Cusco City Tour - Explore Inca Temples & Archaeological Wonders

Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel or a location of your choosing in a comfortable, private vehicle to begin your journey through the historic city of Cusco. During the short drive, your guide will introduce you to the history and importance of Cusco, the capital of the mighty Inca Empire.

Our first stop will be the iconic Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of Cusco. You will have 20 minutes here to enjoy a guided walk, where your guide will share fascinating insights into the significance of the Plaza during the Inca and colonial periods. You’ll have time to admire the architecture of the Cathedral and the surrounding colonial buildings that blend seamlessly with ancient Inca foundations.

From the Plaza de Armas, we will continue to the Qorikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. Once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, it was dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Inti. During a one-hour guided visit, your guide will explain the architectural marvels of this sacred site and how it was once covered in sheets of pure gold. You’ll explore both the Inca stonework and the later additions by Spanish colonial forces, which transformed the temple into a church.

We will then leave the city center and drive approximately 20 minutes to the ancient Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region. The guide will lead you through this monumental structure, built with enormous stones fitted so perfectly that no mortar was used. You'll hear about the site's significance for both defense and religious purposes in Inca times, and marvel at the stunning views of Cusco from the hilltop.

Our next stop is Qenqo, a ceremonial site where Inca rituals were believed to have been held. You’ll explore the labyrinthine passages and see the stone altars used for ceremonial purposes. Your guide will explain the site's religious and astronomical significance, providing insights into Inca beliefs about life and death.

After Qenqo, we will visit Puka Pukara, a smaller archaeological site that once served as a military outpost and checkpoint along Inca roads. The guide will explain the strategic importance of this location in defending Cusco and controlling access to the surrounding areas.

The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, known as the "Bath of the Inca," famous for its intricate water fountains and terraces. Your guide will explain the function of the site, which likely served as a place of worship for water and a royal retreat. You will explore the well-preserved stonework and flowing water channels, a testament to the Incas' advanced hydraulic engineering.

At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Your guide will be happy to answer any final questions and provide additional recommendations for your time in the city.