Combined City Tour Cusco USD 15
Historically, Cusco, or Qosqo, in Quechua, was the capital city fo the Incan Empire, called ‘Tawantinsuyo’, between the 15th and 16th centuries, and it is situated in an inter-Andean valley, in southeastern Peru, at about 3,460 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), or 11,351 feet above sea level (f.a.s.l.).
In spite of the passing of time, and different modifications it underwent, since the Spanish invasion, in 1533, Cusco still conserves its original monumental ensamble and urban layout. So, today, it is an archetype of synchretism, with multiple contrasts and facets, amidst Andean, Spanish and modern architectural elements that give it its peculiar beauty and magic, and make it unique in the world.
During our guided tour, about Cusco´s Historical Center, and surroundings of the present-day´s city, we´ll visit the Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay that are the main architectural icons of what is remaining of the powerful Incan capital city.
Finally, in many famous travelers´ magazines and guides, Cusco stands-out among the ‘MUST’ places to visit, at least once in a lifetime.
ITINERARY
Between 1:30 and 1:40 p.m., our guided visit will start around the fountain, on Cusco´s Main Square (Plaza de Armas), with a light downhill stroll, and the visit of the Qoricancha, or ancient Incan Temple of the Sun, built with highly finished stone blocks which were covered with gold blades, before the invaders´ arrival.
That way, when the Sun would rise, that Temple would shine, as though it were its terrestrial reflection. In its gardens, there were full-size massive gold and silver animals, trees and plants and, inside it, there was the Great Solar Disk that was the representation of Inti, their Sun God.
Once that visit over, a tourism bus will take us to visit the colossal Incan Architectural Complex of Saqsayhuaman, the monolyths of which, of up to 130 tons, were cut and set, block upon block, without any kind of cement between them. Apparently, and apart from its fortified aspect, that monumental complex also served astronomical, sacred and ceremonial functions.
The following architectural compound we´ll visit is Qenqo. At first sight, today, one can see the sculpture, destroyed by the Spanish, of a totem, or Apu, with the shape of a phallus, or male genital organ. Furthermore, in the rock, behind it, the surface of which is sculpted with monkeys, there is the Sector for Rites to Fertility and Water.
There is a maze, inside a small tunnel, in which a ceremonial altar stands-out, sculpted in the bedrock. Apparently, the Incan priests would perform ceremonial rites and mummifications there, to conserve their dead, because, to them, those who died went on living, on another level of existence.
Our next visit is Puka Pukara´s Architectural Compound, composed of a fortified construction that gives it a military aspect and, from its upper part, one can appreciate a good view over the whole valley. Some researchers mention that it was an administrative center that controlled the human traffic that got to Cusco, or was leaving the Incan capital city.
Then, we´ll visit Tambomachay, also known as the Temple to the Water Divinity, that was the favorite resting and revitalizing place, for the Incan Ruler, his family, members of Nobility and high dignitaries. Finally, the tour will end, at 6:30 p.m., just a few blocks from Cusco´s Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
INCLUDED - NOT INCLUDED
Included:
- Tourism bus.
- Bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
Not included:
- Tourist Pass.
- Cash, in Nuevos Soles (PEN), to enter the Qoricancha.
- Tips and any other personal expense.
- Water and a snack.
RECOMMENDATIONS
What to Bring:
- Daypack.
- Mountain hiking shoes or sneakers (tennis shoes).
- Identity documents.
- Extra cash, in Nuevos Soles (PEN).
- Photo/video camera.
- Light binoculars.
- Light and warm clothes.
- Impermeable jacket and/or plastic rain poncho.
- Wide-brim hat and sunglasses.
- Sunblock lotion.