Cusco Ruins Tour (The City): Experience Cusco’s rich history and culture on a half-day ruins tour! Wander through colonial Incan sites, learn about legendary Inca leaders, and uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization as you explore the city’s most famous archeological sites.

Overview

Cusco Half Day City Tour Overview

Explore the ancient capital of the Inca Empire with our private Cusco City Tour. This half-day tour takes you through the heart of Cusco, visiting some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and historical sites. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will provide unique insight into this fascinating city’s rich history and culture.

Is the private Cusco City Tour right for me?

AT A GLANCE

• Tour Location: The City of Cusco in southern Peru
• Tour type: Half Day Tour in Cusco—private and personalized enhanced tour
• Tour duration: 4 hours
• The departure time of the tourist excursion: During the morning at noon or the afternoon, we also adapt to the most convenient time for the group of travelers
• Do you need to book in advance? Yes.
• Please tell us about the pick-up location: at the client’s hotel’s reception or directly from the Cusco airport.
• Physical Category: There are easy-to-moderate short walks involved.
  • A tourist circuit designed for all ages (children, adolescents, and adults)
• End of the Tour: We drop you off at your hotel or elsewhere.
• Customizable: Yes! There are custom and private plugins available. To acclimatize, add the Cusco City Tour Half Day before any tour or trek to Machu Picchu. This is a must-do half-day tour in Cusco, not to be missed!

ACTIVITIES TO VISIT:

Pick-up time and the start of the tour: 09:30 (less congested excursion); if the group of visitors requires another schedule, write to us.

1. Tambomachay ruins the fountain dedicated to the Inca princess and the water of eternal youth.
2. Puca Pucara ruins: Puca Pucara was part of the defense of Cusco.
3. Qenqo ruins: Inca semicircular amphitheater and underground altar temple of Pachamama
4. Sacsayhuaman ruins Inca megalithic construction; each stone weighs between half and 170 tons.

Kondor Path Tours, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco, officially operates this trip.

Private Cusco City Tour Half Day Highlights

Half-Day Highlights of Historic Cusco:

• Experience the beauty and culture of Cusco on the ultimate Tour Half Day City Tour Cusco! Our knowledgeable local guides will show you around this stunning ancient Inca capital and all it offers.
• Discover the fascinating history of Cusco with our expert city tour guides! Explore Peru’s former capital and learn about its culture, architecture, and local attractions.

Itinerary

Cusco Half Day City Tour Itinerary

Join us for an unforgettable adventure through the ancient streets of Cusco on this Half Day City Tour. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, this experience will leave you with lasting memories of Peru’s remarkable heritage.

Half Day

Private Cusco City Tour

At 09:30, our tour guide and driver of the Kondor Path Tours vehicle go to the hotel of the travelers’ group to start the trip. We visit the four spectacular ruins of Cusco, located in the northwest and on the city’s outskirts. Throughout the tourist circuit, we have incredible panoramic views of the Andes Mountains and their inter-Andean valleys.

In the first instance, marvel at the excellent construction of the Sacsayhuaman temple, which has unique megalithic structures in Peru. Then, continue exploring the Qenqo ruins by walking through the underground royal mausoleum and amphitheater plaza.

Finish the guided tours of the Cusco City Tour Half Day with the ruins of Puca Pucara and Tambomachay! The two archaeological sites have a visual connection as ritual sources. Return to Cusco, but before that, we stop at one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city, either the Cristo Blanco or the San Cristóbal viewpoint.

Explore Cusco Inca Ruins:

Ready for an unforgettable experience exploring one of the oldest cities on Earth? Join this half-day city tour in Cusco for an overwhelmingly unique experience in Peru!

1. Sacsayhuaman ruins are the most prominent example of extraordinary Inca architecture. They consist of three overlapping platforms with an average length of 360 meters. Stones up to 9 meters high can be seen in their structure. From the ruins, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Cusco city and the beautiful scenery formed by the surrounding mountains.
2. Qenqo ruins are 1 km from Sacsayhuaman. This complex is a worship center for Inca rituals. The most notable feature is an open-air theater. Looking back, we have 19 trapezoidal niches. Today, you can see fascinating buildings, fountains, aqueducts, and several Incan walls.
3. Puca Pucara ruins: From here, the Inca soldiers looked at the west Inca trail. On top of the Inca building, we have a 360-degree view of the Andes area.
4. Tambomachay ruins: Explore the beautiful fountain of Tambomachay; the Incas worshiped the spring water. Our flexible travel allows our visitors to create and enjoy unforgettable experiences.

