Cusco City Tour Half Day
Starting from $ 50.00
Per person in group Service
Duration:
1 Day
Altitude:
3720 m /12204.72 ft
Team:
Driver Team + Local Guides
Style:
Cultural Excursion
Physical Level:
Easy
Group Size:
Min 2 Persons
Thinking of an adventure that captures the essence of Peru? The Cusco City Tour is the perfect start to your journey. We will guide you through the historic heart of the Inca Empire, an enchanting city where ancient history and vibrant local life merge seamlessly. Every cobblestone street, every plaza, and every ruin tells a story of a civilization that shaped the Andes. This isn’t just a sightseeing trip; it’s an opportunity to connect with a living culture and feel the powerful energy of the “navel of the world.”
Our expert local guides, deeply rooted in the Andean culture, will share their intimate knowledge, revealing the secrets behind the city’s iconic landmarks. We will explore stunning Inca constructions and breathtaking colonial architecture, seeing how these two worlds collide. This unforgettable journey is designed for those who seek authenticity, history, and a true sense of place. Join us and discover why Cusco is more than just a city, it’s a destination that will change your perspective forever.
DAY 1
Cusco City Tour Itinerary
Your unforgettable Cusco City Tour begins with a hotel pickup at 1:00 p.m. We’ll head to Cusco’s Main Plaza to learn about the famous Cathedral’s history. From there, we’ll walk down an ancient Inca street to the Temple of the Sun, or Qorikancha. This spiritual center was the most important place for the Incas. You will see its spectacular architecture and compare it with the colonial buildings.
After our time at the temple, we will take a 20-minute bus ride outside the city to explore incredible Inca sites:
- Sacsayhuaman: We’ll explore this enigmatic fortress for an hour as your guide shares their knowledge with you.
- Q’enqo: A short five-minute bus ride will take us to this amazing religious altar.
- Puca Pukara: We’ll drive another 10 minutes to this small Inca military construction.
- Tambomachay: Our final stop is the Temple of the Water, with impressive fountains for spiritual purification.
Finally, we’ll return you safely to your hotel, concluding your magical Cusco City Tour Half-Day.

Included:
Professional Guides Our passionate local guides, who have studied English and tourism at Cusco National University, will share their immense knowledge and love for their heritage. They are dedicated to ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey.
Transportation We provide convenient door-to-door transportation, picking you up from and dropping you off at your hotel.
Water
No Included
- Entrance Tickets The Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) is not included. It can be purchased for a single day at 70 PEN or a ten-day pass for 130 PEN. Separate tickets are required for the Cusco Cathedral (25 PEN) and Qorikancha Temple (15 PEN).
-
Entrance Tickets Required
Tourist Ticket: 70 soles (or 130 soles if you are also doing the Sacred Valley)
Cathedral: 25 soles
Q’oricancha/Temple of the Sun: 15 soles - Meals No meals are served during this half-day tour
- Extra Beverages & Tips
What to Bring
- Confortable shoes
- Lightweight clothing
- Sunscreen and hat
- Bandanna or handkerchief
- Sunglasses
- Personal medication
- Camera
- Cash
Price per person:
$ 40 USD
Group Service 7-8 travelers
Price per person:
$ 50 USD
Group Service 5-6 travelers
Price per person:
$ 60 USD
Group Service 3-4 travelers
Price per person:
$ 80 USD
Private Service 2 travelers
Price per person:
$ 40 USD
Group Service 7-8 travelers
$ 50 USD
Group Service 5-6 travelers
$ 60 USD
Group Service 3-4 travelers
$ 80 USD
Private Service 2 travelers
1. What is the Cusco City Tour?
The Cusco City Tour is a half-day adventure. It takes you through the historical center of Cusco and the nearby Inca sites like Qorikancha and Sacsayhuaman.
2. How long is the City Tour?
This is a half-day tour, lasting approximately 4 hours.
3. What are the highlights of the Cusco City Tour?
Highlights include the historical center of Cusco, the Cathedral, Qorikancha temple, and the remarkable Sacsayhuaman fortress. You will explore other Inca sites as well. Consider adding a trip to the Sacred Valley Machu Picchu Tour to your itinerary for a full immersion in the Inca heartland.
4. What should I bring on the Cusco City Tour?
You should bring warm clothes, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, a water bottle, and cash
5. Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, due to the terrain and walking involved, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. However, with assistance, it may be possible to visit the Inca sites
6. What is the best time of year to do the City Tour?
You can do this tour year-round. However, the best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to October. For more travel tips, read our blog When to Visit Machu Picchu: Insider Tips Revealed
7. How do I book the Cusco City Tour?
This tour is available daily. There is a minimum of two participants required to book. Solo travelers should contact us to check group availability
8. Is the Cusco City Tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children. Just keep in mind that some walking is involved.
9. Can I get a discount with my student ID?
If you have a valid student ID, you can receive a discount on the 10-day Tourist Ticket, which costs 70 PEN instead of 130 PEN. The single-day ticket is not discounted.
10. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
You can purchase the Tourist Ticket directly at the first site you visit. Keep in mind that the Cathedral and Qorikancha require separate entrance tickets.
11. Is the Cusco City Tour a good way to acclimatize?
Absolutely. This tour is an excellent way to begin your Peruvian adventure. The moderate activity level is perfect for helping you adjust to the altitude. For more tips on this, check out our guide on How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Peru.
12. What about transportation during the tour?
We provide all transportation during the tour. We’ll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel for convenience.
13. What is the history of the Cusco Cathedral?
The Cusco Cathedral is a magnificent example of colonial architecture built on the foundations of an Inca palace. Your expert guide will share its fascinating history and significance
14. What is the significance of Qorikancha?
Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the most important spiritual center for the Incas. It’s an incredible site that shows the masterful stonework of the Incas and the Spanish colonial overlay.
15. What is special about the 12 Angled Stone?
The 12 Angled Stone is a perfect example of the Incas’ precise stonework. It is a massive stone with twelve angles that fits perfectly with the stones around it, showcasing their engineering genius.
16. What will I see at Sacsayhuaman?
Sacsayhuaman is an impressive Inca fortress with massive stone walls. You’ll be amazed by the size of the stones and the complexity of the construction. It offers stunning views of Cusco.
17. What are the other Inca sites we will visit?
Besides Sacsayhuaman, we will explore Q’enqo (a religious altar), Puka Pukara (a small military construction), and Tambomachay (the Temple of the Water).
18. What is the difference between this tour and a full-day tour?
Our half-day Cusco City Tour focuses on the main attractions within and just outside the city. Full-day tours often combine this with other sites, such as the Sacred Valley.
19. What should I do after the tour ends?
The tour ends in the afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore Cusco on your own. You can visit local markets, enjoy a meal at a traditional restaurant, or simply wander the charming streets.
20. Is this a private or group tour?
This is a small-group tour. If you are a solo traveler, contact us to check for group availability. For a private tour experience, please inquire with our team.

Sustainable Tourism
Peru Hikers promotes responsible and sustainable tourism in the Andes while benefiting local communities.

Best Destinations
We provide unforgettable adventure and cultural destinations such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain.

Small Groups
Traveling in small groups offers genuine and unforgettable experiences, building personal relationships and forming cherished memories.

Only the Best Local Guides
Our tour guides are passionate storytellers who love showcasing their hometowns and taking visitors beyond the obvious.

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