Half Day Cusco City Tour – Visit Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, and More

Experience the magic of Cusco on our city tour, as knowledgeable guides lead you through historic streets and majestic monuments that reveal the city's rich heritage"

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Cusco Machu Picchu Tour (7) coricancha-cusco plaza-de-armas-cusco-peru sacsayhuaman-city-tour qenqo-ruins-cusco
DURATION:
Half Day Tour
MAX ALTITUDE:
13,000 ft (3,962m).
STARTING POINT:
Cusco
LEVEL:
Easy

Embark on a fascinating exploration through the heart of the ancient city of Cusco, a historic city that beautifully blends its Inca heritage with Spanish colonial influence. The Cusco City Tour, a half-day adventure, serves as a perfect orientation to the city and its history. Our tour guide will give you a thorough tour at every site along the way, sharing importante insights into the architecture and ancient traditions, as well as the customs that the local people still practice today.

Book your city tour now to discover the essence of the ancient Inca city of Cusco, a city that has enchanted the hearts of travelers for centuries.

Customizable Itinerary

If you'd like to customize this trip, our travel specialists will create the perfect tour for you.

Overview

Experience the best of Cusco in a Half Day City Tour, uncover the essence of the Inca capital with our expert local guides in just a half day, visit iconic sites like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Ouka Pukara, Tambomachay, the Cusco plaza, the Alpaca farm and more. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this tour offers a rich blend of history, culture, and panoramic views. Dive into centuries of Andean heritage and discover why Cusco remains one of Peru’s most captivating destinations.

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Overview

Cusco City Tour: A Half-Day Journey Through History

Half-Day Guided Cusco City Tour: Must-See Sites

If you are visiting Cusco and want to discover the most important historical sites of the city in just half a day, The Cusco City Tour is the perfect way to explore the top attractions in Cusco with a professional local guide while learning about the rich history of the city of Cusco.

Whether you’re just arriving or finishing your trip, this half-day city tour in Cusco is one of the most popular and highly recommended experiences in the region.

Overview of the Cusco Half Day City Tour

This half-day tour combines the best of Cusco’s historical and archaeological attractions. You will start in the city center and then explore the impressive Inca ruins located just outside Cusco.

  • Duration: 5 hours.
  • Start time: morning (8:00 a.m.) or afternoon (1:00 p.m.).
  • Type: private tour with English-speaking guide.
  • Includes: hotel pickup, transportation, entrance fees (optional), and expert local guide.

Main Stops on the Cusco City Tour

Here are the main sites you’ll visit on the Cusco City Tour:

1. Qoricancha (Templo del Sol)

2. Sacsayhuamán

3. Qenqo Ruins

4. Puka Pukara

5. Tambomachay

6. Alpaca farm

Cusco City Tour Schedule and Duration

Tour Duration: Approx. 4–5 hours

Departure Time: Usually in the morning (8:30 AM – 1:00P M) in the afternoon (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

Availability: Daily departures, including holidays

Cusco Half Day Trip Map

Take a look at our plan, note that this itinerary can be customized since this tour is offered in private service. We also like the way you travel:

Hotel Pick up

Our Cusco City Tour starts with pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:30am or if the tour starts in the afternoon at 1:30pm.

Coricancha (Sun temple)

Our adventure starts at Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, one of the most sacred places of the Inca Empire. Here you will be able to admire the incredible fusion of Inca and spanish architecture, since the Spanish built the convent of Santo Domingo on the original bases of the Sun temple. Accompanied by our guide, you will discover the spiritual and astronomical importance of this temple, dedicated to Sun, the main god of the Incas. Qoricancha is the best example of Inca mastery in construction with polished stones and perfect angles. This visit will give you an unforgettable first impression of the cultural and spiritual grandeur of the ancient capital of Tahuantinsuyo.

