Cusco: San Pedro Market, Cathedral & Qorikancha Tour Pickup

Summary

Walk Cusco’s lively market streets and ancient temples with local stories

You’ll taste fresh chuta bread at San Pedro Market, trace your fingers along ancient Inca stones on Hatun Rumiyoc street, and stand quietly inside Cusco Cathedral as your guide shares stories you won’t find in any book. This tour isn’t just about seeing sights — it’s about feeling them linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Cusco smells like in the morning? I didn’t, until we stepped into San Pedro Market and the air hit us — warm bread, sharp cheese, fruit I couldn’t name. Our guide, Rosa, waved at a vendor selling chuta bread (she called him “her cousin,” but I’m not sure if she was joking). She handed us tiny cups of something purple — chicha morada — and I tried not to spill it while dodging a woman balancing potatoes on her head. It’s loud in there, but in a good way. Like everyone’s got somewhere to be but nobody’s in a hurry.

We wandered out toward the Plaza de Armas, still chewing on sweet bread crumbs. The Cathedral looked almost too big for the square — all carved doors and quiet shadows inside. Rosa pointed out a painting of the Last Supper with cuy (guinea pig) on the table; she grinned when we noticed it. There was incense hanging in the air, mixing with that old wood smell you only get in places that have seen centuries go by. I tried to imagine what this place looked like before the Spanish built over it — hard to picture, honestly.

Hatun Rumiyoc street was next, where everyone stops to touch that twelve-angled stone (I did too — it’s smoother than you’d think). Then Qorikancha: sunlight bouncing off old Inca walls under the bones of a Spanish convent. Rosa told us how they used to cover these stones in gold leaf; now just cool gray rock left behind. We stood there for a minute without talking much. Sometimes you feel history more than you see it, you know? Anyway, after all that walking my feet were tired but my head was buzzing — still is when I think about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco city tour and market visit

• Visit San Blas Artisans’ Quarters and church
• Stop at Hatun Rumiyoc street to see twelve angular stone
• Tour Cusco Cathedral and see woodwork and paintings
• Explore Qorikancha Temple and Santo Domingo convent
• Visit San Pedro Market to experience local culture

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Cusco city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included unless your hotel is in an area without vehicle access.

What attractions are visited during the Cusco sightseeing tour?

The tour visits San Pedro Market, Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha Temple (Coricancha), Hatun Rumiyoc street, and the historic center.

Are entrance fees included for the Cathedral and Qorikancha?

Yes, entrance tickets for both Cusco Cathedral and Korikancha Temple are included.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will there be a bilingual guide during the tour?

Yes, tours are provided with live bilingual guides in Spanish and English.

How long does the day trip from Cusco last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several key sites within central Cusco; expect around half a day.

Can I use public transportation to join this tour?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (unless your hotel is on a pedestrian-only street), entry tickets for both Cusco Cathedral and Korikancha Temple, plus guidance from a bilingual local expert who’ll share stories as you explore markets and temples together.