FREE WALKING TOUR CUSCO
Duration:
2 Hours
Location:
Cusco
Physical level:
Easy
Languages:
English and Spanish
Availability:
Every day
Summary of our Cusco Walking Tour
Explore the history, culture, and traditions of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire with our Free Walking Tour of Cusco. Accompanied by expert local guides, you’ll stroll through the most iconic streets of the historic center while discovering impressive Inca walls, colonial plazas, bohemian neighborhoods, and traditional markets.
This tour is ideal for those visiting Cusco for the first time and wanting to see the city’s most important sights while learning about its fascinating history.
Meeting point
📍 Plaza Regocijo
We will meet in Plaza Regocijo, in front of the central fountain. Our guide will be identified by the company logo or a Free Walking Tour Cusco sign.
It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes before the start of the tour to register participants.
Walking Tour Schedule
We offer departures every day:
9:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
Plaza Regocijo
We’ll meet at Plaza Regocijo, also known as Cusipata, where we’ll begin this free walking tour by explaining the origins of the Incas and how they arrived in the Cusco Valley. We’ll also see the house of the mestizo chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
Espinar Square and La Merced Convent
We will head towards the Espinar Plaza to learn about the history of the Church and Convent of La Merced, one of the most important colonial temples in the city, key to understanding the presence of religious orders during the viceroyalty period.
Cusco Main Square
We will continue to the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, known in Inca times as Aucaypata, the city’s main square. Here we will discuss the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, both built on the site of former Inca palaces. We will also explore the palaces surrounding the square and learn about the history of Túpac Amaru II.
Intikijllu Street
The tour will continue along the ancient Intikijllu Street, known as the street where the first rays of the sun enter during the winter solstice. At this point, we will also talk about the Acllahuasi, the House of the Chosen Women or Virgins of the Sun.
Palace of the Inca Huayna Cápac and Qoricancha
Our next stop will be Amarucancha, the former palace of the Inca Huayna Capac. Afterwards, we will head to Qoricancha, the most important temple dedicated to the Sun god.
Cusicancha and Pukamarca, palace of the Inca Túpac Yupanqui
We will continue to Cusicancha, where we will go inside to learn about urban planning during the Inca era. Afterward, we will visit Pukamarca, the palace of the Inca Túpac Yupanqui, also known for the chronicles that recount his mysterious sea voyage to Polynesia.
Twelve-angled stone
We will continue towards the ancient palace of Inca Roca, where the famous Stone of the 12 Angles is located, one of the most impressive examples of Inca architecture and engineering.
Plaza de las Nazarenas
The final stops will take place in the Plaza de las Nazarenas, where we will talk about the Llachaywasi, the school of the Inca nobility.
Pumacurco Street
Finally, we will visit Pumacurco Street, whose name means “puma’s back.” Here we will explain the original layout of the city of Cusco during the Inca period, designed in the shape of a puma.
End of the Historic Center of Cusco.
We will conclude this free walking tour after approximately two hours of exploring the historic center of Cusco.
INCLUDED
✅ Professional local guide
✅ Tour of the main attractions of the historic center
✅ Historical and cultural explanations
✅ Recommendations for restaurants and places to visit
NOT INCLUDED
❌ Tip for the guide (voluntary)
❌ Tickets to museums or attractions
❌ Personal expenses
Recommendations for the tour
To better enjoy the tour, we recommend you bring:
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes
- 💧 Water or hydrating drink
- 🧴 Sunscreen
- 🧢 Hat or cap
- 📷 Camera or cell phone for photos
Accessibility
This tour is entirely on foot, along cobblestone streets and some inclines, so it is not fully wheelchair accessible. However, people with moderate mobility can complete the tour without difficulty.
Important tips
Arrive at the meeting point early.
Stay close to the group during the tour.
Respect historical and cultural spaces.
Ask the guide any questions or recommendations about Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Free Walking Tour Cusco cost?
The tour operates on voluntary tips, so each participant decides how much to contribute based on their experience.
Is it necessary to book?
Yes, we recommend booking to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
In what languages is it done?
El tour está disponible en español e inglés.
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