- Tour
Group City Tour Cusco – Half Day – Morning & Late options
- Half day
- Discover from Inca to colonial times
Maximum 16 persons
Easy
Tour
Half day
Immerse yourself in the heart of Cusco, strolling through its bustling colonial center and exploring the ancient Inca ruins that lie just outside the city. Lasting approximately five hours, this well-balanced half-day excursion takes in iconic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Cusco Cathedral and the phenomenal Sacsayhuaman 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 takes care of the transfers, and a professional bilingual guide narrates the history behind each site. This tour is perfect for travelers looking for an enriching, mid-range introduction to Cusco’s treasures.
Overview
Highlights
- Admire the baroque grandeur of the Cusco Cathedral and its hidden Inca treasures.
- Discover how Spanish colonization influenced sacred Inca architecture at Qoricancha.
- Walk among huge megalithic stones in Sacsayhuaman, one of the best examples of Inca engineering.
- Explore lesser-known ritual sites such as Qenqo, with its carved ceremonial chambers.
- Discover water temples and viewpoints in Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
Itinerary breakdown (quick)
- Historical center of the city: walking tour and interpretation of the main monuments.
- Ruins of the upper part of Cusco: transfer by vehicle to the sites located above the city with short walking tours.
- Duration of the tour: between 4.5 and 5 hours in total.
- Difficulty level: easy-moderate (some walking, slight ascents).
The 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. The wet season (November to March) still offers lush scenery, but afternoon showers are frequent, so a light waterproof jacket is recommended.
Full Itinerary
Option 1: Morning Tour (08:30-13:00)
08:30 – Pick up at your hotel.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in downtown Cusco or at the Plaza de Armas. Enjoy a relaxed briefing at the start.
09:00 – Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun).
Visit the revered Inca temple located under a Dominican convent. Discover its spiritual significance and solar alignment.
10:30 – Transfer to the ruins in the upper part of Cusco.
Climb to the outskirts of Cusco, in the highlands, to enjoy breathtaking views and incredible masonry.
10:45 – Sacsayhuamán.
Explore this engineering marvel built with huge stones, still standing in Cusco, an area prone to earthquakes.
11:30 – Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay
Short walks through each site will allow you to learn about Inca rituals, defense strategy and the cult of sacred water.
12:45 – Regreso al hotel
Arrival in Cusco at 13:00. The perfect time to have lunch and rest in the afternoon.
Option 2: Afternoon visit (13:30-18:00)
13:30 – Pick up at your hotel.
Meet your guide and head out for a relaxing half-day of discovery.
13:45 – Plaza de Armas and Cathedral.
Start with the impressive cathedral and bustling city square, steeped in Inca and Spanish legacies.
14:30 – Visita al Qoricancha.
Explore the sacred grounds of the temple and convent, ideally lit for photography in the afternoon sun.
15:15 – Transportation to the ruins.
Go up San Blas to reach the archaeological belt that surrounds Cusco.
15:30 – Sacsayhuamán.
Enjoy the views during the golden hour 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 – Regreso al hotel
Arrival at the hotel around 18:00, just in time to see the sunset over the Andes.
Inclusions
What is included
- English speaking licensed tour guide.
- Pick up and transfer to the hotel (only in the center of Cusco).
- Air-conditioned tourist transportation.
- Partial Tourist Ticket (covers 4 ruins).
- Entrance to Qoricancha and the Cathedral.
- Bottle of water per person.
- Service for small groups (maximum 16 people).
What is not included
- Meals (optional lunch can be added)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
- Gratuities for the guide and driver (optional, but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
- Admission to museums not included in the list
Prices & Upgrades
The tour is affordably priced for travelers looking for value for money without sacrificing comfort. Small group tours cost between US$15 and US$40 per person. For a more personalized service, private tours cost between US$42 and US$114 per person, depending on the size of the group.
Additional items & upgrades
- Private tour option: Starts anytime between 08:00 and 13:00.
- Additional meal: Enjoy a traditional Cusquenian lunch in San Blas (+15 USD).
- Additional visits: Add the San Pedro market or the Pre-Columbian Art Museum (+20 USD).
- Pick up outside the center of Cusco: An additional charge may apply.
- Tour in Spanish only: Discount available for native speakers.
Packing list
To travel
- Passport or valid ID (required for tickets)
- Layered clothing (T-shirt + fleece or windbreaker)
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets and dirt roads)
- Sunglasses and cap
- Sunscreen with high protection factor
- Small backpack or handbag
- Light raincoat (especially from November to March)
- 1 liter reusable water bottle.
- Personal medication or pills for altitude sickness (if necessary).
Travel Info
Informative meetings
It is not necessary to attend any pre-tour meeting; the briefing takes place at the time of pick-up. However, general information about the city and altitude tips are shared via email or in a brochure provided at the hotel.
Pickups
Included for hotels within the historic center of Cusco. Airbnb pick-ups are arranged at the nearest accessible landmark. Please be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Altitude
Cusco is located at 3400 m. Most visitors adapt within 24 to 48 hours. Drink water, avoid intense physical exertion at first 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 taking altitude pills if you are sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for my first day in Cusco?
Do I have to buy tickets separately?
Is this tour conducted in English?
What happens if it rains during the excursion?
How far to walk?
Group City Tour Cusco – Half Day – Morning & Late options
- Small business & 100% local
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.
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