Cuzco Peru Travel

OVERVIEW

Cuzco the navel of the world or Q`osqo in Quechua language, was the capital of the Inca civilization, called Tawantinsuyo. Cuzco, with its special beauty and charm is considered the archeological capital of South America and a cultural legacy of humanity. Our Cusco City Tour could start early in the morning or at noon; we will visit the Sixteen Century Cathedral of Cusco located in the heart of the city (Plaza de Armas) which contains over 400 paintings from the Cuzco’s School in addition to colonial art. Continues on to visit the “Qoricancha” (Temple of the Sun) as well as several impressive archeological Inca sites such as: Sacsayhuaman the Royal House of the Sun to see the megalithic constructions done by the inkas more than 500 years ago, Q’enko the Pachamama or Mother Earth temple, PukaPukara the Red Control to learn more about of the Inca trails and the administrations and
Tambomachay the water temple where you can witness the impressive Inka hydraulics system. Our tour will be finished by the main square. You might like to enjoy a nice dinner out in one of the many restaurants nearby, or if you prefer you can enjoy the city night life of Cusco City, or we can also arrange to drop you off by your hotel.

CUSCO CITY TOUR – PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS EVERY DAY – In the morning (9 am) or afternoon (1pm) We will pick you up from your hotel to begging your visit of the Imperial City of Cuzco. It is a living example of the mix of Andean and European culture. We start the tour at the Convent of Santo Domingo built over an Inkan temple, which was the most important inkan religious center and the main worship center of the god Sun and then we will visit the Cuzco’s Cathedral the best city art gallery. from
there, we visit the archeological site of Sacsayhuaman, with its impressive Inca architecture, which dominates the city. Finally, we explore the archeological sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay, which are located in the northeast section of the city. We will take you back to your hotel in Cusco after the four hour tour.

The Sixteen Century Cathedral & Koricancha the Inka’s Meca These two places give a clear example of the fusion of two living cultures that we have within our city, the koricancha is a clear example of two different architectures, the European at the top and the local culture at the base of all this
impressive place.

The cathedral of Cuzco City a clear example of religious syncretism that basically means that in the center of the Peruvian Andes, Cusco we have two religions surviving together in our lives.

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman, which means ‘satisfied falcon,’ is one of the most impressive sites built by the Incas. It is generally referred to as a fortress. However, it is not certain what its main function was before the Spanish arrived. Current research suggests that it was more likely used as a temple, as Inca tombs have been discovered in the area.

The site is a marvelous archeological feat: even now, after many parts have been destroyed, one can imagine its greatness when it stood in its full glory. The stones in the walls are incredible and the largest one weighs 128 tons.

The Incas planned the city of Cusco in the shape of a puma, with Sacsayhuaman as the head. The magnificent zigzag walls are the major attraction. The grounds surrounding Sacsayhuaman are still used today for the colorful festival of Inti Raymi, which is held to celebrate the winter’s solstice on the 24th of June.

Q’enqo

The site of Q’enqo, which means ‘maze’ in Quechua, contains the most impressive carved rocks in the Cusco area. There are carvings everywhere, although some are indistinct, as a llama, a condor and snakes have been identified. There are many zigzag channels sculpted into the natural bedrock, probably used for pouring sacrificial chicha (a local drink made from corn). Below the rock, there are a number of caves and passageways, an altar, which was likely used for the sacrifices of lamas. The mummifications of buried people have also been discovered at this site.

Puka Pukará

Puka Pukará means “the red fortress” in Quechua. This is a small site and although the name suggests that it was a fortress, it does not appear to have had any defensive purpose. Probably it was used as an administrative center and was also a resting place for chaskis who carried messages from town to town. The interesting point here is the way the Incas built the walls over the natural bedrock.

Tambomachay

The name means “place of rest” in Quechua. It used to be the royal palace of the Inca Yupanqui when he went to hunt in the surrounding area. This site was also thought to have been used as a Temple to the Water. There are some interesting aqueducts, canals and fountains sculpted out of stone, designed to channel water flowing from a nearby stream.

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE CUSCO CITY TOUR?

Pick up at your hotel.
Professional Local guide, fluent in English.
Private transportation.
Personal attention all the time.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE CUSCO CITY TOUR?

Entrance to Archeological sites: Purchase the Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) of 70 soles (about US$20), at the first site you enter. This can be used for 1 day to visit archeological sites in the Cusco region.
Entrance to Koricancha (15 Soles per person)
Meals

WHAT TO BRING FOR CUSCO CITY TOUR?

Warm jacket and rain jacket
Hat
Water
Sun protection
Some money for souvenirs
Money in soles to purchase boleto turístico (S/70), Cathedral ticket (S/25) & koricancha ticket (S/15)
Total S/ 110 Soles equivalent $30 USD Approx.
If you are a student, take your student ID card (only works for the 10 day boleto turístico)

The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket )

You have the Option to Purchase a 1 Day or a 10 Day touristic Ticket The partial ticket, or 1 Day ticket costs 70 soles (US $20) and is valid for 1 day. You can visit as many sites as you like in one day with no further charge. There are no discounts with this ticket. Both tourist tickets, of 1 day or 10 day, allows the access to different archeological sites around Cusco, and Sacred Valley. This is the best way to
visit all the archeological sites of the region and the Sacred Valley. Most of the main archeological sites are not accessible for free.

The general ticket allows you over the next 10 days to enter 16 archeological and cultural sites in Cusco, the south valley and the Sacred Valley. The price of this ticket is 130 soles (about US $40) and is valid for 10 days. This is

the cheapest and most convenient way to plan to see different sites in a few days. The cost for students under 25 (with the presentation of a valid ISIC card) and for teenagers under 18 (with the presentation of an identity card) is 70 soles (US $20). Children under 10 are free.

Here is a list of sites where you can use your Boleto Turístico:

Sacsayhuaman
Qenqo
Pucapucara
Tambomachay
Pisaq
Ollantaytambo
Chinchero
Moray
Tipon
Piquillaqta
And some museum in Cusco city

Note: The entrance ticket to the main archeological sites like Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Tipón and Moray cannot be sold individually; you must buy the Boleto turístico to visit them. You can get it in Avenida del Sol nearby Peru office or at the time you enter the first site that
you are visiting. YOU MUST PAY IN SOLES, NO CREDIT CARD OR US DOLLARS ARE ACCEPTED.

Important: These entrances are not included in the Boleto Turístico.

The entrance to Qoricancha or Santo Domingo Convent (15 soles)
The entrance to the Cathedral (25 soles)

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tours. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry
across many Cuzco Peru travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you would like, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

PRICE $150

GROUP of 2 to 4 persons – $75 per person
GROUP of 5 to 10 persons – $200 for the total group (not per person)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

ENTRANCE FEES

Entrance to Archeological sites: The one day Boleto Turístico (touristticket) 70 soles (about US$20), at the first site you enter. The 10 day ticket can be used to visit all sites in the Cusco and Sacred Valley region. (See important info)
Entrance ticket for the Qoricancha (15 Soles per person)

COSTS:

All our tours are based on private and shared service and can be customized to satisfy your personal needs and preferences. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@cuzcoperutravel.com and receive more assistance for planning your customized private tour in Peru.

Our prices often vary based on the requirements of your trip, and will depend on number of travelers, length of time, type of accommodation, etc.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us! Get in touch with our travel experts by our Live Chat Help or by email at: info@cuzcoperutravel.com

In addition, call us at (+51) 979709678

Our travel experts will be glad to assist you at any time!