The tour begins with hotel pickup, depending on its proximity to the historic center of Cusco. The first stop will be the famous Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), where you can appreciate the blend of Inca constructions (with its perfectly polished stone walls) and the church built upon Inca walls.

After visiting Coricancha, we will head out of the city towards Sacsayhuamán, where you can marvel at enormous stone blocks weighing up to 40 tons, perfectly placed on top of each other. Our guide will share the significance of this site from before the arrival of the Spaniards and during the colonial period, as it witnessed one of the greatest battles between the Incas and the Spanish. Next, we’ll proceed to the Qenqo sector (labyrinth), named for its paths that give the impression of being inside a maze. Here, the most important feature will be an ancient ceremonial table, likely the final resting place of Inca Pachacútec.

Continuing on our tourist bus, we’ll arrive at Puca Pucara (red fortress), an important control center for those entering the city of Cusco during the Inca period. Given the city’s sacred status, all travelers had to purify body and soul first, which they could do at Tambomachay, our final stop. Here, you can still appreciate the Inca’s skill and knowledge of hydraulic engineering.

Finally, after experiencing the impressive and enigmatic Inca constructions, we’ll return to the city of Cusco, where transportation will drop us off near the Plaza de Armas.

Temple and Convent of Santo Domingo / Coricancha

According to chroniclers, Coricancha was one of the most striking buildings of the Inca Cusco: it featured walls covered entirely with gold sheets because it was the main temple of the Sun God.

Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Complex

The complex comprises 33 archaeological sites. The most well-known is Sacsayhuamán, presumed to have been built for religious purposes, but due to its location and style, it was considered a military building by the Spanish and chroniclers.

Qenqo Archaeological Complex

Qenqo or Labyrinth is considered a sacred place. Ceremonies in honor of the Sun, Moon, and stars were presumed to be performed here. On the exterior, there is a semicircular amphitheater with trapezoidal niches and a monolith that simulates a puma, measuring six meters in height.

Puca Pucara Archaeological Complex

The complex features numerous enclosures, interior squares, aqueducts, watchtowers, and roads. It would have served as a tambo or resting and lodging site. Whenever the Inca was preparing to visit Tambomachay, it is said that he was accompanied by a large entourage that stayed in Puca Pucara. Its appearance earned it the name “red fortress.”

Tambomachay Archaeological Complex

Tambomachay would have had an important religious function linked to water and the regeneration of the earth. The site covers an approximate area of half a hectare, and the material used for its construction was limestone with polygonal masonry.