City Tour Cusco Half Day

Cusco Cathedral: The Cusco Cathedral was constructed on top of two ancient Incan structures that were situated in the old plaza of Qosqo (Cusco in the Quechua language) and known as Suntur Wasi and Kiswarkancha, the palace of Inca Wiracocha.  In 1534 it was agreed that the Spanish would construct the Santa Basilica Cathedral of Cusco over Suntur Wasi, and on March 11, 1560 the first corner stone was placed by Hernando Arias; however, the work was set back due to an earthquake and the building was not finished until 1650.  Some of the stones were used from Sacsaywaman. In 1668 the construction was finally consecrated.  The building is of Renaissance style with a Latin base with three naves, ten side chapels and three corridors and two side churches.

The paintings done by locals reflect the importance of the Cusco school that had gained fame across the continent and were decorated with cedar and alder wood.  There are also paintings done by renowned artists and valuable jewels found within the Cathedral.  At the exit of the sacristy is the altar of the lord of Unupunku which means Water Gate.  The chorus area is carved from cedar wood, a genuine masterpiece of Baroque style, showing 42 images of saints carved in its interior and is believed to be the work of the priest Diego Arias.

Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun: Qoricancha, “Enclosure of Gold” was the most important temple (Temple of the Sun) of Tahuantinsuyo constructed in Cusco city during the imperial stage of the Incas.  The Inca Pachacutec, ninth Incan king, ordered a reconstruction to improve and enlarge the temple after his victory over the Chanca people.  Initially the temple was known as Intikancha “Palace of the Sun” and was constructed by the first king, Inca Manco Qapac, as a place of sun worship.  One of the most amazing parts of construction is a stone wall with a 90 degree curve, and an even more surprising find was of an alter with a pure gold plate made to reflect the sunrise.  The quality of the building structure comes from a grey andesite and basalt that was moved from the quarries of Waqoto and Rumiqolqa, with very large and medium size smooth-surfaced stonework perfectly fitting together rock upon rock where not even a sheet of paper can fit between.  It has a transverse structure that is connected with clips of bronze with H-shaped interior connections and is earthquake-proof.  Inside the Temple of the Sun there also exist sub temples that were dedicated to the moon, stars, rainbow and thunder and lightning, as well as five water fountains and a solar garden.  In conclusion Qoricancha was the most important religious temple dedicated to the sun, covered in gold and silver and precious stones like emeralds and turquoise: a place of incalculable value and perhaps the only creation in the world of its kind and in its period.

Saqsaywaman: This name comes from the Quechua language (meaning Where the Hawk is Appeased, or meaning Speckled Head), and is one of the grand monuments of refined Incan architecture. It was a very big city in its period, and according to history, was built  by Inca Pachacutec’s command but was finally carried out by the Incan man Huayna Capac.  It is located 2 kms from Cusco city with an extension of 3093 hectares, and on the old Saqsaywaman plan outlines the head of a puma, considered guardian of earthly things.  The Incas redesigned the ancient city of Qosqo in form of the female puma.  It took about 50 years to finish the construction with over 20 thousand working men, and was home to their weapons of war.   Originally there were three defenses or bastions, three walls built at different levels in limestone of staggering dimensions, and zigzagging walls which by its appearance many have said could have been to represent the teeth of the head of the feline.  The blocks of the wall have a height of 8.5 meters and a weight of 190 metric tons, the walls being classified as cyclopean or megalithic architecture.  It is still a big mystery as to how this place was built with such accuracy.  Underground tunnels have also been found, one leading to the very Temple of the Sun in Cusco (Qoricancha).

Qenqo: Coming from the Quechua language (Labyrinth, Crooked or Zigzag) this place is built of limestone, sedimentary rock of marine origin, which proves that the ancient-time belief that Cusco Valley was once an immense lake is likely true.  These ruins take up a semicircular area of 55 meters in length and support 19 incomplete niches along the wall.  On one rock leveled and polished are two cylinders of short height standing out; the theory is that these were like a solar sun dial used to establish the year’s seasons, solstices and equinoxes, or a sort of astronomical observatory.  Next to this place is a very huge rock, that is said must have held special meaning.

Puca Pucara: We find this site 8.5 kilometers from Cusco.  The name Puka Pukara comes from the Quechua language meaning Red Fortress likely because of the red colored rocks used in the construction, or perhaps for the red colored earth that exists in the area.  It was built as an observation and / or control point for the extended territory and in visual distance to Tambomachay, perhaps used for religious function but also has a familiar military architecture.  It also was likely used as a center of administration, in the road to Huchuy Qosqo and Pisaq.

Tambomachay: In Quechua: Tanpumacha’y signifies “Place of Rest”, and according to scholars was an original palace for relaxing and spiritual retreat exclusive to the Incas.  It was built during Inca Yupanqui’s reign, who stayed there during hunting days, as it’s built in an area of abundant fauna.  This place is built with medium sized limestone, four trapezoidal niches in the upper wall, and three water sources at two different levels.  Water was considered an important deity for its giving life to the earth.  Tambomachay holds an extraordinary aqueduct system carved artistically into the rock, producing crystal clean water.

• After finishing the tour, we transport you back to your Cusco hotels.

CITY TOUR GROUP SERVICE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Professional bilingual guide
• Tourist transport
• Entrance tickets and Tourist Ticket to the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and
• Tambomachay.

CITY TOUR PRIVATE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Private professional bilingual guide
• Private Tourist transport
• Entrance tickets and Tourist Ticket to the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and
• Tambomachay.
• Water bottle