Sacsayhuaman ruins

We continue to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most facinanting constructions of the Inca Empire. This majestic archaeological site is located high above the city of Cusco, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the city. What strikes visitors most are its enormous stone blocks, some weighing more than 100 tons, assembled with millimetric precision without the use of mortar. It is believed that Sacsayhuaman was a ceremonial center in Inca times and it was also a defensive fortress. Our guide will explain to you about its history, its symbolism and the importance of this place during the Inti Raymi, the feast of the Sun. Sacsayhuaman is undoubtedly a key stop to understand the power and wisdom of the Inca Empire.

Qenqo Ruins

Our next stop is Qenqo, a ceremonial center surrounded by mystery not to be missed. This archaeological site was used for religious rituals and sacrifices, Qenqo is remarkable for its subway passages, canals carved in stone, and an altar carved into a large rock. Qenqo means “labyrinth” in Quechua, and its winding design still intrigues archaeologists and visitors. Here you will learn about the spiritual beliefs of the Incas, their connection to Pachamama and the importance of the cult of the dead. Accompanied by your local guide, you will explore every corner of this enigmatic site with you, discovering how the Incas combined the natural with the sacred in their ceremonial architecture.

Puka Pukara Ruins

The next stop on our Cusco City Tour is Puka Pukara, meaning “red fortress” in Quechua, a name that comes from the reddish color of its stones. This archaeological site was a strategic military construction used as a control point and guard of important roads of the Inca Empire, from the Sacred Valley to the Cusco Valley. It is also believed that it served as a resting place for the authorities on their way to Machu Picchu. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape. Our guide will tell you how its location and design demonstrate the Incas' ability to integrate architecture with the natural environment in a harmonious and functional way.

Alpaca Farm

Our Cusco Half Day Tour concludes with a visit to one of the largest alpaca farms in Cusco, an ideal place to get up close and personal with these adorable animals. Here you will be able to observe the four species of South American camelids: llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, each with their own characteristics and types of fiber. Our guide will explain how the ancient Incas valued the fiber of these animals for its quality and usefulness. In addition, you will have the opportunity to feed the alpacas and take unforgettable photos with them. Without a doubt, this experience is a unique and relaxing way to end your tour of the imperial city of Cusco.

We return to your hotel

After exploring the city and surroundings with our local guide we will drop you off at your hotel or wherever you prefer to be dropped off.

Cusco City Tour Schedule:

The Cusco City Tour is available in two time slots: morning or afternoon, depending on your preferences and travel schedules.

Morning Tour: Starts around 8:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Afternoon tour: Starts around 1:30 p.m. and ends around 6:00 p.m.

Please note that the schedule may vary slightly due to local traffic and weather conditions. However, the places visited remain the same in both shifts: Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay and a local alpaca farm. When booking, you can choose the schedule that best suits your itinerary.

8:30 a.m. – Pick up from hotel and departure of the tour
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco to start the adventure. We start the tour in tourist transportation to the historic center.

8:45 a.m. – Visit to Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)
We explore the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, admiring the perfect Inca architecture and the colonial convent of Santo Domingo.

9:30 a.m. – Transfer to Sacsayhuaman
We head to this impressive ceremonial fortress with colossal stone blocks and panoramic views of the city.

10:30 a.m. – Visit Qenqo Ruins
We learn about this mysterious ceremonial center, with subway passages, sacred altars and astronomical symbols.

11:00 a.m. – Visit to Puka Pukara
We explore this ancient red fortress, a strategic checkpoint on the Inca roads.

11:30 a.m. – Visit to Tambomachay
We discover the water temple, famous for its ceremonial fountains and harmonious architecture with nature.

12:20 p.m. – Visit to the alpaca farm
We conclude the tour at one of the largest farms in Cusco, where you will see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos in a spectacular Andean setting.

1:00 p.m. – Return to Cusco and end of the tour

After the tour, you will be dropped off at the hotel in Cusco.

