Art & culture, Outdoor activities & Adventure+1 more
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Highlights
Explore stunning Inca sites within the Sacred Valley at leisure.
Step back in time through the cobblestone streets, ruins and quaint shops of Ollantaytambo.
The inhabitants of Ollantaytambo still maintain traditions inherited from their Inca ancestors.
The word Ollantaytambo derives from the Quechua word 'Ulla-nta-wi' which means "place to see down"
The Ollantaytambo archaeological complex was a religious, military and agricultural center.
Accompanied by your guide, today you will venture to climb the 150 steps that separate the summit from the low part of the Ollantaytambo fortress, in which the Temple of the Sun (formed by six huge monoliths of pink granite, with a weight of more than 50 tons) and the Terrace of the Ten Niches stand out. The half day excursion ends with a short visit to the Ollantaytambo town, a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions.
This exciting five-hour tour offers a glimpse into how great the capital of the Incas was and just how much was lost when it was conquered.
Highlights
Perfect introduction for first-time visitors.
Marvel at Coricancha religious complex
Unearth the riches of the Inca Empire with this tour.
Head uphill to the mega fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Learn about Cusco history with this activity.
The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf. Then, visit the Cathedral at the Main Square.
Head uphill to the mega fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which was built from large polished rocks and protected the entrance to the city. Continue to the ritual sites of Kenko, where sacrifices are believed to have taken place, and Tambomachay, where water was worshipped as a sacred element.
Then finally visit Puka Pukara (Red fortress in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated.
You will start the tour at the Sacsayhuaman fortress, one of the emblematic Inca constructions (located a few minutes away from the built-up area), built by Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century. It is a huge fortress made of very large stones, and how they were transported and cut is still a mystery. The Inti Raymi Festival, which worships the Sun, is reenacted on June 24 of each year, during the winter solstice.
You will then go to Qenqo, located four kilometres away from Cusco city, which is a mainly religious archaeological complex where it is believed that propitiatory agricultural rituals were carried out.
You will continue to Puka Pukara, located seven kilometres away from Cusco. Puka Pukara, which means "red fortress", was an architectural complex presumably used for military purposes; it has many rooms, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls and towers, and it is believed that the Inca's entourage used it while he rested at Tambomachay.
Next, you will explore the fountains of Tambomachay, a construction that has fine stone finishings and a high command of hydraulic engineering, with aqueducts that continue supplying clear water to this place. This archaeological complex is located eight kilometres away from Cusco City. Also known as the "Inca Bath", Tambomachay was probably the leisure place for the Inca and his entourage. The construction seems to have a special interest in water, which it worshipped, and fine aqueducts fed on groundwater aquifers and neighbouring hot springs.
Important information
The BTC tourist ticket is a pass that facilitates visits to historical sites, museums and monuments, thereby promoting the conservation and sustainable development of Cusco's heritage. This ticket is ideal for travellers eager to discover the majesty of the Inca civilisation and is a must-have for a complete experience in this fascinating city.
Please note that this ticket is not included and must be paid for by the client on-site.
Highlights
Perfect introduction for first-time visitors.
Marvel at Coricancha religious complex
Unearth the riches of the Inca Empire with this tour.
Head uphill to the mega fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Learn about Cusco history with this activity.
Enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent.
Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf. Then, visit the Cathedral at the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals.
Admire Qenqo and then visit Puka Pukara ('Red fortress' in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Finally, visit Tambomachay. Afterwards, return to your hotel.
Highlights:
* Visit the bohemian and artistic San Blas neighborhood.
* Admire its narrow and cobbled streets. In addition to its colonial houses that house many of the best workshops and art shops.
* See some of its top attractions, including San Blas Church.
* The main attraction of the church of San Blas is the pulpit that is carved from cedar with a Spanish Churrigueresque style.
* Learn about Cusco history with this activity.
A tour to stretch your legs. San Blas quarter was originally used as dwellings for the Inca nobles, which built impressive stone constructions at a short distance of what used to be Huacaypata and it is the current place of the Main Square. It is still possible to see the unmistakable rigor of the Inca walls at the base of many constructions. Today the quarter is a conglomerate of charming small cobblestone streets that are very popular among craftspeople, who sell their works on the street. Among its top attractions is the San Blas Church, a temple that houses a pulpit that is a priceless work of art, a wood carving performed by a masterly indigenous woodcarver.
Want a taste of Peru, Argentina & Brazil? This colorful collision of cultures follows Incan footsteps in Machu Picchu, dives into some jungle adventures in the Amazon, teaches you the tango and tastes empanadas in Buenos Aires and gets the party started in the home of Carnival: Rio. Forget just getting a taste - this 18 day odyssey is a feast for the senses.
Want a taste of Peru, Argentina & Brazil? This colorful collision of cultures follows Incan footsteps in Machu Picchu, dives into some jungle adventures in the Amazon, teaches you the tango and tastes empanadas in Buenos Aires and gets the party started in the home of Carnival: Rio. Forget just getting a taste - this 18 day odyssey is a feast for the senses.
