Highlights
Highlights of the tour
- Walk along Loreto Street and observe Inca walls integrated into later constructions.
- It passes through the vicinity of Qoricancha, an ancient Inca religious precinct on which the Convent of Santo Domingo was built.
- Take a stop at the viewpoint of San Cristóbal to observe the urban layout of the city.
- Contemplate Cusco from the high sectors close to Sacsayhuaman, without completing an extensive archaeological visit.
- Observe the city from Cristo Blanco, a monument installed in 1945 and converted into one of the best known panoramic points of Cusco.
- Walks: Brief and distributed during the route
Itinerary
City Tour Cusco in Mirabús
Highlight of the day: Elevated views of Cusco, stops at its main viewpoints and a short tour from the center to the upper part of the city.
Meeting in the Plaza de Armas
The tour begins at a coordinated point of the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, usually near the Church of the Society of Jesus.
You must present yourself at least fifteen minutes before departure to check in and receive the instructions from the guide.
This service does not necessarily include pick-up from the hotel. The exact point and time must be confirmed before the tour.
The Plaza de Armas is an area with pedestrian traffic, restaurants, agencies and shops. Keep your belongings close and avoid separating from the group.
Start technical data
Meeting point: Plaza de Armas or centrally confirmed location
Start type: Pedestrian
Altitude: Approximately 3,399 m m above sea level
Difficulty: Very easy
Presentation time: Fifteen minutes before
Recommendation: Keep proof of booking on your phone
Loreto Street Tour
The guide will lead the group along Loreto Street, located near the Plaza de Armas.
This street allows you to observe stone walls integrated in constructions in the center. The explanation focuses on the adaptation of the later architecture on Inca structures.
The street can have intense pedestrian traffic and stone surfaces. Walk carefully, especially when there is rain.
Exterior view of Qoricancha
We will continue to the vicinity of Qoricancha, an ancient Inca religious precinct on which the Convent of Santo Domingo was later built.
In this program the observation is mainly from the outside. The entry is not included, unless a different modality is expressly indicated in the confirmation.
From the surroundings you can recognize part of the curved wall and the superposition of structures from different eras.
The guide will provide a general explanation on:
- The old enclosure dedicated to the Sun.
- Your position within Cusco Inca.
- The transformation that occurred during the colonial period.
- The construction of the Convent of Santo Domingo.
The integration of Inca walls in today’s urban landscape.
Boarding the Mirabus
After the initial tour, the group will head towards the parking point of the panoramic bus.
Before addressing, the guide will indicate:
- Vehicle number or identification.
- Assigned seat, where applicable.
- Safety rules, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Meeting hours, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Descent places, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Procedure in case of rain.
The mirabus can have an open or partially covered upper level. The configuration depends on the assigned vehicle.
Standards inside the panoramic bus
- Remain seated while the vehicle is moving.
- Wear the belt when available.
- Don’t stand up to take pictures.
Do not extend arms, telephones, or cameras outside the vehicle.
Keep an eye out for branches, cables and structures.
- Do not change seats during the tour.
- Don’t throw objects, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Don’t consume alcohol, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Follow the instructions of the guide and driver.
Protects cameras and phones when it starts to rain.
El Sol Avenue Tour
The bus will advance along El Sol Avenue, one of the main roads in the center of Cusco.
During the journey you can see from the vehicle:
- The Pumacchupan Paqcha, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- The historical mural of Cusco.
- Public buildings, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Commercial sectors, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Access to Qoricancha, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Streets that connect with the Plaza de Armas.
The observation is mainly from the bus. Traffic can prevent stopping at each point.
Paqcha de Pumacchupan
The Pumacchupan Paqcha is a fountain located in the lower part of El Sol Avenue.
Its design incorporates elements linked to the contemporary representation of the Andean past. Observation is usually done from the vehicle or during a brief stop, when transit allows.
Not to be confused with an original archaeological site. It is a modern urban intervention related to the visual identity of the city.
Historical mural of Cusco
During the tour you can see the mural that represents different stages of regional history.
The guide will make a brief explanation while the bus is on the avenue. Visibility will depend on the traffic, the side of the seat and the conditions of the route.
To photograph it, keep your phone inside the vehicle and avoid getting up.
Ascent to San Cristobal
The mirabus will begin to climb to the neighborhoods above the center.
The streets can be narrow, curved and with slopes. During this section you can see how the constructions are distributed on the slopes of Cusco.
The wind usually increases as altitude is gained. Wear a jacket even when the center is sunny.
