Cusco City Tour (Afternoon): Qorikancha &…

Sobre el tour

Explore the main Inca temples and archaeological sites around Cusco.

Cusco, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay

The Cusco Afternoon City Tour is the ideal way to discover the history and archaeological highlights of the ancient Inca capital. The tour begins at the impressive Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire, where you’ll admire perfect Inca stonework seamlessly merged with the Spanish colonial Convent of Santo Domingo.

The tour then moves to the most iconic archaeological complexes surrounding Cusco: the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman with its perfectly fitted giant stones, and the ceremonial sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. An unmissable introduction to Inca civilization — and the perfect way to begin your acclimatization on arrival in Cusco.

Cusco Tour

Step by step

Itinerary – Cusco City Tour (Afternoon)

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1:00 p.m.

Hotel Pick-up in Cusco

City Tour begins with pick-up from your hotel. An excellent introduction to the history and culture of the ancient Inca capital.

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1:30 p.m.

Qorikancha – Temple of the Sun

Visit to the legendary Qorikancha, one of the most sacred sites in the Inca Empire. Admire the fusion of perfect Inca masonry with the colonial Convent of Santo Domingo built on top of it.

⏱ 1 hour

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2:30 p.m.

Sacsayhuaman

Imposing ceremonial fortress famous for its massive, perfectly fitted stone blocks. Your guide will explain its history, construction techniques, and significance in the Inca world.

⏱ 1 hour

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3:30 p.m.

Qenqo

Ancient Inca ceremonial center where religious rituals tied to nature and Andean cosmology were performed.

⏱ 45 minutes

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4:15 p.m.

Puka Pukara

Known as the Red Fortress, this site likely served as a military outpost and control checkpoint during the Inca Empire.

⏱ 45 minutes

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5:00 p.m.

Tambomachay

Famous for its perfectly engineered water fountains and canals, considered a sacred Inca site dedicated to the cult of water.

⏱ 45 minutes

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6:30 p.m.

Return to Cusco

Return to Cusco’s historic center. End of services.

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Included

Hotel pick-up in Cusco.
Tourist transportation throughout the tour.
Bilingual Official Tour Guide.
Permanent assistance throughout the tour.

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Not Included

Cusco Tourist Ticket (required for Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara & Tambomachay).
Qorikancha entrance fee (paid directly on-site).
Food or beverages.
Personal expenses.
Tips (optional).

Tour duration

Approximately 5 hours.

Schedule

1:00 p.m. – approx. 6:30 p.m.

Max altitude

12,139 ft / 3,700 m (Sacsayhuaman).

Difficulty

Easy. Short walks suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Tour type

Half Day

Sites visited

Qorikancha: Temple of the Sun — jewel of Inca architecture.
Sacsayhuaman: Monumental Inca ceremonial fortress.
Qenqo: Inca ceremonial center for Andean rituals.
Puka Pukara: Red fortress with Inca military function.
Tambomachay: Sacred water cult ceremonial complex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

We recommend resting a few hours after arriving in Cusco before starting the tour. The afternoon schedule is ideal for this — you arrive, rest, then explore.

No. Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay require the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Qorikancha has a separate entrance fee paid directly on-site.

Walks at each site are short and manageable for most visitors regardless of fitness level.

Yes. It’s a low-difficulty cultural tour suitable for all ages. Staying well hydrated at altitude is recommended for everyone.

The tour ends near Cusco’s historic center.

Recommendations

Get ready to enjoy the tour to the fullest

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Layer Up for Andean Afternoons

Cusco weather can shift in the afternoon. Bring comfortable layered clothing and a light jacket for the outdoor archaeological sites.

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Sun Protection

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. UV radiation in Cusco is high, even in the afternoon hours.

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Hydrate & Acclimatize

Bring water and light snacks. Coca tea helps with altitude at 11,152 ft. Drink plenty of water throughout the tour.

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Bring Cash in Soles

For the Qorikancha entrance and the Cusco Tourist Ticket, as well as any personal expenses during the tour.

Cusco City Tour
Afternoon

Explore the main Inca temples and archaeological sites around Cusco.

Itinerary – Cusco City Tour (Afternoon)

Any questions?

Get ready to enjoy the tour to the fullest

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Any questions?

Get ready to enjoy the tour to the fullest

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