Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the most cosmopolitan hub of Peru. Full of contrasts, its richness is reflected not only in its architecture but also in its culture, celebrations, gastronomy, and the diverse people who live there. In Cusco, you will encounter travelers from all over the world.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
- Visit to Cusco Cathedral: Includes the Church of the Holy Family and the Church of Triumph.
- Visit to Qoricancha: Temple of the Sun and now the Convent of Santo Domingo.
- Exploration of Sacsayhuaman: A fortress with enormous carved stones.
- Visit to Qenqo: A religious site with a semicircular amphitheater and a puma-shaped monolith.
- Visit to Puka Pukara: A red fortress with fountains and aqueducts.
- Exploration of Tambomachay: Known as the «Inca Baths,» dedicated to water worship.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco with Andes Explore Peru
- We begin our exciting excursion with Andes Explore Peru in the heart of Cusco, visiting the imposing Cusco Cathedral along with the Church of the Holy Family and the Church of Triumph. This initial tour will allow you to appreciate the history and colonial architecture of Cusco, with the detailed attention and guidance of Andes Explore Peru.
- Continuing with the exploration, Andes Explore Peru will take you to the Qoricancha Temple, the pinnacle of Inca architecture and engineering. This temple, also known as the Temple of the Sun, now houses the Convent of Santo Domingo, where you can discover the perfect blend of Inca and colonial culture, thanks to the expert guidance of Andes Explore Peru.
- Our next stop is the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Strategically situated on a hilltop, this impressive structure offers panoramic views of Cusco. With Andes Explore Peru, you will admire the enormous, perfectly carved stones, some reaching up to 9 meters in height and weighing more than 350 tons, a testament to the Incas' construction skills.
- The tour continues to Qenqo, an archaeological site located four kilometers from Cusco. Andes Explore Peru will guide you through this mysterious place, which once had a religious function, with its semicircular amphitheater and stone monolith that resembles a puma.
- Next, Andes Explore Peru will take you to Puka Pukara, a fortress known as the "red fortress" due to the color of its stones. This site served as a rest stop for travelers and the Inca’s entourage, a strategic location that also protected Tambomachay, our next destination.
- We conclude the day with a visit to Tambomachay, also known as the Inca Baths. Andes Explore Peru will allow you to discover the ingenious system of channels and waterfalls that the Incas used to worship water. You will see how two perfectly synchronized waterfalls flow from the same source, another demonstration of incredible Inca engineering.
- After this fascinating tour, Andes Explore Peru will return you to Cusco, concluding a day filled with history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Includes:
- Transportation
- Professional bilingual guide
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions
- Partial Tourist Ticket (BTP)
Recommendations:
- Comfortable clothing: Wear appropriate clothing for walking, preferably layered, as the weather can vary. Don’t forget a light jacket for the wind.
- Proper footwear: Use trekking shoes or sports shoes that allow you to walk comfortably and safely on uneven terrain.
- Sun protection: Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as you will be exposed to the sun for a good part of the day.
- Hydration: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour. Although lunch is included, it’s advisable to carry some light snacks.
- Camera: The Q’eswachaka Bridge and its surrounding landscapes are breathtaking, so don’t forget your camera or a phone with enough battery to capture the best moments.
- Respect for tradition: This bridge holds great cultural and spiritual importance for the local communities. It’s recommended to follow the guide’s instructions and respect local customs.
- Altitude: The area is at a considerable altitude, so if you’re not accustomed to it, take your time to acclimate and avoid excessive physical exertion.
- Cash: It’s useful to carry some cash in soles for any additional purchases or tips, as not all places accept cards.