Tour Itinerary

Full Itinerary of Cusco Half Day Tour

Set off on a fascinating half-day Cusco city tour that will bring you to the fascinating historical and cultural attractions of Tambomachay, Qenqo, Sacsayhuaman and Qoricancha. This carefully designed itinerary offers an insight into the rich heritage and serves as an introduction to Incas history.

Cusco - Tambomachay - Qenqo - Sacsayhuaman - Qoricancha - Cusco

Highlight of the day: Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Cusco as our expert local guides explain its rich past, leaving you with memories you will treasure forever.
Cusco City Tour in Peru

Cusco City Tour in Peru

Discover the mysteries of the past and the majesty of the Inca and colonial architecture with expert local guides in Cusco. Our Cusco City Tour is the perfect way to get to know the most emblematic sites of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire in just half a day. Our tour starts at 8:30 a.m. and concludes around 1:00 p.m., ideal for those with limited time but don’t want to miss the best of Cusco.
The tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun, known as Coricancha, one of the most important religious centers of the I nca Empire. Here you can admire the impressive polished stone walls that are still preserved despite over the centuries. This temple was the epicenter of the Inca cosmovision, you will learn many things abour the Andean religion here with your guide.
Then, we will head to the outskirts of the city to visit the ancient site of Sacsayhuaman, one of the most amazing structures built by the Incas. Its huge, perfectly fitted stone blocks continue to amaze archaeologists and visitors alike. From here you can also enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Cusco.
The next stop will be at the ceremonial temple of Qenqo, a mysterious site where the ancient rituals were performed related to death and astronomy. Here you will see canals carved in stone, altars and subway chambers that demonstrate the Incas’ advanced knowledge of stone and spirituality.
We will continue our tour visiting Tambomachay (the Water temple), a site dedicated to the cult of water. This place stands out for its canals, aqueducts and small waterfalls that still function perfectly today. It is believed that it was a resting place for Pachacutect Inca and also a ceremonial space to pay homage to the natural elements.
Finally, to close the Cusco City Tour with a special touch, we will visit a charming alpaca farm. There you will be able to see these adorable animals up close, learn about their importance in the local culture, and learn about the traditional process of handmade weaving. It is also an excellent opportunity to take pictures and purchase authentic products made with alpaca fiber (optional).
This Cusco City Tour is ideal for those looking to get to know the historical and cultural essence of Cusco in just a few hours, with a perfect combination of history, archaeology, nature and living tradition. We guarantee that this tour will leave you with a deep appreciation for the richness of the Inca legacy and the magic that surrounds this unique city.
Difficulty

Easy / Beginner

Included

Private transportation
Our Cusco city tour offers exclusive and comfortable transportation just for you and your party, guaranteeing that we don't mix your group with others.
English-speaking Tour Guide
During our half-day city tour of Cusco, you will be accompanied by an expert English-speaking local guide. He will provide you with insightful commentary along the way, sharing updated information about the places you will visit.
Local taxes

No Included

Tourist Ticket Cusco
To visit the ancient ruins outside of Cusco, such as Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo, a tourist ticket is required. You can conveniently purchase it on the day of the activity. The cost is 70 Perivian Soles.
Qoricancha Ticket
To visit the Temple of the Sun (Qoricacancha) you must buy a separate ticket, this ticket is also purchased on site. The cost of the ticket is 15 Peruvian soles.
Tips

Half Day Cusco Tour Packing List

To make the most of your Cusco City Tour, we recommend bringing the following items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

  • Sun hat
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho (especially from October to March).
  • Warm Jacket
  • Water with recyclable water bottle.
  • Camera
  • Extra money.

Considerations:

  • Recommendations during the City Tour Cusco
  • The city of Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level (above sea level). At this altitude it is recommended to drink mate de coca to combat altitude sickness.
  • The climate of Cusco is temperate. The days are generally sunny in the day. However, rains can occur at any time. It is advisable to wear a rain poncho.

