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Embark on a captivating journey with our Cusco City Tour. We will take you back in time to explore the fascinating history and culture of the former Inca Empire. As we stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll soak in the charm of this age-old city. UNESCO declared Cusco city as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
Our tour will begin with a visit to the famous Cathedral at the Plaza de Armas. There, you will marvel at the intricate baroque architecture and a unique collection of art from the Cusquena School. Next, we’ll continue to Qorikancha, a revered Inca site now overshadowed by the Santo Domingo Convent.
We will also explore Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca fortress. Its grandeur and the mystery of its enormous polished dry-stone walls will leave you astounded. Next on our itinerary will be Qenqo, an Inca site dedicated to Mother Earth. To round off our city tour, we’ll stop by Puca Pucara, an ancient military site, offering stunning panoramic views of Cusco.
Embrace this opportunity to delve deep into the Incan past, experiencing firsthand the magic and grandeur of the City of Cusco. Come, join us and leave with cherished memories of a lifetime.
During our City Tour Cusco, we will explore the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. You will discover the architectural beauty of the Cathedral, where we’ll appreciate a variety of local art. Our tour guide will take us to Qorikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. We will also explore the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, an Inca military fortress known for its massive walls and impressive stonework.
The journey will continue to Qenqo, an Inca site dedicated to Mother Earth. Expect to admire the unique stonework, an outstanding example of the Inca’s advanced masonry techniques. We will wind down the tour at Puca Pucara, an ancient military site that provides a panoramic view of Cusco.
Taking the Cusco city tour first is a strategic choice. This tour serves as an acclimatization step. The city is at an altitude of 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). By starting here, you will gradually adjust to the thin air. This strategy reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
In 24 hours, your body will begin to acclimate. After this, you will be better prepared for higher altitude destinations. These include the stunning Rainbow Mountain and the legendary Machu Picchu. By spending your initial days in Cusco, you will increase your chances of a smooth and comfortable journey onward.
You will experience an enhanced sense of well-being and immerse yourself in the captivating grandeur of Peru’s majestic beauty.
We shall arrange for the pick-up from your hotel promptly at 8:00 AM. We’ll first visit the Cathedral, where you will marvel at the intricate silverwork and wood carvings. You can anticipate an hour’s stay, ample time to admire the cathedral’s artistic and historical treasures.
From the Cathedral, we’ll proceed to Qorikancha, a 15-minute drive (2 km, 1.2 miles) away. This revered Inca temple, often bathed in golden sunlight, will provide insights into the Inca’s astronomical knowledge and religious practices. By 11:00 AM, we will start our journey towards Sacsayhuaman, a mere 2 km (1.2 miles) north of Cusco. It is a massive, zigzagging stone walls, a stunning feat of Inca engineering.
After a satisfying lunch, at approximately 2:00 PM, we will proceed to visit the enigmatic archaeological site of Qenqo. A mere 1.2 km (0.75 miles) from Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo is famous for its labyrinthine passages and sacred altars.
Following our exploration of Qenqo, we will embark on a journey to Puca Pucara. You’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the city from this former Inca military site.
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Cusco city is located in the southeastern part of Peru, in the Andes Mountains. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level.
Cusco city was the capital of the Inca Empire and is often referred to as the “historic capital of Peru”. It was a major cultural and administrative center for the Incas and is now renowned for its well-preserved Inca ruins and Spanish colonial architecture.
Cusco city has a temperate climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (May to November) and the wet season (December to April). The dry season is generally cooler and has sunny days, while the wet season sees more rainfall and slightly milder temperatures.
Absolutely! Cusco city is known for its rich culinary traditions. Visitors can indulge in local dishes such as chiri uchu, rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), and alpaca meat. There are numerous restaurants and food markets where you can savor authentic Peruvian cuisine.
Yes, Cusco city serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions. Popular day trips include visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras and Moray, and Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Cusco City Tour organized by Vicuña Expeditions, and I must say that it exceeded all my expectations. From start to finish, this experience offered a delightful blend of historical insight, cultural immersion, and breathtaking sights, making it an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Cusco.