Sacsayhuamán walls on the Cusco City Tour
HALF DAY IDEAL FOR ACCLIMATIZATION

Cusco City Tour: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán and Inca Temples

  • Half Day (5 hours)
  • Cusco, Peru
  • From $20 USD ≈ S/ 69
Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun in Cusco
Inca stone walls on a street in Cusco’s historic center
Q’enqo Inca shrine carved into the rock near Cusco

Discover the heart of the Inca Empire in half a day: the Qoricancha temple and the four archaeological sites that surround the city of Cusco.

DURATION Half Day (5 hours)
MAX ALTITUDE 3,765 m (Tambomachay)
DIFFICULTY Easy
GROUP SIZE Shared group (max. 20)
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

The Cusco City Tour is the best introduction to the ancient capital of Tahuantinsuyo. In a single afternoon you visit the Qoricancha, the most important temple of the Inca Empire, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, set on the hills around the city. It is a relaxed-paced tour, ideal for your first day while you adjust to the altitude.

The city of Cusco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Its layout preserves Inca walls on which colonial churches and mansions were built, a fusion unique in the Americas.

Places you will visit

  • Qoricancha: the Temple of the Sun, covered in gold in Inca times, on top of which the Santo Domingo convent was built.
  • Sacsayhuamán: an awe-inspiring ceremonial complex with stone blocks weighing over 100 tons, and the stage for Inti Raymi every June 24.
  • Q’enqo: a shrine carved into the rock, with channels and an underground altar devoted to Pachamama rituals.
  • Puca Pucara: a former tambo, or checkpoint, of reddish stone overlooking the valley.
  • Tambomachay: the “Inca’s Bath,” a water temple with fountains that still flow today.

Sample schedule

Pickup is at 13:00 – 13:30 from your hotel or the Plaza de Armas. The tour lasts about 5 hours and we return to Cusco between 18:00 and 18:30.

Tips

  • Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
  • The Qoricancha entrance is paid separately in soles (S/).
  • Bring a jacket: temperatures drop quickly in the late afternoon.

Signature Highlights

Visit the Qoricancha, the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire.
Walk around Sacsayhuamán and its colossal stone walls.
Discover Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay on the same tour.
Half-day tour, perfect for adjusting to Cusco’s altitude.
Official licensed guide and tourist transportation included.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Qoricancha – Sacsayhuamán – Q’enqo – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay

⛰ 3,765 m a.s.l. ⏱ Approx. 5 hours ⛺ Return to Cusco

We begin at the Qoricancha, where your guide explains the temple’s religious importance and the technique behind its perfectly fitted walls. Then we drive up to Sacsayhuamán to walk its zigzag ramparts and the esplanade where Inti Raymi is held. We continue to Q’enqo, with its rock-carved altar, then Puca Pucara and finally Tambomachay, the temple of water worship. We return to Cusco at sunset.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup from your hotel in the historic center or meeting point at the Plaza de Armas.
  • Tourist transportation.
  • Official licensed guide (English / Spanish).
  • Return to downtown Cusco.
✕

Not Included

  • Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC).
  • Qoricancha entrance.
  • Food and drinks.
  • Tips.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

Optional Upgrades & Perks

Complement your journey with exclusive comfort experiences and panoramic summits.

Private service (per person)

Dedicated guide and vehicle for your group.

+ $35 USD ≈ S/ 121
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Cusco City Tour: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán and Inca Temples

How long is the Cusco City Tour?

About 5 hours, from 13:30 to 18:30. Timing can be adjusted with private service.

Is the Cathedral entrance included?

No. This tour focuses on the Qoricancha and the archaeological sites. We can add the Cathedral with private service.

Is this a demanding tour?

No. The walks are short and the vehicle takes you between sites. It is ideal for your first day in Cusco.

Which ticket do I need?

The Cusco Tourist Ticket (full or partial Circuit I) for the 4 archaeological sites, plus the Qoricancha entrance, which is paid separately.