Cusco City Tour
Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán and the sites just outside the city, in half a day.
- Duration
- Half day (approx. 5 h)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Maximum altitude
- 3,700 m
- Group size
- Maximum 16 people
- Departures
- Daily afternoon departures
- Best season
- All year round
A half-day circuit covering Qoricancha and the archaeological complexes immediately outside the city: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Qoricancha shows Inca and colonial architecture superimposed within a single building. Sacsayhuamán is notable for walls built from blocks of over a hundred tonnes, fitted without mortar to a high degree of precision.
Running in the afternoon and requiring no physical effort, it is the recommended route for your arrival day, while your body adjusts to the altitude.
Itinerary
13:00
Qoricancha
The Inca sun temple, on top of which the Santo Domingo convent was built. The two architectures stacked on each other tell the story of the conquest better than any book.
3,400 m above sea level
14:30
Sacsayhuamán
Cyclopean walls with blocks of over a hundred tonnes fitted together without mortar.
3,700 m above sea level
15:45
Qenqo
A sanctuary carved into living rock, with channels and an underground ceremonial chamber.
16:30
Puka Pukara and Tambomachay
A checkpoint on the Inca road and the ceremonial water fountains. Back in Cusco around 18:00.
What's included
- Hotel pickup
- Tourist transport
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket
- Entry to Qoricancha
- Tips
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Rain poncho in the wet season
- Cash for entrance fees
Frequently asked questions
Is this a good tour for my first day?
It is the best one. It runs in the afternoon, requires no effort, and lets you acclimatise while getting to know the city. It is the most productive way to spend your arrival day.
Is there much walking?
Not much, and mostly flat, apart from some gentle slopes at Sacsayhuamán. Anyone can do it.