• Plaza de Armas - The tour commences at 1:00 pm in the vibrant heart of Cusco, the stunning Plaza de Armas. Here, the guide will introduce the most significant colonial and Inca structures surrounding the square, explaining its historical role as the main ceremonial hub of the Inca Empire. The tour continues with a visit to the renowned 12 Angled Stone, seamlessly integrated into an ancient Inca wall, followed by a stroll along Loreto Street, celebrated as a prime example of Inca urban planning, featuring original stone walls on both sides. This serves as an ideal introduction to Cusco’s blend of Inca and colonial heritage.
• Sacsayhuaman - Next, the journey proceeds by vehicle to Sacsayhuaman, the most remarkable Inca site overlooking Cusco. This vast fortress is renowned for its massive zigzag stone walls, with stones so precisely aligned that a sheet of paper cannot fit between them. As visitors explore the site, the guide will recount tales of Inca battles, ceremonies, and the ongoing significance of Sacsayhuaman during the Inti Raymi festival. From this vantage point, some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed.
• Complejo Arqueologico Q’uenqo - The subsequent destination is Qenqo, an enigmatic Inca ceremonial center almost entirely carved from rock. Visitors will navigate its winding passages, carved channels, and concealed altars, likely used for significant rituals. The name Qenqo translates to “zigzag” in Quechua, and its interior reveals the reason. The guide will discuss various theories regarding its purpose and the spiritual significance of this sacred site, helping visitors envision its appearance during Inca times.
• Tambomachay - The final stop is Tambomachay, a serene Inca site famed for its pristine water fountains and exquisite stonework. Often referred to as the “Inca Baths,” it may have served as a place of rest and water worship for Inca nobility. Here, visitors will observe impeccably constructed aqueducts and canals that continue to carry water after centuries. It offers a tranquil, picturesque setting to enjoy the fresh air, capture photos, and appreciate the Incas’ profound reverence for nature before returning to Cusco.

• Hotel pick up and drop off (Cusco Historic Center)
• Entrance to Coricancha
• Professional tour guide
• Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit I (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay)

• Cathedral entrance and visit
• Meals and snacks
• Travel insurance

This intimate half-day tour offers a convenient way to experience the highlights of Cusco in just one afternoon. Commencing at 1:00 pm, participants will join a welcoming local guide and a small group of fellow travelers to discover the city’s core and its main Inca sites. Stroll through the Plaza de Armas, admire the renowned 12 Angled Stone, and wander along Loreto Street, where colonial architecture towers over ancient Inca walls. Visit Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), then enjoy a comfortable ride in tourist transport to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. This is an ideal, leisurely afternoon to learn, capture photos, and begin acclimatizing for Machu Picchu.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Intimate half-day tour beginning at 1:00 pm
• Discover Plaza de Armas, 12 Angled Stone, Loreto Street, and Koricancha
• Visit Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay
• Gain insights into Cusco’s Inca and colonial history with a friendly local guide

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.