Cusco: Sightseeing Tour of the City on an Open-Top Bus

Cusco’s most memorable moment on this tour comes away from the city streets, at a small shamanic center where you can watch a traditional ceremony honoring Pachamama, the Andean mother earth, the mountains, and the natural world. The open-top bus also gives you wide views of Cusco that are hard to get while walking its steep streets.

I like this tour for two clear reasons: it is a cheap way to get your bearings before tackling Cusco on foot, and it reaches Sacsayhuamán and Cristo Blanco with little walking. The main catch is that it is a fixed sightseeing ride, not a hop-on, hop-off service, and much of Cusco is viewed from the bus.

Key points at a glance

• A fixed 150-minute route: You stay with the group and get off mainly at the shamanic center and Cristo Blanco.
• The Pachamama ceremony: A short traditional ritual is the most distinctive part of the outing.
• Sacsayhuamán from the road: You see this major Inca site, but the stop is brief and does not provide a long walking visit.
• Open-top city views: The upper deck is ideal for photographing Cusco, its colonial buildings, and the surrounding mountains.
• Alpacas and wool: The shopping stop may include llamas and alpacas, plus an explanation of different wool types.
• Good first-day value: At $12, it offers a gentle introduction while you adjust to Cusco’s high altitude.

Why this open-top bus works well on your first day

Cusco can feel like a lot at once. Its streets rise sharply, its old center is crowded with sights, and the high altitude can make even a short walk feel like work. This tour lets you sit down, listen to a bilingual guide, and see the city before deciding where you want to return on your own.

The route begins near the historic center at Sta. Catalina Angosta 120. From there, you make the short walk toward the Plaza de Armas, then board the bus for the wider circuit. The exact meeting arrangement can be a little confusing, so exchange your voucher at the designated counter before setting off and allow time to be directed to the bus.

The upper deck is the place to sit if the weather is good. You get open views of Cusco’s red tile roofs, white colonial facades, nearby hills, and distant mountains. Bring a jacket even on a sunny day. The wind can feel cool, while the strong sun can burn you quickly, so sunglasses, a hat, and biodegradable sunscreen are sensible.

The Plaza de Armas and Cusco’s historic center

The opening section takes you through the center of Cusco, including the Plaza de Armas. This is mainly a drive-by introduction rather than a full walking tour. Your guide explains the importance of the buildings and streets as the bus moves through the old city.

That format has a useful side. You can see how the colonial center connects with the streets leading uphill, something that is not always clear from a map. You also get a first look at the mixture of Spanish colonial architecture and older Andean foundations.

The drawback is sound. Traffic, wind, and engine noise can make the guide hard to hear, especially from the top deck. Some guides have been praised for switching smoothly between Spanish and English, with names such as Joshua, Paulo, AJ, Joel, and Roxanna mentioned by name. Still, the quality of English delivery can vary, and some English speakers may find the explanations too fast.

Sit near the guide or on the lower deck if understanding every word matters more to you than the view. If you mainly want an overview, the upper deck gives you the better experience.

Sacsayhuamán: a quick look at massive Inca stonework

The bus then climbs toward Sacsayhuamán, the great archaeological site above Cusco. The name is often spelled Saksaywaman or Saqsayhuamán. Its huge fitted stones are among the most striking remains near the city, and the high position provides another fine view over Cusco.

This is not a full archaeological visit. The schedule allows only a short photo and sightseeing stop, and one part of the route keeps you on or near the bus rather than sending you through the whole site. Think of it as a preview, not a substitute for buying an archaeological ticket and returning for a proper visit.

That distinction matters. If Sacsayhuamán is high on your list, plan a separate visit when you have more time. The bus tour helps you understand where the site is and gives you a quick look at its setting, but it cannot explain every wall or let you explore the broad grounds at a slow pace.

For many people, this limited stop is still worthwhile because it avoids the uphill effort of reaching the area alone. You see the site as part of a larger route, then continue to the cultural stops that make this more than a simple city drive.

The shamanic center and the Pachamama ceremony

The longest stop is at a center outside the main city route. This is where the tour takes its most unusual turn. A local spiritual guide, described in the program as an Altomisayoc, leads a traditional ceremony honoring Pachamama, the mountains, and nature.

The ceremony can include coca leaves and a short blessing or cleansing ritual. It lasts about 15 minutes within a roughly 30-minute stop. You are invited to observe, and the experience is presented as a cultural tradition rather than a theatrical show. For me, this is the part that gives the tour its character.

You should approach it with respect and modest expectations. This is not a full lesson in Andean religion, and the brief format cannot cover the many meanings behind the ritual. But it offers a direct glimpse of a living tradition that you would not get from simply looking at ruins.

Some departures also include llamas or alpacas to feed and pet. That adds a light, friendly touch, especially for families, though animal encounters are not the main reason to book the tour. The ceremony is the more meaningful element.

The center also has a shopping component. Depending on the stop, you may be shown local goods, drinks, or wool products. Some visitors felt the sales portion was too strong, while others did not feel pressured. Go in knowing that shopping is part of the visit, not an accidental pause.

Alpaca wool, souvenirs, and the sales stop

The planned route includes an alpaca wool weaving center where a worker explains different types of wool and how to identify genuine alpaca products. This can be useful if you want a scarf, hat, or blanket and do not know how to judge the material.

