Description:

This gorgeous city lies at the head of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the heart of the Andes. In Inca times Cusco was a Holy City, a place of pilgrimage, a sacred place the Incas themselves believed was “The Navel of World”, thus its real name “Qosqo”. Nowadays Cusco is a fascinating mix of Inca and Colonial Spanish architecture; colonial churches, monasteries, convents and Inca remains are found at every corner, many streets are lined with perfect Inca stonework’s, which served as foundation for most Spanish constructions that took place in the XVI and XVII centuries.
Our city tour involve the visit of the City’s Highlights, located in and around Cusco. We start off by visiting the huge “Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman”. This enormous structure overlooks the city of Cusco. Its constructions are amazing, with huge rocks perfectly fitted. It is said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of the temple of Sacsayhuaman is still today unknown. The archaeologist attributed its construction to the Period of the Inca Pachacutec (in the Inca language Pachacutec means either Cataclysm or He who transforms the world), the man essentially credited with founding the Inca Empire. Later on we will visit another important Inca site known as “Qenqo”. This is a place with subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern. In its inner part there is a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead. Afterwards we will do a short visit to the archaeological Inca site of “Tambomachay”, a temple dedicated to the God of Water. After these visits, we will return to Cusco, where we will visit one of the most sacred Inca buildings, “The Temple of Koricancha”. Koricancha was the most important temple of the Inca Empire. According to archaeologists it housed over 1000 priests and attendants. Within its walls religious ceremonies were constant and offerings to the Gods and the Inca’s mummies were made each day. Finally we will visit the beautiful “Cathedral” of Cusco. This enormous Cathedral was built in the XVI. It contained nearly 400 colonial paintings, including many from the Cusco School, which was prominent in the 17th century. Among them a painting of the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata, showing Christ and the apostles eating guinea pig (Guinea-pig was the one of the main courses at sacred feasts in Inca times). After our city tour our local guide will drop you off at your hotel.

End of the tour.

Included:

• Pick from your hotel in Cusco.
• Tourist transportation.
• English speaking guide.
• All entrance fees.

Tour duration: 3 hours approx.

Daily departures: 13:30 h.

Price: Available upon request. Send us an e-mail to info@mysteryperu.com and we will reply as soon as possible or within 24 hours at the most.

Recommendations:

• On this tour you must bring a jacket or fleece, as the weather in Trujillo used to be a bit cold, especially during winter time (June to August).
• Bring also a rain poncho in case of rain.

Additional information:

• All your personal information is required at the moment of your booking.
• Confirmation of the excursion will be received at time of booking.
• All tours are operated in English unless otherwise stated.

Travel voucher:

• You will receive an electronic voucher via e-mail once your booking is confirmed.
• For every confirmed booking you will be required to print your electronic voucher for presentation at the moment we start the excursion. The electronic voucher acts as a confirmation for all the services you have requested.

Local Operator Information:

• We will send you complete operator information, including phone numbers at your destination.
• Our Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Accommodation in Cusco:

• In order to meet you easily in the city of Cusco, we might book also a hotel or hostel for you depending on your budget and preferences. We have especial deals with hotels and hostels in Cusco. Do not hesitate to contact us.