Cusco City Tour + Archaeological sites

We will collect you from your hotel to commence your visit to the Imperial City of Cusco, a living blend of Andean and Spanish cultures. The tour begins at the Convent of Santo Domingo, built upon the Koricancha, the ancient Inca palace and chief center of Sun worship. You will have ample time to appreciate these extraordinary sites. Next, we explore the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, known for its striking Inca architecture that dominates the city. The tour continues with visits to Q’enqo, Puka Pukará, and Tambomachay, all located in the northeastern part of the city. After a four-hour tour, we will return you to your hotel in Cusco.

Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo

The convent was constructed atop the impressive Koricancha, meaning ‘enclosure of gold’. This was the most significant temple dedicated to sun worship, its walls once covered with solid gold sheets. Today, only the exquisite stonework remains, as the conquistadors removed the rest and dismantled the temple to build the convent. Koricancha also served as an observatory where Inca priests monitored key celestial events. In addition to its remarkable Inca and Spanish architecture and history, you will also view an impressive collection of paintings from the Escuela Cusqueña de Arte.

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman, translating to ‘satisfied falcon’, stands as one of the most awe-inspiring sites created by the Incas. Often referred to as a fortress, its primary function before the arrival of the Spanish is uncertain. Current studies suggest it was likely a temple, given the discovery of Inca tombs in the area. The site is a remarkable archaeological achievement: even though much has been destroyed, its grandeur can still be imagined. The walls’ stones are immense, with the largest weighing 128 tons. The Incas designed the city of Cusco in the shape of a puma, with Sacsayhuaman representing its head. The site’s notable zigzag walls are a key attraction. The area around Sacsayhuaman continues to be used for the vibrant Inti Raymi festival, held on June 24th to celebrate the winter solstice.

Q’enqo

The Q’enqo site, meaning ‘maze’ in Quechua, features the most impressive rock carvings in the Cusco region. Numerous carvings are present, though some are less distinct, including representations of a llama, a condor, and snakes. Zigzag channels sculpted into the natural bedrock are believed to have been used for pouring sacrificial chicha, a local corn-based drink. Beneath the rock are several caves, passageways, and an altar likely used for llama sacrifices. Mummified remains have also been discovered at this site.

Puka Pukará

Puka Pukará, translating to “the red fortress” in Quechua, is a small site whose name suggests a defensive function, though it appears not to have served this purpose. It was likely an administrative center and a resting place for chaskis, who were messengers carrying messages between towns. The site’s noteworthy feature is how the Incas constructed the walls directly over the natural bedrock.

Tambomachay

The name Tambomachay means “place of rest” in Quechua. It was formerly the royal residence of Inca Yupanqui during hunting trips in the surrounding region. The site is also thought to have functioned as a Temple to Water. It features fascinating stone aqueducts, canals, and fountains designed to channel water from a nearby stream.