adventure experience. Giving gratuities might not be customary in your country, however, it’s of the utmost importance to those who will be taking care of you during the trip. Tipping inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature in the tourism industry on many Kuntur Peru Travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you wish, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Usually, participants in a group gather the tipping money for the guides, porters, and cooks; you can either do it individually, or your trekking guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Tipping your tour guide is more personal and should be decided based on your relationship, quality, and length of service with them and is done separately from the group or could be done individually, this generally happens once you end the tour at Machu Picchu Citadel or Machu Picchu town.
Porters: Each porter $20 – $40 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all the group or participants)
Trekking Chef: $35 – $70 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all groups or participants)
Trekking guide: The amount is an entirely more personal preference, however, as a guideline, $40 -80 USD per person can be used.
Faqs
Booking
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Payment methods
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REASON TO DO CUSCO CITY TOUR
REMARKS
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE CITY TOUR
- Pick up from your hotel
- Meet our experienced local guides, English and Spanish speaking
- Private transportation to all sites in and out of the Cusco city center.
- Detailed guided tour in Qoricancha (the sun temple), about an hour of exploration.
- Explore Sacsayhuaman, the megalithic constructions site
- Guided tour at Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay.
- 4 to 5 hours total tour, during which you’ll learn about the Origin and history of Incan culture.
- Take advantage of taking photos at Inca sites, guides are also skillful at taking photos.
- Door-to-door transportation service, unless you request drop-off at a specific point in the city.
RECOMMENDED TO BRING
- Passport
- Warm clothes. Cusco’s weather is cold and windy at evenings
- Day pack / Tote bag
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Peruvian Soles in cash
- Cusco City is a destination with a rich historical legacy, the cradle of the greatest civilization of the Americas.
- Explore the cultural capital of Peru, it offers you the best of its culture, tradition, and millenary history.
- Enjoy the colonial side of the city in its temples, streets, and squares that still maintain the Inca architectural designs.
- Cusco has the best cultural attractions, countless festivities, and unsurpassed trekking destinations.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of the inter-Andean valleys and highland landscapes.
- Immerse yourself in the Andean culture interpreted by expert tour guides and explore the most unbelievable archeological sites it offers.
- Cusco City offers unique experiences, ideally for adventurers and history lovers.
- The Sacred Valley, South Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and other Day Tours are also destinations within the Cusco region.
- Kuntur Peru offers you authentic experiences through the customized services we deliver.
- More than a guided tour, the city tour is a unique experience in which you will explore incredible sites.