Peru · Archaeology

5-Hour Cusco Archaeological Tour with Qorikancha and Saqsayhuamán

5 Hours Round trip from Cusco Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the archaeological complex of Saqsayhuamán, famed for its majestic stonework
02 Visit Q'enqo, a religious center dedicated to the adoration of the Earth
03 See Puca Pucara, the reddish military control site of the Inca era
04 Discover Tambomachay, a center of adoration and worship of water

Walk through the historic lanes of Cusco and explore some of the city's most remarkable archaeological and religious landmarks. Visit Qorikancha, the Principal Cathedral, and the archaeological complex of Saqsayhuamán, along with Q'enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. These exquisite architectural feats and marvels of religious art offer a fascinating glimpse into the Inca and colonial heritage of Cusco. Be sure to bring your camera to capture these extraordinary places.

These exquisite architectural feats and marvels of religious art offer a fascinating glimpse into the Inca and colonial heritage of Cusco.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Cusco

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Cusco City Tour of Archaeological and Religious Sites

Meet at the pre-determined location for transport by 1:30 PM.
Visit the exquisite architectural landmarks of the ancient Qorikancha Temple and the Principal Cathedral. The cathedral's first stone was placed in 1560, and it is a marvel of religious art, housing approximately 300 paintings from the Cusqueña School.
Continue to the archaeological park complex of Saqsayhuamán, a majestic site with impressive stonework, including stones weighing up to 120 tons. Then visit Q'enqo (Labyrinth), a religious center dedicated to the adoration of the Earth. Proceed to Puca Pucara (reddish place), which was used as a military control center and served as a mandatory stop for all travellers during the Inca era.
Lastly, visit Tambomachay, a center of adoration and worship of water.

Where this trip takes you

Coricancha courtyards, Cusco Cathedral interiors, Sacsayhuamán stonework, Tambomachay waterworks

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Cusco 1 city · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private tourist transport
Van for up to 12 people or bus for up to 20 people
Excellent English-speaking tour guide
Visit to the main Cathedral and Qorikancha
Four archaeological sites

What's Not Included

Entrance fees to the sites

Know before you go

Cusco Tourist Ticket: 130 soles, approximately USD 45.
The same ticket can be used for the Sacred Valley Tour.
Half price for students with an ISIC card.
Entrance to Koricancha: 10 soles.
Entrance to the Cathedral: 25 soles (optional).
Alternatively, you can purchase a partial ticket that allows a one-day visit to just the 4 archaeological sites if you are not planning to visit Sacred Valley sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chincheros.
Cusco Tourist Ticket costs 130 soles, approximately USD 45, and includes entry to Cusco folk dances and music at the Cusco Art Center in the 3rd block of Sol Avenue at 7:00 PM.
Group service: USD 15 per person.
Private service - Standard Tour: USD 160 total for 2-6 persons.
Add-ons and upgrades are available.
All these features will determine the price of the tour.

Prices depend on the type of service you choose from the following:

a) Type of accommodation: single room, double room, hotels with classical or standard amenities, suites, or boutique hotels.

b) Type of transport: shared or private car.

c) Tour guide or driver, all the way from the first day until the last day.

d) All meals in each of the cities or just breakfast.

Logistics