In Search of the Incas This walking tour will take us back in time on a trip through Inca history. With the help of infographics, audio, and photographs, we will learn about Cusco’s original urban layout, with its buildings, streets, and squares. We will then enjoy an entertaining cooking class, in which an expert chef will teach us how to make ceviche, followed by a delicious lunch a la carte.
Plaza Haukaypata The tour starts at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, the ancient main square of the Incas, who called it Plaza Haukaypata. This was the starting point where the four main roads that connected every corner of the Empire originated.
Plaza Kusipata Next, we will head to Plaza Regocijo, formerly known as Plaza Kusipata, where we will learn about the Incas’ day-to-day lives, their customs, activities, and the festivities that were held here.
Plaza San Francisco Our tour will then take us to Plaza San Francisco. Along the way, we will make a brief stop at the Casa de Garcilaso to pay tribute to Garcilaso de la Vega, also known as “El Inca,” a 16th century nobleman and writer whose literary works attest to the culture and traditions of the Incas and other peoples of ancient Peru. At the Plaza San Francisco, we will see the church, the arch, and the Colegio Nacional de Ciencias, one of the oldest and most iconic schools in Cusco.
San Pedro Market Next up is a visit to the San Pedro Market, where our guide will help us discover a wide range of traditional regional goods and observe how Cusco’s inhabitants buy and sell today.
Qorikancha Temple Our next stop is Qorikancha, or the Temple of Gold, considered the most important Inca spiritual and religious center. This was the residence of the Willac Umuc, the Incas’ highest-ranking priest and a member of the royal family.
Acllawasi Continuing on, we will walk along Calle Loreto to the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun, or Acllawasi. Along the way, we will learn about the techniques used by the Incas to build a wide variety of constructions.
Neighborhood of San Blas and the Twelve-Angled Stone Our final destination is the neighborhood of San Blas, also known as the artisans’ quarter, with its peaceful, narrow streets. Along the way, we will make a brief stop at the famous 12-angled stone.
Cooking Classes + Lunch After our walk, we will head to a well-known hotel for master class on how make ceviche, one of peruvian cuisine’s most iconic dishes. This be followed by lighthearted competition among the group, with winner receiving complimentary pisco sour. Each participant savor ceviche they have made their own hands, accompanied dish la carte and beverage choice. After lunch, each participant will receive a certificate of participation.
Departures Daily - all year round
Start time 9:00 a.m.
Tour duration 5:00 hrs
- Professional tour guide (English and Spanish) - Walking tour of Cusco’s Historical Center, visiting its main streets and plazas - Visit to the San Pedro Market, a typical fresh produce market - Ceviche master class run by a chef - Lunch (ceviche, main course dish and soft drink) - Certificate of participation - Recipes
What to bring? - Footwear and comfortable clothes for the walk - Video camera and/or photographic camera - Sunglasses and sunblock - Extra cash