Pricing

Cusco City Tour Cost

The price of our Cusco Half Day Private Tour is per person. To secure your reservation, a partial deposit of $30 is required, with the remaining balance to be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

2 Persons
Price
US $ 75.00
per person
3 Persons
Price
US $ 60.00
per person
4 Persons
Price
US $ 55.00
per person
5 Persons
Price
US $ 50.00
per person
6 Persons
Price
US $ 40.00
per person
7 Persons
Price
US $ 40.00
per person
8 Persons
Price
US $ 40.00
per person

Reviews

5.0
based on 125 reviews
Total reviews and rating from TripAdvisor
5 Stars 125
4 Stars 0
3 Stars 0
2 Stars 0
1 Stars 0
Sacred Valley Lovely Day
Teri G 6
April 2025

Will was our guide and he was wonderful! The tour was everything we hoped for. The day was filled with so much and Will made sure we were having the best time we could. Ask for Will- he was wonderful!

Stunning Sacred Valley
Heather R
April 2025
We had an outstanding time in our private tour with Carlos and Michael. Better than expected. Beautiful county and they took great care of us! Sacred Valley is a must!
Wonderful Sacred Valley Tour!
MmHuston
May 2025

My sister and I were referred to Come See Peru from a friend, and we are so grateful for the referral. We did the Sacred Valley Cultural Experience. Carlos (our guide) and Michael (our driver) were knowledgeable, flexible, and fun!

Here are a few specific aspects that I would like to mention:

1. Flexible. We really appreciated the flexibility that we were afforded. We did our half day Sacred Valley trip in between accommodation switches. So we were picked up in Ollantaytambo and dropped off in Cusco. Additionally, we had to be picked up a bit later than the original start time, and Carlos and Michael were happy to accommodate.

2. Informative. Carlos expertly led us around the three sites we visited (Ollantaytambo ruins, The Salt Mines, The ruins of Moray). He actually took us in an order that allowed for there to be less tourists when we were present, which was really nice. He provided us with historical context and answered all of our questions.

3. Patient. Carlos and Michael gave us time to sit in the beauty that is these amazing locations. Carlos is a wonderful photographer as well and offered to take our picture at some really neat places in each location. When we did the Chicha tasting and salt demonstration, they waited while we shopped. We never felt rushed, which we appreciated.

4. Fun! Overall, we had a really good time with Carlos and Michael. We chatted and laughed about all sorts of things. We appreciated the private tour aspect so we could really go at our own flow and connect and just enjoy.

Thank you Carlos and Michael for a lovely exploration of the Sacred Valley! You will be at the top of our list when we return to see Pisac and Chinchero!

|INCREDIBLE Personalized Sacred Valley Tour
KayLane
May 2025

Wow! I booked a customizable 2-day tour to include all of the main Sacred Valley sights because I wanted to start the first day in Cusco and end in Ollantaytambo and use the tour as transportation as well. Come See Peru was so easy to work with, communicating extremely quickly via WhatsApp to design my perfect itinerary. They also suggested some stops that I did not know about.

Our guide Ruben was positively incredible and really made this tour amazing. He presented the history, culture, geography, & food information in such a compelling way! We learned SO MUCH because he is an incredible storyteller. None of the main sites (moray, maras, ollantaytambo, etc) have much signage and we wouldn’t have been able to appreciate them half as well without Ruben. He was also an amazing photographer, always choosing the best locations to take photos of my husband and I.
The vehicle was a comfortable van, which was private, and we had a driver who dropped off and picked up whenever we needed and also stayed with our luggage the day that it was in the car.

Overall, the price was fair for the value received and I would definitely recommend reaching out to Come See Peru to build a customized tour for your trip to the Sacred Valley!

Excellent service
Journey320022
May 2025

My wife, and I actually took three tours in three dayswith Come See Peru. This were for Machu Picchu, Pisac / Llama farm and the half-day tour on the outskirts of Cusco. The company provided excellent tour guides and took care of every detail, so that our tours were totally stressed free.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour typically covers iconic sites like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, and Qoricancha and the Inca museum. In addition to strolling through the conventional streets of the city.

