City Tour Cusco Half Day

Duration

Half Day

Type of tour

Historical

Difficulty

Easy

Best Time

All year round

Explore the city of Cusco on a tour full of history and tradition — perfect for those with little time who still want to make the most of their visit by discovering the highlights of the ancient Inca capital. This tour is designed to offer you a well-organized and enriching experience, combining visits to the most iconic sites with the convenience of a half-day itinerary. In just a few hours, you will explore temples, plazas, and monuments that reflect both Inca and colonial heritage — ideal for travelers seeking a complete experience without the need for strenuous physical activity.

This tour is an accessible and comfortable option for people of all ages, as it does not require long walks and is carried out using tourist transportation. A practical and memorable way to immerse yourself in the essence of Peru’s historical capital, making the most of your time while ensuring unforgettable memories.

Cusco City Tour – Morning Option (9:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m)

08:50 a.m – Tour Start: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and departure to begin the experience.
Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun: Symbol of the fusion between Inca and colonial architecture.
Sacsayhuamán – Inca Fortress: Majestic complex reflecting the greatness of Inca engineering.
Qenqo – Ceremonial Center: Rock-carved site with altars and ritual passages.
Pucapucara – Control Point: Ancient military construction used as a watch post.
Tambomachay – Temple of Water: Network of canals and fountains dedicated to the worship of water.
02:00 p.m – End of Tour: Return to the historic center, near Plaza San Francisco.

Cusco City Tour – Afternoon Option (1:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m)

12:50 p.m – Tour Start: Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to begin the experience.
Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun: Symbol of the fusion between Inca and colonial architecture.
Sacsayhuamán – Inca Fortress: Majestic complex reflecting the greatness of Inca engineering.
Qenqo – Ceremonial Center: Rock-carved site with altars and ritual passages.
Pucapucara – Control Point: Ancient military construction used as a watch post.
Tambomachay – Temple of Water: Network of canals and fountains dedicated to the worship of water.
06:00 p.m – End of Tour: Return to the historic center, near Plaza San Francisco.

We will begin our Cusco City Tour from the meeting point or with hotel pick-up, as previously coordinated, at the agreed time. The first stop will be the Cusco Cathedral, one of the most representative treasures of colonial religious art in South America. Inside, you will find impressive Baroque and Renaissance altars, as well as valuable paintings from the Cusco School, which blend European style with Andean worldview.

Next, we will visit the Qorikancha Temple (entrance not included), the ancient religious center dedicated to the Sun and considered the most important of the Inca Empire. Here, the guide will explain the perfection of Inca construction techniques and how, after the arrival of the Spaniards, the temple was transformed into the Santo Domingo Convent. You will also have free time to appreciate the architectural details and take memorable photos.

We will then head to the outskirts of the city to explore the main Inca archaeological complexes. We will start at Tambomachay, known as the Temple of Water, a ceremonial site with canals and fountains that demonstrate the Inca worship of water and its importance in agriculture. We will continue to Puka Pukara, a military fortress that served as a control and defense point, offering strategic views of the valley.

The tour continues with a visit to the imposing Sacsayhuamán, one of the most majestic constructions of the Inca Empire. Its enormous stone blocks, assembled with millimetric precision, still amaze visitors today, and its location provides a spectacular panoramic view of the city of Cusco, especially at sunset.

Finally, we will visit Qenqo, a ceremonial center carved into rock that contains altars and underground passages associated with religious rituals and offerings to Pachamama.

After this enriching experience, we will return to Cusco, concluding the tour after approximately 5 hours, at a central point near the Plaza de Armas, from where you can continue exploring the city on your own.

¿Qué incluye?

Partial Tourist Ticket: Required to enter some archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuamán (70 soles).
Entrance to Qoricancha: 20 soles.
Entrance to the Cathedral: 40 soles.
Meals not mentioned: Food expenses outside of the optional lunch.
Extra expenses: Personal purchases, souvenirs, and tips.

No incluye

Entrance to Qoricancha Temple: 20 soles (cash payment).
General Tourist Ticket – valid for 10 days: 130 soles (cash payment).
- Includes: 16 attractions such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, Tipón, Pikillacta, and several museums in the city.
- Ideal for: travelers planning to stay several days in Cusco and visit the city, the Sacred Valley, and the Southern Valley.
Partial Tourist Ticket – valid for 1–2 days: 70 soles (cash payment).
- Includes: Approximately 4 sites, divided into 3 circuits:
- Circuit I (Cusco Archaeological Park): Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay.
- Circuit II (Sacred Valley): Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Qoricancha Site Museum, Qosqo Center of Native Art.
- Circuit III (Southern Valley): Tipón, Pikillacta, and Cusco museums.
  Ideal for: travelers with little time who want to visit only one specific area.
Extra expenses.
Meals.

Recomendaciones

Documentation: Carry your ID card or passport with you.
Appropriate clothing: Wear comfortable and warm layered clothing, as the weather in Cusco can change suddenly.
Comfortable footwear: Choose shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Sun protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
Hydration: Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Light snacks: You may bring small snacks to recharge energy between visits.
Cash: Carry Peruvian soles for entrance fees not included and personal purchases, as some places may not accept cards.
Time for acclimatization: If you have just arrived in Cusco, rest and avoid physical exertion to adapt to the altitude before the tour.
Respect for archaeological sites: Do not touch or lean on the structures and always follow your guide’s instructions.
Punctuality: Arrive on time at the meeting point to make the most of the tour.

Enjoy this unique experience in the Navel of the World!

