For those spending some time in Cusco, you’d love to explore the city like a local expert, which is why we have organized an exclusive tour for our passengers so they can get familiar with Cusco’s old town.
The so-called imperial city of the Incas is the most complete travel destination, especially for travelers who love history, culture, and nature. Likewise, the whole region comprehends several attractions such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the towering Rainbow Mountain.
If you’re taking any of our travel experiences through Cusco, then you’ll be glad to know that we have included an exclusive excursion through the historic center.
On this opportunity, you’ll get to know the city just as a local expert would, passing by the main historical monuments, colonial neighborhoods, and even local markets. Get to know everything about it here!
1. Plaza de Armas
As most old towns in Peru, the main square in Cusco was the administrative and religious center of the city. During the Inca Empire, it was known as “Huacaypata” a ceremony center intended for the worship of the dead.
The palaces of the most renowned Inca rulers were built in its surroundings. However, during the colonization process, the Spaniards built churches, mansions, and administrative centers on top of these ancient structures.
Currently, some religious festivities are celebrated every year in Plaza de Armas, as it was during the Inca and Colonial era. The famous main square is considered as one of Cusco’s treasures due to its authentic scenery where the modern and ancient worlds collide.
2. San Blas Neighborhood
Also known as the artistic and cultural neighborhood in Cusco, San Blas comprehends art galleries, coffee shops, renowned restaurants, famous artisans shops, and more. The renowned urban area is also recognized for its colonial architecture that has been preserved until the current date.
For those who didn’t know, the Historic Center of Cusco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and this authentic neighborhood doesn’t stand too far from this recognition. During Inca times, it was known as T’oqokachi, a residential area to many architects and artisans as it is nowadays.
The San Blas Temple is one of the most emblematic structures within that part of the city and it was designated as a National Cultural Heritage thanks to its authentic structure, ancient ornaments, and carvings.
The cultural and artistic expression of San Blas is like no other. In addition, the high elevation of the neighborhood offers outstanding views of Cusco, making it one of the unmissable places to visit in the Imperial City of the Incas.
3. San Pedro Market
For those looking to get fully immersed in the diverse culture of Cusco, you surely wouldn’t like to miss the chance of visiting one of the most significant local markets in the area.
The San Pedro Market is recognized for its artistic expression, where different artisans gather to sell colorful woven items. However, that’s not all it has to offer since the whole market is divided into several sections where they sell food, beverages, vegetables, meat, and many other products.
If you’re on the hunt for the best souvenir to take home, then you’ll certainly find it in this place. Here you can choose between clothing options, ornaments, hats, and more.
Those are a few of the many attractions you’re going to visit in the guided excursion through the city of Cusco. Likewise, you’ll get to know different interest points as restaurants, bars, and money exchange houses.
The tour offers important information so you can easily get around the city on your own. However, it is worth mentioning that this is an optional excursion with no extra charge. Therefore, if you wish to be part of it, please contact your travel agent.
As aforementioned, our free walking tour is exclusively reserved for Viagens Machu Picchu travelers. If you’re traveling with us and want to get to know Cusco’s old town like a local expert, then you can organize your trip according to your interests.
Usually, we like to include the free walking tour before starting the Archeological City Tour, this way you can get to know the Imperial City of the Incas in one day. However, it is up to you if you’d like to take the tour or not.
The Cusco Walking Tour starts from your accommodation, our guide will pick you up at the previously coordinated time to start our excursion towards the San Blas Neighborhood, known for its artistic and cultural expression.
Following the circuit, we’ll head down to Plaza de Armas with a short stop in the famous Rock of the Twelve Angles, a perfectly carved stone in the Hatun Rumiyoc street. Once in the Plaza de Armas, we’ll be able to see many interesting points and attractions such as the Cathedral of Cusco and the Compañia de Jesus Church.
Afterwards, we’ll continue with our recognition tour to the San Pedro Market, a place full of culture recognized for its vast artisan shop stands, food courts, and more.
However, the adventure doesn’t stop there since we’ll visit the Coricancha Temple from the outside but on the way our tour guide will show you where the main avenue is, as well as, ATMs, banks, money exchange houses, and more. The tour will finish right after the Coricancha sighting.
If you wish to experience this tour at its fullest, we have the perfect adventure for you. Keep in mind that you can organize your trip according to your interests, we are here to help you with any inquiry you may have, including assistance during your travel planning process.
To book the Cusco Walking Tour, you just need to contact our travel specialists. Our local expert team will make sure to optimize your time and experience with a tailored-made travel itinerary for you.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Included: English speaking guide.
Viagens Machu Picchu cares to provide everything you need to have an authentic adventure through our country. Get to know all the special offers we have in Peru travel packages and start planning the trip of your life!
Cusco has many adventures for you and we'd love to show you everything about them! If you're planning the perfect itinerary through this magical region, don't miss this blog about the best 10 day trips from Cusco so you can make the most of your experience.
