Private Cusco City Tour: San Pedro Market & Sacsayhuaman

Summary

Half-Day Guided Tour of Cusco’s Historic Highlights

You’ll taste local flavors at San Pedro Market, stroll through artists’ alleys in San Blas, step inside centuries-old cathedrals, and stand atop Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman—all with stories from a local guide who brings Cusco to life.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in San Blas always feels a bit crisp—maybe it’s the altitude or just the way the sun hits those whitewashed walls. We wandered up narrow cobbled lanes, passing tiny blue doors and shops where artisans were already at work. Our guide, Maribel, pointed out a woodcarver who’s been there for decades; you could actually smell fresh sawdust drifting out onto the street. The neighborhood is full of surprises—one minute you’re dodging a stray dog, the next you’re peeking into a gallery packed with bright Andean textiles.

San Pedro Market was buzzing by the time we got there. It’s not just tourists—locals come for their daily shopping, so you’ll hear Quechua and Spanish mixing in the air. I tried a slice of fresh cheese from one stall and nearly bought a bag of purple corn just because it looked so odd. There are rows and rows of potatoes (I lost count after twenty types), plus fruit juices being blended right in front of you. Maribel explained that Gustave Eiffel designed this place—never would’ve guessed that while squeezing past baskets of coca leaves.

The Cathedral on Plaza de Armas is massive inside, but what really caught my eye were all these paintings with little details only locals would spot—a guinea pig at the Last Supper, for example. Right nearby is Qorikancha, or Coricancha as some spell it—the old Inca Temple of the Sun. You can still see those perfect stone walls under the Spanish convent above. The contrast is wild: gold once covered these stones, now there’s quiet echoing off cold stone floors.

Sacsayhuaman sits above town—you’ll feel it in your legs if you walk up (we took a van). The stones here are huge; some are taller than me and fit together so tightly you can’t even slip a coin between them. Our guide told us about Inti Raymi, the big festival in June when this place fills up with dancers and music. Even when it’s empty except for a few llamas grazing nearby, there’s something powerful about standing among those ancient walls with all of Cusco spread out below.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco City Highlights

• Visit San Blas neighborhood
• Explore San Pedro Market
• Tour Cusco Cathedral
• Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Explore Sacsayhuaman fortress

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Cusco city tour?

Yes, we’ll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco for convenience.

Are entrance fees covered?

Admission to Coricancha and Cusco Cathedral is included. For Sacsayhuaman, you'll need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) separately.

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Absolutely! Kids are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Infants should sit on an adult's lap during transport.

How long does the tour last?

This is a half-day experience—enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No worries—your professional guide speaks both English and Spanish fluently.

What’s included

Your private tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco city center, entry tickets to Coricancha and the Cathedral, plus an expert bilingual guide who knows all the local stories. Just remember: bring cash or card for your Sacsayhuaman tourist ticket (BTC).