• Cusco Cathedral - Cusco is a city rich in history, filled with architectural relics and historical sites that captivate visitors. At the heart of it all is the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square, which has been central to the city’s most significant events. Known as the “square of the warrior” during the Inca era, it is home to three of Cusco’s most important churches: the Cusco Cathedral, Iglesia del Triunfo, and the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. Here’s some background on these remarkable churches in Cusco’s main square and what visitors can expect to see.
  The Church of Triumph (Iglesia del Triunfo) was the first church built on Cusco’s main square, with construction starting in 1536, just three years after the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Cusco. The Jesuits constructed the church over Suntur Wasi, an Inca ceremonial building, armory, and heraldry center attached to the palace of Viracocha. It was the first Christian church built in Cusco.
  The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (also known as Cusco Cathedral) was the second church the Jesuits began building in Cusco’s main square, but it was the last to be completed. Construction of the Cusco Cathedral began in 1559 and was finished nearly a century later in 1654.
  Like the Church of Triumph, the Cusco Cathedral was built on the foundations of a sacred Inca site, a recurring theme. Designed in the shape of a Latin cross, it was constructed atop the foundations of kiswarkancha, with the aim of replacing the Inca religion with Spanish Catholic Christianity. Previously, kiswarkancha served as the Inca palace of Viracocha, the ruler of the kingdom of Cusco nearly a century before the Spanish arrived.
  Since most of Cusco’s population was still of Quechua Inca descent at the time, the Spaniards used Inca labor to build the cathedral.
• Qorikancha - Koricancha is a stunning example of the fusion between Inca and Hispanic cultures. The remains of the ancient Peruvians’ Sun Temple were used as the foundation for the Santo Domingo church and convent. The temple symbolizes Western dominance and is a living example of Peru’s past coexisting with European architecture.
  The temple was constructed with finely carved stones. Inside, the walls of the many chambers are adorned with gold and silver leaf. The immense size of the stones in the Inca walls, three of which have over 30 angles, is sure to capture attention. Also notable is a block with 24 angles and 6 sides. The great Inca turret dominates the site and highlights one of the ceremonial niches with holes in low relief, related to the winter solstice. In the lower part of the temple, there are fountains and gardens where conquered tribes came to offer their tributes.
  The inner sanctum of the temple was reserved for the highest authorities of the time and attracted people from across the Empire who wished to worship and pay tribute to the Tahuantinsuyo gods.
• Sacsayhuaman - The name Sacsaywaman or Sacsayhuamán comes from two Quechua words: “Sacsay,” meaning satiate, and “wamán,” meaning hawk; together they mean “eat your fill, hawk.” This intriguing meaning refers to the birds being divine protectors of the Incas and the military battalions.
  Located 1.25 miles from Cusco’s square at an altitude of 12,140 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by the mountains Ausangate, Pachatusán, and Sencca. It spans an area of twelve square miles, containing incredible archaeological and architectural sites, including Kolcampata, Qenqo Grande and Qenqo Chico, Laqo, Kusilluchayoq, Lanlakuyuq, Llaullipata, Chacan, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.
  It is believed that around 20,000 men worked to cut and transport gigantic stones from Huaqoto and Rumiqolqa to build this ceremonial Inca fortress. Sacsayhuamán is an architectural marvel with megalithic walls made of stones weighing between 99 and 138 tons. The stones vary in size, with some having more than one hundred angles, each fitted and joined without any mortar.
• Q’enqo - The Incan Empire was completely destroyed by European forces in the 16th century. Many of their massive temples, fortresses, and cities remained standing, but their purposes were lost. Qenqo Temple, located fifteen minutes from Cusco, is similarly mysterious, with a dark narrative emerging in the historical void.
  In Quechua, Qenqo means labyrinth or zig-zag, and the temple is named for the crooked canal cut out of its rock. Although it is clear the canal carried some sort of liquid, researchers have had to speculate about its purpose and what liquid it transported. Hypotheses include carrying holy water, chicha (corn beer), or blood. All three suggest that Qenqo was used for death rituals, possibly to embalm bodies or determine whether a person lived a good life by the course the liquid followed.
  Qenqo is unique in its construction, having been entirely carved out of a gigantic monolith. Stretched across a hillside, the temple is carved out of rock and combines man-made tunnels with natural chambers. One of these chambers features 19 small niches and is set up as an amphitheater. The purpose of the theater has been lost over time, but most agree the area was used for some type of sacrifice to the sun, moon, and star gods worshipped at the site.
  From the available information, it appears Qenqo Temple was an extremely sacred site for the Incas. Their dead were judged and possibly embalmed in Qenqo’s winding tunnels, and blood sacrifices were offered to the heavenly gods. Despite the likely grim purpose of the temple, its carved tunnels and chambers are an amazing work of ancient architecture, and a visit to Qenqo is sure to intrigue every visitor.
• Tambomachay - Located 4.5 miles northeast of Cusco, Tambomachay stands at 12,350 feet above sea level. The architecture of this Inca bath consists of a group of structures built with precisely cut stones. Water from nearby streams flows through the site in aqueducts and small cascades.
  Tambomachay was associated with the veneration of water, an important element in the Andean worldview. For this reason, it has two aqueducts with artistic engravings in the rock that transport and supply a constant flow of clean water year-round. Its name, meaning “place of rest,” suggests that the Inca came to this bath to relax.
  Today, it is one of the best hiking routes, offering tourists an adventure amid fascinating natural scenery.
• Puka Pukara - The complex features numerous halls, inner plazas, aqueducts, watchtowers, and paths. It likely served as a “tambo” or a place of rest and lodging. According to legend, whenever the Inca visited Tambomachay, he was accompanied by a large retinue that stayed in Puka Pukara. Its fortified appearance led to it being called a fortress.

• Transportation included
• Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)

• Entrance to Qorikancha (20 soles)
• Entrance to sites (Tourist Ticket) – 70 Soles for 2 days or 130 Soles for 10 days
• Food and beverages

Discover the spiritual and architectural marvels of Cusco with this engaging half-day city tour. Stroll through the core of the Incan Empire by visiting the renowned Plaza de Armas, historically regarded as the world’s center. Explore the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, which houses famous Cuzqueño artworks, and enter the revered Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha), where Incan foundations merge with colonial sophistication. This adventure seamlessly combines history, culture, and vibrancy into a memorable experience.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.