Free Walking Tour Cusco – Explore the City with a Local Guide
Since 2016, José Martínez, a local Cusco guide, has been showing travelers the history, culture, and living traditions of the city on foot. Join a local guide and discover Cusco beyond the main landmarks.
Explore Cusco’s Historic Center, Qoricancha (Sun Temple), impressive Inca stonework, the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, San Blas, and beautiful viewpoints.
The tour is tip-based, so you decide what to give at the end.
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Meeting Point: Inca Statue, Plaza de Armas
Meet us in front of the Inca Statue in the center of Plaza de Armas, Cusco.
Look for José Martínez (Cusco Guide), who personally leads the tour in English and wears a red “Free Walking Tour Cusco” T-shirt. Please arrive on time, as the tour starts promptly at the scheduled departure time. We allow a maximum grace period of 5 minutes after departure.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sun protection, and a light layer. Cusco’s weather can change quickly, so be prepared for both sunshine and rain. The rainy season typically runs from November to March, so bringing a rain jacket or poncho is especially recommended during these months.
Free Walking Tour Cusco: Itinerary and Highlights
Discover the history, culture, and hidden corners of the ancient Inca capital on our Free Walking Tour Cusco, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore the historic center, admire extraordinary Inca stonework, and experience the traditions that make Cusco unique.
The Sacred Puma of Inca Cusco: Learn about the traditional association between the ancient city’s layout and the shape of a sacred puma.
The Beginning of the Inca Road Network: Discover the history of the Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive road system that connected the Inca Empire.
Sun Street (Calle del Sol): Admire impressive Inca walls and perfectly fitted stones that showcase the remarkable skills of Inca builders.
Llamas and Alpacas: Meet these iconic Andean camelids and learn about their importance in local culture and traditional Andean life.
Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun): Explore the history of Cusco’s most important Inca religious complex, dedicated to Inti, the Sun God.
The Remains of an Inca Palace: Discover surviving architectural features and learn how the Incas planned and built their remarkable capital.
The Street of Giant Inca Stones: Marvel at massive stone blocks, some weighing more than eight tons, and discover the engineering behind their precise construction.
The Famous Twelve-Angled Stone: See one of Cusco’s most iconic landmarks and admire the extraordinary precision of Inca stone masonry.
San Blas, the Artistic Neighborhood: Wander through charming cobblestone streets and discover the artistic spirit and local character of this historic neighborhood.
San Blas Market: Experience a glimpse of everyday life in Cusco and discover local products and traditional Andean flavors. Not included in the 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM tours.
The San Blas Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of Cusco’s historic rooftops and surrounding mountains.
A Complimentary Peruvian Culinary Demonstration: Depending on the day, enjoy a demonstration of how to prepare ceviche or the famous Pisco Sour while learning about Peru’s culinary traditions.