saqsayhuaman cusco peru 2

Cusco City tour – Half Day

Overview

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, invites you to explore its impressive archaeological sites, beautiful streets, and vibrant culture and people. Connect with the past and present in every corner of this beautiful city. Come and experience the soul of Peru!

cusco city landscape tour

Prices & Inclusions

City tours offer a practical way to explore the main highlights of a destination in a short time. Prices vary depending on whether the service is shared or private.

Costs (per person, based on double occupancy)

  • Starting at:
    • US$99.00

Included

  • 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
  • Private transportation.
  • Accredited professional guide.
  • All necessary entrance fees to the various parks and archaeological sites.
  • First aid kit, if you are taking any medications, please bring your prescription with you.

What’s not included.

  • Medical and emergency evacuation insurance.
  •  Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance.
  •  Tourist tickets to get into Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, and Tambomachay.
  •  Koricancha entrance tickets.
  •  Tips /Gratuities.
  • Sunglasses (Essential UV protection at high altitudes and for the glare from waterfalls).
  •  Sunscreen (High SPF to protect yourself from the intense solar radiation at an altitude of 3,700 meters in Cusco).
  •  Warm clothing (Comfortable clothing to protect yourself from the Andean climate during archaeological visits).
  •  Peruvian currency (Peruvian Soles for additional expenses, tips, and souvenirs at the archaeological sites in Cusco).
  •  Photocopy of your personal documents or a photo on your cell phone
  •  (ID or passport required for registration and security during the tour).
  •  Small backpack (To carry your belongings during the tour of the archaeological sites).
  •  Water (Water bottle to stay hydrated during the cultural tour in Cusco).
  •  Comfortable shoes (Appropriate footwear for walking on archaeological sites and uneven terrain).

Itinerary

Cusco City Tour Half Day

Our day tour of Cusco begins in the morning, heading to the imposing Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hill overlooking Cusco. Here, you’ll see some of the finest examples of Inca construction, including enormous, finely carved stones, perfectly fitted together to form the walls of Sacsayhuaman.
After visiting Sacsayhuaman, we’ll ascend to Qenqo, one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the Inca civilization. This sanctuary, whose name in Quechua means Labyrinth or Zigzag, offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, spirituality, and architecture. From here, you’ll also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city of Cusco.
Continuing our tour, we’ll stop at Puka Pukara, which means Red Fortress in English. This archaeological site features interior plazas, enclosures, watchtowers, and aqueducts. Its function was to serve as a lookout point, and it was also associated with water worship and the regeneration of the land. We’ll then continue with a visit to the Tambomachay Archaeological Site. Also known as the “Inca Baths,” this ceremonial center showcases Inca hydraulic engineering, with a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls cascading down the rocky terraces.
Next, we’ll head to the magnificent Coricancha, next to the Church of Santo Domingo. This was one of the most important religious centers of its time. Inside, you can admire some of the exquisitely carved sacred Inca chambers. A small, five-room museum displays the historical development of Andean culture, from the earliest settlements to the height of the Inca Empire. Its walls were once covered in gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals, all crafted from pure gold and silver, adorned its rooms and halls. Finally, our Pumadventures team will drop you off at your hotel.
Note: Our city tour begins at 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., after a brief coordination.
Total walking distance: 3 km (approx. 1 hour).
Maximum altitude: 3750 m (12,303 ft).
Minimum altitude: 3400 m (11,154 ft)

VISIT:

  • Koricancha (Temple of the Sun).
  • Saqsayhuaman (Temple of the Lightning).
  • Qenqo (Underground Labyrinth Center).
  • Puka Pukara (Inca Military and Surveillance Fortress).
  • Tambomachay (Temple of Water Worship).

Reviews from our travelers

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At Pumadventures, our focus is on creating great travel experiences, and our travelers’ recommendations reflect the care we put into every journey.

★★★★★
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Reviews on Tripadvisor
More Than a Tour

“The tour guides made this trip! There was far more to this adventure than the sites, though the sites were powerful. Along with Puma, Rebi and Neliba shared their experiences and led ceremonies snd rituals from the heart. The energies were often palpable. The accommodations were exceptional. Some participants had the energy to find time to enjoy the evenings in social gatherings. If you are highly affected by the energies and experiences you may wish to spend time assimilating.”


