We will pick you up from your hotel and drive approximately 5 minutes from Cusco to Sacsayhuamán, one of the most remarkable examples of Inca architecture. This impressive complex, built during the 15th century under the reign of Inca Pachacútec, showcases massive stone boulders precisely cut and fitted together without the use of mortar. Your visit will last around one hour, giving you ample time to explore its three fascinating levels.

Continuing with our tour, you will now visit Qenqo, an intriguing archaeological site that showcases the ingenuity and mysticism of the Inkas. Its name, which means “labyrinth” or “zigzag” in Quechua, reflects the intricate design of the site. One of the highlights is a tunnel carved directly into the rock, thought to have served as a sacred space. Historians believe it may have been used as a mummification site for Inka royalty, where intricate rituals were performed to honor and preserve the dead.

Afterwards, you will visit the Temple of Water, known as Tambomachay, an important ceremonial site from the Inca period. This remarkable place is made up of a sophisticated system of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that cascade through intricately carved terraced rocks. Tambomachay is believed to have been a place of worship dedicated to water, a vital element in Inca cosmology, symbolizing life, purity, and fertility. The site’s design showcases the advanced hydraulic engineering skills of the Incas, as the water continues to flow seamlessly through its channels to this day. In addition to its ceremonial significance, Tambomachay might have served as a resting place for Inca royalty, offering a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush landscapes and natural beauty. The harmonious integration of nature and architecture here provides a glimpse into the spiritual connection the Incas had with their environment.

Then you will visit Puka Pukara, an intriguing Inca site located just a short distance from Cusco. Known as the “Red Fortress” due to the reddish hue of its stones at dusk, Puka Pukara is a remarkable example of Inca military architecture. This site features large walls, terraces, and staircases that highlight the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilization.

Puka Pukara was strategically positioned to serve as part of the defense system for the city of Cusco, ensuring the safety of the Inca capital and nearby sacred sites. Beyond its military function, Puka Pukara also acted as an administrative center, overseeing activities in the surrounding region.

The fort may have served as a checkpoint, controlling the movement of people and goods along the Inca road network. Additionally, its location provided a vantage point for observing and protecting the Tambomachay complex nearby, which was a place of worship and water rituals.

Visitors to Puka Pukara can explore its fascinating architectural features while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding Andean landscape, making it a must-see site that showcases the multifaceted nature of Inca ingenuity.

After qenqo we will return to the city of Cusco and visit the Temple of Qoricancha, one of the most emblematic sites in Cusco, offering a fascinating immersion in Inca and colonial history. Originally dedicated to the god Inti, this temple was the most important religious center of the Inca Empire, with gold-covered walls that dazzled those who visited it. During the Spanish conquest, the conquistadors built the Convent of Santo Domingo on its structure, creating a unique mix of Inca and colonial architecture that endures to this day. On the tour, you will be able to admire the remains of the fine Inca stone walls, designed with astonishing precision, as well as the colonial chapels and paintings that reflect the cultural fusion. In addition, specialized guides recount the legends and ceremonial uses of this sacred place, immersing you in a narrative full of mysticism and culture. From the temple, you will also enjoy panoramic views of Cusco, complementing an experience that combines history, art and spirituality.