- Tour
Cusco City Tour & Ruins Explorer
- Half day
- Discover Inca to Colonial
Max 16 persons
Easy
Tour
Half day
Immerse yourself in the heart of Cusco, walking through its vibrant colonial center and exploring ancient Inca ruins just beyond the city. Over approximately five hours, this balanced half‑day tour weaves together iconic landmarks like the Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Cusco Cathedral, and the phenomenal Sacsayhuamán fortress. Ideal as an introductory experience to Cusco’s history, culture, and altitude, it also includes hidden gems such as Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. A comfortable vehicle supports transfers, and a professional bilingual guide narrates the story behind each site. This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a mid‑range, enriching introduction to Cusco’s treasures.
Overview
Highlights
Admire the baroque grandeur of the Cusco Cathedral and its hidden Inca treasures
Learn how Spanish colonization impacted sacred Inca architecture at Qoricancha
Walk amidst massive megalithic stones at Sacsayhuamán, one of the finest examples of Inca engineering
Explore lesser-known ritual sites like Qenqo, with its carved ceremonial chambers
Discover water temples and lookout points at Puca Pucara and Tambomachay
Breakdown itinerary (quick)
City historical center: walking and interpreting key landmarks
Upper Cusco ruins: vehicle transfer to sites above city with brief walks
Tour duration: 4.5 to 5 hours total
Difficulty level: Easy–Moderate (some walking, slight uphill sections)
Best time to visit
The dry season (May to September) is perfect for touring Cusco’s open-air ruins and colonial streets, with clear skies and sunshine. Wet season (November–March) still sees lush landscapes, but afternoon showers are common — a light rain jacket is advised.
Full Itinerary
Option 1: Morning Tour (08:30–13:00)
08:30 – Pickup from your hotel
Your guide greets you at your hotel in central Cusco or Plaza de Armas. Enjoy a relaxed briefing as we begin.
09:00 – Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Visit the revered Inca temple layered beneath a Dominican convent. Learn about its spiritual significance and solar alignment.
10:30 – Drive to Upper Cusco Ruins
Ride up to the highland outskirts of Cusco for awe-inspiring views and incredible stonework.
10:45 – Sacsayhuamán
Explore this engineering marvel made of massive stones, still standing in earthquake-prone Cusco.
11:30 – Qenqo, Puca Pucara & Tambomachay
Short walks at each site give insights into Inca rituals, defense strategy, and sacred water worship.
12:45 – Return to hotel
Arrival back in Cusco by 13:00. Perfect timing for lunch and afternoon rest.
Option 2: Afternoon Tour (13:30–18:00)
13:30 – Pickup from your hotel
Meet your guide and head out for a relaxing half-day of discovery.
13:45 – Plaza de Armas & Cathedral
Begin with the stunning cathedral and bustling city square, infused with both Inca and Spanish legacies.
14:30 – Qoricancha visit
Explore the sacred temple grounds and convent, ideal lighting for photography in the afternoon sun.
15:15 – Transport to ruins
Drive uphill through San Blas to reach the archaeological belt around Cusco.
15:30 – Sacsayhuamán
Soak in golden-hour views and explore one of the most impressive Inca complexes.
16:15 – Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay
Enjoy the cooler afternoon temperatures while learning about water rituals and military lookouts.
17:45 – Return to hotel
Drop-off at your hotel around 18:00, just in time for sunset over the Andes.
Inclusions
What's included
English-speaking licensed tour guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (central Cusco only)
Tourist transport with air conditioning
General Tourist Ticket (Boleto TurÃstico Parcial – covers 4 ruins)
Entrance to Qoricancha & Cathedral
Bottle of water per guest
Small group service (up to 16 people max)
What's not included
Meals (optional lunch can be added)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Travel insurance
Entrance to museums not listed
Prices & Upgrades
The tour is affordably priced for travelers seeking value without compromising on comfort. Small-group tours range from $15 to $40 USD per person. For more tailored service, a private tour ranges between $42 and $114 per person, depending on group size.
Additional items & upgrades
Private Tour Option: Start at any time between 08:00 and 13:00
Lunch Add-On: Enjoy a traditional Cusqueñan set lunch in San Blas (+$15 USD)
Extra Site Visits: Add San Pedro Market or Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (+$20 USD)
Pick-up outside central Cusco: Extra charge may apply
Spanish-only tour: Discount available for native speakers
Packing list
For Traveling
Valid passport or ID (required for entrance tickets)
Layered clothing (T-shirt + fleece or windbreaker)
Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets & dirt paths)
Sunglasses and sunhat
High-SPF sunscreen
Small day bag or backpack
Lightweight rain jacket (especially Nov–Mar)
1L refillable water bottle
Personal medication or altitude tablets (if needed)
Travel Info
Briefings
No pre-tour meeting required; briefing occurs at pickup. However, general city info and altitude tips are shared via email or hotel handout.
Pick ups
Included for hotels within Cusco’s historic center. Airbnb pickups are arranged at the nearest accessible landmark. Please be ready 10 minutes before scheduled time.
Altitude
Cusco is at 3,400 m. Most visitors adapt within 24–48 hours. Drink water, avoid heavy exertion early, and eat light meals.
How to avoid Altitude sickness?
Arrive a day early to rest
Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves
Stay hydrated and avoid overeating
Consider altitude tablets if you’re sensitive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for my first day in Cusco?
Do I need to buy entrance tickets separately?
Is this tour conducted in English?
What happens if it rains during the tour?
How much walking is involved?
Why choose Visit Machu Picchu?
At Visit Machu Picchu (VMP), we take great pride in being a 100% local company, with a team of knowledgeable and experienced locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty of our country with visitors from all over the world. Our commitment to our community and the people who call it home is at the heart of everything we do. When you choose to travel with us, you’re not just experiencing the best of what our country has to offer, you’re also helping to support our local economy and provide job opportunities for the people in our community.
We believe that travel is about more than just sightseeing – it’s about creating meaningful connections with the places and people we encounter along the way. As a locally-owned and operated company, we have deep roots in our community and are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism that gives back as much to our community as it does to our clients. By choosing to travel with Visit Machu Picchu, you’re not just getting a great travel experience – you’re also making a positive impact on the people and places you visit.