John C. Sep 2025
Life Changing

“Last year through Sacred Journeys, we met Puma and his family of medicine teachers. Since then we've been studying with his school and decided to go back this fall. We arranged our own tour with two of our good friend (they had an Andean wedding).The love, the intention, the teachings are incredible. I can't recommend strongly enough going on a trip with Puma Adventures. Life-changing!”


Rodney B Oct 2025
Puma Adventures

“Returning home after my incredible tour of Peru with Puma Adventures, my first thought was that I’d do it all over again! The itinerary was beautifully planned — a perfect blend of history, culture, and spiritual experiences. Our guides were passionate, knowledgeable, and truly brought Peru’s rich heritage to life. Everything ran smoothly and at a pace that let me take it all in. Thanks to Puma Adventures, I experienced Peru in a way I’ll never forget!”


Wynne R. Oct 2025
Exceeded our expectations in every way!

“Our trip with PumaAdventures exceeded our expectations in every way. Puma and his excellent team took us on an amazing journey of ancestral knowledge, sacred sites, local customs, and spiritual guidance, in a deep and meaningful way that we would have never accomplished on our own. He and his team are professional, organized, and efficient, but also kind, compassionate, generous, openhearted and living lives of teaching and service. This trip was an extraordinary journey - mentally, physically, and spiritually. We cannot recommend it highly enough. Do it for yourself!”


Lynn F. Oct 2025
Reviews on Trustpilot
Pumadventures adds a personal touch and truly tends to its guests in every way.

“This was my second trip to visit Peru with Pumadventures and I highly recommend this fantastic group of people. The travel adventure is a perfect mix of experiencing the magical sites Peru has to offer, the guides are very knowledgeable, and each daily excursion offers exquisite and authentic shopping (supporting small business), as well as glorious meals. Shaman Puma and his family also offer a humbling and truly touching insight into their traditions and how to live in ceremony every day. This trip and visit to Peru will change your life!”


Melanie. Nov 3, 2025
A truly magical journey with Puma and…

“A truly magical journey with Puma and his family, full of ancient wisdom love and generosity. All the trips we took were thoughtfully organized and Alfredo and Magadaly were shared their vast knowledge of their lineage with love. I also felt extremely supported and held during our plant ceremonies! Gracias for an amazing wonderful experience! Hasta pronto! Elba”


Elba HeviayVaca. Aug 20, 2025
Being in the presence of Puma Fredy's awesomeness!

“Being in the presence of Puma Fredy's love and wisdom was the most important thing to me. Also being in the sacred land of Peru, sitting with medicine, meeting the other healers such as Mama Irene and don Sebastian. Listening to the music of Tito de la Rosa. Being with the amazing Shift Network team that include the guides Odon, Nelida and Rebelino, etc. Listening to Ali Maya, Lindsay Wise, Dr. Dan and Dr. Chris. All of this was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life! Also meeting the other like-minded participants who I've made relationships with. And last but not least, learning about myself!!”


Steve A Dec 22, 2022
Outstanding!!! Pumadventures is the most professional…

“Pumadventures is the most professional tour operating business I’ve ever experienced. Around 100 peoples needs needed to be met and they went above and beyond to look after our needs. They had enough guides to lead smaller groups and these guides were very knowledgeable especially Odon, the leader of my small group. PA is a really close family group and they all made us feel welcomed, safe and they really looked after our well being.”


June Stetar. Dec 23, 2022
Reviews on Google

“We did a fantastic private day tour with Pumaadventure. We choose the Sacred Valley Tour and had Nelida as tourguide and Jimmy as driver. We had an absolute amazing day together. This tour operador does an great job and we would recommend it to the fullest.”


A.R. Kuhn March 15, 2024

“Pure care, beauty, kindness, thoughtfulness & the most spectacular settings. I am infinitely grateful for the Pumadventures crew! ❤❤❤”


Darci Faulkner April 2, 2024

“Wonderful place for brunch with friends. Great service with live piano.”


Kevin Wayne May 12, 2024