Cusco City Tour & Sacsayhuaman

The Inca capital, from the Temple of the Sun to the walls above the city.

  • Duration: 4 - 5 hours (half day)
  • Format: shared, private

Begin at Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, where the Spanish built a convent directly atop walls of perfectly fitted, mortarless stone — among the finest stonework the Incas ever produced. From there, climb above the city to Sacsayhuaman, the massive hilltop complex whose zigzag walls are built from stones weighing over 100 tons each, some more than 15 feet tall, fitted together without mortar. The tour continues to three smaller Inca sites nearby: Qenqo, a carved ceremonial rock and amphitheater; Puca Pucara, a lookout post of terraced walls; and Tambomachay, an elegant complex of stone-lined baths and channels fed by a natural spring. Along the way, stop in the Plaza de Armas to see the Cusco Cathedral, and finish with sweeping views over the red-tiled rooftops of the city from the hills above. By the end of the afternoon, Cusco reads like a layered map of two empires — Inca foundations under colonial facades.

Why we chose it

  • Covers the two most essential Inca/colonial sites in Cusco (Koricancha and Sacsayhuaman) plus three smaller ruins guests would likely skip on their own
  • Half-day format fits easily around an arrival day or an Inca Trail/Machu Picchu itinerary without eating into a full day
  • Sacsayhuaman's stonework is one of the most photographed sights in Peru outside Machu Picchu — a strong visual anchor for first-time visitors
  • Good acclimatization pace: mostly walking on flat or gently sloped ground, useful on day 1-2 in Cusco's altitude

Highlights

  • Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, with its curved wall and colonial convent built on top
  • Sacsayhuaman's massive zigzag walls, built from stones over 100 tons and 15+ feet tall
  • Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay — three lesser-visited but well-preserved Inca sites
  • Panoramic views of Cusco's rooftops from the hills above the city
  • Plaza de Armas and the Cusco Cathedral

Ideal for

  • first-time visitors
  • history and architecture lovers
  • an easy first day at altitude

Practical information

Good to know
Cusco sits at about 11,150 feet. Altitude sickness (soroche) is common at this elevation, especially for travelers flying in directly from sea level (e.g. Lima) and starting a tour the same or next day -- that combination is the most frequent cause of serious symptoms we see. Spend at least 1-2 days acclimatizing beforehand, walk slowly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and try coca tea. This matters especially for older travelers and anyone with heart, lung or blood pressure conditions, who should consult a doctor before the trip and tell their guide immediately if they feel unwell.

Frequently asked questions

Is the entrance fee to these sites included?

Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay are covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico), which is required to enter and is not included in the tour price. Koricancha charges a separate, small entrance fee at its own ticket window, also not included.

How much walking is involved?

Expect a few hours of walking on uneven stone paths and grassy hillside, with some moderate uphill sections at Sacsayhuaman. Cusco sits above 11,000 feet, so the altitude makes even gentle walking feel more strenuous than at sea level — pace yourself and stay hydrated.

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (Cusco's sun is intense despite cool temperatures), a light jacket for wind at the higher sites, and water.