City tour + Pisac

About

Itinerary:

The City Tour + Pisac is an enriching journey through the cultural and historical treasures of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This experience combines the architectural grandeur of the Inca civilization with the artistic and religious legacy of the colonial era. Visitors will explore the Cathedral of Cusco, renowned for its remarkable collection of colonial artwork, including the famous depiction of the Last Supper featuring guinea pig as the main dish. The tour also includes Qorikancha, the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, once adorned with gold and precious offerings dedicated to the Sun God.

The adventure continues with visits to four impressive archaeological sites surrounding Cusco. Discover the monumental stone walls of Sacsayhuaman, the ceremonial center of Q’enqo, the strategic military outpost of Pukapukara, and the sacred water temples of Tambomachay. The tour then heads into the Sacred Valley to visit Pisac, a spectacular Inca citadel perched on a mountain ridge, showcasing the extraordinary engineering and adaptability of the Andean people.

The Cathedral of Cusco

Located in the heart of Cusco’s Main Square, the Cathedral of Cusco is one of the city’s most important colonial landmarks. Built over nearly a century between 1560 and 1654, it reflects a harmonious blend of Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque architectural styles.

Inside, visitors can admire magnificent wooden altars covered in gold leaf and an outstanding collection of paintings produced by artists of the renowned Cusco School. Among its most celebrated masterpieces is the unique interpretation of the Last Supper, where roasted guinea pig is featured as the central dish, symbolizing a traditional element of local cuisine.

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the principal religious sanctuary of the Inca Empire. Its name derives from the Quechua words “Qori” (gold) and “Kancha” (enclosure), reflecting its historical reputation as a temple covered in gold.

According to early Spanish chronicles, the temple's walls shimmered with golden plates, while its sacred chambers housed finely crafted figures made from gold, silver, and other valuable metals. Today, the remains of this extraordinary Inca structure coexist with the colonial Convent of Santo Domingo, built by the Dominican Order atop the original foundations.

Sacsayhuaman

Overlooking Cusco from an altitude of 3,632 meters, Sacsayhuaman is one of the most impressive examples of Inca engineering. Its enormous stone walls, constructed from blocks weighing up to 120 tons, continue to intrigue historians and visitors due to the precision with which they were assembled.

Dedicated to Illapa, the Inca deity of thunder and lightning, the site also serves as one of the best viewpoints in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding landscape.

Q’enqo

Q’enqo is a fascinating ceremonial complex built around a naturally formed limestone outcrop. Ancient Inca architects transformed the site into a sacred center used for important religious rituals.

Its underground chamber is believed to have been used for ceremonial practices related to ancestor worship and mummification. The naturally cool conditions within the cavern made it an ideal setting for preserving bodies during these sacred ceremonies.

Pukapukara

Known as the “Red Fortress,” Pukapukara is an archaeological complex consisting of terraces, walls, stairways, and observation points. Due to its strategic location, it is believed to have functioned as a military checkpoint and surveillance center controlling access routes to Cusco.

The site’s name originates from the Quechua word “Puka,” meaning red, combined with “Pukara,” meaning fortress or lookout point. At sunset, the stones often take on a reddish hue, which may have inspired its name.

Tambomachay

Tambomachay is a remarkable Inca ceremonial site dedicated to water and purification rituals. The complex features finely carved stone channels and fountains through which crystal-clear water continues to flow today.

This sacred place is associated with ceremonies linked to water, fertility, and agricultural prosperity. Its sophisticated hydraulic design highlights the advanced engineering knowledge of the Inca civilization.

Pisac

Perched high above the Sacred Valley, Pisac is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region and was once an important administrative, agricultural, and commercial center of the Inca Empire.

Its strategic location connected the Andean highlands with the Amazon region, facilitating trade and communication throughout the empire. The site is renowned for its extensive agricultural terraces, ceremonial structures, and stone-built residences seamlessly integrated into the mountainside. Pisac stands as a remarkable example of how the Incas adapted to challenging landscapes while creating thriving and sustainable communities.

Recommended

To gain a deeper understanding of the history, architecture, and cultural significance of each destination, we highly recommend exploring this tour with a professional guide.

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