Viewpoint of San Cristobal
We will make a short stop in the sector of San Cristóbal, from where you get a wide view of the center of Cusco.
The traditional neighborhood and its temple are part of the city’s urban landscape and are officially promoted among the sectors that can be toured within the historic center and its surroundings.
From the viewpoint you can distinguish, when visibility allows it:
- The Plaza de Armas.
- Towers of temples, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Roofs from the center.
- Slopes neighborhoods, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Mountains surrounding the city.
- Part of the modern urban layout.
The stop will be short and the group must respect the time indicated to return to the bus.
Tour to Sacsayhuaman
We will continue to the high sectors near the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park.
This tour does not necessarily include full entrance to the park. The route prioritizes panoramic views and outdoor stops.
The guide will generally explain the location of Sacsayhuaman and its relationship with the city.
When the itinerary, transit and local rules allow it, a stop will be made at a photo-enabled point.
Viewpoint close to Sacsayhuaman
From this sector you can see part of the mountains and the urban growth of Cusco.
The stop does not equate to a complete guided tour of the archaeological park. Passengers wishing to enter and tour Sacsayhuaman must book an archaeological City Tour or a specific private service.
Transfer to Huayllarcocha
The tour will continue to the Huayllarcocha sector.
During the transfer you will see peri-urban areas, fields, restaurants and spaces dedicated to tourist activities.
The vehicle can drive through areas with curves and uneven surfaces. Remain seated all the way.
Stop in Huayllarcocha
In Huayllarcocha there will be a short activity related to the coca leaf.
The guide or host will explain some traditional uses of this plant within Andean contexts.
The activity may include a symbolic demonstration or interpretation of sheets. It should be understood as a tourist presentation and not as a guaranteed prediction or a mandatory religious ceremony.
Participation is voluntary.
Traditional use of coca leaf
Uses associated with:
- Andean offerings, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Community activities, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Work in high areas.
- Social exchange, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Practices of thanks, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Symbolic readings, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The activity must be carried out with respect. It is not necessary to participate when the traveler is not comfortable.
Peceros Agency Travel does not guarantee results associated with symbolic interpretations or be held responsible for services contracted directly with third parties during this stop.
Puka Pukara
We will continue to Puka Pukara, an archaeological site located next to an old access road to Cusco.
On the City Tour in Mirabús, the stop is usually exterior and is oriented to take photographs and receive a brief explanation.
Entrance to the archaeological park is not included within the published price.
The guide will explain the interpretations related to:
- Traffic control, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Road monitoring, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Rest spaces, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- territorial organization, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Relationship with Tambomachay, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
It should not be claimed as certainty that it was only a military strength, as its functions continue to be interpreted.
Return to Cusco
After Puka Pukara we will begin the return to the city.
The route can change depending on traffic, vehicle restrictions and daytime scheduling.
During the descent you will observe Cusco again from different angles.
Viewpoint of Christ White
We will make a stop in the sector of Cristo Blanco, one of the best known points to observe the center of Cusco from the top.
The statue was built in 1945 and is located next to an elevated area from which you get a wide view of the city.
From this point they can be recognized:
- Plaza de Armas, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Cathedral, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Church of the Society of Jesus.
- San Blas neighborhood, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Peripheral neighborhoods, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Mountains around Cusco, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The light changes according to the schedule. During the afternoon, some areas may remain in shade, while at noon the radiation can be intense.
Photographs from the viewpoints
To get better photos:
- Keep the phone insured.
- Don’t come over to the edges.
- Avoid blocking the step.
- Protects the lens from rain.
- Do not use large tripods without coordination.
- Don’t fly drones without authorization.
- Keep the children accompanied.
- Return to the bus at the indicated time.
San Francisco Convent
According to the schedule, the tour can continue to the Convent of San Francisco de Cusco.
The original program includes a visit to interior sectors, paintings and spaces popularly known as catacombs.
This entry depends on:
- Opening hours, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Religious activities, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Availability of the venue.
- Time accumulated during the tour.
- Payment of the corresponding ticket.
The entrance fee is not included in the tour price.
Before entering, the guide will indicate the cost and time available. The passenger can decide whether to make the visit.
Considerations of the visit to San Francisco
- Keep quiet in religious areas.
- Don’t touch paintings or structures.
- Respect the photographic restrictions.
- Do not use flash when prohibited.
- Don’t separate yourself from the group.
- Walk carefully on stairs and passages.
- Access to certain sectors may change.
People with claustrophobia or limited mobility should consult before entering.
