Cusco city tour half day

Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo

The convent was built on the spectacular Koricancha (golden shrine). This was the most important temple where the cult of the Sun was carried out and whose walls were covered with solid sheets of gold. Today we can see the fine masonry that remains, since the conquerors took the rest and destroyed most of the temple to build the convent on top. Koricancha was also an observatory where priests kept track of major celestial events. Today some of the original architecture has been restored and it also houses an impressive collection of canvases from the Cusco School of Art.

Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuaman, which means “satisfied falcon,” is one of the most impressive sites built by the Incas. It is commonly recognized as a military fortress. The wall stones are extraordinary, with the largest weighing 128 tons. To this day, no clear explanation has been discovered regarding how these stones were transported to the site. The Incas designed Cusco in the shape of a puma, with Sacsayhuaman representing the head. This layout remains significant today, especially during Inti Raymi, the most important festival in Cusco, celebrated every June 24.

Q’enqo

Q’enqo, which means “labyrinth” in Quechua, features impressive hand-carved rock formations. Although some carvings have faded, you can still identify images of animals like llamas, condors, and snakes. The top of the rock contains zigzag channels, likely used to pour chicha (a local fermented corn drink) during sacrificial ceremonies. Beneath the rock, several caves and passages lead to an altar that hosted llama sacrifices. Archaeologists have uncovered mummified remains of people buried in these caves.

Puka Pukara

Also called Puka Pukara (the red fortress) in Quechua. This is a small site and although the name indicates that it was a fortress, it appears to have had no defensive purpose. Since archeologists theorize that it could have been used to protect the Tambomachay water source.

Tambomachay

The name means (resting place) in Quechua. It was the royal house of Inca Yupanqui when he went hunting in the surrounding area. This site was also thought to have been used as a Water Temple. There are some interesting aqueducts, canals and waterfalls carved in stone, designed to channel water flowing from a nearby stream.