Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo Cusco

Sacsayhuaman, the fortress above Cusco

Sacsayhuaman is a large Inca ceremonial and military complex on a hill overlooking Cusco, built in the 15th century. Its outer walls have three zigzag terraces made of enormous limestone blocks, some weighing well over 100 tonnes, fitted so closely that a blade cannot slip between them. It is often described as the head of the puma-shaped plan of the Inca capital.

Every year on 24 June the open plaza in front of the walls hosts Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun. Your guide explains the stonework, the battle of 1536 and the theories about how the blocks were moved. A visit to Sacsayhuaman is the highlight of a Cusco city tour, and the view of the city from the top is a good place to orient yourself.

Qenqo, the sacred rock shrine

Qenqo, meaning zigzag in Quechua, is a huge limestone outcrop carved into channels, steps and niches. Inside, a narrow passage leads to a flat stone that guides think was used for ceremonies, and the zigzag channels may have carried offerings of liquid for rituals. The site was closely tied to the worship of the sun, the moon and the earth.

It is a compact site and you can see it in a short visit. Qenqo is one of the places that answers the question of what to see near Cusco besides the famous ruins, because it shows how the Incas shaped living rock rather than only building with stone. Watch your step on the uneven ground and steps.

Cusco, the Inca capital, and Qoricancha

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and its historic centre still follows the Inca street plan, with Spanish colonial churches built on Inca foundations. Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, is the best example, where the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo sit on top of Inca walls. Its entrance ticket is not included in this tour, so you decide whether to add it.

The city tour gives you the historical context you need for the rest of your trip, from the Spanish conquest to the survival of Andean traditions. Cusco is at around 3,400 metres, so walk slowly and drink water. The main square, the Plaza de Armas, is an easy walk from most hotels if you want to explore further after the tour.

Planning your Cusco half-day city tour

The tour has two departures, in the morning and in the afternoon, and lasts about 5 hours. You meet at a point in Cusco given in your booking confirmation, and tourist transport takes you between the sites. The price covers the transport and the guide, but the archaeological tourist ticket, the Qoricancha ticket and meals are not included.

Because Sacsayhuaman is above the city, mornings are often cooler and afternoons warmer, so bring layers, a hat and sunscreen. A half-day Cusco city tour is best on your first or second day, so you can then plan longer trips. Ask your guide which ticket you need, and carry your passport or ID for the ticket office.