Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Cusco Hotel Pickup → Cusco Cathedral → Compañía de Jesús → Santa Catalina → La Merced → San Francisco → Plaza de Armas → Cusco
9:00 AM – HOTEL PICKUP & START OF THE CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR
Your Cusco Churches Tour begins at approximately 9:00 AM with pickup from your hotel in or near Cusco’s historic center. You will meet your professional guide and receive a short introduction to the history of Cusco, from its importance as the capital of the Inca Empire to the profound transformations that took place following the arrival of the Spanish.
Most of today’s tour is completed on foot through the historic center, allowing you to appreciate Cusco’s streets, plazas, colonial buildings, and original Inca stonework along the way.
9:15 AM – CUSCO CATHEDRAL
Our first major visit is the impressive Cusco Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas. Built during the Spanish colonial period, the cathedral is one of the most important religious monuments in Peru.
Inside, you can appreciate elaborate wooden altars, religious sculptures, silverwork, and an exceptional collection of paintings from the Cusco School of Painting. Your guide will explain how European Christian traditions were combined with Andean artistic elements, creating a distinctive style that developed in Cusco during the colonial period.
10:30 AM – CHURCH OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS
We continue to the Church of the Society of Jesus (Compañía de Jesús), another magnificent religious monument located directly on Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. The church is particularly known for its impressive façade, richly decorated interior, monumental altar, and beautiful examples of colonial religious art. Your guide will explain the influence of the Jesuits in colonial Cusco and the historical importance of the site on which the church was constructed.
11:30 AM – SANTA CATALINA CHURCH & CONVENT
Our next stop is the Santa Catalina Church and Convent, located in the historic center on an area historically associated with the Inca ceremonial complex of Acllawasi. This visit provides an interesting perspective on how religious spaces changed after the Spanish conquest and how colonial institutions were established over important areas of the former Inca capital.
12:15 PM – LA MERCED CHURCH & CONVENT
We then visit the historic La Merced Church and Convent, one of Cusco’s most significant colonial religious complexes. The convent is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, peaceful cloisters, religious artwork, and important historical objects. During the visit, your guide will explain the role of the Mercedarian order and its influence during the colonial period.
1:00 PM – LUNCH BREAK
At approximately 1:00 PM, we will take a break for lunch at a restaurant in Cusco’s historic center. This is also an opportunity to rest before continuing with the afternoon portion of the tour.
2:00 PM – SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH & CONVENT
After lunch, we continue to the San Francisco Church and Convent, another important example of Cusco’s colonial religious heritage.
The complex contains colonial artwork, historic architecture, religious paintings, and impressive interior spaces that reflect the influence of the Franciscan order in Cusco.
Your guide will provide historical context and explain some of the most important artistic and architectural features of the complex.
3:15 PM – COLONIAL CUSCO & ADDITIONAL RELIGIOUS SITES
During the afternoon, we continue walking through the historic center to discover additional churches, chapels, colonial buildings, and religious landmarks.
Depending on opening hours and access on the day of your tour, the guide may include additional sites or exterior visits to other historically important religious monuments.
Along the way, you will also observe how Inca stone foundations and Spanish colonial architecture coexist throughout Cusco, providing one of the clearest examples of the cultural transformation that shaped the modern city.
4:30 PM – PLAZA DE ARMAS & FINAL EXPLANATION
We return toward the Plaza de Armas, where your guide will provide a final explanation about the evolution of Cusco from the capital of the Inca Empire to one of the most important colonial cities in the Andes.
This is also a great opportunity to ask questions, take photographs, and appreciate the remarkable architectural contrast between Cusco’s Inca foundations and colonial monuments.
5:00 PM – END OF THE CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR
Our Cusco Churches Tour finishes at approximately 5:00 PM in Cusco’s historic center. From here, you can continue exploring the Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets independently or return to your hotel.
At the end of this full-day experience, you will have gained a deeper understanding of Cusco beyond its famous Inca heritage, discovering the colonial art, architecture, religion, and history that have also played an essential role in shaping the cultural identity of the city.
Please Note: The order of the churches and religious sites may change depending on opening hours, religious ceremonies, special events, holidays, or temporary access restrictions. Your guide will organize the most appropriate route available on the day of the tour.
