We begin in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous cathedral. Following, you will continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At the Q’oricancha you will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, which leads to all four quarters of the Inca Empire. There is also a bronze, high altar to be seen.
From Q’oricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you will take your bus 25 minutes outside of the city. You will be taken to the majestic Inca site, Sacsayhuaman, with its enigmatic, 200 ton monoliths, you will be able to hear from your guide and then, explore on your own.
From Sacsayhuaman, you will take a five minute bus ride to the Q’enqo Inca site to see its fascinating Incan altars. Following, you will take another five minute drive to Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive water fountains, thought to be used by the Inca for bathing. We’ll then drive back down to Cusco where the tour ends in the main square.
HIGHLIGHTS:
4-5 hours and includes the main highlights of the city:
- Saqsaywaman
- Cathedral
- Temple of the Sun (qoricancha)
- Quango
- Pucapucara
- Tambomachay
- Also, various sites found around the city where history of the Incas can be found.
The city tour includes tourist van and a private English speaking guide. It does not include the tourist ticket (70 soles) Qoricancha entrance (15 soles) or Cathedral entrance (25 soles).