Home » Tours in Cusco » Half Day Cusco City Tour – Visit Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, and More
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.
If you'd like to customize this trip, our travel specialists will create the perfect tour for you.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 City Tour in Peru
Easy / Beginner
To make the most of your Cusco City Tour, we recommend bringing the following items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Posted on Heather RVerified Stunning Sacred Valley 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!Posted on Teri GVerified Sacred Valley Lovely Day 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!Posted on Jaydina BVerified Been on many tours, would have to say this tour was one of best tours that we’ve been on for the last 25 years This company was quick to respond on setting up our tour to sacred valley from Ollantaytambo. The expert guide Carlos who accompanied us was outstanding informative, and entertaining. He knew his history and answered all of our questions on the ruins we visited. He brought us to the perfect spots for taking pictures and making our videos. The itinerary was very well thought out. Their attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting an educational and fun tour. they will deliver! I would also like to add that I forgot my camera in the tours car. They found it and returned it back to me at my hotel.Posted on Marcelo CVerified Great Day Tour of Sacred Valley Scheduling the tour on-line was very easy. Communication from tour coordinator was excellent, he helped us plan an extended tour for the day out of Cusco. Our driver and tour guide were great. We had a wonderful day touring around, seeing the sites, learning the history of the area and stopping to get a local drink and purchase some nice souvenirs. I will recommend this tour group to my friends and family.Posted on Ginette PVerified Wonderful half-day tour from Ollantaytambo! Our half-day tour of the Moray Ruins & Salt Flats was amazing. From the time of booking to the completion of our tour, the communication was great. We were picked up at our hotel punctually as discussed (and dropped off afterwards within the timeframe). From there, Carlos our guide provided us with a lot of interesting information and was always willing to take pictures of us or even make extra stops so that we can capture the beautiful landscapes around us. Enough time was allowed at every stop which was much appreciated. Our driver Christobal also assured that we were safe with his great driving skills. But the thing we appreciated the most was that the tour was available from Ollantaytambo (shorter drive than from Cusco) and that we were able to only have our small family group of 4 people for the tour. We would definitely recommend this tour to others.GinettePosted on Sun-Woong KVerified Get Carlos and Rene! Great experience Carlos was an exceptional tour guide with great insight, great English, and very accommodating. Also gave us tips for our other destinations. Tour was informative, not intense walk, and facts were fun. He recommended a great restaurant too which we all enjoyed. Would definitely recommend. Rene was the driver, ride was smooth, efficient, and he was very helpful with luggage.Posted on DubaigatewaysVerified Excellent Pisac guide and tour. A very entertaining and comprehensive tour ( from Cusco to Pisac to Ollantaytambo) excellently delivered by our guide Carlos. A fabulous day, and we cannot recommend him more highly!Posted on Judy HVerified Outstanding tour. Don't miss learning more about Sacred Valley with a pro guide/driver This was our second half-day tour with our guide Carlos and his sidekick (driver) Rene, who was an expert navigator through some very narrow roadways and along mountain trails. On this day we visited the ruins of Olantaytambo, Pisac, and the Pisac market. As we were passing through Calca, the town famous for cuy, Carlos allowed us to detour so that we could taste it in the most local restaurants where it is made traditionally. We were so grateful to have this experience, which for sure you would miss on a group tour. We are staying in Ollantaytambo, and while we could possibly have visited these ruins on our own, we would have missed so many nuances and history that only a seasoned guide like Carlos could give us. We were thrilled for everything we learned and saw here. I almost felt like nothing could have been better, but the Pisac ruins also are outstanding. Carlos taught us about the architecture and is a great storyteller about so many things we would have glossed over. He pointed out so much valuable information to us that we would have lost with a group tour or self-exploration. Also, you have to do a bit of climbing, and it was helpful to have Carlos's steady hand a time or two during the descent. HIGHLY recommend Come See Peru Tours if you really want to understand about these historic places, the culture of the people, and so much more. We are so glad we added these stops in Sacred Valley to our itinerary. We know they will enhance our time when we get to Machu Picchu.Posted on Judy HVerified Do this tour with Come See Peru Tours! Such a worthwhile experience! Our tour was from Ollantaytambo, not Urubamba, but Carlos (guide) and Rene (driver) provided an outstanding experience. We highly recommend you spend a few days acclimating in Sacred Valley and include the Moray ruins and salt flats on your itinerary. Carlos's English was impeccable and his knowledge of the ruins, the salt flats, and all the areas we were driving through—and more—is vast. We had two smaller stops throughout the day including for some local chocolate and vanilla bread, which was very delicious and also a visit to sample chicha and also learn all about how it is made, we tasted some delicious Peruvian chocolates that were enhanced with salt from Maras along with a few other salted seasoning mixes, which was actually a fun and interesting experience. There is so much more to Peru than Machu Picchu (although we certainly are including that in our trip). But understanding Sacred Valley really is enhancing our trip, and visiting from Ollantaytambo also means that we also were the first to arrive at the salt mines before all the visitors arriving from Cusco, which made our picture taking experience much better! We highly recommend Come See Peru if you are looking for an excellent and rich experience.Posted on Jason SVerified Exceeded Expectations The entire team exceeded our expectations from start to finish. Julio, Renee, Rose, and Rebecca are the best. Detail orientedFriendlyAccommodating ProfessionalThere are many controls in place to keep Machu Picchu special. This team navigated us through them with ease. The tour itself was amazing, and we learned a lot about the Inca civilization. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you team. -Jason Sheffey-United StatesVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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