Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour

Discover the vibrant heart of Cusco on this immersive private tour led by local experts. Explore the city’s iconic sites, from the grand Plaza de Armas to the lively Mercado Central de San Pedro, while delving into the rich cultural heritage that defined the Incan Empire’s capital. Savor traditional Peruvian flavors and drinks, and gain insider insights into the daily lives of the community. With a focus on sustainability, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Cusco’s charm and uncover its hidden gems. Prepare to be captivated as you venture through the historic streets and uncover the true essence of this remarkable destination.

Good To Know

• This half-day private walking tour showcases the highlights and hidden gems of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, with insights from local guides.
• Visitors explore iconic landmarks like Qorikancha, the Santo Domingo Church, and the Cuzco Cathedral, which blend Inca and Spanish architectural influences.
• The tour includes an immersive experience at the Mercado Central de San Pedro, where guests interact with vendors and sample traditional Peruvian drinks and cuisine.
• Guests learn about Cusco’s rich history and cultural heritage through visits to lesser-known local markets and historical sites, such as the 12 Angled Stone.
• The tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the operator offsets carbon emissions, promoting sustainable tourism.

Tour Overview

The tour is called "Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour", and it takes place in Cusco, Peru.

It’s a half-day private guided walking tour that provides an immersive experience. The tour has received 13 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

The price varies based on group size, starting from $53.50. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour showcases the historical significance of Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, and highlights the city’s cultural and architectural wonders.

Historical Significance

Cusco was the capital of the mighty Incan Empire in the 1500s. The city is steeped in rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s storied past.

This private tour highlights several significant sites:

• The Santo Domingo Church, built atop the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), showcases the blending of Inca and Spanish architectural styles.

• The Qorikancha itself was the most important Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god.

• La Merced Church features the renowned "Last Supper" painting depicting a local delicacy, cuy (guinea pig).

• The impressive 12 Angled Stone is a marvel of Inca masonry and craftsmanship.

• The grand Cuzco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas is a must-see, exhibiting a fusion of Inca and Spanish influences.

Plaza De Armas Exploration

Exploring the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s Inca roots.

The tour spends around 20 minutes in this iconic square, allowing guests to marvel at the impressive colonial architecture and the blend of Inca and Spanish influences.

Visitors can admire the iconic cathedral, the Jesuit church of La Compañía, and the 12-Angled Stone, an engineering marvel of the Inca empire.

With free admission, the Plaza de Armas provides an excellent introduction to Cusco’s rich history and cultural heritage, setting the stage for the rest of the immersive tour experience.

Mercado Central De San Pedro

After exploring the iconic Plaza de Armas, the tour moves on to the lively Mercado Central de San Pedro.

This bustling market offers a glimpse into the daily lives of local Cusqueños. Guests can:

• Interact with friendly vendors selling a variety of produce, handicrafts, and traditional Peruvian cuisine
• Browse stalls filled with vibrant textiles, alpaca goods, and unique souvenirs
• Savor a local drink or tasting, providing an authentic taste of Cusco
• Observe the lively energy and rhythmic chatter of the market
• Discover hidden gems and lesser-known regional specialties

The guide provides insight into the market’s history and significance, ensuring an immersive and enriching experience.

Local Markets and Sites

Beyond the iconic Plaza de Armas and bustling Mercado Central de San Pedro, the private guided tour takes guests on an immersive exploration of Cusco’s lesser-known local markets and historical sites.

Visitors will marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the 12 Angled Stone, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Incas.

The tour also includes stops at the Santo Domingo Church, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and La Merced Church, each offering a unique glimpse into Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.

Throughout the experience, guests will have the opportunity to interact with the local community and savor a traditional Peruvian drink or tasting, further enhancing their understanding of the city’s vibrant traditions.

Local Drink and Tasting

As guests explore Cusco’s vibrant local markets and historical sites, they’re treated to a traditional Peruvian drink or tasting.

This local treat may include:

• A refreshing glass of chicha morada, a sweet purple corn beverage
• A sample of coca tea, a staple in Andean culture known for its energizing properties
• A taste of Peru’s signature spirit, pisco, which can be enjoyed in a classic pisco sour cocktail
• A sip of warm, comforting muña tea, made from an aromatic Andean mint
• A bite of cuy, the beloved roasted guinea pig, a regional delicacy

These authentic experiences enhance the culture, providing a flavorful break during the private walking tour.

Tour Inclusions and Logistics

The private tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the experience.

A local guide leads the way, providing insights into Cusco’s rich history and culture. The tour meeting point is at Cappuccino Cusco Cafe in Plaza de Armas, and it returns to the same location.

Throughout the experience, guests will enjoy a local drink or tasting, seeing the flavors of the region.

The tour is located near public transportation, and the operator offsets the carbon emissions, making it a more sustainable option.

With these thoughtful inclusions, the "Best of Cusco Private Tour" provides a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the highlights of this remarkable city.

Customer Feedback and Issues

What do guests have to say about the "Best of Cusco Private Tour"? Overwhelmingly, travelers appreciate the insights and local knowledge from their guides.

As one reviewer notes, "Our guide was fantastic – he really brought the history and culture of Cusco to life."

However, not every experience goes smoothly. Some guests have encountered issues, such as:

• Guide no-shows, leading to self-guided exploration
• Confusion over meeting points or pickup locations
• Lack of communication from the tour operator
• Disappointment with the overall value for the price paid
• Difficulty obtaining refunds for unsatisfactory experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

What Language Will the Tour Be Provided In?

The tour is provided in English. The tour operator specifically states that the private guided tour includes a local guide who will provide commentary and insights in English throughout the experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Interests?

The tour can be customized to the customer’s interests. The private tour format allows the guide to adapt the itinerary and focus based on the traveler’s preferences and requests. This flexibility ensures an engaging and personalized experience.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disability Accessible?

The tour is not specifically advertised as wheelchair or disability accessible. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the tour provider to inquire about accommodations and determine if the itinerary can be modified to meet their needs.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no strict dress code requirements for this tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. However, visitors should avoid wearing overly revealing or inappropriate attire out of respect for the cultural and historical sites visited.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks or drinks on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t include meal times, so guests are free to bring their own refreshments as needed. Just be mindful of any restrictions at the historical sites.

The Sum Up

The "Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cusco Private Tour" provides an immersive and sustainable exploration of Cusco’s historical and cultural heart. Guided by local experts, visitors can discover iconic sites, interact with the community, and savor traditional Peruvian flavors, all while supporting the local economy and promoting a deeper understanding of this remarkable destination.