Tour Details

Cusco Ruins & Markets

From: £48.06

Duration: 5 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Food, Drink & Markets, Cruises & Sailing, Family Friendly, Outdoors

Group size: 1 - 12

On this Cusco day tour you'll get to experience Cusco at the grassroots level. Start at the vibrant San Pedro market and buy some local snacks as you explore. Then head out of town to explore 4 major Inca sites: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

Highlights

  • Mingle with locals at San Pedro market.
  • Practice your language skills and bargain for snacks.
  • Visit Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views over Cusco.
Pick up:
Cusco Cathedral: in front of the Cathedral in Cusco’s main square
Drop off:
Centrally located hotels in Cusco.
Included:
Private transport, expert guide, snacks (bread, local cheese, olives and nuts or equivalent depending on season and availability). Tourist ticket (half one) for site entrance fees.
Not included:
Items of a personal nature, tips for guides, water or any drinks.
Clothing:
Latin Americans can be very conscious of appearance so try to be casual but conservative in your dress. Outside of beach areas halter tops and very short shorts should not be worn.
Tipping:
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour

Tour Itinerary

This Cusco Urban Adventure begins in front of the San Pedro church at 9am. The church is the gateway to the San Pedro market, which at an altitude of 3,400m is one of the highest in the world. Learn about the market’s history as you explore rows of local produce, colourful fabrics, flower vendors, shaman stalls and loud juice makers in the company of an English speaking guide. There’s opportunity to try out a few local words and purchase snacks for later in the day. Be ready for some entertaining local interaction.

Leave the unforgettable smells and flavours of the market behind to explore nearby Inca ruins.

Explore the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman. At an altitude of 3700 m and just 3 km from Cuzco, the fortress boasts walls up to 400 m long made out of boulders weighing from 128 - 200 tonnes. Every year the Inty Raymi, celebration of the sun, is celebrated on these ruins overlooking Cuzco.

The next stop is Q’enqo, a few minutes away. Q’enqo was once a major Inca ceremonial and ritual place.

Continue on to Puca Pucara or “red fortress”. This military construction was a part of the defense system of the Inca Empire. The name red fortress comes from the color of the rocks at sunrise.

The final stop on this Cusco day tour is to Tambomachay also known as the "Bath of the Inca" in Spanish. It consists of a series of aqueducts, canals and waterfalls that run through terraced rocks. Learn the many theories of the site’s purpose before returning to Cusco.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon