From US$27 per person.
Half-Day Walking Tour
- San Blas artistic neighborhood: Walk through the charming cobblestone streets, steep alleys, and historic workshops of Cusco's most famous artisans.
- 12-Angled Stone: Admire up close this legendary, colossal stone block on Hatun Rumiyoc street, a true symbol of flawless Incan masonry.
- San Pedro local market: Immerse yourself in the traditional colors, scents, and flavors of Cusco while exploring fresh fruit, textile, and Andean medicine stalls.
- Hidden streets and plazas: Discover lesser-known historic corners and narrow cobblestone alleys that still preserve their original Incan walls intact.
Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a vibrant city full of history, living culture, and ancestral legacy. To truly appreciate its grandeur, visiting the most famous monuments is not enough: walking its streets and discovering its everyday essence is an unforgettable experience.
This expert-guided walking tour invites you to discover Cusco beyond the traditional tourist routes. Starting at the colorful San Pedro Market, you will walk through the charming streets of the historic center while your guide shares fascinating stories about the past and present of this magical city.
At a glance
- Days: 1
- Highest point: 3700 m
- Price: From US$27 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco on foot: San Pedro, San Blas, Sapantiana, Borreguitos Street
Altitude: 3400 a 3700 m · Meals: · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
We will begin the tour in the heart of Cusco, exploring the historic Plaza de Armas, surrounded by impressive colonial buildings. We will continue to the emblematic Stone of the 12 Angles, an extraordinary example of Inca engineering, before venturing into the narrow streets of the traditional San Blas neighborhood, famous for its artisan workshops and bohemian atmosphere. We will then walk along the picturesque Siete Borreguitos Street and climb up to the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, where we will enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Imperial City.
Then, you will stroll through the bohemian neighborhood of **San Blas**, famous for its narrow cobblestone streets and artist workshops. You will discover the **Sapantiana colonial aqueduct**, an engineering work that supplied water to Manco Inca's palace, and finally walk along the charming **Borreguitos Street**, considered one of the most picturesque and photogenic in all of Cusco.
What is included
- High-quality service and safety Professional bilingual guide expert in Cusco history and assistance throughout the tour.
- Guided walking tour Visit to the main historical sites in downtown Cusco.
What is not included
- Qoricancha Temple entrance Entrance to the interior of the temple (optional, with a separate ticket).
- Meals and purchases Meals not included and personal purchases at the market.
- Tips Optional but appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Cusco Half-Day Walking Tour cover?
It is a walking tour through Cusco's historic center: the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Hatunrumiyoc Street (the famous 12-angle Inca wall), the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and the bohemian San Blas neighborhood with its alleys and artisan workshops.
How difficult is the walking tour at Cusco's altitude?
Moderate. Cusco is at 3,400 m / 11,150 ft and walking can cause fatigue on the first day. The route has slopes in the San Blas neighborhood. It is recommended to have arrived in Cusco at least one day before and to be well hydrated.
Does the walking tour include site entrance fees?
The Cathedral entrance is not included in the tour (purchased at the door). The exterior of Qorikancha and the Hatunrumiyoc wall are seen without a ticket. If you wish to enter the interior of Qorikancha, there is an additional low-cost entrance fee.
What languages is the walking tour conducted in?
The walking tour is conducted in Spanish, English and Portuguese, depending on the group. Guides are certified and specialized in Inca and colonial history. If you are a private group, the tour adapts completely to your preferred language.
What time does the walking tour depart and how long does it last?
The half-day walking tour lasts approximately 3, 4 hours. Departures are in the morning (9:00 AM) and afternoon (2:30 PM). Hotel pickup is included. We recommend the morning schedule to avoid crowds.
What is Qorikancha and why is it so important?
Qorikancha (in Quechua: "golden enclosure") was the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti. Its walls were covered in gold and it housed solid gold figures. The Spanish built the Convent of Santo Domingo over it, but the original Inca foundations and walls are perfectly visible. It is the best example of colonial overlay on Inca architecture in Cusco.
What is seen in the San Blas neighborhood on the walking tour?
San Blas is Cusco's artistic and historic neighborhood. The walking tour includes its cobblestone alleys, local artisan workshops, the small San Blas church (with its famous pulpit carved from a single piece of wood), and viewpoints with panoramic views over the reddish rooftops of the Inca city.
Is the walking tour suitable for older travelers?
Generally yes, although Cusco's altitude (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) and the slopes of the San Blas neighborhood should be considered. The pace is relaxed and guides adapt the route. We recommend acclimatizing at least one day before and communicating any health conditions when booking to personalize the tour.
Can the walking tour be done as the first tour upon arriving in Cusco?
It is perfect as a first tour. Getting to know the historic center on foot with a guide is the best way to get oriented in the city and absorb the historical context before visiting more distant ruins. The relaxed pace of the walking tour is also ideal for gradually adapting to the altitude.
What is the Cusco Cathedral and why visit it?
The Cusco Cathedral, built between 1559 and 1654, is one of the most impressive colonial temples in the Americas. It was built over the palace of the Inca Viracocha using stones from the Sacsayhuamán fortress. It houses more than 400 paintings from the Cusco School, the famous "Last Supper" with guinea pig and chicha, and a 17th-century pipe organ. The contrast between Andean art and Christian iconography is unique in the world.
How does the Historic Centre Walking Tour differ from the Half-Day City Tour by bus?
The Historic Centre Walking Tour is a 3, 4 hour walk through colonial streets, Plaza de Armas, San Blas, local markets and the Cathedral: intimate, slow-paced and very cultural. The Half-Day City Tour uses bus transport to reach the four archaeological sites outside the centre (Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay) plus Qorikancha. If you want to experience everyday life in Cusco, its stone alleyways and colonial art, choose the Walking Tour. If you want the Inca fortresses outside the centre, choose the City Tour. To see everything, combine both on the same day.
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