BigFoot Machu Picchu

Cusco City Tour

cusco main square View all photos
qoricancha temple of the sun cusco View all photos
Santo Domingo Convent View all photos
puka pukara View all photos
tambomachay +2 View all photos
Sacsayhuaman View all photos
qenqo View all photos
From $45 Per person
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Se puede cancelar hasta 24 horas antes de realizar el tour
Duration

Half day

Group

10 + Travelers

Max Altitude

3500 msnm / 7150 ft

Difficulty

Easy

Cusco City Tour - Half Day

Want to make the most of your time in Cusco?
With our Cusco City Tour, you’ll enjoy the perfect introduction to the historical, archaeological, and cultural highlights of the Archaeological Capital of the Americas. Accompanied by professional guides and a well-organized itinerary, you’ll explore each site at a relaxed pace while making the most of every visit.

This half-day tour is ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude and gaining your first insight into the rich Inca and colonial history of the city. You can choose to take the tour in the morning or afternoon, depending on your travel plans.

City Tour Cusco Inclusions

What’s Included?

  • Hotel pickup from accommodations located in Cusco’s Historic Center (or a nearby meeting point if access is limited)

  • Tourist transportation throughout the tour

  • Professional guide in Spanish or English
    (other languages available for private tours)

  • Drop-off at Plaza Regocijo or Calle Plateros

What’s Not Included

  • Pickup from hotels outside Cusco city (available with an additional cost)

  • Meals and drinks

  • Tips (optional)

  • Entrance fees to archaeological sites

  • Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)

  • Entrance to Qoricancha Temple (approx. S/ 20.00)

Cusco City Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco – Plaza de Armas – Qoricancha – Saqsaywaman – Qenqo – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay
angle-down

Pickup is provided from your accommodation in Cusco’s Historic Center:

  • Morning departure: between 08:30 and 09:00 a.m.

  • Afternoon departure: between 01:00 and 02:00 p.m.

We begin the tour with a guided visit to Qoricancha, the former Temple of the Sun and one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire. Here, you’ll learn about the fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture during an approximately 40-minute guided visit.

Saqsaywaman Archaeological Complex

We continue by tourist transportation to Saqsaywaman, an impressive Inca site built with massive stone blocks. During this visit (around 50 minutes), your guide will explain its history, symbolism, and strategic importance, while you enjoy stunning panoramic views over Cusco.

Qenqo – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay

The tour continues to these important archaeological sites, where your guide will explain their ceremonial, military, and religious functions. Each stop lasts approximately 20 minutes, giving you time to learn, explore, and take photos.

Community Cultural Stop

As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we make a short optional visit to the Huayllarcocha community, where you can see traditional textiles and handicrafts made by local artisans.

End of the Tour

  • Morning tour: around 13:30 hrs

  • Afternoon tour: around 18:30 hrs

The tour ends near Plaza Regocijo or Calle Plateros, just a short walk from Cusco’s Main Square. Times may vary slightly due to traffic.

Places You Will Visit

  • Qoricancha

  • Saqsaywaman

  • Qenqo

  • Puca Pucara

  • Tambomachay

Drop-off: Plaza Regocijo or Calle Plateros (near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas).

Important Information

This Cusco City Tour lasts approximately 5 hours, is low physical difficulty, and is ideal for travelers looking for a complete cultural experience without long walks.

If you prefer more time at each site or a more exclusive experience, ask about our Private Cusco City Tour or Photographic Walking City Tour.

Packing List

Essentials

  • Valid passport – Required for identification and entrance to tourist sites.

  • Extra money (recommended in Peruvian soles) – Useful for entrances, snacks, souvenirs, or personal expenses.

  • Personal medication – Bring any prescription or personal medical supplies you may need.

  • Water bottle or CamelBak – To stay hydrated throughout the tour. Refillable bottles are recommended.

  • Sunblock (SPF 70 or higher) – Strong sun protection is essential at high altitude.

Clothing

  • Light footwear or sandals – Comfortable for warm weather or resting after the tour.

  • Warm jacket – Mornings and afternoons can be cold, especially in shaded areas.

  • Waterproof jacket – Protection against unexpected rain or wind.

  • Raincoat or rain poncho – Highly recommended during the rainy season.

  • Sun hat – Protects your face and neck from direct sunlight.

  • Wool hat – Keeps you warm during colder moments.

  • Sunglasses with UV protection – Essential due to strong Andean sunlight.

Equipment

  • Medium trekking backpack (15–25 liters) – Ideal for carrying water, snacks, and personal items during the tour.

