Cusco City Highlights Tour: Is it the Right Choice for You?

Thinking about doing a Cusco City Highlights Tour? Very, very often people head straight to Machu Picchu, yet Cusco itself has quite a bit that can be explored. You see, it used to be the historical capital of the Inca Empire! So, you might find that spending some time acquainting yourself with this Andean jewel is actually well worth your while.

Why Opt for a Guided Cusco City Tour?

Okay, so walking around by yourself might seem a bit more appealing. But the question is this: will you genuinely pick up on everything around you? Let’s be frank, Cusco is brimming with sites that whisper stories of ancient times and mixing cultures. The thing is, a tour guide will not only show you the famous spots but will also shine a light on the details, so that the layers of history actually become easier to take in. Plus, like your guide will probably know the area quite well, you’re bound to get recommendations on where to grab some grub or find awesome artisanal treasures.

What You Can Expect to See

Most of the tours, like the good ones, generally cover a set of cornerstone attractions. And I mean, when I say “cornerstone attractions”, I mean places such as the Cusco Cathedral, which is just a grandiose building that blends Spanish construction with Inca touches. It’s almost an artistic representation of history! Then you’ve got Qorikancha, otherwise called the Temple of the Sun, that used to be, very, very long ago, the Inca’s main religious site. Then, after the Spanish arrived, they built a church on top of it, just cementing this blend of two separate societies. Not only that, but there’s also Sacsayhuamán. So, if you move just a bit away from Cusco, you will spot it; a huge complex with stones that fit together perfectly, so it’s really quite mind-blowing to see! Basically, tours will often add other locations, such as the San Blas neighborhood (known for its artisans) too, adding that spark of local culture.

Choosing the Right Tour: Things to Keep in Mind

Right, when you pick out a tour, you should think about what you want to get out of it. Are you after detailed historical info, just that? In that case, make sure that the tour description places importance on that aspect. What if you are the sort who wants a peek into present day Cusco? Tours which wander through local areas and also markets could just be a better option. Tour length matters too! Some tours last only about half a day, yet some may last longer, almost a whole day, hitting more distant attractions. Also, listen to reviews; previous tourists can usually shed a light on the guide’s character and overall tour experience, so that could be important to look at. I have been told tour group size can alter things quite significantly. Tinier groups often mean more individual treatment.

What a Typical Cusco City Highlights Tour Looks Like

So, you might meet up at a central location. I would be guessing places like the Plaza de Armas are normally on the cards? From there, the guide probably will take the group on foot, or maybe, in some cases, on a bus to see far flung locales. As you get around, anticipate that your guide will present some background about each site. You will find historical context, local stories, and some trivia just sprinkled into the speech, like your sprinkling extra chili onto the food. Don’t be afraid! Now and again there will be opportunities to wander by yourself for a little, which might give you the freedom to take photos or maybe investigate closer. In addition, guides usually are pretty willing to give ideas on restaurants or shows. Don’t think it will be anything crazy or special, though!

Personal Anecdote: My Own Cusco Tour Experience

As a matter of fact, on my first time to Cusco, I chose a walking tour. And well, it definitely gave me a better connection to the place! Walking along these aged lanes, visiting these stunning buildings and just generally experiencing it all whilst listening to tales definitely took me to another place. You see, our guide was super! He spoke really passionately with plenty of facts that made Cusco’s history actually come to life. However, my preferred part? This off the beaten path stop at a local cafe, that’s where I got the chance to try coca tea for the first time! If you’ve never tried it, you may be pretty surprised! Now, you’d have to be a bit careful of the altitude sickness if you’re not used to such heights. But actually, coca tea might just relieve those feelings and also provide a little pep to walk around.

Maximizing Your Cusco Tour: Tips and Tricks

To make sure your trip is as amazing as possible, be certain to dress for all types of conditions! Cusco’s temperatures can be all over the place, very warm at times and pretty cool as well, especially if you’re up high or it is closer to nighttime. Applying some layers could just save you from that discomfort. Additionally, you must wear comfy shoes. Believe me, you are going to be doing plenty of walking! What’s more, remain hydrated, like it matters quite a lot at that altitude. Purchase water from the store prior to starting out or bring a refillable canteen. Remember also to listen closely whenever your guide gives advice, particularly related to safety and wellbeing. Essentially, they may let you know how to avoid altitude sickness or just ways to stay secure around certain parts of town. Above everything else, take the opportunity! Now is your chance to learn, ask, engage, just make an effort to know! Tours will probably only be as rewarding, after all, like you make them.

Other Activities Around Cusco

You will find Cusco’s center really makes a nice base for visiting more tourist hotspots! So, should you have a few days more, give some thought to other tourist places you should see! It will take you a while! There’s the Sacred Valley, with interesting ruins and great scenes. As well, there’s treks like the Rainbow Mountain, offering like really quite spectacular panoramas for like your camera or anything. A few tour guides arrange combinations that will help you fit some destinations into a single schedule, so, like it is worth finding that out beforehand. This can just lead to an actually much more broad tour and exposure to the Cusco area!

Photographing Your Way Around Cusco: Some ideas!

If you’re into making videos or images, Cusco probably won’t fail at that opportunity. Try the views within the Plaza de Armas, very, very well-known for getting lovely classic photos. Otherwise, visit San Blas. Just see whether it really delivers some colorful corners and interesting artisans’ boutiques to like point and shoot or some things! Then also, get creative using the lighting! During the mornings the sun is rising or at twilight there exists the “golden hour” when anything looks extra attractive, providing really good conditions that really bring to life photos taken from the aged structures as well as just busy roadways. And don’t neglect the residents too: requesting their approval could lead to beautiful portraits and experiences to catch memories as a visitor.

So, with its mix of Inca background, Spanish architecture, and culture around every turn, Cusco’s city tours will provide the starting point for seeing an iconic spot in Peru! No matter if its that deeper grasp to that past, some amazing picture capture-ops or simply being lead expertly across busy lanes that interest visitors more then Cusco definitely might deliver an experience unlike many they’d get! Cusco with its tour routes has a unique experience prepared when the walking shoes touch down anywhere, very unlike anywhere that may already be experienced from traveling distant and nearer tourist hot-spots so.