Cusco City Tour: The Imperial City Unveiled
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
Your Group Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours.
- Start Times: Flexible. Morning (9:00/10:00 AM) or Afternoon (1:00 PM).
- Strategic Focus: The perfect Day 1 activity. It’s designed to help you gently acclimatize to Cusco's altitude (11,150 ft / 3,400m) with minimal physical effort.
- Key Notes: Entrance fees are not included but can be easily added. The Qoricancha (Sun Temple) visit is optional.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
Discover the heart of the ancient Inca capital on your own terms. This private tour is meticulously crafted for travelers who value depth, comfort, and authenticity over the rushed experience of a large group tour.
We’ll guide you through Cusco’s most iconic sites—from the stunning Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas to the monumental ceremonial centers surrounding the city. With your dedicated expert guide and private driver, you won't just see the history; you'll connect with it. We move at your pace, allowing time for questions and reflection. Plus, we include an exclusive stop in the tranquil Qenqo forest—a peaceful spot often overlooked by others. This is the ideal, personalized introduction to the magic of Peru.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
Itinerary
The Journey Begins: Private Hotel Pickup
Your personal guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. We start in the historic center, where your guide will provide an introduction to the city's fascinating Inca and colonial past.
Heart of the City: The Cusco Cathedral
Located on the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral is one of Peru's most significant religious sites. Inside, you’ll discover incredible art, gold altarpieces, and symbols that uniquely blend Andean faith with Spanish tradition—details your private guide will bring to life.
Ascending to the Ruins: Into the Hills
We’ll drive up into the hills surrounding the city. Your private transport ensures a comfortable ride.
The Inca Masterpiece: Sacsayhuamán
Prepare to be impressed by the gigantic stone walls, assembled with astonishing precision. Here, your guide will delve into its ceremonial importance and the mysteries surrounding its construction, taking the time needed to appreciate the engineering.
An Exclusive Stop: The Qenqo Forest
We include a special stop in this tranquil natural space. It’s far from the typical tourist path and ideal for a photo break and connecting with the Andean environment.
Ancient Rituals: Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay
- Qenqo: A fascinating sanctuary carved from rock, featuring underground passages.
- Puka Pukara: An ancient surveillance fortress offering excellent views of the valley.
- Tambomachay: The temple of water, with channels and fountains that still flow today.
Flexible Return: Your Journey's End
At the conclusion of our exploration, we'll drive you back to your accommodation. If you prefer, we can drop you off at a recommended restaurant—the choice is yours.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private and personalized service.
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
- Private tourist transportation.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Cusco historic center).
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Meals.
- Entrance tickets (Boleto Turístico, Cathedral, and Qoricancha). These can be added during your booking process.
- Tips/Gratuities.
What to bring
Recommendations
- Acclimatization: This tour is an excellent option for your first day, helping you acclimatize without significant physical effort.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable layers, walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and bring cash (Soles) if purchasing tickets on-site.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Group Tour (Shared Service)
Frequently asked questions
Logistics & Tickets
Q: Do I need to buy the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) in advance?
A: No, you don't have to worry about it. You can easily purchase it at the first archaeological site we visit, or we can include it in your booking package for convenience.
Health & Altitude
Q: This is my first day in Cusco. Is it safe to do this tour at this altitude?
A: Absolutely! It's physically easy, with short and slow-paced walks. It's the perfect way to gently acclimatize.
Q: What if I feel unwell (altitude sickness) during the tour?
A: Your safety is our priority. Our guides are trained in first aid, and we always carry an oxygen tank in the vehicle. We can adjust the pace as needed.
The Private Service Difference
Q: When you say "private tour," is it guaranteed to be just my group?
A: 100% guaranteed. The guide, the driver, and the vehicle are exclusively for you and your party.
Q: How flexible is the itinerary? Can we stay longer at a site we love?
A: That’s the beauty of a private tour—you set the pace. If you want to linger longer for the perfect photo, we absolutely can.
Payments & Tipping
Q: Are we expected to tip the guide and driver?
A: Tipping is voluntary and always appreciated if you feel the service exceeded your expectations.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Cusco City Tour: The Imperial City Unveiled
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