The practical value is simple: you learn what questions to ask before buying. You may also see demonstrations or finished goods, depending on how the stop is arranged that day. Some departures have included time with alpacas and llamas, while the amount of time for shopping can vary.

This is also the tour’s clearest weak point. One visit was described as mostly a market and sales presentation, and another departure did not appear to include the promised weaving-center explanation. I would not book this tour mainly for textile shopping.

If you are interested in buying, compare prices and do not feel obliged to purchase. If you are not shopping, use the break for photos, the animals, or a closer look at the ceremony area. The stop gives the tour local color, but it is not as focused as a dedicated textile workshop.

Cristo Blanco and the wide view over Cusco

Near the end, the bus reaches Cristo Blanco, the large white statue on the hill above Cusco. This is one of the finest viewpoints in the city. From here, you can look across the red roofs of the historic center and out toward the surrounding hills and mountains.

The stop is short, around 10 minutes, so have your camera ready before you get off. The viewpoint is especially useful early in your stay because it turns Cusco’s layout into something you can understand. After seeing the city from above, the Plaza de Armas, Coricancha, and the steep streets below make better sense.

The statue is sometimes compared with other Christ monuments in South America, but the real reason to visit is the view. It is a calm contrast to the close streets of the old center.

Again, this is a photo stop, not a long hilltop visit. If you want quiet time at Cristo Blanco, return independently later. On the bus tour, you get a well-placed look and then continue down toward Cusco.

Coricancha and the return through town

The route also passes Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, one of Cusco’s most important historic sites. The bus provides sightseeing rather than a full interior visit. That is enough to mark its location and hear why it matters, but not enough to study the masonry, courtyards, or colonial church built over the Inca complex.

I recommend treating this as a list-making stop. Note the places you want to revisit: Coricancha for a proper indoor visit, Sacsayhuamán for more time among the stone walls, and the Plaza de Armas for a slower walk.

The tour finishes on Calle Saphy. Because the starting and ending points are not identical, check your route back to your hotel or next activity before boarding. The final location is still within Cusco, but you should not assume you will step off exactly where you began.

Is $12 good value for 150 minutes?

At $12 per person, the numbers are hard to argue with. You get about two and a half hours of transport, a bilingual guide, several city sights, a viewpoint, a brief archaeological stop, and a cultural ceremony. A taxi to several of these places could cost a fair part of the tour price, while walking between them would take time and energy.

The value is strongest if you are newly arrived, traveling with older relatives, or trying to limit walking while you adjust to the altitude. It is also useful if you want a broad first look before paying separate entrance fees for the sites you care about most.

The value is weaker if you expect detailed archaeology, long visits, or a flexible bus route. The tour does not let you get off whenever you wish, and much of the sightseeing happens through the bus windows. The shopping stop may also feel longer than you want if you have no interest in souvenirs.

At this price, I see the tour as an orientation ride with cultural extras. It is not a replacement for Cusco’s museums, ruins, or guided walking tours. It is a low-cost way to cover ground and decide what deserves more of your time.

Weather, comfort, and the practical details

The tour operates rain or shine. That matters in Cusco, where weather can change quickly and the open deck offers little protection from sun, wind, or rain. Pack the jacket listed for the activity, and keep your sunscreen and hat easy to reach.

The bus is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The route includes walking between the meeting area and bus, boarding, getting off at stops, and moving around uneven outdoor locations. If you need step-free access, choose a different way to see the city.

Book with the language issue in mind. Spanish and English are offered, but the guide may spend more time in Spanish when most of the group speaks it. Some guides make a real effort to translate and check that English speakers are following. Even so, traffic noise and fast speech can make the commentary less clear than expected.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date before arranging another activity afterward.

Who should book the Cusco open-top bus?

I would choose this tour for a first afternoon or morning in Cusco, especially if you want an easy introduction before walking the city on your own. It suits anyone who likes views, photos, short stops, and a mix of major sights with a small cultural experience.

It is also a good fit for families and mixed-age groups. You can see several places without asking everyone to climb Cusco’s hills. The alpacas and ceremony may be a welcome change from a standard architecture tour.

I would skip it if your main goal is serious archaeology. Sacsayhuamán, Coricancha, and the other historic sites deserve more time than this route allows. I would also skip it if shopping stops irritate you or if you need a fully accessible vehicle.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a cheap, relaxed orientation to Cusco, with excellent high viewpoints and a short encounter with Andean ceremony. The open-top bus, Cristo Blanco, and Pachamama stop make it more memorable than a basic drive around town.

Do not book it expecting hop-on, hop-off freedom or in-depth site visits. For $12, the sensible approach is to enjoy the route for what it is, then return independently to Sacsayhuamán, Coricancha, or any other place that catches your eye.

FAQ

Is this a hop-on, hop-off bus tour?

No. It is a fixed sightseeing route lasting about 150 minutes. You remain with the group and get off mainly at the shamanic center and Cristo Blanco.

How much does the Cusco open-top bus tour cost?

The listed price is $12 per person.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is 150 minutes, or two and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What languages are available?

The live guide operates in Spanish and English.

Does the tour visit Sacsayhuamán?

Yes. The bus goes to Sacsayhuamán for a brief photo, guided sightseeing, and views. It is not a long independent visit through the full archaeological site.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and a jacket. The tour operates rain or shine.