NOTE: The tour guide in charge may modify the order of the places you visit to avoid overcrowding.

Private Cusco City Tour: Useful Information

Maximum altitude: Tambomachay ruins, 12,588 feet (3,837 meters)
Minimum elevation: Sacsayhuaman ruins: 11,820 feet (3,603 meters)

Food

None

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Walking Distance

A light walk

Hiking Time

5 to 25 minutes

Starting Altitude

Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)

Minimun Altitude

Sacsayhuaman: 3,500m (11,482 ft)

Highest Altitude

Tambomachay: 3,765m (12,352 ft)

Inclusions

Cusco Half Day City Tour INCLUSION

• Active itinerary with unique cultural features.
• Excellent English-speaking tour guide
• Private tourist transport.
  • The vehicle size varies according to the group size. We have vans, minibusses, and buses.
  • All our vehicles have a first aid kit and a medium tank of portable medicated oxygen for any eventuality.
  • Transfer service to and from the Hotel
• All local Peruvian taxes

Note: The vehicles to use “see the photo in prices.”

Private Cusco City Tour: NO INCLUSION

• Hotel: Craft a personalized itinerary in Cusco, where the extensive range of accommodations allows you to design your dream escape.
• CUSCO TOURIST TICKET BTG This ticket costs 130 Peruvian soles (about $45) and allows entry to numerous sites in and around Cusco. The entrance ticket is valid for ten days to complete the tourist circuit of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, and Moray.
  • PARTIAL TICKETS. The cost is 70 Peruvian soles (approximately US$25). You can buy separate tickets if you don’t have the time or inclination to visit all the attractions on the “General Ticket” listed above.
• Pachamanca is a traditional Inca dish baked using hot stones.
• Items of a personal nature
• Tipping: an entirely personal gesture (Tour Guide and Driver)

Things to Bring to Cusco Half Day Tour

• Tennis Shoes
• Rain poncho (Rainy Season: December to March)
• Windbreaker
• T-shirts
• Sunhats
• SPF 45 or higher is advised for sun protection cream.
• Water
• Camera/film
• Cash in local currency to purchase items.

Travel Guide

FAQs about the Cusco Half Day City Tour

Uncover Cusco’s secrets with this fantastic city tour! Discover its ancient culture, thrilling locations, and historical attractions in just one and a half days.

What is the capital city of Cusco?

The capital is Cusco.

Where is Cusco located?

Cusco is located in the central and southern parts of Peru, approximately 1,494 km from Lima.

What is the altitude of Cusco?

The altitude is 3,399 meters above sea level.

What is the climate like in Cusco?

Cusco’s climate is cold and dry, with an average annual temperature of 11°C. November through April are the rainy seasons.

What is the size of Cusco?

Cusco has an area of 71,892 km2.

Why is Cusco considered a sacred and mystical city?

Because it was the political and territorial center of the Inca Empire and is believed to be the navel of the world.

What is Cusco’s historical and architectural legacy?

Cusco has a legacy from the Inca Empire, known for its impressive engineering feats using stone as the primary tool.

What is the brief history of Cusco?

Cusco was inhabited by primitive settlers about three thousand years ago. According to legend, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo emerged from Lake Titicaca in the 12th century to find a new kingdom and improve the people’s conditions. They founded the city of Cusco, also called Qosqo or Cuzco, which means “the navel of the world.”

When did the Spanish conquer Cusco?

On March 23, 1534, they built a Spanish city on the Inca foundations.

What were some rebellions against Spanish rule in Cusco during the colonial period?

The most important rebellion against Spanish rule in Cusco during the colonial period was led by José Gabriel Condorcanqui (Tupac Amaru II) in 1781. The Angulo brothers and Mateo Pumacahua also led rebellions in 1814.

When did Cusco become a republic?

Cusco became a republic in 1825.

To Cusco, what does Machu Picchu mean?

Since Machu Picchu is an intact Inca site, Hiram Bingham’s 1910 discovery of it is significant to Cusco.

What is Cusco known for?

Cusco is renowned for being an Andean mountain city where visitors can access the magnificent Andes, well-known Inca archaeological sites, and the famed Machu Picchu archaeological park. The Inca Trail, the Manu and Tambopata reserves, and the Sacred Valley are all accessible from Cusco.

What is the Plaza de Armas in Cusco?

The Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s central square, is encircled by the Church of Triumph and the Church of Jesus Maria, two churches, a lovely cathedral, and other essential buildings. It is an excellent place to explore the historic city of the Incas.

What is San Blas in Cusco?

San Blas is a neighborhood in Cusco located on a small hill just a few minutes from the city center. It is characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets, where you can find shops and cozy restaurants for breakfast, coffee, or traditional pizza cooked in clay ovens.

What is the Pachacuteq Ovalo viewpoint in Cusco?

The Pachacuteq Ovalo viewpoint in Cusco offers spectacular views of the city from the statue of the Inca leader “Pachacuteq,” which stands tall on top of the hill. If climbing the stairs of this viewpoint is not enough for you, take on the challenge of hiking to the giant white Christ statue atop the city, which dominates the valley of Cusco.

What is Qorikancha in Cusco?

Qorikancha is an Inca archaeological monument that once became one of Cusco’s most important Inca temples.

What is Sacsayhuaman in Cusco?

Sacsayhuaman is an extensive Inca-walled complex located outside the city of Cusco.

What are some outdoor activities offered in Cusco?

Cusco offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, paragliding, and ziplining. Visitors can also relax in the hot springs of Lares, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes.

What is the main reason people visit Cusco?

The main reason people visit Cusco is to access the famous Machu Picchu archaeological site nearby.

What’s it like?

• In a fascinating and educational Cusco City Tour Half Day in Peru, learn about the nation’s capital’s history, culture, and beauty. Don’t pass up this opportunity!
• The capital of the Incas, Cuzco, is a stunning, cosmopolitan city where you can see the blend of colonial and Inca architecture.
• Come along on our guided tour of Cusco Half Day Tour, one of the most stunning cities in South America. See all the must-see attractions while learning about its fascinating culture and history.

Pricing & Book Now

Private Cusco City Tour Half Day COST

Season 2025

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Private Cusco City Tour Price: On an epic private Cusco City Tour half day, we explore some of Cusco’s most iconic sites. Take a journey through time. Get close to ancient ruins, uncover vibrant Inca and colonial squares, and more!

Inquire

INQUIRE ABOUT THE HALF-DAY CITY TOUR IN CUSCO

Cusco Half Day City Tour: Make the most of your stay in Cusco with a half-day city tour! Learn about its history, culture, and customs. Get an unforgettable experience!

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 clavergne 
 
2024-06-20
 
 
  
We used Kondor Path for 5 different tours.
My husband, 21 year old daughter and I used Kondor Path for several tours. First of all, every tour you book with them is private. Loved that! They went at our pace for every tour. If we wanted to skip something, add something, go slower or faster, they accommodated us. We did the alternate Ollyantaytambo tour, Super Sacred Valley tour, 1/2 day Cusco tour, Machu Picchu guide and a two day tour from Puno to Arequipa with a stop at the Colca Canyon. Our guides were Wilfredo, Odon and Andres and our drivers were Anibal and Raul. All 5 of these men were excellent. The drivers did such a good job and Anibal was excellent at helping me at some of the stops that involved climbing (I am a giant klutz!) All three of our guides were knowledgeable and taught us so much about the locations, Incas, and pre-Incas. I had a bit of an oxygen issue when we passed 16,000 feet and Andres was so good about helping me back to the car and Raul got us down in altitude quickly and safely. Our daughter had a massive nose bleed at MP and Odon helped her to get it stopped. If you find yourself in Peru, do yourself a favor and use Kondor Path!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Tanja B 
 
2024-05-13
 
 
  
Lares 1 day hike was amazing
I did the 1 day Lares Trek private tour with Kondor Path Tours and liked it a lot. They picked me up from my hostel and hours later we arrived at Lares Town to have some breakfast from locals which was really delicious. Later during the hike we met even more locals which gives you a feeling of how they are living. My guide explained everything so well and it was so interesting. As requested I got really good Vegetarian food. Thanks to my guide Alfredo Santacruz and the driver I felt comfortable during the whole trip. Thank you for this amazing experience!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Kyrsten B 
 
2024-05-04
 
 
  
Great Short Inca Trail Experience
Just finished the short Inca Trail hike with Kondor Path tours. An excellent experience from beginning to end. Responded quickly, everything well organized, our guide Bonette was fabulous. Set the perfect pace for our family, knowledgeable, considerate. The trail itself is amazing- entering Machu Picchu through the sun gate at the end. Spectacular scenery.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Allyx T 
 
