Cusco Half-Day City Tour

Between 1:45 PM and 2:00 PM, your guided city tour begins, offering the opportunity to visit six significant sites. Your first stop is the temple of Qorikancha (also known as the Temple of Gold), now the Convent of Santo Domingo. This site once housed one of the most important religious centers during Inca times. This archaeological marvel is centrally located in Cusco, just four blocks from the main square, the Plaza de Armas.

Next, you will visit the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, whose foundation stone was laid in 1560. This masterpiece of religious art boasts approximately 300 paintings from the renowned Cusco School, along with numerous other artistic expressions. The tour then proceeds to the outskirts of the city, beginning with the awe-inspiring fortress of Sacsayhuaman (meaning ‘puma’s head’). This majestic site is famous for its impressive stonework, featuring massive stones weighing over 120 tons, meticulously transported by Inca workers from distant quarries. It is also the annual setting for the renowned Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, held every June 24th.

Just 200 meters from Sacsayhuaman lies our next destination: Q’enqo (meaning ‘Labyrinth’). This intriguing religious center was dedicated to the worship of the Earth and, according to some theories, was also used for funeral rituals. Continuing about 10 minutes by bus from Q’enqo, you’ll reach Puka Pukara (meaning ‘Red Fortress’). This site served as a military control center and a resting stop for travelers during the Inca period. Our final destination, located just 100 meters from Puka Pukara, is Tambomachay (known as the ‘Water Temple’). This sacred site was dedicated to the worship of water and was likely used for purification rituals.