Cusco Private City Tour: Honest Review & Recommendations
Okay, so you’re thinking about taking a private city tour in Cusco, that ancient capital city tucked high in the Andes? You’ve probably read a thing or two, seen those photos that just don’t do the scale justice, and maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth it, or if the experience could truly justify the expense. Trust me, that feeling is totally understandable. Cusco’s a fantastic spot, brimming with culture, stunning stone work and jaw dropping historic locations, so the experience can be totally amazing when planned well. I reckon that taking a private tour really does turn a good trip into an excellent one. That way you gain so much perspective that might be difficult if traveling solo, or as part of a gigantic bus tour, that is if you really are someone who likes going in depth and asking, or posing questions.
Why Choose a Private Tour in Cusco?
Right then, why even consider paying for a private tour when, very obviously, there are cheaper options aplenty? Well, there really are lots of upsides that, personally I reckon, can justify that cost. For starters, you are in total control of the pace. Those group tours often rush you all over the place, leaving you very little time to actually soak it all in or get good pictures for your social media. With a private tour? You get to spend a little more time gazing at those huge Inca stones or asking all the questions you can think of, no matter how silly you are beginning to think they are. Private tours offer much more than just transport; there is that super friendly, personalized experience where your guide can seriously get into detail based around just what you are specifically interested in. This makes the information more meaningful.
A great guide will adapt the information based on what you and your group find most amazing, not just run through a very rigid script. That flexibility can really lead to that more deep and special experience. Think about it: are you crazy about history? Are you wanting to spend longer at certain archeological wonderlands to absorb more information? Then your guide is going to focus there. Interested in more up to date local culture? They’re going to shift gears to match that.
Koricancha: The Temple of the Sun
Right, so our private tour normally kicks off at Koricancha, often called the Temple of the Sun. Now, this spot is much more than just a pretty set of stones – is that fact. That location holds immense historical meaning and provides this amazing snapshot into the way Inca and Spanish cultures crashed into each other. Seeing that original Inca structure underneath the Santo Domingo Convent is rather impressive.
When you stroll through Koricancha on a private tour, the guide, well they usually take time to point out architectural elements that reveal the story from that space in amazing detail. Did you ever see the way the Incas constructed these earthquake resistant walls? The way the stones fit together like a jigsaw without needing cement is, perhaps, one of those things that never fails to spark absolute fascination. My suggestion; make a very small amount of time to stroll through the gardens nearby and just appreciate those views across Cusco, you’ll find its the sort of serene breather you’ll treasure before seeing the crowds once more.
Sacsayhuaman: Majestic Fortress Overlooking Cusco
Sacsayhuaman, (try saying that fast five times). Arguably, very close to Cusco it is arguably the spot which gets everyone talking – and not just about how to spell it. Getting to watch this place up on that hill makes you feel a bit insignificant. Those massive rocks, some of them stories high, which fit together so superbly? It’s almost unbelievable how they managed that kind of build with no modern tech.
On the tour, it’s very common you might hear tall tales from your guide concerning all the events which Sacsayhuaman observed. From mighty fights to spiritual activities, you see that this place had its position at the center point of their world. Ask as many questions you can think of concerning Inca military techniques. That would definitely assist you greatly in comprehending how vital that fortress truly was. It is quite common too, there are local folks dressed in all sorts of beautiful clothes. Why not capture a great snap of them set up opposed to that dramatic backdrop? They ask you to buy them lunch in return.
Qenqo: The Underground Wonder
Qenqo is certainly this real unique location, I think – sort of hidden away that, basically, was potentially applied for ceremonies. Unlike other spots with their wide open spaces, this has more caves and passages hewn out of solid rock, which gives that eerie kind of feeling.
When touring Qenqo on a private tour, ensure you follow close enough with your guide and find all that hidden stonework. It turns out these designs and layouts potentially point to that past application for very significant rituals, like mummifications perhaps. Light may be extremely low within such caves, that it would be a super wise decision to take a light. This potentially shines on small details, while they would additionally prevent the possible stubbing associated from those cave floors!
Puca Pucara: The Red Fortress
Close to Qenqo exists Puca Pucara, that could have once existed as something as something as a guard station, or perhaps some type of lodge designed for all these traveling dignitaries back then. It is nicknamed “red fortress” since such rock actually changes hue across sunsets. It can look seriously scenic in good light.
Across some tours Puca Pucara often receives less time when folks travel toward Tambomachay. It does often seem much smaller opposed to all those grand Sacsayhuaman walls. But a brief look over could supply that interesting context concerning Incan architecture while building sites across that location.
Tambomachay: The Water Temple
Right then, time for Tambomachay, or occasionally named as the Water Temple. This location presents the neat showcase regarding Incan waterworks; those series concerning aqueducts, springs or canals which all were made for diverting pristine water from distant high grounds. Seriously astonishing skills at play!