TOUR SUMMARY
- Duration: Full Day
- Starting Time: Approximately 9:00 AM
- Ending Time: Approximately 5:00 PM
- Location: Historic Center of Cusco
- Tour Type: Cultural, Historical & Religious Tour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
- Walking: Moderate walking through Cusco’s historic center
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Pickup from your hotel in or near Cusco’s historic center is included at the beginning of the tour.
Professional Bilingual Tour Guide
A professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing detailed information about Cusco’s colonial history, religious traditions, architecture, artwork, and the fascinating fusion of Andean and European cultures.
Entrance Tickets to All Churches & Temples
All entrance fees to the churches, temples, convents, and religious sites included in the confirmed itinerary are included in the tour price. You will not need to purchase separate entrance tickets for the scheduled visits.
Entrance to Cusco Cathedral
Admission to the Cusco Cathedral is included, allowing you to explore one of Peru’s most important colonial religious monuments and its remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, altars, and religious artwork.
Entrance to the Church of the Society of Jesus
Admission to the Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus) is included as part of the tour.
Entrance to Santa Catalina Church & Convent
Your entrance ticket to the Santa Catalina Church and Convent is included.
Entrance to La Merced Church & Convent
Admission to the historic La Merced Church and Convent is included in your tour package.
Entrance to San Francisco Church & Convent
Your entrance to the San Francisco Church and Convent is also included.
Guided Walking Tour of Historic Cusco
Enjoy a guided walk through Cusco’s historic center while discovering colonial streets, plazas, religious monuments, and the remarkable combination of Inca foundations and Spanish colonial architecture.
Tour Organization & Assistance
Machu Picchu Team coordinates the itinerary, entrance tickets, guide service, and scheduled visits to provide a smooth and well-organized experience from beginning to end.
Not Included
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the tour price. A lunch break will be provided during the itinerary, allowing you to choose a restaurant according to your preferences and budget.
Tips & Gratuities
Tips for your tour guide or other service staff are not included and are completely optional. Gratuities may be given at your discretion based on the quality of service received.
Travel Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included. We recommend that travelers have appropriate travel insurance covering medical assistance, accidents, trip interruptions, and other unexpected situations during their stay in Peru.
Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, souvenirs, personal purchases, and any additional expenses not specifically mentioned in the “What’s Included” section are not included.
What to Pack
What to Pack
CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR 1 DAY – WHAT TO PACK
For the Cusco Churches Tour – 1 Day Cultural & Religious Experience, we recommend bringing only the essentials for a comfortable full-day visit through Cusco’s historic center, churches, convents, and colonial attractions.
- Passport or Valid Identification: Carry your original passport or a valid identification document during the tour.
- Small Daypack: A lightweight backpack is ideal for carrying your personal belongings, water, camera, sunscreen, and other daily essentials.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: The Cusco Churches Tour involves walking through the historic center, including cobblestone streets, plazas, churches, and convents. Comfortable shoes with good grip are highly recommended.
- Comfortable & Appropriate Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and respectful for visiting churches and religious sites. We recommend avoiding excessively revealing clothing when entering temples and convents.
- Light Jacket or Sweater: Cusco is located at approximately 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level, and temperatures can change throughout the day. A light jacket, sweater, or fleece is recommended.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. Sun exposure can be strong at Cusco’s high altitude, even on cool or cloudy days.
- Refillable Water Bottle: Carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout the walking tour, especially while adjusting to Cusco’s altitude.
- Camera or Smartphone: Recommended for capturing Cusco’s colonial architecture, historic plazas, and exterior views of the churches and monuments visited during the tour. Please remember that photography may be restricted inside some churches and religious sites.
- Personal Medication: Bring any personal or prescription medication you may need during the day.
- Cash in Peruvian Soles or Credit Card: Useful for lunch, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses not included in the tour.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: A lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho is recommended, particularly during Cusco’s rainy season.
- Portable Charger: Optional but useful for keeping your smartphone or camera charged throughout the full-day tour.
IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION: For the Cusco Churches Tour, a small daypack with the essentials is sufficient. Wear comfortable walking shoes and respectful clothing suitable for entering religious sites, and bring a light jacket or rain protection because Cusco’s weather can change quickly. Please also follow your guide’s instructions regarding photography, silence, and visitor regulations inside churches, temples, and convents.
