The Cusco City Tour is one of the best ways to get to know the history and legacy of the former capital of the Inca Empire. On this route you visit impressive temples and archaeological sites both in the historic centre and in the hills above the city.
This guide is for those who want to do the route on their own. If you would rather know what an organised City Tour includes, how long it takes and what it costs, we explain it in Cusco City Tour: what it includes, times and price.
If you are organising your trip and want to know how to get from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas to the main City Tour sites, this Andean Magic Travel guide covers the different options, approximate distances and recommendations for organising your route.
From the Plaza de Armas of Cusco you can start by visiting Qoricancha and then continue to the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and finally Tambomachay.
Which places are visited on the Cusco City Tour?
The traditional Cusco City Tour combines historical and archaeological attractions that show different stages of the city’s history.
The main places you can visit are:
- Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun
- Sacsayhuaman
- Qenqo
- Puca Pucara
- Tambomachay
One advantage of this route is that several of these places are relatively close to each other, so they can be visited following an organised order.
Plaza de Armas → Qoricancha
Qoricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun, is one of the most important places for understanding the Inca worldview and architecture.
It is inside the city, which makes it one of the easiest points to visit from the Plaza de Armas.
How do I get to Qoricancha from the Plaza de Armas?
The simplest option is to walk from the Plaza de Armas.
The walk crosses some of the streets of Cusco’s historic centre until you reach Avenida El Sol, where the complex stands.
Approximate distance: about 1 km.
Walking time: roughly 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your exact starting point and pace.
You can also take a taxi if you would rather not walk, although given how close it is this is usually unnecessary.
Is Qoricancha worth visiting?
Yes. Qoricancha stands out for its combination of Inca architecture and colonial-era elements. It is an especially interesting stop for anyone who wants to see how the city of Cusco was transformed over the centuries. Note that its entrance is not part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket and is paid separately.
Plaza de Armas → Sacsayhuaman
After visiting Qoricancha you can head to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in Cusco.
Its enormous stone blocks and its position on the hills surrounding the city make it one of the essential stops of the City Tour. All the details are in the complete Sacsayhuaman guide.
How do I get to Sacsayhuaman from the Plaza de Armas?
There are several ways:
On foot:
From the Plaza de Armas you can climb the streets and paths that lead up to the archaeological zone. Bear in mind that the route is uphill, so it can be demanding, especially because of Cusco’s altitude.
By taxi:
One of the most comfortable options. The ride takes you straight to the area near the entrance of the complex.
With an organised City Tour:
Usually the most practical option for anyone who wants to visit several archaeological sites in a single outing, since transport between the attractions is arranged for you.
How long does it take to reach Sacsayhuaman?
By vehicle, the trip from the Plaza de Armas usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact entrance point.
Plaza de Armas → Qenqo
Qenqo is another of the archaeological sites on the traditional City Tour route.
Its name comes from Quechua and refers to the winding shape of some of the elements carved into the rock.
How do I get to Qenqo from the Plaza de Armas?
Qenqo is in the same upper area of Cusco as the other archaeological attractions.
From the Plaza de Armas you can get there:
- By taxi.
- By tourist transport.
- As part of an organised City Tour.
Approximate time by vehicle: 20 to 25 minutes.
One advantage of visiting Qenqo on an organised route is that you can continue easily to the next archaeological sites without having to find transport again.
Plaza de Armas → Puca Pucara
Puca Pucara is an archaeological structure on the outskirts of Cusco, known for its stone buildings and its role in controlling and watching over the roads.
Its name is usually translated as “red fortress”, a reference to the colour its stones take on at certain times of the day.
How do I get to Puca Pucara from the Plaza de Armas?
From the Plaza de Armas, the most comfortable option is a taxi or tourist transport.
The drive takes about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Puca Pucara is also usually visited as part of the traditional City Tour route, after Qenqo.
What makes Puca Pucara special?
