DESCRIPCION
The Night Tour in Cusco with Pisco Sour Tasting and Visit to the White Christ
This is a unique experience that will allow you to discover the historical and cultural charm of the imperial city under the magic of the night lights. The tour begins in the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, where the great Inca Huacaypata once stood, the scene of imperial ceremonies and religious rituals. Today, it is surrounded by monumental colonial buildings such as the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. These buildings are illuminated at dusk, revealing all their architectural majesty.
Walking through its narrow, cobblestone streets, steeped in history, visitors will appreciate the balance between Inca foundations and colonial buildings, while the guide shares stories about the Inca era, the Spanish conquest, and the most emblematic moments experienced in this space, such as the execution of Túpac Amaru II and the proclamation of Cusco’s independence. The tour continues to the traditional San Blas neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere, artisan workshops, and viewpoints offering spectacular views of the illuminated city. At this point, the experience becomes even more special with a hands-on Pisco Sour class, where you’ll learn how to prepare Peru’s national cocktail following the traditional recipe, under the guidance of a local bartender who will reveal the secrets of this iconic drink.
The day culminates at the Mirador de Cristo Blanco, offering an incomparable panoramic view of Cusco under a starry sky, with the Plaza de Armas and colonial churches shining among the mountains. This tour is ideal for couples, friends, or travelers looking for a unique evening, combining Peruvian history, culture, and cuisine in a cozy and magical atmosphere. It’s undoubtedly a perfect way to connect with the essence of Cusco and close the day with an unforgettable experience.
ITINERARY
🕓 Itinerary – Cusco Night Tour (approx. 3 hours)
Total duration: 3 hours
Modality: Cultural, panoramic, and gastronomic
Departures: Daily
Reference time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
🕕 Hotel pickup and welcome in the Historic Center
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel (located in the historic center) and give you a brief introduction to the history and architecture of colonial Cusco. You will begin the tour by walking to the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city.
🏛️ Guided tour of the Plaza de Armas and colonial churches
Enjoy the nightlife of the Plaza de Armas, the ancient Inca Huacaypata. You’ll admire the Cusco Cathedral, built on the palace of Inca Viracocha, and the Church of the Society of Jesus, erected on the ancient Amarucancha. Your guide will tell you about the most significant events that took place there, such as the execution of Tupac Amaru II and the Inti Raymi celebrations.
🎨 Walk to the San Blas Neighborhood
You’ll walk up the cobblestone streets to the traditional San Blas neighborhood, known for its art, goldsmith workshops, galleries, and colonial architecture. From its balconies and viewpoints, you can contemplate the city bathed in the golden light of lanterns and the Cusco moon.
🍸 Pisco Sour Preparation Class
In an authentic Cusco bar, you’ll participate in an interactive Pisco Sour preparation class, where a local bartender will teach you step-by-step how to prepare it: from choosing the ideal pisco to mixing it perfectly with lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. Then, you’ll enjoy your own creation accompanied by traditional snacks.
🌃 Transfer to the Mirador de Cristo Blanco (Christ the White Lookout)
We’ll climb the iconic Mirador de Cristo Blanco (Christ the White Lookout), located at the top of Pukamoqo Hill. From there, you’ll have a spectacular panoramic view of Cusco illuminated, with the Plaza de Armas, the churches, and the mountains surrounding the Sacred Valley. Ideal for photographs and to end the tour with an unforgettable view.
🏁 Return to your hotel or a central location
The tour ends with return transfer to your hotel or a central location in Cusco, with the memory of a magical evening filled with history, culture, and Peruvian flavor.
INCLUDES
✅ Includes
🚐 Pickup from your hotel (only in Cusco’s historic center)
The service begins with pickup from your accommodation located within Cusco’s historic center, ensuring punctuality and comfort. Our team will pick you up at the scheduled time to start the tour without incident. If your accommodation is outside this area, a centrally located meeting point will be arranged.
👨🏻🏫 Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by a tour guide specialized in Cusco’s history and culture, fluent in Spanish and English. They will explain the most fascinating details about Cusco’s monuments, nightlife, and culinary traditions, creating an enriching and entertaining experience.
🚌 Private tourist transportation for the entire tour
Enjoy comfortable, clean, and safe tourist transportation, complying with all biosafety measures. The vehicle will take you to each point of the itinerary: from the Plaza de Armas to the Mirador de Cristo Blanco, avoiding long walks and facilitating access to the city’s elevated sites.
🏛️ Guided tour of the Plaza de Armas and colonial churches (exterior)
You will take a night tour of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, one of the most iconic places in Peru. Here you will admire the majestic, illuminated Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. The guide will tell you about the historical events that took place in this space, from Inca ceremonies to colonial and republican events.
🌃 Night walk through the San Blas neighborhood
You will continue to the San Blas neighborhood, known as the “artisans’ quarter.” Its cobblestone streets and colonial mansions offer a bohemian and romantic atmosphere, ideal for enjoying the nighttime views of Cusco. During the walk, you’ll learn about local legends and watch the city come alive with lights, music, and art.
🍸 Practical Pisco Sour Class with a Professional Bartender
In a traditional Cusco bar, you’ll have a fun and engaging experience: you’ll learn how to prepare the Pisco Sour, Peru’s iconic cocktail. Under the guidance of a professional bartender, you’ll learn about the types of pisco, the exact proportions, and the history of this national drink.
🥂 Pisco Sour Tasting and Peruvian Snacks
After preparing your cocktail, you can enjoy it accompanied by typical Peruvian snacks, such as native potatoes, anticuchos, or tequeños with salsa criolla. This moment offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for conversation and enjoying Cusco’s hospitality.
