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Discover the main attractions of Cusco in a half-day experience that brings together the archeological legacy of the Incas with the landscapes surrounding the city. Throughout the tour, you will also learn about the Andean worldview, its traditions, and the deep relationship maintained with nature. Available in the morning or afternoon, it is an excellent option to start your journey, acclimatizing to the altitude while discovering the essence of Cusco.
Cusco City Tour half-day overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your visit with complete confidence.
- Two departure times to choose from: The City Tour leaves at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., so you can book the classic tour at the time that suits you best.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every site without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each site calmly, taking in the historical and cultural richness of Cusco.
Programme summary
Cusco – Qoricancha – Sacsayhuamán – Q'enqo – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay
A fascinating half-day tour of Cusco's main archaeological sites, discovering the grandeur of the Inca legacy at the most iconic places around the city and the cultural richness that is still alive in them.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day, 4 hours |
| Departure times | Morning 9:00 a.m. / afternoon 1:00 p.m. |
| Maximum altitude | Sacsayhuamán: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Cusco Plaza de Armas: 3,350 m / 10,991 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperature | Minimum 7 °C / 45 °F, maximum 22 °C / 72 °F |
Highlights
- Qoricancha (3,400 m / 11,155 ft): the most important temple dedicated to the Sun god in Inca times. After the Spanish arrived it became the Santo Domingo convent, although many Inca remains are still preserved.
- Sacsayhuamán (3,700 m / 12,139 ft): a majestic archaeological complex above the city, famous for its huge, finely fitted stone blocks.
- Q'enqo (3,580 m / 11,745 ft): an ancient ceremonial centre where rituals linked to nature and water were held; it is believed to have also been used for mummification and sacrifice.
- Puca Pucara (3,680 m / 12,073 ft): a military fortress and strategic checkpoint, where access to Cusco was monitored and warriors rested.
- Tambomachay (3,700 m / 12,139 ft): a temple dedicated to the worship of water, known for its channels and fountains that still flow today, a living testament to Inca engineering.
Cusco City Tour half-day itinerary
Cusco – Qoricancha – Sacsayhuamán – Q'enqo – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay
Five sites that sum up the grandeur of Inca Cusco: from the Temple of the Sun to the fortresses and shrines around the city.
- The tour begins with the pickup from your hotel at your chosen time: 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
- Our first stop is Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, considered the most important religious site of the Inca empire. Here you will admire the perfection of the Inca walls, representations of the Andean worldview and outstanding works of the Cusco School of Art. The visit lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
- A 20-minute drive takes us up above the city to Sacsayhuamán, whose name means "satisfied falcon". It stands out for its gigantic, finely carved stone blocks, some weighing more than 150 tonnes, and offers sweeping views over Cusco. Every 24 June it hosts Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. The visit lasts 40 to 45 minutes.
- We continue to Q'enqo, whose name means "labyrinth", an important ceremonial centre of carved rock formations closely linked to Inca rituals. The visit lasts 20 to 35 minutes.
- Our next stop is Puca Pucara, the "red fortress", a strategic lookout controlling access to the city, ideal for taking in the landscape and understanding its military role. The visit lasts 20 to 35 minutes.
- We finish at Tambomachay, a ceremonial centre dedicated to the worship of water, famous for its channels and fountains that have flowed without interruption for centuries. The visit lasts about 40 minutes.
- We return to the city and drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas, on Calle Plateros.
What the Cusco City Tour includes
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco's historic centre. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour.
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket, required to enter Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. It is paid in soles and can be the Partial Ticket (BTP), approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, or the General Ticket (BTG), approx. 130 soles / 40 USD, which also covers the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, Moray and some museums in Cusco.
- Entrance to Qoricancha, paid at the door: approx. 20 soles / 6 USD for foreign adults and students; children aged 9 and under enter free.
- Entrance to Cusco Cathedral (optional): approx. 40 soles / 12 USD for foreign adults and approx. 25 soles / 8 USD for foreign students and children aged 8 to 17; children under 8 enter free. If you would like to include it, let us know when booking.
- Meals.
- Tips (optional).