Its position shows how the Incas made strategic use of the landscape and of the roads connecting different parts of their territory.
In addition, its closeness to Tambomachay means both places can be visited on the same stretch of the route.
Plaza de Armas → Tambomachay
The last point on this route is Tambomachay, an archaeological complex associated with water and considered one of the most interesting places on the Cusco City Tour.
How do I get to Tambomachay from the Plaza de Armas?
Tambomachay is further from the historic centre than Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman.
To get there from the Plaza de Armas you can use:
- Taxi.
- Tourist transport.
- An organised City Tour.
Approximate time by vehicle: 30 to 40 minutes.
The route is usually done after visiting Puca Pucara, since both sites are very close to each other.
What is the best route for the Cusco City Tour?
If you want to visit all these places in an orderly way, a practical route would be:
Plaza de Armas → Qoricancha → Sacsayhuaman → Qenqo → Puca Pucara → Tambomachay
This route starts in the historic centre and then moves up to the archaeological complexes in the hills above Cusco.
Can I do the Cusco City Tour on my own?
Yes, you can organise the route yourself using taxis and other transport. The alternative is the Cusco Private City Tour, which covers the five sites with transport and guide included.
Keep in mind, though, that you will have to organise:
- Transport.
- Timings.
- Entrance tickets.
- Time at each site.
- The order of the attractions.
That is why many travellers find it more comfortable to book an organised Cusco City Tour, especially on their first visit to the city.
How much time do you need for the Cusco City Tour?
To visit the main attractions of the traditional route you should normally set aside half a day. Our half-day tour with an official guide covers the full circuit in about five hours.
The total time may vary depending on:
- How long you stay at each attraction.
- Traffic.
- The means of transport.
- Weather conditions.
- Whether you go with a group or privately.
If you want to make the most of your time in Cusco, you can also combine the City Tour with other attractions in the historic centre.
Cusco City Tour on your own or with an agency?
Both options are possible, but there are important differences.
| On your own | With a travel agency |
| You arrange the transport | Transport arranged |
| You keep track of the timings | Planned itinerary |
| You may struggle with the routes | Route organised in advance |
| You manage the tickets | Assistance throughout the route |
| More freedom | More comfort |
If it is your first time in Cusco and you want to make the most of your time, doing the route with a specialised agency can make the experience much simpler. You can book the Cusco City Tour with a licensed agency and forget about transport, timings and tickets.
Tips for the Cusco City Tour
1. Acclimatise before the route
Cusco is at a considerable altitude, so it is advisable to allow an adjustment period before demanding activities. Read how to acclimatise in Cusco before planning your first day.
2. Wear comfortable clothes
The route includes walks and uneven ground. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
3. Bring sun protection
Solar radiation can be intense in Cusco. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
4. Bring water
Staying hydrated is important, especially during the walks and visits to the archaeological sites.
5. Check which tickets you need
Some archaeological attractions are part of tourist ticket circuits. Before setting out, check which ticket you need for the places you want to visit: we explain it in the Cusco Tourist Ticket guide.
Would you rather not organise anything?
We cover Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay in half a day, with hotel pick-up, private transport and an official bilingual guide. Only for your group.
Frequently asked questions about the Cusco City Tour
The traditional route usually includes Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. The itinerary may vary depending on the agency and the type of tour.
Most tours start in the historic centre of Cusco, especially from the area around the Plaza de Armas or with pick-up at your hotel.
You can walk, take a taxi or use tourist transport. Because of the slope and the altitude, a vehicle is the more comfortable option.
Qoricancha is inside the historic centre and you can walk there from the Plaza de Armas in about 10 to 15 minutes.
The most practical way is a taxi or tourist transport. You can also visit it as part of an organised City Tour.
Both sites are on the same stretch of the archaeological route. The practical way is by vehicle, taxi or as part of a City Tour.
The traditional City Tour takes about half a day, although the duration depends on the itinerary, the transport and the time spent at each site.
