Cusco city tour: route, timetable, tickets and tips
The city tour is the best first activity in Cusco: four relaxed hours that explain the Inca capital before you head to the mountains. It links the great Temple of the Sun in the centre with four Inca sites on the hills above the city, and it doubles as a gentle first day of acclimatisation.
The tour at a glance
| Time | Stop | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun | 3,399 m |
| 10:00 | Sacsayhuamán | 3,701 m |
| 11:00 | Qenqo | 3,580 m |
| 11:45 | Tambomachay | 3,765 m |
| 12:15 | Puca Pucara | 3,760 m |
| 13:00 | Back in Cusco | — |
Qorikancha: the Temple of the Sun
The tour starts at the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire. Its curved wall of perfectly fitted stones survived the earthquakes that brought down much of colonial Cusco, and the Spanish built the convent of Santo Domingo directly on top of it. Inside, you see the Inca chambers and learn how the temple was once lined with gold. More in our Qorikancha guide.
Book the Cusco city tour
Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara with a bilingual guide — from US $18 per person.
Sacsayhuamán: walls of giants
A short drive uphill brings you to Cusco’s most impressive Inca site. Its three zigzag terraces are built from limestone blocks, some weighing well over 100 tonnes, fitted without mortar. The esplanade in front is where the Inti Raymi is staged every 24 June. Read more in our Sacsayhuamán guide.
Qenqo: the carved rock
Qenqo is a limestone outcrop carved with channels, steps and an underground chamber with an altar. Its name refers to the zigzag channel cut into the top, which is believed to have been used in rituals with chicha or blood.
Tambomachay and Puca Pucara
Tambomachay, the highest point of the tour (3,765 m), is a water shrine where canals still feed stone fountains, a showcase of Inca hydraulic engineering. Across the road, Puca Pucara, the “red fortress”, was probably a checkpoint and resting place on the road to the Sacred Valley, with wide views of the surrounding hills.
Price and tickets
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shared tour | From US $18 per person (2–18 travellers) |
| Private tour | US $120 per person |
| Included | Transport, certified bilingual guide, first-aid kit and oxygen |
| Not included | Qorikancha entrance; Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for the four hill sites; snacks; tips |
| Booking | Online until 4:00 am on the day of the tour |
The four sites above the city are entered with the BTC. The partial ticket for this circuit costs S/70; the full ticket (S/130, valid 10 days) also covers the Sacred Valley and the South Valley. Our BTC guide explains which one to buy.
Tips for the city tour
- Do it on day 1 or 2. It is gentle, finishes by lunchtime and helps you acclimatise.
- Bring your BTC, passport copy and some soles, plus a hat, sunscreen and a light rain jacket.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the sites have uneven stone paths and short climbs.
- Pair it with an afternoon in San Blas and the centre; see our Cusco in 1 day plan.
Frequently asked questions
About four hours, from 9:00 am to around 1:00 pm.
From US $18 per person in a shared group, or US $120 per person private. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is paid separately.
No. The Qorikancha entrance is not included (it is paid at the door); Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara require the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC).
No. It is rated easy, with light walking at each site. The highest point is Tambomachay at 3,765 m.
Yes. Online booking stays open until 4:00 am on the day of the tour; for later requests, message us on WhatsApp.
