Cusco City Tour Half Day - Orange Nation Peru
cusco city tour half day sacsayhuaman - Orange Nation Peru

Cusco City Tour Half Day

1 Days

From

127

/ Per Person

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire called Tawantinsuyu and is a living museum overflowing with the country’s history and culture. You can see the different stages of history from ancient times to the conquest up to modern days. There are numerous archeological sites, Cathedrals, museums, night clubs in the social scene and many shops to explore. Cusco is the most important tourist destination in Peru as it is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, not to mention a lot of fun!

Visit the most interesting sites in and around Cusco such as the Cusco Cathedral, the Koricancha, which was once filled with gold until plundered by invaders, Sacsayhuaman fortress and its military Inca architecture, and the archaeological sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay!

Service Level:

Comfortable

Difficulty:

Easy only walking is when you explore the archeological sites.

Travel Style:

Cultural, archeological sites

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

This tour is available in the morning (9 am) or afternoon (1pm).

At your chosen time your guide will pick you up for your tour of the Imperial City of Cusco. Cusco is like a living museum of a mix of Andean and Spanish cultures. Despite being a small city, Cusco somehow maintains a bustling vibe with plenty to see and do.

We begin the tour at Qoricancha, the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God, Inti. The entire palace was once filled with gold, but was plundered by the Spanish conquest.

The next stop on our tour is to Sacsayhuaman, the fortress that overlooks the city. Built with 100 ton boulders, the sheer magnitude of this structure is awestriking.

Finally, we explore the archeological sites of Q’enqo, Puka Pucara and Tambomachay before heading back to your hotel in Cusco.

Qoricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo

The convent was built on top of the spectacular Qoricancha (Quechua for ‘Field of gold’). This was the most important temple in Cusco, dedicated to the worship of the Sun and the walls of which were lined with solid sheets of gold.

All that remains now is fine stonework. Conquistadors took the rest and destroyed most of the temple to build the convent on top.

Qoricancha was also used as an observatory, where priests kept track of major celestial events. Today, some of the original architecture has been restored and it also houses an impressive collection of canvas paintings from the Cusco School of Art.

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is one of the most impressive sites built by the Incas. It is generally referred to as a military fortress. The stones in the wall are incredible and the largest one weighs 128 tons, with no clear explanation on how they were transported to the site.

The Incas designed Cusco in the shape of a puma, with Sacsayhuaman as the head. Sacsayhuaman is still used today for the Inti Raymi festival held to celebrate the winter solstice on the 24th of June.

Q’enqo

The site of Q’enqo (meaning ‘maze’ in Quechua) contains very impressive hand-carved sections of bedrock. There are many carvings that they have identified everywhere, with some being very clear, such as a llama, a condor and several snakes.

There are many zigzag channels on top of the natural rock, probably used for pouring sacrificial chicha (a local fermented beverage made from corn). Below the rock, there are a number of caves and passageways, and an altar which was used for the sacrifices of llamas.

Mummified people have been discovered by archeologists in these caves.

Puka Pukara

Puka Pukara is translated to ‘the red fortress’ in Quechua. This is a small site and although the name suggests that it was a fortress, it does not appear to have had any defensive purpose. Archeologists theorize that it could have been used to protect the water source at Tambomachay.

Tambomachay

The name means “place of rest” in Quechua. It was the royal home of the Inca Yupanqui when he went to hunt in the surrounding area. This site was also thought to have been used as a Temple to the Water. There are some interesting aqueducts, canals and cascades sculpted out of stone, designed to channel water flowing from a nearby stream.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Pick up from your hotel
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Private transportation to visit all Inca sites
  • Taxes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Entrance to Archeological sites: Purchase the Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) of 70 soles (about $22 USD), at the first site you enter. This can be used for 1 day to visit archeological sites in the Cusco region. (See important info, for other options)
  • Entrance ticket for Koricancha ( 10 Soles per person)
  • Meals
  • Hotels before and after the tour

Please Note: The Cusco City Tour is only offered to our clients doing at least a 2-day tour or trek to Machu Picchu.

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
Group from 1 to 6 people $ 127 USD for the total group (not per person)
Group from 7 to 12 people $ 157 USD for the total group (not per person)

WHAT TO BRING FOR CUSCO CITY TOUR?

  • Passport
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat
  • Water
  • Sun protection
  • Money for souvenirs
  • Money in soles to purchase boleto turistico and a ticket for the Koricancha (80 soles)
  • Original passport
Cusco City Tour Half Day
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Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

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We design unique tours through Peru, tailored just for you.

Leadership with real-world experience

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Our team understands service from the ground up to excellence.

Small groups, deeper connection

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Small groups for closer and safer attention.

Personalized attention at all times

Commitment

We take care of every detail before, during, and after your trip.

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We offer exceptional service and unforgettable experiences without overpaying.

Design Your Ideal Adventure

Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.

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Welcome

Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

 Orange nation Peru