Free Walk, Inca Trail To Antisuyo

Join a free, pay-what-you-want walk with a local guide on GuruWalk, following the sacred paths of the Inca Trail of Cusco to the Antisuyo. The walk lasts 4 hours and visitors pay what they want.

Overview

This is a free walking tour listed on GuruWalk: there is no fixed ticket price, and you pay the guide what you want at the end. This walk follows a section of the Inca Trail that once linked Cusco, capital of the Tahuantinsuyo, with the Antisuyo, the empire's Amazonian region. It starts in the Historic Center and moves onto ancient ceremonial and religious paths, with a professional guide explaining the Andean worldview and the spiritual weight these routes carried. The full hike runs about 4 hours.

Along the way the group passes archaeological sites including Cusilluchayoc, Amaru Marka Wasi, also called the Temple of the Moon, Qenqo Chico, the Sucancas, and old ushnus, plus surviving stretches of the trail itself. The terrain mixes remnants of pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial times, and there are panoramic views over Cusco and the Andes. There is also an optional stop at an Andean camelid conservation center, where llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos can be seen up close, alongside an Andean condor.

The tour finishes at the Plaza de Armas. It suits travellers who want Cusco beyond the standard sights and are comfortable on foot for the full duration. Guides work in English and Spanish, and reviewers often single out how much they know and how willingly they answer questions.

Itinerary

1. Meet at the cathedral atriumThe group meets in the cathedral atrium in front of the Church of Triumph, where guides wear maroon shirts with a cuy logo. No hotel pickup is included.
2. Plaza de Armas de CuzcoThe walk begins in the Historic Center of Cusco before heading onto the old trails.
3. Stone of the 12 anglesOne of the early stops in the center, part of a route with 8 stops in total, of which the listing shows the first 3.
4. San Blas TempleThe third of the stops shown in the listing. The remaining stops along the route are not listed in detail.
5. Inca Trail and archaeological sitesRoughly 4 hours of hiking in total, passing Cusilluchayoc, Amaru Marka Wasi, Qenqo Chico, the Sucancas, ancient ushnus, and trail sections, with views over Cusco and the Andes.
6. Optional camelid centerOptional visit to a conservation center with llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos, and an Andean condor.
7. Finish at Plaza de ArmasThe tour ends back at the Plaza de Armas after the hike.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk.

• Budget for entry. Access to the Inca Trail and the archaeological sites costs an extra S/ 50 per person, paid on top of the booking. The walk itself is a free walking tour, so guests pay the guide what they feel the experience was worth at the end.
• Pace and fitness. Expect around 4 hours of hiking. One reviewer mentioned the guide adapting to their group's pace on the ascent, so it is worth saying early if you need to slow down.
• Guide styles vary. Several reviewers praised guides who shared deep knowledge of Inca and pre-Inca history, while one described a quieter guide who led the group through spiritual activities instead of talking at length. Both styles were enjoyed.
• Wear walking gear. The route covers historic streets and natural trails with views over the city and the Andes. Sturdy shoes make the hike more comfortable.
• Ask questions. Reviewers repeatedly said the guides happily answer everything asked about the Incas and pre-Inca societies. Come with questions, since the guides clearly enjoy sharing what they know.
• Time it right. Plan the rest of your day around the full duration, since the walk ends at the Plaza de Armas. One reviewer said the 4 hours fly by because the guide is so entertaining.

Common issues. The main extra cost is the S/ 50 per person entry to the Inca Trail and archaeological sites, which is not part of the booking. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers must make their own way to the cathedral atrium. The hike lasts around 4 hours, which may not suit everyone. One reviewer also noted a guide who spoke little and relied on participation in spiritual activities rather than commentary, so the style of the walk can vary with the guide assigned.

Common Questions