Cusco: Open Bus City Sightseeing Tour – Explore the Magical Land of Ancient Peru

Cusco, once the capital of the ancient Incan empire, is one of the most historic cities in South America. Rich in culture and tradition, a visit to Cusco is an unforgettable experience in its own right. With its 17th-century colonial architecture and the awe-inspiring mountains of the Peruvian Andes surrounding it, Cusco is a unique destination to explore. To make the most out of your visit, it’s essential to know all your options.

One of the most popular activities among tourists visiting Cusco is the open bus city sightseeing tour. Offered by a variety of companies, these tours are convenient and allow you to explore the city at your own pace. The routes typically cover everything from traditional plazas and colorful streets to famous attractions such as Coricancha and Sacsayhuamán.

If you’re wondering what an open bus tour in Cusco is all about and whether it’s worth trying, read on as we provide a detailed guide about this activity.

What Is An Open Bus City Sightseeing Tour?

Put simply, an open bus city sightseeing tour is an ideal way of exploring Cusco without the hassle of constantly changing transportation. Unlike guided tours that offer more personalized experiences, open tours are usually hop-on-hop-off services where you take a bus around the city, stopping at multiple points of interest that are listed on the route. With most services you can stay on board for a few hours or get on/off whenever you please.

Where traditional bus tours tend to be very comprehensive with limited routes, open bus services generally offer several smaller routes so that travelers can cover as much as they want. Most companies also offer audio guides (depending on the language) to allow guests to learn more about each stop as they’re passing by. Additionally, tickets will typically grant you free access or special discounts at several attractions where applicable.

Where to Book an Open Bus Tour?

You can conveniently book an open bus tour online at GetYourGuide. We recommend booking in advance so you don’t miss out, as tickets have a limited availability. With GetYourGuide you’re guaranteed low prices for high quality tours with well-rated drivers and tour companies.

Another option is buying tickets directly from some of tour operators at various points throughout the city. Depending on the company, discounts may be available for particular dates or last minute bookings.

What Routes Do Open Bus Tours Cover?

Most open bus tours in Cusco mainly cover the same attractions, although route details do vary depending on the company you choose. Generally, though, each route tends to start at Plaza de Armas or San Francisco Church and take you past some of Cusco’s most interesting sights and attractions.

Some attractions covered include Catedral del Cusco, Plaza San Pedro, Machu Picchu Museum, Santa Catalina Convent, Inka Museum and Pukapukara Park. Most tours also last anywhere from 1-3 hours and depending on the ticket type, may offer access to multiple routes that cover different parts of the city. The ability to get on/off buses depending on your preferences makes this type of tour ideal for those that want to explore at their own pace.

Tips For Taking an Open Bus Tour

There are several things to keep in mind when taking an open bus tour in Cusco:

• Be Prepared For Altitude Sickness: Cusco is located 11,152 feet (3399 m) above sea level, so it’s essential to plan ahead and make sure you’re physically ready for the journey! It can be helpful to carry medication or food supplements specially designed for altitude sickness.
• Arrive Early: Make sure to show up 15 minutes prior to departure for most open bus tours in Cusco.
• Pack Light: Due to safety regulations, bags should not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs). Make sure to check with your tour operator if in doubt.
• Insurance Matters: Most tour companies offer travel insurance with the ticket, so it’s important to check the details with them before booking.
• Dress Accordingly: Since the weather in Cusco can vary considerably between day and night, make sure to bring clothes accordingly — such as a long-sleeved shirt/blouse, pants and layers.
• Bring A Camera: After all, you’ll want to capture these unforgettable landscapes!

Final Thoughts

An open bus tour offers an ideal way of discovering Cusco without taking too much time out of your schedule for transportation. Not only do you get to visit the most important attractions in a single day but also learn about their cultural significance by following interactive audio guides on board (depending on language availability). On top of that, tickets usually also grant discounts or include tickets for numerous attractions — making this tour all the more worthwhile!

The best way of booking a tour is through GetYourGuide which offers great deals on premium experiences around the world. So if you’re planning a visit to Peru anytime soon, make sure you explore your options and don’t miss out on experiencing the open bus city sightseeing tour in Cusco! Join now.