It is not guaranteed that all the mentioned spaces are open during each exit.
completion of the tour
After completing the route, the service will end in the center of Cusco or at the point indicated by the guide.
Direct return to the hotel is generally not included in the group service.
The expected duration is approximately four hours, but may vary by:
- Traffic conditions may change transfer times and the order of some stops.
- Weather conditions may affect visibility, walking conditions and the duration of the route.
- Time at the stops.
- Religious activities, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Closures, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Manifestations, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Delays of the group.
- Traffic restrictions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Technical Details
- Type of tour: Short walk
- Land: Stone and sidewalk
- Difficulty: Very easy, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Estimated time: Between 10 and 20 minutes
- Transportation: Mirabus, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Altitude: Superior to the center of Cusco
- Climate: Fresh and windy
Notes on our service
Meeting point
The usual point is in the center of Cusco, near the Plaza de Armas. The exact location will be sent before the tour. You must arrive at least fifteen minutes before.
Pick-up and Return
The group service does not guarantee pick-up from the accommodation. The collection can be contracted through a private service or additional transfer, subject to: Location. Vehicle access.
Pick-up and Return
The tour ends at a central point. Return to the hotel is not included in the group price. In private service, the transfer to the accommodation can be coordinated when there is vehicle access.
Luggage
Don’t carry large suitcases. Use only a small backpack. Do not leave the bus unsupervised: Passport.
Payments and Changes
To confirm the reservation you can request full payment due to the low value and the usual proximity of the departures. Optional entry is paid directly when not included in the confirmation.
Availability
Availability is subject to the confirmation of all limited services involved in the tour. The following booking guidelines help travelers choose a realistic reservation timeframe and understand the factors that may affect final confirmation.
The City Tour Cusco in Mirabús 4 Hours operates according to programming and demand.
We recommend booking:
Group service: At least 24 hours before.
Weekends: With more anticipation.
High season: As soon as the date is known.
Large groups: Several days in advance.
Private service: Between 48 and 72 hours before.
Reservations with less than 24 hours should be consulted directly with Peceros Agency Travel.
Confirmation depends on:
- Availability of seats, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Minimum number of passengers.
- Availability of the bus.
- Availability of the guide.
- Weather conditions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Vehicle restrictions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Lack of blockages, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Schedules of the enclosures.
This tour does not include Machu Picchu or Inca Trail, so it does not require booking six months in advance.
Information about the panoramic bus
General characteristics
Vehicle designed for urban tours.
High level or panoramic platform according to the unit.
- Shared seats, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Assigned driver, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Tour guide, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Established route, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Limited space for luggage.
- Stops at authorized points.
Conditions that may affect the route
- Traffic conditions may change transfer times and the order of some stops.
- Streets closed, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Works, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Festivals, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Parades, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Manifestations, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Rain, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hail, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Wind, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Parking restrictions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Safety at the upper level
- Stay seated, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Don’t lean outward, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Don’t take equipment off the perimeter.
- Keep the kids with an adult.
- Protect hats and loose objects.
- Pay attention to the guide’s warnings.
Use the ladder only when the vehicle is stopped.
Hold the handrail.
Do not go up under alcohol.
Accessibility
Accessibility depends on the bus model.
The upper level normally requires climbing stairs, so it may not be suitable for:
- People with reduced mobility.
- Travelers who use wheelchairs.
- People with severe knee problems.
- Passengers with balance difficulties.
Some people may remain at the lower level when the unit has this space.
Stops include sidewalks, stone and unevenness.
Check before paying when you need a specific adaptation.
Health and altitude
Although the tour does not include a demanding walk, it reaches sectors located above the center of Cusco.
Some passengers may feel:
- Headache, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Dizziness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fatigue, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Accelerated breathing, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- nausea, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Feeling cold, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
We recommend:
- Drink water, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Eat light, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Avoid alcohol, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hold, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Report any discomfort, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Do not run during the stops.
The panoramic bus does not replace a proper acclimatization process.
Travel restrictions
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt traffic in Cusco.
The streets can be closed and the route can change.
Peceros Agency Travel will attempt to maintain the service through alternative tours when it is safe.
The tour may be modified, rescheduled or cancelled when the vehicle cannot be driven.
Weather conditions
The panoramic level may be exposed to:
- Rain, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hail, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Wind, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Intense sun, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Cold, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Rapid changes in temperature.
In the face of heavy rain, the company will be able to:
- Modifying the route, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Reduce a stop, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Change the distribution of passengers.
- Use another unit, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- suspend the upper level.
Reschedule or cancel the service when there is a risk.
