Explore the best highlights of Cusco city
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Cusco on this unforgettable half-day City Tour. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is home to remarkable archaeological sites and magnificent colonial architecture that reveal the city's fascinating past.
This guided tour takes you to Cusco's most iconic attractions, including the impressive Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the monumental Sacsayhuamán fortress, the ceremonial site of Qenqo, the ancient military outpost of Puka Pukara, and the sacred water temple of Tambomachay. Along the way, your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating stories about Inca engineering, traditions, and the Spanish colonial era.
Perfect for travelers beginning their adventure in Peru, the City Tour Cusco offers an excellent introduction to the region's history, architecture, and living culture. Whether you are preparing to visit Machu Picchu or simply want to experience the highlights of the ancient Inca capital, this tour provides an enriching and memorable experience.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
WHY CHOOSE THE CITY TOUR?
The City Tour Cusco is the perfect introduction to the historic capital of the Inca Empire, combining ancient archaeological sites with stunning colonial architecture in just half a day. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Cusco's rich history, traditions, and cultural heritage while visiting its most iconic landmarks. This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time or those looking to acclimatize to the altitude before embarking on longer adventures such as Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail.
- Visit Cusco's most famous Inca and colonial landmarks in one tour.
- Learn from professional local guides with extensive historical knowledge.
- Explore impressive archaeological sites, including Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha.
- Perfect for acclimatization before trekking or visiting Machu Picchu.
- Comfortable transportation between all archaeological sites.
- Small group experience with personalized attention.
- Excellent value for discovering the highlights of Cusco in just a few hours.
Highlights: Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman
Considerations: Permit required
Season: Entire year
Max. Altitude: 3580masl/11548ft
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Main Square - Qoricancha - Sacsayhuaman - Qenqo - Pucapukara - Tambomachay - Cusco
Cusco - Main Square - Qoricancha - Sacsayhuaman - Qenqo - Pucapukara - Tambomachay - Cusco
City Tour Cusco Half Day
In the afternoon approximately 1:30 p.m. We pick you up from the hotel and begin our tour of the city, starting with the Cathedral of Cusco. Then we will visit the Qorikancha Temple or Temple of the Sun. We will continue our guided tour through the archaeological centers located around the city of Cusco; starting with Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka-Pukara and Tambomachay. Our tour ends at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, at approximately 7:00 p.m. After the tour you can enjoy a walk through the Plaza de Armas and its surroundings where you can appreciate the work of artisans from Cusco in the craft shops, you can also taste the famous Peruvian cuisine in the nearby restaurants or you can simply take a break in a of the pews of the Plaza de Armas. And if you like the nightlife; around the square you will find many nightclubs and bars where you can share and have fun with tourists and locals.
We are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.
WE INCLUDE
We Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your cultural guide and the tour group in our office the night before your City tour departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore Cusco city.
Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for you to explore Cusco, it will be for a specific date.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the tour, the bus returning once you done with the city tour to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.
Equipment
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour, we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
We focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable pants
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
What is included in the City Tour Cusco?
The City Tour Cusco includes hotel pickup (if applicable), tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and visits to the main archaeological sites around Cusco. Entrance tickets are generally not included unless specified in the tour package.
Which places will I visit during the City Tour?
The tour typically visits Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Some itineraries may also include a panoramic view of the historic center of Cusco.
How long does the City Tour Cusco last?
The tour usually lasts between 4 and 5 hours, making it an excellent half-day activity for travelers exploring Cusco.
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)?
Yes. Most archaeological sites visited during the City Tour require the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco). Entrance to Qorikancha is purchased separately unless included in your package.
Is the City Tour suitable for all ages?
Yes. The tour is suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and seniors. Most sightseeing involves short walks and comfortable transportation between attractions.
What is the best time to take the City Tour?
The City Tour is available year-round. The dry season (May to September) offers sunny weather and clear views, while the rainy season (November to March) features greener landscapes and fewer visitors.
Should I acclimatize before taking the City Tour?
Yes. Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. Spending at least one day acclimatizing before the tour is recommended to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
What should I bring on the City Tour?
Bring your passport, Cusco Tourist Ticket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, a light jacket, and a camera.
Is transportation included?
Yes. Tourist transportation is provided between all archaeological sites, allowing you to comfortably explore the main attractions around Cusco.
Can I take the City Tour before visiting Machu Picchu?
Absolutely. The City Tour is one of the best ways to learn about Inca history and architecture before visiting Machu Picchu, making your experience even more meaningful.
Is the City Tour available as a private tour?
Yes. Many operators offer both shared and private City Tours. A private tour provides greater flexibility, a personalized itinerary, and the undivided attention of your guide.
Why should I book the City Tour Cusco?
The City Tour Cusco is the ideal introduction to Peru's ancient capital. In just a few hours, you'll discover remarkable Inca ruins, colonial landmarks, fascinating history, and breathtaking viewpoints while traveling with an experienced local guide. It is one of the best ways to begin your adventure in Cusco before exploring the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.
From: USD 25.00 per person
USD 20.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Rainbow Mountain Guide. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Feel free to reach us via email at rainbowmountainguide@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Half Day
Cusco City Tour
City Tour Cusco Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT TOUR OPERATOR?
As direct local tour operator, we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture, English speakers.
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Modern Private Transportation Travel in comfort and style with our modern, safe, and fully equipped private vehicles.
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Safety First: Our licenced guides and drivers are well trained in customer service. We always carry oxygen tank during our Rainbow Mountain excursions.
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No Hidden Cost: Our prices are set up clearly, and we dont have any hidden cost. Our tour guides always will explain what really is the tour.
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