2024-04-27
 
 
  
Amazing trip thanks to Fredi!
Our tour was fantastic. We did the 2 day Salkantay trek, spent the first day hiking the Salkantay trail and got to take a horse part of the way. The lunch was great and everything was thought through ahead of time by our guide, Fredi. Fredi was truly the highlight of our trip! An amazing guide and so fun to spend time with- we learned a ton from him, felt safe, and had a blast. I would definitely book with Kondor Tours again for a chance to spend time with Fredi on another adventure. Some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen- truly and unforgettable adventure
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Lucas B 
 
2024-04-24
 
 
  
Excelente private tours
We did a two day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu with the salt mines and it was all perfect. Our guide Alfredo was extremely helpful and I couldn’t rate him any higher. Perfect English, knew all the shortcuts, helped us with everything we need.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 ksdl2005 
 
2024-02-17
 
 
  
Must do tour
We did the trip to Machu Picchu with them and the horse ride up to rainbow mountain… we never do tours because we don’t like to spend money unnecessarily… this was so worth it it’s a private tour and the logistics of the train the ride there the bus the entrance and all the times to just fit in is hard to schedule also the time of departure to go back … it was so worth it.. the guides are amazing and you learn way more about their culture and they speak great English.. you learn so much on just the rides… also they bring oxygen and the roads are pretty rough so unlike the trouble of scheduling and getting up so early and the rough roads and altitude sickness you just lay down and sleep on the trip instead of a bunch of people on a bus jsut the ride alone is worth it … this is a no brainer to do ….and once again I never spend money on excursions or tours they also are first to book the tours so you get the much sought after circuit 2
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ani T 
 
2023-12-21
 
 
  
Wonderul site, great tour operator and excellent guide
We had an evening flight so wanted to do something during the first half of the day, really glad we picked this half-day tour of the Sillustani ruins. The tour agent (Kondor Path Tours) was very flexible about our pickup time and dropoff options, so that really helped. We were able to arrange a later pickup in the morning that included all our luggage and then they dropped us off at the Juliaca airport after the tour. But the Sillustani towers themselves are a real treat to see and learn about all their history. The site itself is very serene and beautiful, with the lake in the background from the main viewpoint. Our tour guide (Richy/Ricardo) was excellent and very helpful and knowledgeable. He gave us not only the ancient history of Sillustani and the adjoining areas, but also a more contemporary history of Peru and the Puno region I have to add that he went over and above by even helping us to check our bags in at JUL airport!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 ladyshalyn 
 
2023-10-22
 
 
  
Maras and Moray + Pachamanca
Easily the best tour experience I had during my trip to Peru. I highly recommend Kondor Tours as the customer service is top-notch. James responded to my queries almost instantly each time and was very helpful. We were even treated to a can of cusquenia beer each when we visited the office! Our guide Alfredo was absolutely amazing and we were fortunate to have him as our guide for the tour. He is very passionate about his job and shared so much valuable information with us. He has a very candid character and we were very comfortable throughout! I highly recommend requesting for him as your guide (the best we had while touring Peru for 3 weeks). Also, I would say opting in for and additional traditional peruvian pachamanca meal experience must not be missed. The community people were very warm and gracious hosts and it is eye opening to witness the preparation of such a traditional feast normally done only for special occasions like weddings. We even had time for dancing! Two thumbs up for sure!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Niels K 
 
2023-08-10
 
 
  
3-day Choquequirao Trek
We took a three-day private group trek to Choquequirao as a family of five. Kondor Path Tours organized a pick-up and drop-off in Urubamba instead of Cusco and did an extra stop at the Saywhite archeological site. Everything went very smoothly during the entire trip, meals and accommodation were as expected or better. The trek itself is quite demanding (particularly in three days), but the nature/ views/ Choquequirao/ dearth of tourists largely compensate. Anyway, we were looking for a physical challenge! Our guide Oron was great. Explaining, motivating, solving potential problems/ demands. We would definitely recommend Kondor Path Tours.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Anja 
 
2023-08-05
 
 
  
Proffecional company and perfect guide
Kondor Path Tours are so proffecional and easy to work with. We went with them on the 2 days short Inca trail to Machu Picchu with our three children. The correspondence was great and everything was perfectly planned in every detail. Our guide Alfredo was so friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant to be around! Thank you Kondor Path Tours - we couldn’t have asked for more!!