City Tours are a great way to get an introduction to the city’s history and culture. Cusco City, the ancient capital of Incas has mysteries hidden in almost every turn. Often the city is seen as a gateway to Sacred Valley of Incas and Machu Picchu. Cusco City Tour reveals the fact that its reputation as a jump-off point underscores its enduring popularity.
Cusco, was referred by Incas as Qosqo in Quechua which means the navel of the world. This is because the Inca empire was massive. Cusco was a strategic part of the empire, primarily because of its centric location.
On this half day tour, you will discover many astonishing facts. Some that only a handful of locals are aware of. The tour begins at the cathedral of Cusco. It then takes you to the ancient Inca temple of the sun – Coricancha (Santo Domingo Church).
You will then be visiting the prime four archaeological sites – Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
We highly recommend doing 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 (Google Map)
10:00 AM / 01:00 PM
This was one of the most sacred Inca temples dedicated to the Sun. The patio was once full of statues made entirely of gold. When the Spanish kidnapped the Incan emperor, Athahualpa, they demanded a ransom for his release.
Most of the gold from Qorikancha was given to them for Atahualpa’s release. The Spanish rulers however, much to the colonial form, assassinated him on receiving their ransom.
Sacsayhuaman is one of the most visited sites off the city of Cusco. The beautiful stone fortress stands up the hill overlooking the city.
The Incas have built this quite skill-fully. They accurately carves the massive stones to fit perfectly without using any mortars.
It is a massive complex and houses many significant sites. However, it is still a mystery how the Incas carried these large stone blocks here.
This was the site where the Incas did sacrificing and mummification of corpses.
Tambomachay served as a spa to the elites of Incas. The natural spring water flows in even today from the nearby hot springs.
The name signifies the red colour of the rock at dusk. This is an interesting site which is located right in front of Tambomachay. The Inca military used Puca Pucara to safeguard Cusco from any intruders.
