ANCIENT CAPITAL OF THE INCAS

5 Hours

Cusco City Tour is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Peru. Cusco, also known as the ‘Imperial City’ and the ‘Archaeological Capital of America’, was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour will take you through the city’s main attractions, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Qoricancha Temple, it also includes the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Cusco and one of the most beautiful squares in South America. It’s surrounded by colonial buildings, including the Cathedral and the Church of La Compania de Jesus. This plaza is home to a beautiful fountain and several statues, too.

The Cathedral of Cusco. – It is one of the most impressive colonial buildings in Peru. It was built on the site of an Inca palace and features a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic styles. Inside, you’ll find a collection of colonial art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and silverwork. The highlight is the altar, which is made of silver and weighs over 400 kilograms ( 880 pounds).

Koricancha Temple (Santo Domingo). – “Temple of the Sun” its perfect architecture and stone construction reflect the fact that it was the most important temple of the Inca empire. It was dedicated to the sun god Inti and was covered in gold and precious stones. Today, only the foundation and some walls remain, as the Spanish built a church on top of the temple. However, you can still see some of the original stonework and get a sense of the temple’s former glory.

Sacsayhuaman. – This construction is attributed to the Incas of the last dynasties, is located 3km from the city of Cusco, in the upper part. According to the chroniclers, it was a solar shrine, this temple was built with large blocks of limestone to protect the city from the attacks of the invaders from the East or Antis. It is formed by three large terraces superimposed in a zigzag shape and bordered by huge rock walls. The site also offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to learn about Inca engineering and architecture.

Qenqo.-Located a kilometer from Sacsayhuaman, it was a ceremonial center since it is seen in the central part a giant monolith, possibly of an animal (Puma), which was the main deity, surrounded by niches, where offerings were placed.
In the lower part, there are other niches and an altar that was used to embalm bodies or perhaps for sacrifices dedicated to their Gods.

The Tour Includes:

• Hotel Pick up & Drop off
• Private Transport
• English speaking Guide
• Entrance tickets.
• Maximum 8 people on each tour. (We can customize tours for more than 8 people and large groups)

Price: (Min. 2 people)

For a private tour, the price is 75 USD per person (min. 2 people)