Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 1
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 2
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 3
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 4
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 5
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 6
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 7
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 8
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 9
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple 10
1 / 10

Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple

(3)
Cusco, Peru
Cultural ToursBus & Minivan ToursWalking Tours
Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

A compact 3-hour guided tour blending Cusco's pre-Columbian heritage with colonial architecture and everyday Andean culture. Start with panoramic city views from San Cristóbal hilltop, explore the working San Pedro Market, visit the sun temple Qorikancha and its Spanish overlay, and finish among artisan quarters and Inca stonework—ideal for first-time visitors wanting depth without a full day commitment.

This exclusive city tour of Cusco begins at the emblematic San Cristóbal Plaza, located on a hill offering one of the most impressive panoramic views of the city. From this lookout point, you can admire the majesty of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, with its colonial rooftops, churches, and cobbled streets that tell centuries-old stories.

Next, we head to the vibrant San Pedro Market, a lively, colorful, and aromatic place. In this traditional market, we will immerse ourselves in the authentic flavors of Cusco, exploring stalls of fruits, bread, herbs, handicrafts, and other regional products that supply much of the city. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the daily life of Cusqueños and discover the richness of Andean ingredients.

We continue to the majestic Temple of Qorikancha, once the most important religious center of the empire dedicated to the sun god, Inti. Its original splendour can still be sensed in the finely carved stone walls, once covered in sheets of gold. Built on its foundations stands the Convent of Santo Domingo, an impressive example of the fusion of cultures.

The tour proceeds to the traditional district of San Blas, known as the artisans’ quarter. We stroll through its narrow streets until reaching Hatun Rumiyoc Street, home to the Inca Roca Palace, now the Archbishop’s Palace. Here, we’ll pause to admire the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, a symbol of Inca architectural perfection.

We conclude our journey at the Main Square, the heart of Cusco, with a visit to the imposing Cathedral. This sacred site houses priceless colonial artworks and is considered one of the most important churches in South America. Then, return to your hotel.

Highlights

  • San Cristóbal Plaza panoramic viewpoint over colonial rooftops and Inca-era streets
  • San Pedro Market: authentic produce, herbs, textiles, and local daily life
  • Qorikancha Temple: former Inca sun shrine with gold-leaf history beneath Spanish convent
  • Twelve-Angled Stone on Hatun Rumiyoc Street—masterwork of Inca precision masonry
  • San Blas artisan quarter: narrow cobbled streets and traditional craft workshops
  • Main Plaza conclusion with cathedral and colonial arcades

Insider tips

  • Visit San Pedro Market early morning when it's most vibrant and vendors are fully stocked; bring small bills for purchases.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes—cobblestone streets are uneven and the tour involves sustained uphill/downhill sections.
  • The Twelve-Angled Stone is a photo hot-spot but often busy; position yourself early or ask your guide for the best angle.
  • Ask your guide which market stalls sell authentic local snacks (fresh fruit, empanadas) to taste regional flavors.

Good to know

  • Duration is 3 hours total; pace includes walking through markets and historical sites with minimal standing breaks.
  • Cusco sits at 3,400m elevation—arrival day acclimatization recommended before strenuous touring.
  • Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and a light jacket; weather shifts between sunny and cool mountain air.
  • Guide language(s) not specified—confirm at booking; small group sizes typical for minivan tours.

Who it's for

First-time visitors to Cusco seeking a structured introduction to Inca and colonial historyFoodies and culture enthusiasts interested in authentic market experiences and regional ingredientsPhotography enthusiasts drawn to hilltop vistas and architectural detail photographyTravellers short on time who want highlights without committing to a full-day excursion

Best time to visit

Early morning (7–10am) is ideal to catch San Pedro Market at peak activity and avoid afternoon crowds at temples. Any season works, but May–September (dry season) offers clearer skies for panoramic photos from San Cristóbal.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€52
per person