Essential Free Tour Cusco

Do you want to see the monuments of the economic and cultural capital of one of the most powerful empires in history? Join the best Essential Free Tour of Cusco to discover the heart of this spectacular city walking with an experienced local guide and a group of likeminded international travelers. It will be an unforgettable experience allowing guests to learn about the dramatic rise, expansion and fall of the once mighty Inca Empire. Early on the tour, your guide will welcome you all with an introduction to how, since the 13th century, the Inca tribes incorporated parts of what is now Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia into their territory. All this huge territory was ruled from the Inca capital, Cusco... until the Spanish conquerors entered into the city in 1572 after a bloody fight.

The Essential Cusco Free Tour will allow you to understand the cultural legacy of the Inca Empire in today's Cusco and see monuments such as the 15th-century Qorikancha Temple. Here you will see the remains of the most important temple in the Inca Empire, a sacred place built to honor the god of the Sun god and which had entire walls covered in gold. You will learn how mastery of the art of construction made it possible to erect a building with magnificent foundations that withstood earthquakes and sieges. After the Spanish conquest, the temple became the Santo Domingo Convent, a Dominican monastery characterized by its Baroque style. As your guide provides essential insights into the culture, science, and language of the Incas, you'll appreciate the colonial legacy that has shaped the look and art of contemporary Cusco.

In addition to learning about the distant past, your free tour will also provide guests with opportunities to learn about the customs and daily life in modern Cusco. The Plaza de Armas is the majestic heart of the city and a busy gathering place during the weekend. Crossing this extensive square, you will be able to take photos of Cusco Cathedral, whose structure harmoniously combines features of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. In addition, your tour will offer an introduction to the best craft markets in the city, advice on the best souvenirs to buy, and explanations about the culture of the coca leaf. Don't forget to ask your guide for tips on the famous Peruvian gastronomy! They will be able to offer a lot of useful tips that will greatly facilitate your trip.