Tour Location: Cusco, Peru.
Type Tour: Day tour.
Tour Duration: up to 6 hours.
Start/End Tour: Our guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and bring you back after.
Advice: Comfortable shoes, hat, warm cloth, raincoat(for rainy season).
Highlights: Cathedral, Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman, Qenco, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay.
The pre-Inca civilization of the Wari found the city of Cusco in the 14th century. According to legend, Pachacutec made a thorough restructuring and started the construction of magnificent temples on the basis of existing buildings. Cusco was the capital of the empire of the Incas, the center of their world.
If you like to read more about Cusco city click here.
Overview
Classic Cusco City Tour includes places to visit, such as:
- First of all, you will visit the Cathedral.
The full name is Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin and is the main church for worship in Cusco. In fact, Cathedral has become a major example of colonial art placed on the main square. It was built on the ruins of the Palace of Viracocha, which was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors.
- Second, you will visit the Museum of Qorikancha, built on the rest of the Temple of the Sun of the Incas.
Originally named Intikancha(Temple of the Sun) by the Incas, was built using ashlar masonry, and constructed by placing similar cuboid stones. By the legend, the walls of the Temple of the Sun were covered by gold plates. You will see many examples of Cusco Painting School inside.
- Then we will bring you to the most important places around Cusco, such as:
Temple of Water (Tambomachay)
It consists of various waterfalls, canals, and aqueducts. The water is coming from a natural spring through underground canals. Surprisingly that the water is flowing until now. Scientists believe in different versions of the purpose of this place. Of course, our guide will explain to you the most important of them.
The Military Fortress
Puka Pukara – or Red Fortress is an example of military architecture and also was used as an administrative center. It was built on a hill, that gives extra vision over important parts of the borders of the capital Cusco. Accordingly, our guide will show you the ancient road used by the Incas close to this place. As a result. it was easy to control incoming ways to Cusco.
Qenqo(Labyrinth)
It is one of the largest holy places of the Incas in the Cusco region. Qenqo is based on naturally occurring rock formations. Scientists believe that was a place where the Incas realized sacrifices and mummification. You will see how the Incas used the natural formations for their own needs.
Sacsayhuaman
One of the most famous places in Cusco is the complex Sacsayhuaman. Scientists believe that it was the military, religious, cultural, and administrative center of the city. Here you will observe the giant walls, the stones of which can reach 150 tons. There are three walls, that divide complex into parts.
On the top, there are the rests of a tower, which could reach 20 meters. History doesn’t know exactly the purpose of the tower.
When the Spanish arrived they were very surprised to see the grand walls.
Unfortunately, all these places were destroyed by the Spanish who used the stones to build their houses and temples.
Our private city tour guarantee security and personal attention. For Cusco City Tour and others, we have for you Only clean cars and responsible drivers.
Summing up, we are sure you will enjoy the interesting Classic City Tour full of historic facts and legends.
Also, you can see the Machu Picchu Tour – click here.