Cusco Walking Tour with a Licensed Local Guide | Cusco Guide
Discover Cusco on a paid walking tour with José Martínez, a licensed local guide who has explored the city with travelers since 2016. Uncover the Inca foundations, Spanish colonial heritage, and living Andean culture of the former Inca capital.
In just over 2.25 hours, explore ancient Inca streets, impressive stonework, iconic landmarks, traditional neighborhoods, and hidden viewpoints while hearing fascinating stories about Cusco’s history, traditions, and local life.
Hi! I’m José Martínez, known as Cusco Guide, and a former Machu Picchu trekking guide. Join me to experience my hometown beyond the usual tourist sights through local knowledge, authentic stories, and a personal connection with Cusco.
Cusco Walking Tour Itinerary: Inca History, Qorikancha & San Blas
Plaza de Armas and the Inca Statue
Meet José Martínez, known as Cusco Guide, at the Inca Statue in Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Cusco. Discover the square’s importance as the former center of the Inca capital and learn how the city changed after the Spanish conquest.
The Inca Puma Map and Ancient Roads
Learn why Cusco was traditionally associated with the shape of a puma and how its urban layout reflected Inca beliefs. Discover the ancient road network that connected the capital with different regions of the Inca Empire.
Intikijllu (Sun Street)
Walk along Intikijllu, also known as Sun Street, and admire the impressive Inca stone walls. Learn how the Incas cut, shaped, and fitted stones with remarkable precision, creating structures that have survived for centuries.
Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun
See Qorikancha from outside and discover why it was one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire. Learn about its connection to the Sun, its original Inca architecture, and the construction of the Spanish colonial convent above its foundations.
Cusicancha Palace
Explore the history of Cusicancha, an important Inca archaeological site near Qorikancha. Its original walls and foundations reveal how the Incas organized residential spaces and planned their capital with remarkable skill.
Inca Roca Stonework
Discover the impressive stonework associated with Inca Roca and learn about the engineering techniques used to construct Inca walls. See how massive stones, some weighing several tons, were fitted together without modern mortar.
The Twelve-Angled Stone
Visit Cusco’s famous Twelve-Angled Stone, one of the city’s best-known examples of Inca masonry. Learn how its carefully shaped edges fit precisely into the surrounding stones and why Inca construction remains admired today.
San Blas Neighborhood
Continue uphill into San Blas, a traditional neighborhood known for its artisans, narrow streets, and historic character. Visit San Blas Square and its fountain while discovering the neighborhood’s artistic heritage and local culture.
San Blas Viewpoint
Finish with panoramic views over Cusco from the San Blas viewpoint. Take in the city’s rooftops, historic churches, and surrounding mountains while learning about the Andean traditions and living culture that continue to shape Cusco.
Discover Cusco with a Local Guide
This 2.25-hour Cusco Walking Tour is led by José Martínez, a licensed local guide who has been guiding travelers through Cusco since 2016. Throughout the walk, enjoy local stories, Inca history, cultural insights, and fascinating legends that bring the city’s landmarks to life.
Tour Details
Duration: 2 to 2.25 hours
Price: 30 soles / approx. US$9 per person
Payment: At the end of the tour
Tips: Optional and appreciated
Departure Times
Daily departures: 7:45 AM · 9:45 AM · 12:30 PM · 3:00 PM · 6:00 PM.
Traveler Reviews
Book Your Cusco Walking Tour
Cusco Walking Tour Meeting Point
Meet José Martínez in front of the Inca Statue in Plaza de Armas, Cusco. Look for the red “Cusco Guide” T-shirt. Please arrive on time; the tour departs promptly, with a maximum 5-minute grace period.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and a light jacket or rain poncho, especially during Cusco’s rainy season (November–March).