Tour meeting point. The Plaza de Armas, known in Inca times as Huacaypata, was the ceremonial center of the empire and is considered the historic heart of Cusco. Here the main religious and military festivities of the Incas were celebrated. Today it is surrounded by colonial arcades, the Cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus.

Built between 1560 and 1654 over the palace of Inca Wiracocha, the Cathedral is a jewel of Andean colonial art. Its interior houses more than 400 works from the Cusco School, including the famous painting of The Last Supper with guinea pig as the main dish. It also holds a huge wooden cross and the darkened Christ of the Lord of the Earthquakes, the sworn patron of Cusco.

Built by the Jesuits over the palace of Inca Huayna Capac, the church is considered one of the finest expressions of Andean Baroque. Its stone-carved facade is so imposing that it generated controversy with the bishopric, which considered it a rival to the Cathedral. Inside, the gilded altarpieces and a colonial painting of the marriage between Beatriz Nusta and Martin Garcia de Loyola stand out.

The Coricancha or Temple of the Sun was the most important sanctuary of the Inca empire. Its walls were covered with gold sheets and housed a garden with plants and animals crafted in gold and silver. After the conquest, the Spaniards built the Convent of Santo Domingo over its walls. Today both architectures coexist, showcasing the perfection of Inca stonework against the colonial structure.

Located on Hatun Rumiyoq street, this stone is part of the wall of the former palace of Inca Roca. It is a block of green diorite that fits perfectly with the neighboring stones through its twelve angles, without using mortar. It is an iconic example of Inca mastery in stonework and one of the most photographed archaeological symbols of Cusco.

Final stop of the tour. Known as the artisans' neighborhood, San Blas stands out for its cobblestone streets, white houses with blue balconies, and a bohemian atmosphere. Here you will find the workshops of the most renowned artist families of Cusco and the Church of San Blas, with its famous pulpit carved in cedar wood. From its small square you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city. The tour ends here and it is the moment to give the voluntary contribution to the guide.