CITY TOUR IN CUSCO – AFTERNOON DEPARTURE | 1:00 PM TO 6:00 PM

Practical Recommendations for Your City Tour in Cusco (Afternoon Departure)

To help you get the most out of your City Tour in Cusco (Afternoon Departure), here are some useful tips to keep in mind before and during your visit:

Make the Most of Your Free Morning

Since this tour departs at 1:00 PM, take advantage of the morning to rest, have a relaxed breakfast, or explore the historic center independently — it’s also a good window to visit Cusco Cathedral, which isn’t included in this itinerary.

Use It to Start Acclimatizing

If you’ve just arrived in Cusco, this afternoon tour is a gentle way to begin adjusting to the altitude before tackling more demanding activities like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Rainbow Mountain, or Humantay Lake.

Eat a Proper Lunch Beforehand

Since the tour runs straight through the afternoon without a meal stop, have lunch before the 1:00 PM departure so you have enough energy for the walks ahead.

Stay Hydrated Throughout the Tour

Altitude can dehydrate you faster than expected. Bring a reusable water bottle and drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty.

Wear Comfortable, Supportive Shoes

Several archaeological sites — particularly Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo — include stairs, stone paths, and uneven terrain, so proper walking shoes will make a real difference.

Dress in Layers

Afternoons in Cusco can start warm and sunny but cool down quickly as evening approaches, especially at higher-elevation sites like Puka Pukara. A light jacket or sweater you can easily add or remove is ideal.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

The Andean sun is strong even on cloudy days. Sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective sunglasses are essential during the outdoor portions of the tour.

Bring Enough Cash in Soles

Since the tour doesn’t include the Koricancha entrance fee or the Cusco Tourist Ticket, budget around 90 soles per person for these, plus extra for snacks or souvenirs. Cash in Peruvian soles is required, as cards aren’t widely accepted at entrances.

Carry Your ID and Booking Confirmation

Bring your passport or valid identification, along with your booking confirmation, in case it’s needed at any of the archaeological sites.

Communicate Any Health Concerns in Advance

If you have mobility limitations, a medical condition, or concerns about the altitude, let your guide know before or at the start of the tour so they can offer appropriate support.

Pack Light

Since the tour involves entering several archaeological sites throughout the afternoon, avoid bringing large or bulky bags — a small daypack is more than enough for your essentials.

Plan Your Evening Ahead

With the tour wrapping up around 6:00 PM, this leaves the evening free for dinner or additional activities in Cusco’s historic center — a great way to round out your day.

Following these simple recommendations will help ensure your afternoon City Tour in Cusco is comfortable, informative, and enjoyable from start to finish.

Does this tour help with altitude acclimatization?

Yes. The City Tour in Cusco (Afternoon Departure) is a great starting point for adjusting to the altitude before tackling more demanding activities like the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain, or Humantay Lake. Since the tour stays within and around Cusco, it involves short, easy walks between archaeological sites, making it a practical first outing for recently arrived travelers who want to gauge how their body handles the elevation before the rest of the day continues. We suggest taking things at a relaxed pace, drinking plenty of water, and letting your guide know right away if you experience any discomfort.

Why isn’t Cusco Cathedral part of the City Tour itinerary?

Cusco Cathedral is left off this route simply because it’s easy to visit independently in the historic center — it sits right in the Plaza de Armas, within walking distance. In some cases, entry may be possible during morning religious services, typically between 6:00 and 8:00 AM, which means travelers booked on the afternoon departure have the option to visit the Cathedral earlier that same day, before the 1:00 PM tour begins. Access and conditions can vary, so it’s worth checking the latest schedule before heading over. Instead, the City Tour in Cusco itinerary focuses on Koricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

What makes this tour worth taking?

The City Tour in Cusco (Afternoon Departure) offers one of the simplest, most budget-friendly ways to experience Cusco’s key Inca and colonial landmarks. Throughout the tour, you’ll visit significant archaeological sites, learn about the history of the ancient Inca capital, and receive expert explanations from a bilingual professional guide. Visiting these locations independently tends to be more complicated and costly, since they’re scattered outside the city center — you’d need to arrange multiple taxis or private transfers and manage your own timing. With a guided tour, transportation, scheduling, and site visits are all handled for you, making for a far more relaxed experience — and since this option runs in the afternoon, your morning stays free for resting, having breakfast, or exploring the historic center on your own.

Do I need to be in great physical shape?

Not necessarily. The walks involved are generally short and manageable, though some sites do feature stairs, stone paths, slopes, and uneven ground. You don’t need hiking experience, but a basic level of mobility is helpful. Guides keep a comfortable pace and offer assistance whenever it’s needed — just let us know beforehand if you have any medical conditions, mobility concerns, or altitude-related worries.

Is it possible to cancel or reschedule my booking?

Yes. Cancellations or date changes made at least 24 hours before the scheduled 1:00 PM departure come at no extra cost, subject to availability. Keep in mind that online payment or card processing fees may not be refundable, even when the tour itself qualifies for a refund.