Cusco Hop on Hop off Bus Tours
Find out all the details about the tourist bus of the wonderful city of Cusco, its route, the attractions it visits and much more.
Aglomeración de personas frente a los buses|© Alexandra Tran
If you are planning to travel to Cusco, in Peru, there is no better way to know its multiple attractions than on board of a tourist bus. Tourist buses are a perfect option for those travellers who are looking to get to know the city in a comfortable, safe and carefree way. Besides, they allow you to keep a map of the city in your head, so you can go back to the attractions you liked the most.
In a tourist bus you will be able to go around the city, and you will know the main highlights of Cusco, with the comfort of not having to walk long distances and not having to waste time planning the itinerary. Without a doubt, a tourist bus is one of the most recommended ways to get to know the best things to see in Cusco. Stay and I'll tell you all about it.
The best tourist bus in the city of Cusco
The city of Cusco has the Open Bus Cusco City Tour that takes you on an interesting tour of the main sights of the city.
When you board the tourist bus in Cusco, an expert guide will accompany you on a classic tour of the historic centre and the most emblematic of its surroundings. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best panoramic views and observe some of the archaeological sites outside the city, such as Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara and Quenqo.
You will make a few stops and entrances to explore Qolqampata, the palace of the first Inca Manco Capac, and participate in a demonstration of Andean ceremony or ritual with a priest. Finally, you will return to the starting point passing the hill where the statue of the White Christ is located, from where you can get a beautiful view of the city of Cusco.
Please note that the stops are time limited, this bus is not a Hop on-Hop off bus, so if you would like to go deeper into any of the sites, you will have to plan your visit for another day.
How long is the complete tour of the Cusco tourist bus?
In any of its three schedules the Cusco tourist bus tour takes 2 hours and 30 minutes in total.
How much does the Cusco tourist bus ticket cost?
The price of the Cuzco tourist bus starts at 12 euros per passenger.
Tourist bus timetable (day or night)
The timetable of the Cusco tourist bus in the morning is at 10 am, the midday departure is at 1 pm, and the afternoon departure, the last tour of the day, is at 4 pm.
Different attractions of the tourist bus of Cuzco
The Cusco tourist bus will allow you to get to know in a practical and organised way the best of this place, so full of history. Next, I will tell you in detail which are its different stops and what you will be able to see in each of them.
Pileta Plaza de Regocijo
The Pileta Plaza de Regocijo is a historical and cultural site in Cusco that attracts tourists and locals alike. It is located in the centre of the city, in the Plaza de Regocijo, which is rightly known for its impressive water fountain. The fountain was built in the 20th century and is an example of Spanish colonial architecture in Peru.
The fountain is very ornate, with sculptures depicting animals and plants from the region. The water flowing in the fountain is crystal clear and cool, making it a popular place to cool off on hot summer days.
Historic Centre of Cusco
The Historic Centre of Cusco is one of the most important tourist sites in Peru. It is the heart of the ancient Inca capital and is known for its impressive Spanish colonial architecture.
The historic centre is full of churches, squares, museums, restaurants and shops. The most prominent buildings in the historic centre are the Cathedral of Cusco, the Temple of the Society of Jesus, the Plaza de Armas and the Palace of the Incas. At this point you can enjoy a walk through the cobbled streets of the historic centre, admiring the Spanish colonial architecture and the influence of the Inca culture in the city.
If you are interested in the historic centre, you can deepen the tour with one of the best tours of Cusco.
Archaeological Centre of Qorikancha
The Archaeological Centre of Qorikancha is one of the most impressive in Cusco. It was the most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the cult of the sun. It was built in the 15th century and was decorated with gold and silver plates, which were looted after the Spanish conquest.
Today, you can admire the impressive Inca walls and the Spanish colonial architecture that was built on top of the original temple. The archaeological centre of Qorikancha is a place of great historical and cultural importance in Peru and is visited by tourists from all over the world.
Colcampata Palace
The Palace of Colcampata is an archaeological site in Cusco dating back to the 15th century. It was built by the Inca Wiracocha and was used as a residence for the Inca nobility.
The building was destroyed after the conquest and rebuilt in the 17th century by the archbishop of Cusco. Today, the palace is an example of both Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Here you will have the opportunity to admire the impressive Inca stone walls and the Spanish baroque details in the palace. In addition, the Colcampata Palace offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains.
Temple of San Cristobal
The Temple of San Cristobal is a church located on a hilltop in Cusco. It was built in the 17th century and is known for its impressive Spanish Baroque architecture. The temple is a popular place among tourists because of the panoramic views it offers of the city of Cusco and the surrounding nature.
In addition, the temple of San Cristobal is a site of great importance to the local community, as a mass is celebrated in Quechua every Sunday, which gives an authentic and historical atmosphere to the experience. In this area you can enjoy a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Cusco to reach the temple, and once there, admire the architecture, learn about the local history and culture and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the hill.
Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Centre
The Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Centre is one of Cusco's most impressive and famous archaeological sites. It is located on the outskirts of the city and is known for its huge stone walls built by the Incas. These walls were built without mortar and the stones were carved to fit together perfectly, which is an impressive example of the skill and precision of the Inca builders.
