Cusco City Tour: Traces of an Empire

Next, we’ll continue on foot to the Temple of Coricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This was the most sacred site in the entire Inca Empire — a ceremonial centre dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. At the height of its splendour, its walls were covered in sheets of gold that reflected the sunlight, symbolising the divine connection between heaven and earth. Although much of this gold was looted during the conquest, you can still admire the perfection of Inca architecture, with polished stone walls that fit together with astonishing precision. Rising above the Inca temple stands the Convent of Santo Domingo, a striking example of the cultural fusion that defines Cusco. During your guided visit, you’ll learn how the Incas understood the universe and how this temple became the spiritual heart of the vast Tahuantinsuyo Empire.

After exploring the historic heart of Cusco, we’ll board our tourist vehicle and head towards the outskirts of the city. Our next stop will be Sacsayhuamán, an impressive ceremonial fortress overlooking the Cusco Valley. Its enormous stone walls, assembled without the use of any mortar, continue to amaze engineers and archaeologists alike. Some of these stones weigh over 120 tonnes, and their precise arrangement reflects the Incas’ advanced knowledge of engineering and astronomy. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city and gain a deeper understanding of why Sacsayhuamán was one of the most important centres of Inca power. It was also the stage for the grand Inti Inti Raymi Festival, celebrated every year on 24 June in honour of the Sun God.

We’ll then continue our journey by bus to Puca Pucara, which means “Red Fortress” in the Quechua language — a name inspired by the reddish hue its stones take on at sunset. This site once served a military and control purpose, guarding the access routes to Cusco for travellers and communities arriving from the Antisuyu region (the Amazon). It also functioned as a resting place for Inca soldiers and travellers on their way to the capital. Its structure, made up of walls, stairways, and terraces, reflects the empire’s impressive level of strategic planning and the great importance placed on protecting Cusco, the heart of the Inca world.

Just a few minutes away, we’ll visit Tambomachay, known as the “Bath of the Inca”. This sacred site is made up of fountains, aqueducts, and terraces that showcase the Incas’ advanced understanding of hydraulic engineering. It is believed that Tambomachay served as a place of rest and purification for Inca nobility, as well as a ceremonial space dedicated to the worship of water, a powerful symbol of life and fertility. The crystal-clear waters that still flow endlessly through its stone channels stand as a lasting testament to the engineering genius and deep spirituality of this remarkable civilisation.

Finally, we’ll return to the city of Cusco, where the tour will end near the Plaza de Armas at around 03:00 p.m. or 07:00 p.m. From here, you can choose to continue exploring on your own, head back to your hotel, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets, or relax in one of the city’s charming cafés and restaurants.

This tour invites you to relive the traces of the Inca Empire, admire its architectural legacy, and understand how the history of Cusco remains alive in every corner. More than just a sightseeing experience, it’s a journey that connects you with the greatness of a civilisation that, despite the passing of centuries, continues to inspire admiration and respect around the world.

Are the visit times to the attractions punctual?

No, all visit times are approximate, as they depend heavily on road traffic, visitors’ physical condition, and the weather. If you book a private tour, the times listed in the tour description are generally followed more closely.

Where do I buy tickets to enter the attraction?

All entry tickets are purchased at the attraction’s gate on the day of the tour—just make sure to bring cash in Peruvian soles.

What are the differences between shared and private tours?

On a shared tour, you will join other tourists, with the group size typically averaging 20 people. The pick-up of tourists from the historic centre of Cusco can take 30 to 40 minutes, and the guided tour is conducted in both Spanish and English.

However, if you book a private tour, it will be just for you and your travel companions (with no strangers). The pick-up will be very punctual, and once we pick you up from your hotel, we will immediately depart for the destination. The guided tour will be exclusively in either English or Spanish.

Do you have guaranteed departures every day?

Yes, we depart every day, but to ensure your spot on the bus, we recommend booking in advance.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can always cancel the tour, but there will be no refund unless you cancel at least 48 hours in advance.

How do refunds work?

You can request a refund as long as you cancel the tour 48 hours in advance.

When issuing a refund, we will deduct 5% of the total amount paid, as this is the commission charged by banks and PayPal for processing the transaction. Additionally, we do not cover the money transfer fee when issuing the refund.