Recommended

  • Camera and charger – To capture the highlights of Cusco and keep your device ready throughout the day.

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Cancellation Policy

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign travelers may be exempt from the 18% VAT (IGV). To apply for this exemption, a copy of the immigration entry document and date of entry into Peru is required.

Please note the following conditions:

  • The Ministry of Culture does not refund entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain.

  • Train companies apply a 10% administrative fee.

Cancellations

  • 11 days or more before departure: USD 90 penalty per person

  • 4 to 10 days before departure: 50% refund

  • 3 days or less before departure: No refund

No refunds are available for additional mountain tickets.

Date Changes

  • Subject to train and entrance ticket availability

  • Train fare differences may apply

  • Change to a different year: entrance ticket is forfeited and USD 50 per person is charged

Change Penalties

  • 11 days or more before departure: 15% penalty

  • 4 to 10 days before departure: 25% penalty

  • 3 days or less before departure: Changes are not allowed

No refunds will be issued for flight delays, train delays, or weather conditions.

Force Majeure Policy

In cases of extreme weather, heavy rain, natural disasters, protests, or road blockades, no refunds or compensation will be provided. When possible, alternative arrangements may be offered; however, any additional costs must be covered by the client.

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Essential Information About City Tour Cusco

Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)

For this tour, the Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket – Circuit I is required. This ticket includes entrance to the following sites:

  • Saqsaywaman

  • Qenqo

  • Puca Pucara

  • Tambomachay

Reference Prices

  • Foreign travelers: S/ 70.00

  • Peruvian citizens: S/ 40.00

(Tickets can be purchased in cash at the sites or added as an extra service.)

Recommendations

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Light clothing and a warm layer

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (November to April)

  • Water

  • Passport or national ID

  • Travel insurance

  • Cash (for public restrooms or small expenses)

Important Considerations

  • This is a shared tour, and you may travel with people from different nationalities

  • Pickup and return times are approximate

  • Seating on the vehicle is assigned according to pickup order

  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult

  • Weather conditions may affect visibility and overall experience

Not Allowed

  • Pets

  • Smoking

  • Large suitcases or oversized backpacks

Not Recommended For

  • Travelers using wheelchairs

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FAQs

Does the Cusco City Tour run in the morning or afternoon?

The Cusco City Tour is available in two schedules:

  • Morning tour: approximate start between 08:30 and 09:00 a.m.

  • Afternoon tour: approximate start between 01:00 and 02:00 p.m.

You can choose the schedule that best fits your travel plans.

Is an additional ticket required to enter Qoricancha?

Yes. Entrance to Qoricancha is not included in the tour.
The entrance fee is approximately S/ 20.00, paid directly at the site in cash.

Are there photo stops at the archaeological sites?

Yes. At each archaeological site, we make scheduled stops where you’ll have enough time to listen to your guide’s explanation and take photos. Our goal is for you to enjoy each place without feeling rushed.

Is it recommended to do the Cusco City Tour on the first day?

Yes, highly recommended. This tour is ideal for altitude acclimatization, as it does not involve strenuous walking and provides a perfect introduction to Cusco’s history and culture.

Is the tour suitable for seniors and children?

Yes. The Cusco City Tour is low physical difficulty and suitable for families, children, and seniors.
All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Can I combine this tour with another activity on the same day?

Yes. Since this is a half-day tour, it can easily be combined with other activities such as:

  • Walking around the Historic Center

  • Visiting museums

  • Photographic Walking City Tour

  • Dinner or a cultural show in the evening

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

A shared tour means you will travel with other visitors from different nationalities. It’s a great opportunity to meet people while enjoying a well-organized experience with professional service.

If you prefer a more exclusive experience, you can request a Private Cusco City Tour.

How long does the Cusco City Tour last?

The approximate duration is 5 hours, both in the morning and afternoon schedules.
Return time may vary slightly due to traffic or the pace of the group.

Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket included?

No. This tour requires the Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket – Circuit I, which includes entrance to:

  • Saqsaywaman

  • Qenqo

  • Puca Pucara

  • Tambomachay

The ticket can be purchased in cash at the sites or added as an extra service.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour operates even with light rain. We recommend bringing a rain poncho or waterproof jacket, especially between November and April.
In extreme weather conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety reasons.

Where does the tour end?

The Cusco City Tour ends near Plaza Regocijo or Calle Plateros, both located in Cusco’s Historic Center, just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas.

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ticket
From $45 Per person
Quote Trip
Se puede cancelar hasta 24 horas antes de realizar el tour

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