The tour usually lasts approximately 4-5 hours. Or from 8 am to 1pm (morning shift). and from 1pm to 5pm (afternoon shift).

No, the tour does not include entrance fees to the sites you will visit. Tickets can be purchased directly on the site, payment can only be made in cash and in Peruvian currency.

Yes, we give you limited free time for personal exploration and photography. Be sure to respect the time indicated by your guide.

Our Half Day Tour in Cusco provides flexibility with two shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, ensuring a more personalized experience for our guests.

The tour is generally designed to suit a wide range of age groups, but it is advisable to check if there are any specific restrictions or recommendations.

That’s right, our tour provides a professional English-speaking guide with more than 9 years of guiding experience.

Of course there are, we will find restroom facilities in every place we visit. You don’t have to pay to use them, they are completely free.

The ideal time in Cusco depends on your interests, but usually 3-4 days allow for a good exploration.

One day in Cusco can give you a good idea, but more time is highly recommended to fully appreciate its beauty and history

Yes! The city of Cusco is generally a walkable city thanks to its compact layout and pedestrian streets.

Although it is not mandatory, a tour guide can enhance your experience in the city by providing historical context and firsthand advice.

Lima offers cosmopolitan attractions, while Cusco offers a rich cultural heritage and proximity to Machu Picchu.

It is often recommended to visit Machu Picchu before Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude since Machu Picchu is at a lower elevation than Cusco.

Cusco is relatively safe, but it is advisable to exercise extreme caution and avoid poorly isolated areas when walking at night.

The best way to explore Cusco is on a walking tour, which will allow you to explore its charming streets, architecture in depth.

In general, it is much safer to drink bottled or filtered water in Cusco to avoid possible stomach problems.

 

Helpful Information About our Cusco City Tour

Discover the ancient marvels of Cusco with a unique and fascinating city tour. Discover the ancient marvels of Cusco with a unique and fascinating city tour. Visit the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Qoricacancha. Absorb the cultural fusion. This journey through Cusco’s past and present will leave you enchanted by its mystical charm and architectural splendor. Learn fascinating details about the places you will be exploring during your tour.

Cusco:

The city of Cusco is located in the Peruvian Andes, is a mesmerizing destination that blends ancient Inca heritage with Spanish colonial influences. Located at an altitude of 3,399 meters above sea level, this city, known as “Peru’s Historical Capital”, not only boasts breathtaking scenery, but also a series of historical wonders that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Location:

The city of Cusco is a city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, in South America. It was the capital of the Inca Empire and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elevation:

Cusco is located at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters above sea level (11,200 feet) , making it one of the highest cities in Peru.

Historical Significance:

The city was the capital of the Inca Empire, and its streets, walls and architecture still reflect the splendor of that ancient civilization. The proximity of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, adds to Cusco’s appeal. This Inca citadel, located on a mountaintop, exhibits remarkable Inca engineering and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. A visit to Machu Picchu is often a highlight for those visiting Cusco and the Sacred Valley region.

Cusco Plaza de Armas

Located in the heart of Cusco (Peru), the Plaza de Armas is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural importance. This central plaza, also known as the “Warrior’s Plaza” during Inca times, has evolved over the centuries into a vibrant center that encapsulates the essence of Cusco’s past and present.

Places to visit in Cusco on your own:

  • Cusco’s main square
  • The cathedral of Cusco
  • The temple of Coricancha
  • Sacsayhuaman
  • Qenqo ruins
  • Tambomachay ruins
  • The viewpoint of Cristo Blanco
  • The neighborhood of San Blas
  • San Pedro central market
  • The stone of the 12 angles
  • The Inca Museum
  • The museum of Machu Picchu

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What Our Customers Say About Us

Come See Peru has earned TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently receiving 5-star reviews of our tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tours. This recognition highlights our exceptional service and dedicated attention to our clients.

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