Cusco City Tour price
Rates by group size
| Your group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 16 USD |
| 3 people | To be confirmed |
| 4 people | To be confirmed |
| 5 people | To be confirmed |
| 6 or more people | To be confirmed |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visit to Cusco Cathedral | 40 soles / 12 USD | A striking blend of Andean heritage and colonial religious art: valuable artworks, historic architecture and the secrets the city still keeps. Let us know when booking if you would like to include it. |
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings, more time at each site and the freedom to stop whenever you wish. |
Entrance tickets are not included
For Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay you will need the Partial Ticket (approx. 70 soles / 21 USD) or the General Ticket (approx. 130 soles / 40 USD). Qoricancha has a separate entrance fee of approx. 20 soles / 6 USD. You can buy them on the day of the tour; we recommend bringing cash in soles.
What to bring on the Cusco City Tour
These are the most important items for this half-day tour.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- Original, valid university student card, if you wish to use the student rate for entrance tickets.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and some snacks.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes with good non-slip soles.
- Light, breathable clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing, especially if you take the afternoon tour.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photographs at Sacsayhuamán.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Cash in soles for entrance tickets, drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- This is an ideal tour for acclimatising in Cusco before longer tours.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Cusco City Tour
How long does the City Tour last?
Approximately 4 hours, although it can extend to 5 depending on the group's pace and traffic. It can be done in the morning or the afternoon.
What time does the tour start?
There are two departure times: the morning tour starts at 9:00 a.m. and the afternoon tour at 1:00 p.m.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, from hotels in Cusco's historic centre. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged. On the return we drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas, on Calle Plateros.
Do I need the Tourist Ticket for the City Tour?
Yes. It is required to enter Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. You can buy the Partial or the General Tourist Ticket:
- Partial Ticket (foreign adult): approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
- General Ticket (foreign adult): approx. 130 soles / 40 USD.
How much is the Tourist Ticket for children and students?
- Partial or General Ticket, foreign student aged 10 to 16: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, with original passport.
- Partial or General Ticket, foreign student aged 17 to 22: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
The original physical card issued by the university (PVC) is required, showing full name, photograph, university name and an expiry date valid for the year of travel. Children aged 9 and under enter free.
Is entrance to Qoricancha included?
No. Entrance to Qoricancha is paid directly at the door:
- Foreign adult: approx. 20 soles / 6 USD.
- Foreign student: approx. 20 soles / 6 USD, with original passport.
- Children aged 9 and under: free.
Do we visit Cusco Cathedral?
The Cathedral visit is optional and requires an additional entrance ticket. If you would like to include it, let us know when booking.
How are the entrance tickets paid? Can I pay by card or in dollars?
We recommend bringing cash in soles, as it is the quickest and most practical option. Some points accept credit or debit cards, although a surcharge of around 5 % usually applies and the payment depends on the internet signal, which can be unstable. US dollars are also accepted, although change is not always immediately available.
Should I buy the tickets in advance or on the day?
You can buy them on the day, before the visits begin. If you have time, we recommend buying them in advance at the authorised offices. Our team can advise you on which ticket suits you best depending on the tours you have planned.
Is the City Tour a good option for my first day in Cusco?
Yes. It is one of the best ways to start your trip, as it combines short walks and cultural visits that help with acclimatisation.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy: the walks are short and suitable for most travellers.
Can children and older travellers take part?
Yes. It is an ideal tour for families, couples and travellers of all ages; we recommend it from age 5. There is no upper age limit for adults, as long as they can move about independently and walk short distances comfortably: many travellers over 75 enjoy it without any problems.
As it is a shared service, the group follows a general pace. If you would like more time or extra breaks, you can choose the private service.
At what altitude does the tour take place?
Between 3,350 m / 10,991 ft at the Plaza de Armas and 3,700 m / 12,139 ft at Sacsayhuamán.
How long do we spend at each site?
Times may vary slightly depending on the group's pace, traffic and conditions on the day:
- Qoricancha: 30 to 40 minutes.
- Sacsayhuamán: 40 to 45 minutes.
- Q'enqo: 20 to 35 minutes.
- Puca Pucara: 20 to 35 minutes.
- Tambomachay: 40 minutes.
At each site your guide explains the history, architecture and legacy of the Inca civilisation, and leaves plenty of time for photographs and questions.
What clothing should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, trainers or shoes with good soles, a cap or hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for changes in temperature.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs all year round. Between November and March we recommend bringing waterproof clothing or a rain poncho.
In which languages is the tour guided?
In Spanish and English.
What happens if I am affected by the altitude?
Our guides carry a first-aid kit and oxygen tank to deal with anything that may arise during the tour.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