How much does the Half-Day City Tour in Cusco cost?
Our Half-Day City Tour offers different service options so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style:

Basic Standard Service: Includes shared tourist transportation, bilingual guide, and permanent assistance throughout the tour.
Standard Plus Service: Tourist transportation in small groups (maximum 15 people) and guide in one language, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Premium Service: An exclusive option that includes private transportation and a specialized guide in Spanish or English only for your group, with maximum comfort and flexibility.

In any of the options, you will visit the main attractions of Cusco in half a day, such as the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, discovering the history and energy of the capital of the Inca Empire with a comfortable and well-planned service.

PRICE PER PERSON
SERVICE CATEGORY	Foreign Adult	Peruvian Adult	Student Child
Standard Service Tour: tourist transportation, bilingual guide, permanent assistance.	10 USD	10 USD	10 USD
Standard Service Tour: tourist transportation (maximum 15 people), guide in one language only.	19 USD	19 USD	19 USD
Premium Tour: private transportation service, exclusive guide (Spanish–English).	39 USD	39 USD	39 USD

Preguntas frecuentes

Where does the City Tour Cusco start and end?
The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco (if it is located in the historic center) or at an agreed meeting point. It ends at a place near the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
How long does the tour last?
The approximate duration of the tour is 5 hours.
What is the schedule of the City Tour Cusco?
Generally, the tour is carried out in two shifts: in the morning (9:00 a.m.) and in the afternoon (1:30 p.m.), depending on availability.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
It is recommended to book in advance, especially during high season (June – September), to ensure availability.
What is included in the tour?
Tourist transportation, professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English), and visit to the main attractions of the city.
What is not included in the tour?
Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and entrance to the Temple of Qorikancha. It is recommended to bring cash for these payments.
How much are the entrance fees to the archaeological sites?
To enter the archaeological complexes it is necessary to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), which allows access to several tourist sites.
How can I buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
It can be purchased at the ticket office of the archaeological sites or at authorized offices within the city.
What is the best time to do the City Tour Cusco?
From April to October (dry season) is the best time, since there is less rain and the paths are in better condition.
What is the altitude of Cusco and how does it affect the tour?
Cusco is at 3,399 meters above sea level, so some people may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to acclimatize before the tour.
How can I prevent altitude sickness?
Rest upon arrival in Cusco, drink coca tea, avoid heavy meals, and stay hydrated.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, but caution is recommended for older adults and people with health problems due to the altitude.
Can I take the tour with children?
Yes, but it is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, water, and snacks for the little ones.
Can photos be taken during the tour?
Yes, in most places it is allowed. However, in some sites, such as the Temple of Qorikancha, there may be restrictions.
What clothing and equipment should I bring?
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, proper shoes for walking, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket.
Are there restrooms available at the archaeological sites?
Yes, but in some places access to restrooms is limited and may require an additional fee.
Is the tour canceled in case of rain?
No, the tour takes place normally even on rainy days. It is recommended to bring a poncho or raincoat.
Is it mandatory to hire a guide?
Yes, to better enjoy the experience and understand the history of the sites visited, a professional guide is included in the tour.
Can the tour be done in other languages?
Generally, the tour is in Spanish and English. For other languages, a private service can be arranged at an additional cost.

CUSCO TOURIST TICKET

The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is the official pass that grants access to the main archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers in Cusco and its surroundings. This ticket is essential for those who wish to explore the Cusco City Tour, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, and other attractions in the region.

There are two main types of tickets: General Ticket and Partial Ticket.

GENERAL TICKET (BTG) Duration 10 days, Includes 16 attractions:

In Cusco and surroundings:

Sacsayhuamán
Qenqo
Pucapucara
Tambomachay

In the Sacred Valley:

Pisac
Ollantaytambo
Chinchero
Moray

In the South Valley:

Tipón
Pikillacta

In Cusco city:

Museum of Popular Art
Qoricancha Site Museum
Regional Historical Museum
Qosqo Center of Native Art
Pachacútec Monument

PRICES:

Foreign adult tourist: S/ 130
Foreign student (up to 25 years old, ISIC/university card): S/ 70
Peruvian adult tourist: S/ 70
Peruvian student (with valid DNI, up to 25 years old): S/ 40

Important: Ideal for travelers staying several days in Cusco and wishing to visit most attractions.

PARTIAL TICKET (BTP) Duration: 1 or 2 days (depending on the chosen circuit), Includes 3 available circuits:

Circuit I – Cusco City Tour:

Sacsayhuamán
Qenqo
Pucapucara
Tambomachay

Circuit II – Museums and South Valley:

Tipón
Pikillacta
Qoricancha Museum
Regional Historical Museum
Pachacútec Monument
Museum of Popular Art
Qosqo Center of Native Art

Circuit III – Sacred Valley:

Pisac
Ollantaytambo
Chinchero
Moray

PRICES (for any circuit):

Foreign tourist (adult or student): S/ 70 (no further discount).
Peruvian tourist (adult or student): S/ 40 (no further discount).

Important: Perfect for travelers with limited time who only plan to visit one circuit.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The BTC does not include Machu Picchu, Cusco Cathedral, or the Qoricancha Temple (these tickets must be purchased separately).
Children under 9 years old enter free.
Students must present a valid university card (up to 25 years old) or ISIC card.
Tickets are personal and non-transferable.
Purchase is only available at COSITUC offices or authorized tourist sites.

CONCLUSION

The General Ticket is the best option for those who want to make the most of their stay in Cusco over several days.
The Partial Ticket is the most practical choice for travelers with little time or who only want to visit a specific circuit.

From: $10.00 / person

IMPORTANTE

To enjoy the full Machu Picchu experience, it is essential to book in advance, especially for Circuit 2, which is the most recommended. This tour offers the most comprehensive coverage of the citadel, combining breathtaking panoramic views with the most important archaeological sites.