City Tour Cusco: Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman & Tambomachay

Exploring Cusco’s rich cultural heritage has never been easier. The City Tour Cusco offers an unforgettable half-day experience, guiding visitors through iconic landmarks that showcase the city’s remarkable history. From the stunning Cusco Cathedral to the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress and the serene Tambomachay aqueduct, this tour promises an engaging and informative journey. With round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees included, travelers can dive into Cusco’s past and uncover the fascinating stories behind each remarkable site. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Good To Know

• The City Tour Cusco visits iconic sites, including the Cusco Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman fortress, and Tambomachay aqueduct, providing insights into Inca history and architecture.
• Cusco Cathedral features a Baroque-style façade, ornate naves, and a gilded main altar, showcasing the blend of Inca and Spanish colonial influences.
• Qoricancha, the "Temple of the Sun," exhibits impressive Inca stonework and foundations, with a history of serving as a significant Inca temple and later a Dominican convent.
• Sacsayhuaman fortress, a renowned Inca relic, boasts massive stone walls and staircases, highlighting the Inca’s engineering prowess and strategic military capabilities.
• Tambomachay aqueduct showcases advanced Inca hydraulic engineering, featuring intricate stone canals and waterfalls from a natural spring, providing a serene cultural experience.

Overview of the Tour

The City Tour Cusco takes visitors on a half-day exploration of the historic city’s most iconic sites. Rated 3.3 out of 5 from 8 reviews, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Cusco’s cultural heritage.

Highlights include visits to the Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, and the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Qenko, and Tambomachay. Travelers will enjoy round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees to select sites.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a maximum group size of 15 people. While some past guests have noted organizational issues and feeling rushed, others have praised the knowledgeable guides and valuable cultural insights provided on this half-day adventure.

Visiting the Cusco Cathedral

Upon arrival at the historic Cusco Cathedral, visitors behold the impressive façade adorned with intricate Baroque-style carvings. Inside, the cathedral’s three ornate naves and high altar captivate the senses. Highlights include:

Feature	Description
Main Altar	Gilded and adorned with intricate carvings and paintings.
Pulpit	Intricately carved and decorated with allegorical figures.
Chapel of the Virgin Mary	Houses a revered statue of the Blessed Mother.

Visitors can spend time admiring the cathedral’s architectural splendor and learning about its rich history from the knowledgeable tour guide.

Exploring the Qoricancha Site

After visiting the impressive Cusco Cathedral, the tour continues to the remarkable Qoricancha site.

Also known as the "Temple of the Sun," Qoricancha was once the most important Inca temple, dedicated to the worship of the sun god.

Today, the site showcases the impressive Inca stonework and the foundations of the former temple, which was later converted into a Dominican convent.

Visitors can admire the intricate carvings and the blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture.

The tour guide provides insights into the site’s rich history and cultural significance, offering travelers a deeper understanding of Cusco’s fascinating past.

Discovering Sacsayhuaman Fortress

Departing the Qoricancha site, the tour progresses to the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a renowned Inca relic perched atop a hilltop overlooking Cusco.

Wandering through the complex’s massive stone walls and staircases, visitors are awestruck by the sheer size and precision of the structure’s construction. The guide explains how this strategic military fortress was once a key part of the Inca capital’s defenses.

Exploring the site’s various plazas, towers, and ceremonial areas, the group gains insights into the engineering feats and cultural significance of this important archaeological gem.

With panoramic vistas of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman offers a breathtaking glimpse into the Inca’s architectural and engineering prowess.

Encountering Puca Pucara Ruins

Continuing the tour, the group moves on to explore the intriguing Puca Pucara ruins.

Puca Pucara, also known as the "Red Fortress," is an impressive archaeological site located just a few kilometers outside of Cusco. The site consists of a series of terraces, plazas, and buildings constructed in a reddish stone, which gives the ruins their distinctive color.

Visitors can wander through the ancient structures, marveling at the impressive architecture and engineering feats of the Inca civilization. The tour guide provides insights into the site’s history and its potential role as a military outpost or administrative center.

Exploring Puca Pucara offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Inca Empire.

Investigating the Qenko Archaeological Site

The Qenko archaeological site represents another intriguing stop on the city tour of Cusco. Situated just outside the city, Qenko is a remarkable example of Incan stonework and religious significance.

Visitors can explore the site’s intricate carvings, including a large amphitheater-like structure and a series of underground passages. The site’s enigmatic features and ceremonial purposes have long captivated scholars and travelers alike.

As part of the tour, travelers have the opportunity to wander through Qenko’s ancient walkways and marvel at the site’s impressive architecture, gaining insight into the Incan civilization’s sophisticated engineering and spiritual practices.

This stop provides a unique glimpse into Cusco’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire.

Marveling at Tambomachay Aqueduct

As the tour progresses, visitors are captivated by the remarkable Tambomachay aqueduct. This architectural marvel, a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilization, is located just a short distance from Cusco.

The Tambomachay aqueduct features a series of stone canals and waterfalls, designed to channel water from a natural spring. Visitors can marvel at the precision and craftsmanship of the construction, which has endured for centuries.

The site also offers a serene, tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both cultural exploration and relaxation. With its impressive hydraulic system and picturesque setting, Tambomachay is a must-see for those embarking on the City Tour Cusco.

Practical Information for the Tour

When planning the City Tour Cusco, travelers can conveniently be picked up directly from their hotel or a designated meeting point at Plaza Regocijo in the city center.

The tour includes round-trip transportation via tourist bus, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees to the Cusco Cathedral and Qoricancha.

Travelers will also receive a tourist ticket providing access to the archaeological sites outside the city, including Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Qenko, and Tambomachay.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate a maximum group size of 15 travelers.

Recommended items to bring include sun protection, a waterproof jacket, and water.

The tour returns to the original meeting point at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not seem to have any specific dietary restrictions. Travelers are free to bring their own food and snacks as needed. However, there are no meals included in the tour, so participants should plan accordingly.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers this option, allowing you to customize the experience and enjoy a more personalized excursion with your own group.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour operator typically offers an option to extend the tour duration for an additional fee. Travelers can inquire about longer tour options when booking to accommodate their preferences and explore the sites more thoroughly.

How Are Medical Emergencies Handled During the Tour?

According to the tour details, medical emergencies would be handled by the tour guide, who is responsible for contacting emergency services and the tour operator to ensure the proper care and assistance for any ill or injured participants.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

You can usually customize the itinerary to visit additional sites, but it’ll depend on the tour provider’s policies and availability. It’s best to inquire with them directly about any customization options before booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The City Tour Cusco offers a comprehensive look into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will be mesmerized by the ornate Cusco Cathedral, the impressive stonework of Sacsayhuaman, and the advanced engineering of Tambomachay’s aqueduct system. With round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees included, this tour provides an excellent way to explore Cusco’s top landmarks and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history.