The tour can start in the morning at 9:00 am or in the afternoon at 1:00 pm – the start time is flexible to give you maximum comfort. We will pick you up from your hotel and begin exploring the center of Cusco. Cusco, also spelled Cuzco, is a city in southeastern Peru, known as the Historical Capital of Peru and former capital of the Inca Empire. You will discover the Plaza de Armas, the famous 12 Angled Stone, Loreto Street, and some of the most important streets and buildings in the city.

From the Plaza de Armas, you will walk with your guide to Koricancha (Qorikancha), the most important temple of the Inca Empire. Its name in Quechua means “Golden Courtyard”, because it was once richly decorated with gold. Here you will see the perfect Inca stonework and learn how this sacred place was used for ceremonies, astronomy, and worship of the Sun.

Next, you will drive in your private vehicle up to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive Inca sites above Cusco. This huge fortress is famous for its enormous stone walls, built with perfectly fitted blocks, some weighing more than 100 tons. As you walk through the site, your guide will explain how the Incas built Sacsayhuaman and why it is considered one of the greatest examples of their engineering and architectural skill.

Then you visit Qenqo (also written Q’enko or Kenko), a fascinating ceremonial site just a few kilometers from Cusco. Its name comes from a Quechua word meaning “zigzag,” referring to the carved channels and winding shapes in the rock. Here you’ll walk among mysterious altars, tunnels, and carved stones that were used for important Inca rituals. Your guide will explain why Qenqo is considered a sacred place (huaca) and share the legends and stories connected to this unique site.

Next, you will drive to Puca Pucara, which in Quechua means “Red Fortress.” This small Inca site was likely used as a military outpost and checkpoint on the road to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. From here you can see beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Puca Pucara is usually visited together with nearby sites like Tambomachay and Qenqo, making it a perfect stop to complete your circuit of Inca ruins around Cusco.

Next, you visit Tambomachay, a peaceful Inca site famous for its crystal-clear water fountains and fine stonework. Often called the “Inca Baths”, it was likely used for water ceremonies and rest by Inca nobility. This is a perfect moment to enjoy the fresh mountain air, take photos, and keep acclimatizing for your upcoming trip to Machu Picchu.

Next, you stop at Cristo Blanco, the white statue of Christ that stands on a hill above Cusco. From this viewpoint you get breathtaking panoramic views of the whole city, with its red roofs, plazas, and surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect place to take photos, enjoy the fresh air, and see how Cusco stretches across the valley—especially beautiful in the late afternoon as the lights of the city start to come on.