Overview
The Cusco City Tour – Half Day Tour is the perfect way to explore the city, its rich history, and its archaeological sites that span over six centuries. This tour is also an ideal start to acclimatize to the altitude before your visit to Machu Picchu, while connecting with the vibrant Andean culture.
During the tour, we will visit the following archaeological centers:
Qoricancha – The Main Inca Temple of Cusco.
According to Inca beliefs, Qorikancha was the main religious, geographical, and political center of Cusco. The temple was dedicated to the Inca Sun God, the most important deity in the Inca pantheon, and served as a symbol of power and spirituality for the empire.
Historical accounts tell that when the Spaniards arrived at Qorikancha, they were amazed by the immense amounts of gold. The temple walls were covered with sheets of gold that illuminated the entire enclosure, and the gardens contained golden representations of animals and cornfields, reflecting the wealth and craftsmanship of the Incas.
Most chroniclers agree on the majesty of the temple. Its walls, constructed from calcite and andesite stones, have a perfect finish that has survived three major earthquakes (1650, 1749, and 1950), demonstrating the advanced engineering skills of the Incas.
According to historians like Luis E. Valcárcel, Inca Huayna Capac, son of Tupac Inca Yupanqui and grandson of Pachacutec, gave special importance to the temple. He centralized the empire’s wealth at Qorikancha, an unprecedented act that strengthened the temple’s religious and political role but also sparked internal tensions within the empire.
After Huayna Capac’s death, a succession dispute between his sons Huáscar and Atahualpa weakened the empire, ultimately contributing to the Spanish conquest of the Incas.
Sacsayhuamán – The Inca Fortress of Cusco.
Sacsayhuamán was built between the 14th and 15th centuries, a monumental project that lasted over five decades. Its construction required the labor of approximately 20,000 men, organized under the mita system, a form of community work in service to the state.
The name Sacsayhuamán comes from the Quechua language, where Saqsay means “to satiate” and Huamán means “hawk”, translating to “Place where the hawk is satiated”. This fortress is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Inca Empire. Construction began under Inca Pachacutec, continued by his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui, and was completed by Huayna Capac around the 15th century.
Legend has it that Sacsayhuamán was the site of one of the largest battles between the Incas and the Chancas, who came from the area of present-day Ayacucho. The battle lasted several days, ending with a decisive victory for the Incas.
Historically, the pampas of Sacsayhuamán have been used for the Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun. Every June 24th, during the winter solstice, the Inca performed sacred ceremonies and offerings to the sun god, Inti. This ancient tradition continues to this day and is still celebrated annually in Cusco.
Qenqo – Inca Sacred Site in Cusco.
Qenqo was possibly used by the Incas as a center of worship. Its labyrinth-like passages feature channels carved in the shape of serpents, or “Amarus”, where the blood from animal sacrifices was poured. According to some chroniclers, such as Juan de Betanzos, these sacrifices sometimes included animals and even newborns considered exceptionally beautiful, as the Incas believed these beings were born to join the gods.
One of the main features of Qenqo is its sacrificial chamber, located underground. A large rock protrudes from the floor, which, according to chroniclers, was covered with gold. Above this rock is a small opening, through which moonlight would shine, illuminating the golden surface and the entire chamber, creating a sacred and mystical atmosphere.
Some historians also suggest that Qenqo may house the tomb of Inca Pachacutec, one of the most important rulers of the Inca Empire. The site, therefore, combines ritual, astronomy, and architectural genius, reflecting the spiritual and political significance of the Incas in Cusco.
Pucapucara – The Red Fortress of Cusco
Puca Pucara, which means “Red Fortress” in Quechua, gets its name from the way the rocks turn red at sunset. Historically, it served as a barracks and tambo (resting place) for soldiers, dancers, and other attendants when the Inca visited the nearby Baths of Tambomachay.
Tradition also suggests that Puca Pucara was connected to Tambomachay through a series of passages called “chincanas”, although this has not been proven. The fortress’s strategic location allowed the Inca to monitor and protect the surrounding area, demonstrating both military and administrative ingenuity.
Visiting Puca Pucara offers a glimpse into the Inca’s organizational skills, their military architecture, and the cultural traditions that shaped the Cusco region.
Tambomachay – The Inca Water Temple.
Tambomachay was an important center of worship dedicated to water. The Incas prayed here to the gods to bring rain for their crops, ensuring fertile lands. For this reason, it is also known as the “Temple of Fertility”. Remarkably, crystal-clear water still flows through its aqueducts, a testament to the ingenious Inca engineering.
The Incas channeled water from a small waterfall, dividing it into two separate streams. According to legend, women who drink from these waters could easily conceive: those who drank from the right-hand waterfall were said to have a male child, while those who drank from the left-hand waterfall were said to have a female child.
Access to Tambomachay was restricted, reserved only for the Inca and his entourage, highlighting its ritual importance and sacred status. Today, visitors can marvel at the advanced hydraulic systems and imagine the spiritual ceremonies that once took place here.
Day 1
Day 01: Qoricancha – Sacsayhuamán -Qenqo – Pucapucara – Tambomachay Guided Tour
Pick-up from your hotel at 8:30 a.m. or 12:50 p.m. (two schedules available) and begin the tour at Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This important Inca temple is famous for its impressive engineering, showcasing the advanced construction techniques of the Inca civilization.
Next, we continue to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, located about 3 km outside of Cusco. This magnificent fortress is a highlight of Inca architecture and is still used today as the site of the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) every June 24th.
Afterwards, we visit Qenqo, a ceremonial and religious center, followed by Puca Pucara, a control and resting place that was strategically located along the main roads of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire.
Finally, we stop at Tambomachay, a ceremonial water temple, also known as the “Fountain of Eternal Youth”. Here, you can admire the ancient hydraulic systems and learn about the rituals of water worship performed by the Incas.
At the end of the tour, we will drop you off near Cusco’s main square, completing a half-day journey through the most important Inca archaeological sites of the region.
Inclusions
Cusco City Tour Includes:
- Pick up from your hotel.
- Professional English Guide.
- Transportation in a Mini Van.
Cusco City Tour Does Not Includes:
- Parcial tourist ticket (USD 25.00 – Additional Cost for Qoricancha Temple, Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay)
- Food and drinks.
Packing List:
- Passport
- Cap, sunscreen, rain poncho.
- Water.
- Camera.
Pricing
Cusco City Tour Group Cost:
Adult Price USD 25.00
