A City Tour in Cuscos is an excellent way to gain an understanding of the city’s rich history and culture. As the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco is steeped in mystery and hidden wonders. Visitors often view it as a gateway to the Sacred Valley of Incas and Machu Picchu, but the city’s enduring popularity is a testament to its own unique charm.
The name Cusco, derived from the Quechua word Qosqo, meaning the navel of the world, reflects the city’s strategic importance within the vast Inca empire.
This day tour from Cusco uncovers many fascinating facts, some of which are unknown even to locals. The tour begins at the impressive Cathedral of Cusco and continues to the ancient Inca temple of the sun, Coricancha (now known as Santo Domingo Church).
You will then be visiting the prime four archaeological sites – Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
We highly recommend doing a Cusco City Tour on your first day in the city. It would help you acclimatise to the altitude of Cusco. It would also serve as an introduction to Incas past. This would help you on your trip to Machu Picchu.
Do take a moment to see our review on TripAdvisor.
Plaza De Armas Cusco
10:00 AM / 01:00 PM
Qorikancha was one of the most revered Inca temples dedicated to the sun, with a courtyard filled with gold statues.
When the Spanish captured the Incan emperor, Atahualpa, they demanded a ransom for his release, which was largely made up of gold from Qorikancha. Tragically, the Spanish killed Athahualpa after receiving the ransom.
Q’enqo was a site used by the Incas for sacrificial and mummification rituals.
Tambomachay served as a spa to the elites of Incas. The natural spring water flows in even today from the nearby hot springs.
Tambomachay served as a spa for the elite of the Inca Empire, utilizing natural spring water from nearby hot springs.
Puca Pucara, named for its reddish hue at dusk, supposedly was a strategic military site used by the Incas to protect Cusco from invaders. It is located near Tambomachay.