Street closures
Cusco performs religious activities, parades, celebrations and public works that can temporarily close some roads.
When this happens:
- The route will be changed.
- Some stops can be omitted.
- The starting point can be moved.
- The duration may increase.
The return may be performed at another central point.
Optional Tickets
Tickets are not included.
The passenger should consider that:
- Rates may change, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- The venues can close.
- The time available may be limited.
- Some payments require cash.
- Buying a ticket is personal.
- Entry can be omitted to maintain the schedule.
Lost objects
Each passenger is responsible for their belongings.
Before getting off the bus, check out:
- Carry the original passport used for the reservation, as it may be required for identity and ticket verification.
- Keep a charged phone available for operational messages, tickets and emergency contact.
- Bring a camera or phone protected from rain, dust and accidental impacts.
- Use a small, comfortable backpack for documents, water, clothing layers and personal essentials.
- Carry a reasonable amount of cash in Peruvian soles for small purchases and services that do not accept cards.
- Carry any prescribed personal medication in an accessible part of your daypack.
- Lenses, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Bring a warm or wind-resistant jacket because temperatures can change quickly.
- Hat, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Check that you have collected any purchases before leaving the hotel, train or vehicle.
Peceros Agency Travel will help you to check for a lost item, but does not guarantee your recovery.
Passenger conduct
The company may withdraw from service a person who:
- Stand up while the vehicle is moving.
- Take body parts off the bus.
- Put other passengers at risk.
- Attack the guide or driver.
- Damage the vehicle, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Ignore the safety instructions.
- It is under severe alcohol or drug effects.
- Disrespect during a community or religious activity.
In these cases, it will not be a return for the services not used.
Book your City Tour Cusco in Mirabús
The mirabus allows you to observe how Cusco extends from its central streets to the neighborhoods and viewpoints of the upper part. It is a practical option to get a first orientation, take photographs and know several sectors without doing extended walks.
Book with Peceros Agency Travel and tour Cusco by panoramic bus with tour guide and stops at selected points of the city.
Inclusions
- Bus transportation for the segment specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Qualified driver assigned to the tourist transportation used on the route.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Initial pedestrian tour. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- General explanation of observed points. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Operational assistance before and during the tour for the services included in the booking.
- Return transfer to the hotel or agreed point when vehicle access and the contracted service allow it.
- Taxes applicable to the service. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Accommodation before or after the tour unless it is expressly listed in the package.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Entrance fees not expressly listed as included; these must be paid separately when required.
- Entry to Sacsayhuaman.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Entry to Puka Pukara.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and other expenses chosen by the traveler.
- Activities contracted with third parties.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Professional medical care or evacuation expenses required during the trip.
- Personal medicines and treatments prescribed for the traveler.
- Permissions for drones.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Professional filming.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Services not expressly mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
Upgrades
Additional Services
- Entry to the San Francisco Convent; Reference Price: Direct payment according to current rate
- Entry to Qoricancha; Reference Price: Direct payment according to current rate
- Tourist Ticket for Archaeological Sites; Reference Price: According to current category
- Private service; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Guide in another language; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Private pick up from the hotel; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Private return to hotel; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Children’s chair; Reference Price: From USD 10.00
- Box basic lunch; Reference Price: From USD 12.00 per person
- Photo shoot; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Extension to Sacsayhuaman; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Extension to Tambomachay; Reference Price: Previous quote
- Additional pedestrian tour; Reference Price: Previous quote
Prices are benchmarks and must be confirmed before booking.
Discounts
- Students 18 to 25 years old: Consult applicable rate. Current university card may be requested with name, photograph, university and expiration date.
- Children under 18 years: Check available rate. A copy of the passport or identity card must be sent.
- Children under 11 years old: Consult child rate. Children must take a seat and stay accompanied.
- Large groups: Request a special quote.
- Peruvian passengers: Check available conditions by presenting ID.
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PeruRail Trains Comparison
| Feature | Expedition | Vistadome | Observatory | Hiram Bingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Standard Panoramic | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Large Classic Windows |
| Seating Layout | Seats facing each other with table | Leather seats, facing each other | Leather seats, spacious | Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables |
| Food & Drinks | Available for purchase | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar |
| Entertainment | Ambient Andean Music | Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) | Live Music & Cultural Show | Live Band in Bar Car |
| Special Features | - | - | Access to open-air balcony car | Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide |
| Estimated Price (One-way) | Desde $65 USD | Desde $85 USD | Desde $110 USD | Desde $490 USD |
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