Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the CUSCO CITY TOUR – HALF DAY
day 1
Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay
The essentials of the Inca capital in just a few hours.
The Qorikancha and the four Inca sites around Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Ideal for your first day in the city.
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Hotel pickup
9:00 a.m. (morning) or 1:00 p.m. (afternoon) · Your hotel in Cusco
We pick you up at your hotel to start discovering the most iconic treasures of the legendary capital of the Inca Empire.
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Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun
Guided visit, 30 to 40 minutes · Downtown Cusco
We begin at the Qorikancha, one of the most sacred temples of Inca times, where you can see the perfect blend of Inca and colonial architecture.
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Sacsayhuamán Fortress Highlight
By tourist transport · 40 to 45-minute visit · Qorikancha → Sacsayhuamán
Next comes the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its colossal stone walls and panoramic views of the city.
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Qenqo
By tourist transport · 20 to 35-minute visit · Sacsayhuamán → Qenqo
We continue to Qenqo, a mysterious ceremonial center carved into the rock, the setting for sacred rituals.
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Puca Pucara
By tourist transport · 20 to 35-minute visit · Qenqo → Puca Pucara
We visit Puca Pucara, the ancient fortress that guarded the roads to the Sacred Valley.
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Tambomachay, the “Inca’s Bath”
40-minute visit · Puca Pucara → Tambomachay
We finish at Tambomachay, the legendary “Inca’s Bath”, with water fountains and channels still flowing since Inca times.
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Return to Cusco
By tourist transport · Tambomachay → Cusco
We head back to the city and drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas, on Plateros street.
Day details
- Duration: Approx. 4 hours (up to 5, depending on the group’s pace and traffic)
- Schedules: 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
- Difficulty: Easy, with short walks
- Altitude: Minimum 3,350 m / 10,991 ft (Plaza de Armas) · Maximum 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (Sacsayhuamán)
- Tour ends: Plateros street, near the Plaza de Armas
The Qorikancha and the Inca sites around Cusco in half a day, perfect to start acclimatizing. Want to keep exploring? Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour 1 Day.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
Guide and transport
- Hotel pickup: Hotels in Cusco’s historic center; outside that area we arrange a nearby meeting point.
- Tourist transport: Round trip.
- Professional bilingual guide: Spanish or English.
Not include
Entrance fees
- Tourist ticket (Boleto Turístico): For Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Partial 70 soles or General 130 soles (foreign adult).
- Qorikancha entrance: 20 soles, paid at the door.
- Cathedral entrance: Optional visit.
Other
- Meals.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Prices CUSCO CITY TOUR – HALF DAY
Rates per person
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date, but we have daily departures and, depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead. Ask us about availability.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents: Passport or ID.
- Clothing and footwear: Comfortable clothes, a light jacket for temperature changes and sneakers or shoes with good soles.
- Sun protection: Hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Rain protection: Rain poncho and waterproof jacket, from November to March.
- Other: Water bottle, camera (optional) and cash.
Recomendations
- Ideal for your first day: It combines short walks and cultural visits that help you acclimatize in Cusco.
- Choose your time: There are departures at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
- Entrance fees not included: You need the tourist ticket (Partial 70 soles or General 130 soles) for Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, and you pay the Qorikancha separately (20 soles) at the door. You can buy them on the day; if you have time, better beforehand at the authorized offices.
- Cash in soles: It is the fastest way to pay for the entrance fees. Cards usually carry a surcharge of about 5 % and depend on the signal; dollars are accepted, but change is not always available.
- Students: Bring your original physical university ID (PVC card), with name, photo, university and an expiry date valid for the year of your trip.
- Cusco Cathedral: The visit is optional and requires a separate ticket. If you want to include it, let us know when you book.
- Best time to visit: Cusco welcomes travelers all year. The dry season, from May to October, is the most recommended because it rains less; July and August are the busiest months. From November to March, bring a raincoat or rain poncho.
F.A.Qs
How long is the City Tour?
About 4 hours, although it can take up to 5 depending on the group’s pace and traffic. You can do it in the morning or in the afternoon.
What time does it start?
There are two schedules: the morning tour starts at 9:00 a.m. and the afternoon tour at 1:00 p.m.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, at hotels in Cusco’s historic center. If your hotel is outside that area, we arrange a nearby meeting point. On the way back we drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas, on Plateros street.
Do I need the tourist ticket?
Yes. It is required to enter Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. You can buy the Partial or the General Tourist Ticket:
- Partial ticket (foreign adult): 70 soles, approx. US$ 21.
- General ticket (foreign adult): 130 soles, approx. US$ 40.
How much is the tourist ticket for children and students?
- Partial or General, foreign student aged 10 to 16: 70 soles, approx. US$ 21, with original passport.
- Partial or General, foreign student aged 17 to 22: 70 soles, approx. US$ 21.
You must show the original physical university ID (PVC card), with full name, photo, name of the university and an expiry date valid for the year of your trip. Children up to 9 years old do not pay entrance.
Is the Qorikancha entrance included?
No. It is paid directly at the door:
- Foreign adult: 20 soles, approx. US$ 6.
- Foreign student: 20 soles, approx. US$ 6, with original passport.
- Children up to 9 years old: free.
Do we visit Cusco Cathedral?
It is an optional visit and requires a separate ticket. If you want to include it, let us know when you book.
How are entrance fees paid? Are cards or dollars accepted?
We recommend bringing cash in soles, the fastest and most practical option. Some points accept credit or debit cards, although there is usually a surcharge of about 5 % and it depends on the internet signal, which can be unstable. Dollars are also accepted, but change is not always available right away.
Should I buy the tickets in advance or on the day?
You can buy them on the day, before the visits start. If you have time, we recommend buying them beforehand at the authorized offices. Our team can advise you on which ticket suits you best for the tours you have planned.
Is it a good idea 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 acclimatization.
How difficult is it?
It is easy: the walks are short and suitable for most travelers.
Can children and older adults take part?
Yes. It is an ideal tour for families, couples and travelers of all ages; we recommend it from 5 years old. There is no age limit for adults, as long as they can move around on their own and walk short distances comfortably: many travelers over 75 enjoy it without any problem. As it is a shared service, the group follows a general pace; if you want more time or extra breaks, you can choose the private service.
What altitude is the tour at?
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:
- Qorikancha: 30 to 40 minutes.
- Sacsayhuamán: 40 to 45 minutes.
- Qenqo: 20 to 35 minutes.
- Puca Pucara: 20 to 35 minutes.
- Tambomachay: 40 minutes.
At each site the guide explains the history, architecture and legacy of the Incas, and leaves time for photos and questions.
What clothes should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sneakers or shoes with good soles, a cap or hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for temperature changes.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs all year. From November to March we recommend bringing waterproof clothing or a rain poncho.
In which languages is the tour guided?
In Spanish and English.
What if the altitude affects me?
Our guides carry a first aid kit and an oxygen tank for any emergency during the tour.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To manage the booking we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Guarantee: We ask for a guarantee per person to secure your space. We recommend booking early, especially on holidays and in high season.
4. Final confirmation: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How do I pay the balance?
In cash, in US dollars or soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions given by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, up to 48 hours before departure. In that case an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Why choose Sakura Expedition?
We are a 100 % local Peruvian company, specialized in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. Our team of certified guides and operations staff works to give you unique, safe, high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalized service. With our tourism quality certification, we take care of every detail, from planning to the very last moment of the tour.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