Prices
Pricing
CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR PRICES | 2026–2027 SEASONS
We offer competitive rates for our Cusco Churches Tour 1 Day Cultural & Religious Experience, designed for travelers who want to discover Cusco’s most important churches, convents, colonial architecture, religious art, and cultural heritage in one well-organized full-day experience. The tour price includes the essential services for your visit, including hotel pickup in Cusco, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance tickets to all churches, temples, and convents included in the confirmed itinerary, such as the Cusco Cathedral, Compañía de Jesús, Santa Catalina, La Merced, and San Francisco. Travelers who have previously booked a tour with Machu Picchu Team may qualify for a special returning-customer rate, subject to verification of their previous reservation and availability for the selected date.
STANDARD RATE: $80 USD per person
PROMOTIONAL RATE: $70 USD per person
Group Size
The Cusco Churches Tour operates as a shared group service with travelers booked for the same departure date. Each group is accompanied by a professional bilingual guide who provides detailed information about Cusco’s colonial history, religious heritage, architecture, paintings, sculptures, and the fascinating combination of Inca and Spanish influences found throughout the historic center. Group size may vary depending on the number of reservations for each departure.
Guaranteed Daily Departures
The Cusco Churches Tour operates daily throughout the year, subject to availability, church opening hours, religious ceremonies, local events, and other operational conditions. Travelers can book any available departure date directly through our website, including last-minute reservations and bookings made one day before the tour, when spaces and entrance tickets are available. Machu Picchu Team coordinates the professional guide, scheduled visits, and entrance tickets to the religious attractions included in the itinerary, providing a simple and well-organized way to discover the colonial, artistic, historical, and religious heritage of Cusco in one full-day experience.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
HOW TO BOOK – CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR
Booking your Cusco Churches Tour – 1 Day Cultural & Religious Experience with Machu Picchu Team is quick and simple. Click the BOOK NOW button, select your preferred travel date, enter the required passenger information, and complete the payment through our secure booking system.
The tour can be booked up to one day before departure, subject to availability and access to the churches, temples, and convents included in the itinerary. Once your reservation is confirmed, our team will send you your booking confirmation, pickup information, and important tour details.
Please provide your full name, email address, WhatsApp number, and accommodation details in Cusco so our team can correctly coordinate your service.
TERMS & CONDITIONS – CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR
RESERVATION
Your reservation is considered confirmed once the required passenger information and payment have been received and Machu Picchu Team has issued your booking confirmation.
AVAILABILITY
The Cusco Churches Tour operates throughout the year and can be booked up to one day before departure, subject to availability, entrance access, church opening hours, religious ceremonies, holidays, and other operational conditions.
HOTEL PICKUP
Hotel pickup is included from accommodations located in or near Cusco’s historic center. Your exact pickup time and meeting details will be confirmed before the tour. If your accommodation is outside the regular pickup area, our team will provide a convenient meeting point.
ENTRANCE TICKETS
Entrance tickets to the churches, temples, convents, and religious attractions specifically included in the confirmed itinerary are included in the tour price. Access remains subject to the opening hours and regulations of each religious site.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
You may cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start of the tour and receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure and no-shows are non-refundable.
DATE CHANGES
Requests to change your travel date are subject to availability. We recommend contacting us as early as possible if you need to modify your reservation.
ITINERARY & SCHEDULE
Tour times and the order of visits are approximate and may change due to church opening hours, religious ceremonies, special events, holidays, temporary closures, or other operational circumstances. When necessary, Machu Picchu Team may adjust the order of the itinerary to provide the best possible experience.
RELIGIOUS SITE REGULATIONS
All travelers must respect the rules established by each church, temple, and convent. Some sites may restrict photography, video recording, access to certain areas, or visits during religious ceremonies. Appropriate and respectful clothing is recommended when entering religious sites.
PERSONAL EXPENSES
Lunch, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, tips, travel insurance, and any additional services not specifically listed in the “What’s Included” section are considered personal expenses and are not included in the tour price.
