INCA HERITAGE & LIVING CULTURE
Discover Cusco Through Local Eyes
Walk through the heart of Cusco and experience the city through local eyes, where Inca heritage, Andean traditions, and colonial history come together. Discover the sacred Qoricancha Temple, admire the remarkable Inca stonework of Hatunrumiyoc, wander through the colorful streets of San Blas, explore the historic Plaza de Armas, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of San Pedro Market. Along the way, uncover fascinating stories, local traditions, and the everyday life that make Cusco truly unique. More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to connect with the culture, history, and people of Cusco while discovering the city beyond the usual tourist sights.
TOUR DETAILS
- Duration: 4–4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Group Size: 1–8 people
- Starting Point: Qoricancha or your hotel in Cusco
IMPORTANT NOTE
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Qoricancha is open Monday–Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
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Tour times are planned according to Qoricancha's opening hours.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Qoricancha — Temple of the Sun
- Hatunrumiyoc & the Twelve-Angled Stone
- San Blas — artisan traditions & local life
- Plaza de Armas — the historic heart of Cusco
- San Pedro Market — everyday Cusco
- Inca history, Andean traditions & local stories
- Small groups led by a local expert
WHY EXPERIENCE CUSCO WITH US?
LOCAL EXPERTS. AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES.
100% LOCAL CUSCO TOUR OPERATOR
Our guides are from Cusco and bring local knowledge, personal stories, and a genuine connection to the culture and places you visit.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
With years of experience creating authentic Cusco and Peru experiences, our team is committed to knowledgeable guides, thoughtful service, and memorable journeys.
SMALL GROUPS. PERSONAL CONNECTION.
Travel in small groups with more time to ask questions, explore at a comfortable pace, and connect with your guide.
TRUSTED BY TRAVELERS WORLDWIDE
Our commitment to authentic experiences and personal service is reflected in the feedback of travelers who have explored Peru with us on Tripadvisor and Google.
Discover Cusco with Peru Hikers — beyond sightseeing, closer to the culture.
ITINERARY
QORICANCHA
Begin at Qoricancha, one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire, and discover the deep connection between the Incas, the sun, nature, and the cosmos. Learn how this extraordinary temple played a central role in the spiritual life of the Inca world and why it remains one of Cusco’s most fascinating symbols of Inca heritage.
HATUNRUMIYOC
Continue through the historic streets to Hatunrumiyoc, where you’ll discover the extraordinary precision of Inca masonry. Admire the famous Twelve-Angled Stone and learn how Inca builders carefully shaped and fitted massive stones without mortar, creating remarkable structures that have endured for centuries.
SAN BLAS
Walk uphill into San Blas, one of Cusco’s most charming historic neighborhoods, and explore its narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, traditional crafts, and unique atmosphere while your local guide shares stories of the community, its artistic heritage, and the traditions that continue to shape everyday life today.
PLAZA DE ARMAS
Continue to the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Cusco, and discover how Inca and Spanish histories come together in this remarkable square. Explore the different layers of the city’s past through its architecture, streets, churches, and surrounding buildings, where centuries of history continue to shape the character of Cusco today.
SAN PEDRO MARKET
Finish your journey at San Pedro Market, where everyday Cusco comes to life among colorful stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, breads, cheeses, and traditional Andean products. Explore the market with your local guide and discover the authentic flavors, aromas, and traditions of Cusco beyond the main tourist routes.
WE TAKE CARE OF THE JOURNEY
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Professional local English-speaking guide
- Qoricancha entrance ticket
- Guided walking tour through Cusco’s historic center
- Local history, stories & cultural insights
- Small-group experience
NOT INCLUDED
- Food and drinks at San Pedro Market
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your guide
FOOD & DRINKING WATER
WHAT TO BRING
- ✓ Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓ Light, comfortable clothing
- ✓ Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- ✓ Light rain jacket or poncho, especially during the rainy season
- ✓ Reusable water bottle
- ✓ Small daypack
- ✓ Camera or phone
- ✓ Some Peruvian soles for personal purchases at San Pedro Market
MEETING POINT
START WHERE IT’S MOST CONVENIENT
Choose the starting option that works best for you.
MEET US AT QORICANCHA
Begin your walking experience directly at the Temple of the Sun.
HOTEL PICKUP IN CUSCO
If you’re staying at a centrally located hotel, your guide can meet you there before the tour.
We’ll confirm your meeting point and time before your experience.
SMALL GROUPS. LOCAL EXPERTISE. AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES.
Explore Cusco with a local guide, at a comfortable pace, with the freedom to ask questions and experience the city beyond the standard tourist route.
GROUP SIZE
COME DISCOVER CUSCO WITH US
Walk through history. Connect with culture. Book your experience with us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this walking tour suitable for everyone?
The tour is easy to moderate and involves several hours of walking through Cusco’s historic streets, including some uphill sections in San Blas. A reasonable level of mobility is recommended.
How long does the tour take?
The experience lasts approximately 4–4.5 hours, depending on walking pace, visits, and time spent at each stop.
Where does the tour start?
You can meet your guide at Qoricancha or request pickup from your centrally located hotel in Cusco. Your meeting point and time will be confirmed before the tour.
Is the Qoricancha entrance ticket included?
Yes. The Qoricancha entrance ticket is included in the tour price.
What are Qoricancha's opening hours?
Qoricancha is open Monday–Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Tour times are planned according to these opening hours.
Is this a private or group tour?
The tour is designed for small groups of 1–8 people, allowing you to enjoy a more personal experience and interact with your local guide.
Can I try food and drinks at San Pedro Market?
Yes! San Pedro Market is a wonderful place to discover local Andean fruits, fresh juices, traditional ingredients, and everyday flavors of Cusco. Your guide can point out interesting local specialties along the way. We recommend trying the market’s fruits and juices, but we don’t recommend eating prepared food unless you’re accustomed to local market cuisine. Food, drinks, and personal purchases are not included, so bring some Peruvian soles if you’d like to taste or buy something.
What should I bring?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun protection, a rain jacket or poncho, a reusable water bottle, a small daypack, and your camera or phone.
Is the tour available every day?
The tour can be arranged throughout the week, subject to Qoricancha’s opening hours and availability.
Can I request a different starting time?
Absolutely! We can arrange your tour for morning or afternoon, depending on Qoricancha’s opening hours, your hotel location, and availability. We’ll work with you to find a convenient starting time for your experience.
Do I need to be acclimatized to Cusco for this tour?
You don’t need trekking-level acclimatization, but Cusco is at high altitude and the tour involves several hours of walking. If you have just arrived, take the altitude into consideration and walk at a comfortable pace.
Can I book a private experience?
Yes. If you prefer to explore Cusco exclusively with your family, friends, or travel companions, private arrangements can be requested.
