Cusco is the center of the Inca history and home to some of the most important ruins. Exploring them with your professional guide will help make this time period in history come to life. Visit San Pedro market, Cathedral (La Basílica Catedral del Cusco) in the main square (Plaza del Armas) and Temple of the Sun (Q’oricancha). Then, head by car to the city limits to visit the 4 main Inca ruins including Saqsaywawam. Bring your camera to capture some beautiful views of the city!

Between 8 – 9am, we will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your tour. First, you will head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous Cathedral. Following, you will continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At the Q’oricancha, you will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, which leads to all four quarters of the Inca Empire. There is also a bronze, high altar to be seen.

From Q’oricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you will continue by foot to the bustling San Pedro market. This is where many Cusqueños start their day. We will stop and take a tour of the market. It sells everything from fruits and vegetables, meats and medicinal plants to different tourist souvenirs. After, the market, your guide will recommend a couple of restaurants for you to choose from as lunch is not included. You will have an hour for lunch before your driver picks you up for a 25 minute drive to your first Inca site Saqsaywawam. Your guide will share historical facts then allow you time on your own.

From Saqsaywawam, you will take a short bus ride to the Inca site Q’enqo to see its fascinating Incan altars. Then, you will continue by bus to Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive water fountains, thought to be used by the Inca’s for bathing. Lastly, we will drive you back to the main square (Plaza de Armas) where the tour ends. If you are taking a private tour, we will return you to your hotel.

PACKING LIST

• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Reusable plastic/metal water container, or camel bags
• Camera and films
• Extra money for lunch, souvenirs, drinks and tips