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
By booking the Cusco Churches Tour, you confirm that you have reviewed and accepted the itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, cancellation policy, and booking conditions provided by Machu Picchu Team.
Faqs and Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR 1-DAY CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
1. WHAT IS THE CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR?
The Cusco Churches Tour is a full-day cultural and religious experience through Cusco’s historic center. The tour focuses on the city’s colonial heritage, religious architecture, paintings, sculptures, and the fascinating fusion of Andean and Spanish traditions.
2. WHICH CHURCHES ARE VISITED DURING THE TOUR?
The tour includes visits to some of Cusco’s most important religious monuments, including Cusco Cathedral, Compañía de Jesús, Santa Catalina, La Merced, and San Francisco. The order of visits may change depending on opening hours, religious ceremonies, or special events.
3. ARE THE ENTRANCE TICKETS TO THE CHURCHES INCLUDED?
Yes. Entrance tickets to all churches, temples, and convents included in the confirmed itinerary are included in the tour price, so you will not need to purchase separate admission tickets during the scheduled visits.
4. HOW LONG DOES THE CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR LAST?
The Cusco Churches Tour is a full-day experience, generally starting at approximately 9:00 AM and finishing around 5:00 PM. Times may vary depending on opening hours, religious activities, and operational conditions.
5. IS LUNCH INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?
No. Lunch is not included in the tour price. A lunch break is scheduled during the day, giving you the opportunity to choose a restaurant in Cusco according to your preferences and budget.
6. DO I NEED TO FOLLOW A DRESS CODE TO ENTER THE CHURCHES?
We recommend wearing comfortable and respectful clothing suitable for visiting religious sites. Some churches and convents may have specific visitor regulations, and photography or video recording may be restricted in certain areas.
7. CAN I BOOK THE CUSCO CHURCHES TOUR ONE DAY IN ADVANCE?
Yes. The Cusco Churches Tour can generally be booked up to one day before departure, subject to availability and access to the religious sites. We recommend booking in advance whenever possible, particularly during holidays, festivals, and high-demand travel periods.
Travel Guide
Gallery
Photo Gallery
5 REASONS TO BOOK WITH MACHU PICCHU TEAM
1. DIRECT LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR
Book directly with Machu Picchu Team, a local tour operator based in Cusco. We organize and coordinate your experience directly, providing reliable service and assistance throughout your trip.
2. PROFESSIONAL LOCAL GUIDES
Explore Cusco with experienced professional guides who provide valuable information about the city’s Inca and colonial history, religious art, architecture, traditions, and local culture.
3. SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE
We prioritize small groups to provide a more comfortable and personalized experience, allowing you to interact with your guide and enjoy each attraction without feeling rushed.
4. COMPETITIVE PRICES WITH ESSENTIAL SERVICES INCLUDED
We offer competitive prices with clear inclusions. For the Cusco Churches Tour, entrance tickets to all churches, temples, and convents included in the confirmed itinerary are already covered in the tour price.
5. FAST & PERSONALIZED ASSISTANCE
Our team provides quick and personalized assistance before and during your tour. Whether you have questions about your booking, pickup, itinerary, or additional services, Machu Picchu Team is ready to assist you and make your experience in Cusco as smooth as possible.
Optional Trips
We offer additional tour options that maintain the same high quality you've come to expect. Explore new possibilities with us without compromising on excellence!"
Lake Titicaca Tour 1 Day is one of the most memorable cultural experiences in southern Peru. During this journey, you will navigate across the spectacular water
PALLAY PUNCHU TOUR FROM CUSCO: The Pallay Punchu Tour from Cusco is a full-day hiking experience to one of the most distinctive colorful mountain landscapes in
Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour from Cusco: Discover one of Peru’s most spectacular natural attractions on an exciting Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour from Cusco. This a
AUSANGATE FULL DAY TOUR 7 LAKES OF THE ANDES Ausangate is one of Peru’s most sacred and impressive mountains. On this full-day adventure, you will explore the
NEW SALKANTAY TREK + INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 5 DAYS: The New Salkantay Trek + Inca Jungle Trail 5 Days is an exciting alternative adventure to Machu Picchu, created
Cusco South Valley Tour Discover the stunning landscapes and remarkable archaeological treasures of Cusco’s South Valley, just a short drive from the city