Join Machu Picchu Tours on a Cusco City Tour Half Day that will give you an introduction to the Inca civilization and the impact of the Spanish conquest in Peru.
Just landed in Peru? No trip to Peru is complete without a city tour of Cusco. Join Machu Picchu Tours on a half day Cusco City Tour that will give you an introduction to the Inca civilization and the impact of the Spanish conquest in Peru.
Guided by a local expert, this half day tour in Cusco will let you discover many astonishing facts about the ancient ruins, Inca ruins, which are worth visiting before you visit Machu Picchu.
Cusco City nestles at 3399 meters above sea level. The former capital of the Inca empire has a mystery at every turn. The well-preserved architecture reflects the perfect blend of Inca and Spanish designs in Peru. Qorikancha or the Santo Domingo Church is the perfect example of this.
Qorikancha was built by the Incas as their supreme religious site. To them, this was the temple of the sun. When the Spanish conquered Cusco, they took it down and built the cathedral on its remains.
The city of Cusco saw rapid development under the leadership of Pachacutec. The renowned Inca emperor built Machu Picchu and Choquequirao, among other notable sites. You will be able to see his statue in the center of Plaza de Armas (Main Square) during your city tour in Cusco.
On this guided City Tour of Cusco, you will be visiting the San Pedro Market, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara. You will discover that Cusco’s reputation as a gateway to Sacred Valley or Rainbow Mountain simply accentuates its enduring popularity in Peru and worldwide.
Our City Tour in Cusco is one of our signature tours. We have knowledgeable tour guides who have excellent knowledge about history and culture.
We operate the half-day trip from Cusco both in small groups and as private tours. Simply reach out to us to discover the former capital of the Incas.
Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, our tours are designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience, ensuring that you leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Cusco’s unique heritage.
This Cusco City Tour itinerary is designed to immerse you in the vibrant culture and history of Cusco, starting with a visit to one of its most iconic landmarks.
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. The half-day tour starts with a visit to the San Pedro Market. San Pedro is one of the most visited markets in Cusco. Here, hundreds of local residents and tourists gather every day to buy food, clothes, and various souvenirs. San Pedro Market is located just 5 blocks from the main square of the city, which we will also cover as part of our exciting Cusco walking tour.
We will continue the City Tour in Cusco at Qorikancha. This was the most prominent and sacred site of worship for the Incas. Legends say that once, the courtyard of the temple was full of statues made entirely of gold.
The Spanish rulers demolished the temple after conquering Cusco and built the temple, retaining its basement.
Once you have had your fill of these two iconic sites within the city of Cusco, we will be driving you to the outskirts of the city. Here, we will begin the tour at Sacsayhuaman. It is a massive fortress built entirely of massive stones, each weighing over a ton. It is still a mystery how the Incas transported these stones here.
Our next stop will be in Q´engo. This site was used for scarification and mummification of corpses.
We will then visit Tambomachay. This was more like a spa to the political elites of the Incas. There are a series of canals through which water from the nearby Timpuc River flows. Even today, you will be able to see the water flowing through these canals.
We will then visit Puca Pucara. In Quechua, it means red rock. It gets its name after the color of the rock at sunset. This was the watch tower of the Incan military.
After a fun-filled and enriching day, we will drive you to return to Cusco City, where you can explore the city at your own pace. We will be dropping you off at Plaza Regocijo, a block away from Cusco’s main square – Plaza de Armas.
As your memorable day comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the rich history and stunning landscapes you’ve experienced. The journey through Cusco on this day tour and its surroundings offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Incan civilization, leaving you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable region.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
1:00 p.m.
If you're planning a Cusco city tour half day, you might have some questions about what to expect. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient ruins, walking through the charming streets of Cusco, or preparing for a larger adventure like Machu Picchu, a half-day tour is a fantastic way to experience the city's history and culture. Below, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions travelers have.
A Cusco Half Day Tour typically includes visits to the most important historical and archaeological sites around the city. Our standard tour may cover the following sites, depending on the itinerary you choose:
If you’re short on time but still want to explore beyond the city, there are several half-day trips from Cusco that offer breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences. One of the most popular options is Maras & Moray, where you can visit the ancient Inca agricultural terraces of Moray and the stunning Maras Salt Mines, still in use today. Another excellent choice is Chinchero, a traditional Andean town known for its colonial church and textile workshops, where you can see local artisans practicing ancient weaving techniques.
For history enthusiasts, the Tipón and Pikillaqta route offers a mix of Inca and pre-Inca sites. Tipón is famous for its sophisticated water channels, while Pikillaqta showcases an extensive Wari archaeological complex. Another great historical option is the South Valley Tour, which includes Andahuaylillas, home to the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes," along with Tipón and Pikillaqta.
You can book a Cusco Half Day Tour with us in advance through our website, WhatsApp, or by visiting our office in Cusco. We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance to secure availability, especially during peak tourist season. We offer both group and private tours, with English and Spanish-speaking guides.
Cusco’s high altitude and unpredictable weather require proper preparation. We recommend bringing:
Yes, it is possible, but it requires careful planning. Many travelers do a Cusco Half Day Tour in the morning and then take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. However, since Machu Picchu requires a separate full-day tour, most visitors prefer to dedicate one full day to Machu Picchu for a better experience.
Cusco is a year-round destination, but the dry season (April to October) offers the best conditions for sightseeing. If visiting during the rainy season (November to March), we advise bringing rain protection. Morning tours usually have fewer crowds, while afternoon tours provide a relaxed pace.
Yes! The Cusco City Tour Half Day is perfect for families, seniors, and travelers of all fitness levels. The walking portions are moderate, though some sites (like Sacsayhuamán) have uneven terrain.
Yes, the Cusco City Tour requires the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) to enter Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Qorikancha and Cusco Cathedral require separate entrance fees. Machu Picchu Tours can assist in purchasing these tickets in advance.
Yes! Many travelers take the Cusco City Tour Half Day as an introduction to Inca history before their Machu Picchu visit. It’s also a great way to acclimate to the altitude before longer hikes or excursions.
At Machu Picchu Tours, we offer expert guides, small group experiences, and well-planned itineraries that help you make the most of your Cusco City Tour Half Day. Our passion is to provide you with a memorable and informative journey through the heart of the Inca Empire.
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