Private city Tours with local private guides, This fabuolous half day city tour takes you around all the most important sites of Cusco town. Cusco is a city in southeastern near the Urubamba valley of the Andes mountain range.
Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Many believe that the city was planned to be shaped like a Puma. The city had two sectors: the urin and hanan, which were further divided to each encompass two of the four provinces, Chinchaysuyo (NW), Antisuyo (NE), Contisuyo (SW), and Collasuyo (SE). A road led from each of these quarters to the corresponding quarter of the empire. Each local leaderwas required to build a house in the city and live part of the year in Cusco, but only in the quarter of Cusco that corresponded to the quarter of the empire he had a territory in. According to Inca legend, the city was built by sapac Inca Pachacuti, the man who transformed the Kingdom of Cusco from a sleepy city-state into the vast empire of Tahuantinsuyu. But archaeological evidence points to a slower, more organic growth of the city beginning before Pachacuti. There was however a city plan, and two rivers were channeled around the city.
The first Spaniards arrived in the city on November 15th, 1533. Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, officially discovered Cusco on March 23, 1534, naming it the "Very noble and great city of Cusco". The many buildings constructed after the Spanish conquest are of Spanish influence with a mix of Inca architecture, including the Santa Clara and San Blas barrios. The Spanish undertook the construction of a new city on the foundations of the old Inca city, replacing temples with churches and palaces with mansions for the conquerors. During the colony, the city of Cusco was very prosperous thanks to the agriculture, cattle raising, mining as well as the trade with Spain. This allowed the construction of many churches and convents, and even a Cathedral, university and an Archbishopric. Often, Spanish buildings were juxtaposed atop the massive stone walls built by the Inca.
SCHEDULES
Explore Cusco with a Knowledgeable Local Guide and See What Others Miss! Enjoy the adventure of a Cusco, Peru tour with a friendly personal guide from Explore Adventures Guide. Your private tour guide knows the Central Highlands of Peru as only a local can, and is eager to give you an unforgettable tour, based on your travel interests.
SCHEDULES
9am or 1.30pm; every day.
DURATION
This tour takes around 4 hours including the historical center and the surrounding ruins of Cuzco.
Koricancha: We first visit the exquisite architectural feats of the ancient "Koricancha" Temple.
Q'enqo (Labyrinth): A religious center dedicated to the adoration of the Earth. (30 minutes)
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.