🗻 Admission and visit to the Mirador de Cristo Blanco (Christ the White Lookout)
The tour includes admission to the Mirador de Cristo Blanco (Christ the White Lookout), a panoramic point located at 3,575 meters above sea level, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of illuminated Cusco. This is the ideal place to take unforgettable photographs of the city under the starry Andean sky.
🤝 Personalized assistance throughout the experience
Our team will be attentive to you from the beginning to the end of the tour, providing personalized assistance, constant guidance, and logistical support. We ensure that you enjoy every moment of this cultural and nightlife experience safely and pleasantly.
NOT INCLUDED
❌ Not Included
💰 Optional tips for the guide or bar staff
Tips are not included in the tour cost. They are voluntary and can be offered as a token of appreciation if you feel the service provided exceeded your expectations.
🏛️ Entrance fees to museums or temples (optional, not part of the regular tour)
The tour is primarily panoramic and does not include entry to the interior of churches or museums. If you wish to visit these sites, they can be arranged as part of an additional daytime tour.
🍽️ Additional dinners or drinks not mentioned
The tour includes a Pisco Sour tasting and light snacks. Any additional consumption in bars or restaurants is the participant’s responsibility.
🚖 Transportation from hotels outside the historic center (additional charge)
Pickup service applies only to hotels within the historic center. For accommodations in more remote areas (Urubamba, San Blas Alto, Poroy, etc.), transportation can be arranged for an additional fee.
🛍️ Personal expenses or purchases during the tour
Purchases of souvenirs, drinks, or local crafts made during the tour are not included in the service fee.
🩺 Travel or medical insurance
The tour does not include medical coverage or travel insurance. It is recommended to have valid insurance that covers tourist activities and transportation within Peru.
RECOMMENDATIONS
💡 Recommendations
👕 Clothing:
Cusco experiences cold weather at night, especially at higher altitudes. It is recommended to bring a warm jacket, light scarf, or windbreaker. During the rainy months (November to March), bring a raincoat or compact umbrella.
👟 Footwear:
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, preferably with good traction. The cobblestone streets of the historic center can be slippery due to nighttime humidity.
🌡️ Weather:
The weather in Cusco is cool and variable. Although evenings can be mild, the temperature drops rapidly after 6:00 p.m. (between 5°C and 8°C).
🍃 Health:
Cusco is located at 3,399 m above sea level, so it is recommended to acclimatize one or two days before the night tour. If you arrive the same day, avoid heavy meals and drink coca tea to reduce the effects of altitude sickness.
📸 Photography:
Don’t forget your camera or cell phone in good nighttime lighting. The Mirador de Cristo Blanco offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Cusco illuminated, ideal for capturing unforgettable photos.
💵 Cash:
Bring some Peruvian soles for personal purchases, tips, or additional purchases. Some bars and traditional establishments do not accept cards.
😊 Attitude:
Enjoy the experience with a relaxed and curious attitude. This tour is an opportunity to experience Cusco at night, learn about its history and culture, and savor the authentic Peruvian spirit with a touch of good humor and hospitality.
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly does the Cusco Night Tour include?
The tour includes pickup from your hotel in the historic center, private transportation, a professional bilingual guide, a guided tour of the Plaza de Armas, a night walk through the San Blas neighborhood, a practical Pisco Sour class with tasting, and access to the Mirador de Cristo Blanco, as well as personalized assistance throughout the experience.
2. What time does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at approximately 6:00 p.m. and ends around 9:00 p.m., depending on the group’s pace and traffic conditions. It’s ideal for enjoying Cusco’s illuminated landscape without staying up late.
3. Where is the departure point?
The service includes pickup from hotels located within Cusco’s historic center. If you are staying in another area, we will provide you with a centrally located meeting point that is easily accessible.
4. Are churches accessible during the tour?
The tour is panoramic and cultural, focusing on the nightlife. You’ll visit the exteriors of the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, admiring their illuminated architecture and hearing the history behind each temple.
5. What is the Pisco Sour class?
It’s a hands-on experience where a local bartender teaches you how to prepare Peru’s signature cocktail: the Pisco Sour. You’ll learn about the types of pisco, the exact proportions, and the final touch of foam and Angostura bitters. You’ll then enjoy your own preparation alongside Peruvian snacks.
6. Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, of course. If you don’t drink alcohol, you’ll be offered a non-alcoholic alternative, such as Andean herb lemonade or chicha morada, so you can still enjoy the activity without losing the cultural experience.
7. Is previous experience necessary for the cocktail class?
No. The class is designed for beginners and enthusiasts; no prior knowledge is required. The entire process is guided and fun, ideal for learning in a relaxed, hands-on way.
8. Is the tour suitable for children or families?
This tour is primarily geared toward adults and young people over 18, as it includes alcoholic beverage tastings. However, children may participate under adult supervision and receive non-alcoholic beverages.
9. What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour operates in a private, modern, and safe tourist vehicle equipped with comfortable seats and a professional driver. Transfers are short and designed to avoid long night walks.
10. What should I bring on the tour?
It is recommended to bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, a camera or cell phone with good battery, cash (soles) for personal expenses or tips, and a small raincoat if traveling during the rainy season (November to March).
11. Is it necessary to book in advance?
Yes. Since the groups are small (maximum 10 people per tour) and the Pisco Sour class requires advance reservation, it’s recommended to book at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot.
12. Can the tour be conducted in English?
Yes, we have bilingual guides (Spanish and English) specialized in Cusco’s history and culture, making the experience accessible and enriching for international travelers.