Cusco is a city located in southwest Peru, in the middle of the Andes mountains. During the XV and early XVI centuries, Cusco was the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. After the Spanish conquest, the city was thoroughly rebuilt. Nowadays, Cusco displays a mixture of Inca and Spanish architecture, which gives the city a unique and beautiful look.
One of the biggest structures of the city is the Cathedral, a giant stone catholic church located at the main square (Plaza de Armas). The Cathedral hosts numerous religious pieces of art. The most famous are the paintings of the Cusco School Art, a colonial art tradition that dates to the XVI century.
The Qorikancha, also known as the temple of the sun, is an ancient Inca temple located under the Convent of Santo Domingo. The Qorikancha used to be the main temple of the Inca Empire. It hosted numerous religious idols taken from the peoples conquered by the Inca army. After the Spanish conquest, some sections of the Qorikancha were destroyed and replaced by buildings of colonial style.
The city of Cusco is surrounded by numerous Inca ruins. The most famous is the Sacsayhuaman Inca fortress, a colossal stone structure that oversees the city. Sacsayhuaman is easily recognizable by its gargantuan walls, made with giant stone blocks that can weigh up to 125 tons.
Qenqo is another Inca archaeological site located near Cusco city. The site comprises some stone structures covered in carvings that resemble Andean animals and water canals. The true purpose of Qenqo is still debated to this day. Some archaeologists propose that Qenqo was some kind of Inca shrine where ritual sacrifices were performed.
Tambomachay is one of the most beautiful Inca sites located near Cusco city. This place is famous for its water fountains, which still have running water after centuries of their construction. Probably, Tambomachay was a temple dedicated to the worship of the water.
Puca Pucara is the last relevant Inca ruin located around Cusco. This site was probably an Inca tambo, a small outpost used to guard the entrance to the city. Puca Pucara is a Quechua expression that translates to “red fortress”. This Inca site receives its name after the reddish color of the stone blocks that make up the site.
At Andean Luxury we are committed to provide the best tours and treks in the region of Cusco. Whether you want to visit the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, or explore the sinuous trekking routes of the Andes, we are your best option.
Visit Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, accompanied by our expert team of professional tour guides. We also offer group tours to the most famous destinations of the region, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail. Explore the marvels of Cusco on this day trip.
Cusco hotel transfer
1:00 pm
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 1:00 pm. Then, we will visit the Cathedral, located at Cusco’s main square. You will have a guided tour of the Cathedral’s interior, where you will be able to appreciate the numerous pieces of art hosted there.
Afterwards, we will visit the Qorikancha and the convent of Santo Domingo. The Qorikancha was the main temple of the Inca Empire. It used to host several religious idols that came from the territories conquered by the Incas. You will learn about the unique Inca religion and culture while touring at the Qorikancha.
Then, we will board our private vehicle to visit Sacsayhuaman. We will explore the main structures of the site, including the esplanade where the Inti Raymi festival takes place each June. Afterwards, we will visit Qenqo and its mysterious amphitheater and caves. Then, we will explore Tambomachay and Puca Pucara.
Finally, we will return to Cusco city in our private vehicle. Once there, we will transfer you back to your hotel.
