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.
Join us daily at 9:45 AM, 12:30 PM, or 3:00 PM — these departures are guaranteed. Special departures at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM are also available with prior confirmation.
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 Highlights
The Map of Inca Cusco: Discover how the ancient capital of the Inca Empire was designed in the shape of a sacred puma, a powerful symbol of strength and protection in Andean culture.
The Beginning of the Inca Trail Network: Learn how Cusco served as the center of the vast Inca road system, connecting the imperial capital with distant regions of the empire.
Sun Street (Calle del Sol): Walk along one of Cusco’s historic streets and admire remarkable Inca walls, precisely fitted stones, and the architectural techniques that have survived for centuries.
Llamas and Alpacas: Meet these iconic Andean animals along the way and learn about their importance in local traditions, daily life, and the history of the Andes.
Qoricancha (Sun Temple): Discover the history of the most important religious center of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God, Inti. Learn how the Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent over its extraordinary Inca foundations.
The Remains of an Inca Palace: Explore surviving Inca stonework and discover how the ancient city was organized through palaces, ceremonial spaces, and impressive architectural planning.
The Street of Massive Inca Stones: Walk along streets lined with enormous stone blocks and learn how Inca builders transported, shaped, and fitted these impressive stones without modern machinery.
The Famous Twelve-Angled Stone: See one of Cusco’s most iconic landmarks and discover the precision of Inca masonry, where each stone fits tightly with its neighbors without the use of mortar.
San Blas — The Artistic Neighborhood: Explore one of Cusco’s most charming districts, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses, artisan workshops, and creative atmosphere.
San Blas Market: Experience a glimpse of everyday Cusco life as you explore local products, fresh ingredients, traditional foods, and the flavors of Andean cuisine. This stop is not included in the 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM tours.
The San Blas Viewpoint: Enjoy beautiful panoramic views over Cusco’s rooftops, historic churches, and surrounding mountains while learning about the city’s geography and its connection to the Andean landscape.
A Complimentary Local Culinary Experience: Finish your cultural experience with a complimentary demonstration of either ceviche preparation or the traditional Pisco Sour cocktail, depending on the day. Discover local ingredients, preparation techniques, and the culinary traditions of Peru.