Highlight of the day: Inca architecture within the city, large stone walls in Sacsayhuaman and ceremonial enclosures distributed in the hills of Cusco.

Start of the tour

The City Tour has two schedules:

• Morning shift: From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Afternoon: From 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Peceros Agency Travel team will confirm the schedule and exact venue before the service.

In the private mode, the collection can be done from hotels with vehicular access within the urban area.

In the group service, the collection can be carried out from certain accommodations or from a central point, depending on the route of the vehicle.

You must be prepared at least ten minutes before the confirmed schedule.

Start technical data

• Starting point: Cusco
• Initial altitude: Approximately 3,399 m s. n.m.
• Transportation: Van, minivan or tourist minibus
• Duration: Between 4 and 5 hours
• Morning weather: Fresh
• Evening climate: Variable, with temperature drop at the end

Qoricancha

The first visit will be Qoricancha, whose name can be translated as a gold enclosure.

It was one of the main religious spaces of Cusco inca and was linked to the cult of the Sun, the ceremonial organization of the city and a network of ritual roads.

On part of its structures the Convent of Santo Domingo was subsequently erected. This overlap allows to observe two construction systems within the same space.

The Inca walls present carefully cut and joined blocks. In several sectors you can see the inclination of the walls, the shape of the doors and the way in which the structures were adapted to the ground.

The Qoricancha is recognized by the Ministry of Culture as an Inca sanctuary of special architectural and archaeological importance. (Culture Cusco)

During the visit, the guide will explain:

• The religious function of the enclosure.
• His relationship with the cult of the sun.
• The organization of their spaces.
• The overlap with the Convent of Santo Domingo.
• The techniques used in walls.
• Its position within ancient Cusco.

It should not be assumed that all the walls were completely covered in gold during all stages of their use. Colonial descriptions and modern interpretations must be explained with their respective nuances.

Perception of traveler in Qoricancha

From the outside, the whole may seem like one more colonial church in the center of Cusco. When entering, the contrast appears clearly.

The stone walls remain under arches, corridors and later constructions. The guide will help you recognize details that usually go unnoticed, such as the inclination of the walls, the alignment of the spacies and the polishing of certain surfaces.

It is a quiet and little physical effort visit, suitable to start the tour before climbing to the archaeological parks.

Transfer to Sacsayhuaman

After Qoricancha we will board the tourist transport to ascend to the upper part of Cusco.

The road crosses urban streets and areas near the archaeological park. Depending on the traffic, this transfer can take between 15 and 30 minutes.

The temperature is usually lower than in the center. You may also feel windy, especially during the afternoon.

Sacsayhuaman

The next stop will be the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park.

The set is located in the upper part of Cusco and preserves walls formed by large blocks. The stones were worked to fit together, following irregular profiles and adapting to the relief.

Sacsayhuaman is often described as a fortress. However, his functions could include religious, political, ceremonial and territorial control activities.

The visit is made by dirt and stone roads. The tour can include sectors from where the city is observed.

The Ministry of Culture maintains protection, research and recovery actions within the archaeological park and the ritual roads linked to Qoricancha. (Culture Cusco)

The guide will explain:

• The construction of the walls.
• The staggered arrangement of the sectors.
• The possible functions of the whole.
• The relationship with the city of Cusco.
• The ceremonies currently held in certain spaces.
• The preservation of the blocks.

Some stones are large, but the exact figures on their weight vary by the sources. For that reason, it is preferable to talk about blocks of tens or possibly hundreds of tons without presenting a single estimate as a definitive fact.

What you will feel in Sacsayhuaman

The size of the blocks is best perceived when walking next to the walls. From a distance they seem to form a single line; as you approach, joints, angles and surfaces worked to suit each other are distinguished.

The air may feel cooler and drier than in the center. Those who have just arrived in Cusco may notice accelerated breathing during slopes that would not normally be difficult.

There’s no need to rush. The walks are short and the guide will pause to explain the main sectors.

Q’enqo

We will continue to Q’enqo, located within walking distance of Sacsayhuaman.

The site develops around a limestone rock outcrop that was modified by channels, staircases, carved surfaces and passages.

The name Q’enqo is usually related to a sinuous or zigzag form. The place has been interpreted as a ritual space, although not all functions of its carvings can be determined with certainty.

Within one of its sectors is a chamber worked on the rock. The income may be narrow and dark, and is subject to conservation arrangements.

During the explanation, they will be addressed:

• The carved channels.
• The ceremonial surfaces.
• The inner passages.
• The relationship with the landscape.
• Interpretations of offerings.
• The limits of theories about sacrifice.

There is not enough evidence to claim that all visible forms unequivocally represent flames, condors, or snakes. Some readings depend on observation angle and later interpretations.

Puka Pukara

The route continues to Puka Pukara, a name that is usually translated as a red fortress.

The complex is located next to an old communication road and is made up of walls, enclosures, terraces, staircases and open spaces.

Its location could allow control of the transit to Cusco, but its exact function is not necessarily limited to a military defense. It has also been linked to administrative activities, temporary accommodation and road monitoring.

From certain sectors you can see streams, mountains and part of the road to Tambomachay.

Traveler perception in Puka Pukara

Puka Pukara is smaller than Sacsayhuaman, but its location allows to understand why it could have been related to the transit of people and goods.

The walls are distributed over an elevation from which different directions are controlled. The wind can feel strong, especially during the afternoon shift.

The visit is short and does not require an extensive walk.

Tambomachay

The last archaeological stop will be Tambomachay, popularly known as the Temple of Water.

The complex features canals, fountains and stone structures where water continues to circulate.

The exact provenance and complete catchment system are not visible from the tourist area. The flow is distributed by ducts that show the technical knowledge applied to water management.

Tambomachay is included, along with Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo and Puka Pukara, within the urban archaeological circuit of the Cusco Tourist Ticket. (COSITUC – BTC CUSCO TOUR TICKET)

To reach the fountains there is a short walk along a path with a gentle slope.

The guide will explain:

• Distribution of channels.
• Possible ceremonial functions.
• The relationship of water with the Andean religion.
• The location of the enclosure.
• Its proximity to Puka Pukara.
• The visible construction techniques.

Optional shopping time

In the surroundings of some archaeological parks you can find craft stalls, alpaca garments, souvenirs and local products.

Purchases are voluntary.

We recommend:

• Ask the price before paying.
• Review the composition of the garments.
• Request proof where appropriate.
• Bring money on the suns.
• Avoid delaying the group.
• Ask permission before photographing vendors.

Peceros Agency Travel does not oblige to purchase products or receive responsibility for operations carried out directly between the passenger and the seller.

Return to Cusco

After Tambomachay we will return by tourist transport.

The approximate completion time will be:

• Morning shift: Around 2:00 p.m.
• Afternoon: Around 6:00 p.m.

The service can end in the Plaza de Armas, at a central point or in the hotel, depending on the contracted modality, location and vehicle restrictions.

The time may change by:

• Time spent on every attraction.
• Weather conditions.
• Temporary closures.

Technical Details

• Approximate altitude: 3,399 m s. n.m.
• Estimated Visit Time: Between 40 and 50 minutes
• Type of land: Regular flats, patios, corridors and some bleachers
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Transport: Descent or pick-up nearby
• Recommendation: Do not touch walls or cross barriers
• Approximate walking distance: Between 2 and 3 km