The archaeological centre is an important place for the history and culture of Peru, and is visited by tourists from all over the world. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Cusco and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot to take pictures and enjoy nature.
Qenqo Archaeological Centre
The Qenqo Archaeological Centre is an archaeological site dating back to the 15th century, and is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies and rituals. The site is known for its impressive rock carvings, which show a series of channels and stairways that were used in ceremonies.
Puca Pucara Archaeological Centre
The Archaeological Centre of Puca Pucara was built by the Incas in the 15th century as a military fortress and to protect the entrance to the city of Cusco. This place has imposing Inca stone walls. At this stop you can explore the ruins and admire the defensive structures. In addition, the archaeological centre also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Inca Ritual Centre in Wayllarcocha
The Inca Ritual Centre in Wayllarcocha is a unique place in Cusco that offers an authentic experience of the Inca culture. The centre is a sacred site where coca leaf ceremonies, an important ritual in Inca culture, are performed. Here you can learn about the importance of the coca leaf in the Inca culture, and even participate in the ceremony.
In addition, the centre offers a culinary experience, where you can learn how to make empanadas in a traditional oven and enjoy a typical Andean meal. And if you are interested in local gastronomy, I recommend you to deepen the experience with one of the best Peruvian cooking classes in Cusco.
Another interesting point of the ritual centre is that there is an exhibition of lithic models and natural dyes, which are an important part of the Inca culture. This place is ideal for you to enjoy an authentic atmosphere and get to know the culture and history of the Incas in a sacred and beautiful place.
Alpaca and Vicuña Weaving Exhibition
The Alpaca and Vicuña Weaving Exhibition is a must if you are interested in Peruvian handicrafts. The exhibition features a variety of weavings handmade by local artisans from the wool of alpaca and vicuña, two animals native to Peru that are known for their soft and luxurious fur.
At the exhibition you will have the opportunity to admire the beauty and quality of the weavings, and also learn about the production process and the importance of alpaca and vicuña wool in Peruvian culture. In addition, you can support the local producers and take home a unique and beautiful piece of Peruvian handicraft.
Mirador del Cristo Blanco
The Mirador del Cristo Blanco is one of the most famous viewpoints in Cusco. It is located on a hill near the historic centre of Cusco and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The Mirador del Cristo Blanco is a popular place to watch the sunset, as the sun sets behind the mountains and the city is illuminated with golden lights.
This interesting site owes its name to a statue of the White Christ, which stands on top of the hill. The statue was a gift from the Palestinians to the city of Cusco in 1945, as a symbol of peace and friendship between peoples. Here you can enjoy a stroll through the cobbled streets of Cusco to reach the lookout point, and once there, admire the breathtaking views and take memorable photos.
Advantages of using the tourist bus (day or night)
Below I will tell you the advantages of each of the Cusco tourist bus timetables, so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.
Advantages of using the Cusco tourist bus "morning schedule"
- Avoid crowds: By using the tourist bus in the morning, you will have the opportunity to visit Cusco's main tourist spots before most tourists arrive, allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful experience.
- Having the right lighting: Many of Cusco's tourist attractions are ideal to be seen in daylight, so visiting them in the morning will allow you to appreciate them in all their beauty and detail.
- Nicer weather: In the morning, the weather in Cusco is usually cool and pleasant, which makes it a perfect time to visit outdoor sites.
- Make the most of the day: after spending the morning on the tourist bus, you can take one of the best day trips from Cusco.
Advantages of using the Cusco tourist bus "at noon"
- Greater flexibility: Using the tourist bus at midday will give you the opportunity to enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants near Cusco's tourist attractions and then continue with the rest of your itinerary.
- Good visibility: In Cusco, the midday sunlight is still ideal for appreciating the details of the architecture and decoration of the tourist attractions, which means you will have a better visibility of the sites on the tour.
Advantages of using the Cusco tourist bus "in the afternoon"
- See the night show: In the evening, many of Cusco's tourist attractions begin to light up to create an impressive spectacle, such as the Cusco Cathedral or the Temple of the Sun. By using the tourist bus in the afternoon, you will be able to enjoy these sights, and then enjoy some of the best things to do in Cusco at night.
- Fewer tourists at the end of the experience: By the afternoon, many tourists have already returned to their hotels or are enjoying the nightlife in the city, which means you will have a quieter and less crowded experience when visiting Cusco's tourist attractions.
Other general advantages of the Cusco tourist bus
- The Cusco sightseeing bus can be booked on an open date, so you can manage your time, and plan your departure at a time that suits you best.
- You can surprise someone special with a unique experience, as the booking can be made in the name of a third party as a gift. Giving a Cusco tourist bus tour as a gift will make that person have an unforgettable adventure in the city, as it is one of the top 10 activities to do in Cusco.
How does the tourist bus work (day or night)?
Booking a ticket for the tourist bus in Cusco is done via the web. All forms of payment are accepted, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Once you have selected the date and time, you must be at the meeting point 20 minutes before the bus departs to make sure you don't miss it.