Getting to Tambomachay it has never just existed in relation to getting tap-water it also might’ve existed across various rituals to pay praise regarding that vital ingredient for life, it is almost certain. The private guide might assist you greatly around understanding precisely what every spring indicates while explaining that spiritual value water presents within Inca global vision. So do ensure that you come completely charged as you are very close towards getting many beautiful photographs through streaming watery tiers alongside rocky scenery through background.
Lunch in Cusco: Where to Eat?
Right so, food. Everyone is going to want lunch. Cusco will really not deny anyone looking in hope of receiving fantastic eats; yet it also has some things considered true tourist catches one needs to watch aside from. Should you request guidance the guide is absolutely likely suggesting any trusted restaurant used from natives. Otherwise consider exploring the San Blas region with every type of cafe through fancy Peruvian dishes to select!
During my journeys sometimes there have already been few fantastic plates; imagine the richness associated when consuming an alpaca loin or tasting fresh trout throughout rivers through Andes, the memory never disappears after trying! As they always provide many yummy culinary masterpieces take chances! So just simply always make those taste adventures part concerning experiences through those mountains around this fantastic area too.
Tips for Booking Your Private Tour
Okay so you’re sold on getting a private tour. That means there is an obvious way to not have a very terrible experience and that can happen. I would strongly advise these small pointers before you take that tour and spend your precious dollars.
- Do the Research Check loads of company reviews to ensure the company and especially its guides provide exceptional, trustworthy experiences to tour guests.
- Make sure they’re licensed This offers the reassurance in professionalism together with quality during this service.
- Verify the schedule. Do they actually include exactly places that appeal best while offering flexibility when unexpected interests increase across it.
- Do you understand everything including fees? Simply determine regardless as to whether tax together or entrances tickets will remain extra rather that packaged when offered initially.
- Ask Regarding guide skills What languages will anyone communicate, and perhaps what level involving certification have earned across that industry field- These factors certainly determine much regarding overall immersion inside the journey personally through them, obviously.
What to Bring on Your Cusco City Tour
Packing! Now then, there exist few really useful pieces needed for achieving most enjoyment from private tours- I feel.
- Layers! High on the altitude in those areas is frequently unpredictable despite what appears like gorgeous weather so pack some stuff from light summer gear across through rain protection to remain flexible should mother Earth give anything.
- Altitude Sickness Medicine Should experiencing troubles or even perhaps understanding sensitivity altitude consult primary healthcare providers before travelling: the high zones definitely require taking this part super honestly!
- Comfy boots or shoes! Believe any amount exploring to happen along rocky zones and that means a set involving perfectly durable footwear provides not sole assistance it saves issues afterwards along paths personally.
- Suncream with hat: Strong sunshine will seriously toast face and scalp if your protecting cover could possibly provide more protection from heat too so select broadly whenever taking choices here really!.
- Cameras including battery packs! Ensure nothing restricts those shots containing exceptional times through those beautiful surroundings!. Never neglect keeping backups completely should things crash unfortunately then having multiple photographs means possessing countless lasting stories about place perhaps though!!.
Is a Private Cusco City Tour Worth It?
Well there you have it. In the final evaluation it does come directly by yourself precisely. Getting tours presents benefits though in understanding regarding those complicated ruins plus allowing additional customized touches only available as private arrangements. By thoroughly measuring costs besides exactly the stuff provided along from quality it supports the journey that results ultimately depends exactly within your travelling needs altogether.
So in considering should any customized Inca tours have advantage above normal groups or performing something single. Bear such thoughts since each travelling taste has equal value in forming special life memoirs perhaps through magnificent Peruvian ground!! I encourage using careful research alongside personal intuition for producing selections throughout whatever feels like the smartest step overall regardless the approach used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the private Cusco city tour take?
Typically, it covers about half to entire working day of it. Normally five until eight working-hour period of time depending usually whether adding something to it, for instance food pauses coupled besides speed across specific regions inside itinerary usually as discussed previously!
Are entrance tickets to the archaeological sites included?
That is entirely determined individually along which kind arrangement created while reservation period arrives through agency and those individuals receiving it however, usually expect always these prices remain supplemental if specified directly prior toward purchasing process starts completely anyhow. Affirm clearly!
What is the best time of day to take the tour?
Normally in earlier timings right into daytime provide fantastic experiences, specially mainly for steering across large throngs containing some sort, or attaining greater- quality images through little throngs. Additionally sun will tend mild that allows exploration without burning when visiting really.
Can the tour be customized to fit my interests?
Yes totally!. Top strength originating as tours originates simply thanks exactly with opportunity tailored perfectly by traveller wishes altogether then enabling adjustments by what they select visiting- that turns extremely great!!! Communicate clearly beforehand what excites!
What should I wear on the tour?
Put clothing on layers because weather fluctuates alongside time! Employ cozy hiking type/shoes because doing exploration that involves terrain as also, defend on hot- radiation sunshine wearing sunglasses and protecting chapeaus, definitely make sure things assist perfectly for trips definitely !