Cusco City Tour & Group Service

Cusco City Tour Itinerary:

We will pick you up at your accommodation in the Historic Center of Cusco, (between 8:30 and 9:00 AM for the morning shift or between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM for the afternoon shift) for the transfer to the  Temple of the Sun, also known as Qorikancha. You will be amazed by its impressive stone construction, beautiful gardens, and fountains. Immediately you discover the diverse historical - cultural and religious sample of the site, which groups the pre-Inca, Inca and colonial times. Here, we will have a 40-minute guided tour that will allow us to learn about the history of the site and its features.

Then, we will travel in our transport to the Saqsaywaman Archaeological Complex, where we will spend about an hour and a half exploring its architectural wonders, which still stand today, featuring large stone blocks up to 5 meters high. This construction holds significant mythological and cultural meaning for the Inca Empire. Located just 3 kilometers from the center of Cusco (3,700 meters above sea level / 12,139 feet), this site offers an unparalleled panoramic view.

To continue the tour, we will discover the Inca Sanctuary, Qenqo, which means 'labyrinth,' where you can appreciate the ruins of the archaeological complex, such as the Intiwatana or Astronomical Observatory and the amphitheater. Next, we will continue our journey to Tambomachay and Puca Pucara, which are important and interesting archaeological centers. At these three stops, we will spend approximately 20 minutes at each one, allowing our guide to share the most interesting aspects with you and giving you time to take the best photos.

Finally, in line with our philosophy of supporting local communities, we will make a brief 10-minute stop at the community store of Huayllarcocha to explore the textiles and handicrafts offered by the community. Those who wish can learn more about their work.

The city tour ends at approximately 1:30 p.m. for the morning schedule; or 6:30 p.m. in the afternoon shift. Please note that time may vary depending on the traffic.

Order of attractions to visit during the Cusco City Tour:

• Qoricancha
• Sacsayhuaman
• Qenqo
• Puca Pucara
• Tambomachay
• Return: Regocijo Square or Plateros Street (just a few meters from the Plaza de Armas)

Before doing this tour or at the closing, we suggest that you visit the picturesque historic center of Cusco consolidating every detail that you discovered in our Tour.

If you want a more extreme adventure, you can check our hiking tours, by train, ATVs or excursions to the mountains or lagoons, which allow you to discover the Peruvian wonder, its nature, Inca archeology; as well as its colorful and friendly towns with indigenous customs.

And If you want to take a City Tour where you only visit sites located in the historic center of Cusco on foot, you can ask about our Walking City Photographic Tour.

Price of the Cusco City Tour includes: 

• Departure from the lodging in the historic center of Cusco. The streets of the city are narrow, an aspect that limits vehicular access to certain places; in this case the guide will suggest a nearby point to pass looking for you and enjoy the tour.
• Return to Plaza "Regocijo" (One block away from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco) (Historic Center of the city).
• Professional guide in English, Spanish (other languages are available on private tours). The tour guide could be bilingual in English and Spanish

Price of the Cusco City Tour excludes:

• Transfer from hotels outside the city of Cusco (for private tours, ask if extra costs apply to pick up from the Sacred Valley or other places).
• Tips for the guide.
• Beverages.
• Meals.
• Entrance fees to attractions (Entrance Ticket to Q’oricancha: 20 soles)
• Tourist ticket: see information below (can be purchased as an additional).

Tourist Ticket:

• The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) allows entry to different attractions. It can be purchased at the entrance of each tourist destination we visit (consider that they only accept payment in cash and in local currency).
• For this tour, you will need the Circuit III - Partial Tourist Ticket, which covers the attractions of Pisac, Chinchero, Moray and Ollantaytambo.
• Prices:
  • Partial Tourist Ticket - Foreigners S /. 70.00
  • Partial Tourist Ticket - Peruvians S /. 40.00
• See more information about the Tourist Ticket in this ARTICLE.

What to bring to the Cusco City Tour:

• Comfortable and optimal footwear for walks, warm jacket, caps or hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, bottles of water, clothing or rain poncho (especially between November - April).
• Passport or DNI.
• Travel insurance.
• The weather may vary throughout the day, so we recommend bringing a small backpack to store any items you may want to take off or an extra jacket.
• Cash (Local currency / Soles (S/.)  In Peru, there is usually a fee to use public restrooms. We recommend bringing coins or cash for these situations. 

What considerations you should have when taking the tour in Cusco:

• What does it mean that the tour is shared?

  • It means that you will join a group of tourists from various nationalities and ages, including both Guru Explorers guests and those from other operators (group of approximately 16 people). It’s a great opportunity to connect with travelers from around the world! Please note that this type of tour is operated by Guru Explorers or our strategic partners who adhere to our standards. If you prefer a tour where you don’t share with others, please request a private tour option.
  • One day before the shared tour, you will be assigned a pickup time range and an approximate return time. It's important to be punctual to avoid delaying others. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the group's pace and traffic, so the return time is only approximate. Please remember that neither traffic nor the pace of tourists is the responsibility of Guru Explorers.
• The seating arrangement on the transport is random, based on the order of arrival and pickup.
• You can include the tickets to the attractions - as an additional - in the process of contracting the Tour, or purchase it on your own directly at the place with payment in cash (prices of entrance tickets may vary without prior notice).
• The streets of the city are narrow, an aspect that limits vehicular access to certain places; in this case the guide will suggest a nearby point to pass looking for you and enjoy the tour.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• The trip itinerary may vary due to environmental or climatic reasons beyond our control. We will notify you in advance of any changes. At Guru Explorers, we value your time and strive to adhere to established schedules, although they may be affected by circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, field conditions, and other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not allowed: 

• Pets.
• Smoking.
• Large suitcases or bags.

Cancellation Policies:

• Within 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.
• Between 4 and 7 days of notification, 70% is refunded.
• More than 7 days, 90% is refunded.

Date changes:

• Rates applied for change of date in group tours:
  • There will be no extra charge if you notify more than 5 days in advance.
  • If notified between 3 and 5 days in advance, an additional charge of 20% will apply.
  • If you notify within 2 days or less in advance, it will not be possible to make the change and it will not be subject to a refund.
• Subject to availability.
• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

The experience that makes you live the beauty of this mountain of colors is inexplicable, it is really a personal encounter between you and nature. 

We want to be part of that experience that you will live in the Cusco city tour. 

If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:

QUALITY: 

When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

EXPERIENCE: 

To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!

TRANSPARENCY: 

We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

SECURITY: 

You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: 

Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations. 

PASSION: 

Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.

Do you want a different trip to Cusco City? We won't keep you waiting!