If you love observing the sky and its constellations, if you’re eager to learn about the astronomical knowledge and advancements of the Incas, and if you’re curious to gaze at the Andean sky through a dome, then we look forward to welcoming you on our tour to the Inca Planetarium.
Just 15 minutes from the Historic Centre, in the Llaullipata Ecological Reserve, you’ll find a traditional house with adobe walls and red tiles, a dwelling similar to many that can still be seen in the fields of Cusco. This is, in fact, the Planetarium — a space dedicated to the observation and dissemination of Inca astronomy.
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting place
Find us at the Regocijo Square (by the fountain) from 17:30 to 17:45. Once the group is complete, we will begin the tour to the Planetarium.
If you’d like more information about this tour, please go to the Details and Notes tab.
Walk to Saphy Street
After the meeting, you will take a short walk along Saphy Street, one of the most traditional streets in Cusco. At the end of this walk, you will board a tourist vehicle, and you’ll reach the Planetarium in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Arrival at the Planetarium
At approximately 18:00, the vehicle you boarded on Saphy Street will arrive at the Planetarium, a family-run project established in 2007 to promote the astronomical knowledge of pre-Hispanic cultures.
Your first surprise will be discovering that the planetarium is housed in a traditional adobe and red-tiled house, located within the Llaullipata Ecological Reserve, inside the Saqsaywaman Archaeological Park.
Talk on Inca Astronomy
Your “journey” into space will begin at the Interpretation Centre, where an expert will guide you through the astronomical knowledge and wisdom of the Incas. This will allow you to deepen your understanding of the Inca’s connection with the universe.
The Incas observed the sky with fascination, aiming to understand how celestial phenomena influenced the Earth and its climate changes.
Astronomers of the Inca Empire identified various constellations, linking them to the animals in their surroundings, such as toads, partridges, snakes, llamas, foxes, and more.
Virtual projection in the dome
After the talk, you will move on to the dome, where images of the starry sky are projected, allowing you to identify the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Here, you will learn both the internationally used names and those employed by the Incas.
During the projection in the dome, the specialised guide will tell you various stories about astronomy in ancient Cusco. The images and information you will receive will fuel your desire to observe the Andean sky.
Observation of the Cusco sky
Gazing at the sky in search of stars, planets, nebulae, and constellations is the perfect way to conclude this tour that takes you to the Inca heavens — on clear days, it’s ideal for astronomical observation.
At the Cusco Planetarium, you will use high-precision professional telescopes. These will allow you to identify the southern constellations. Please note that star observation through the telescopes is subject to good weather conditions.
Ending place
Your tour will end near the main square, where you will arrive around 19:50. From this point, it’s easy to get to any part of the city.
PRICE
Group tours:
- $35 per person.
- $ = US dollars.
- If your group is large, contact us for discounts.
DETAILS
Type: Group Tours — not private tours.
Size: Approximately 20 participants.
Operator: Outsourced service.
Days: Every day.
Schedule: 17:30 to 19:50.
Language: Spanish and English simultaneously.
Accessibility: Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Included:
- Planetarium dome.
- Telescope equipment.
- Professional guide.
- Round-trip transport.
Not Included:
- Tips (optional).
- Customised service.
- Hotel pick-up.
- Hotel drop-off.
What to bring?
- Sweaters or jackets.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Raincoats.
WhatsApp:
NOTES
Pick-ups and timings
- The pick-up time at the meeting point and the tour’s finishing time are approximate.
- When you’re picked up, we will call you by your first name, last name, and tour destination; if not, please do not board the bus.
- We will coordinate all the details of your pick-up time the day before your tour.
Equipment and Infrastructure
- Sky-watcher 12-inch telescope
- MEADE 10-inch telescope
- Celestron 8-inch telescope
- Interpretation rooms
- 1 dome or circular theatre where the starry sky is projected
- 1 outdoor observation area where our telescopes are set up for direct viewing of stars, planets, and nebulae.
Vehicle type
- We use vehicles authorised by the Ministry of Transport of Peru.
- The type and size of the bus will always depend on the group size.
- We provide modern vehicles with air conditioning: H1, Van, Renault, and Sprinter.
Operability and itinerary
This tour is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, strikes, or any other event that may prevent the normal operation of the tour.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation of the tour is free as long as you do so at least 48 hours in advance, otherwise we will charge 100% of the tour price. See also our terms.
REVIEWS
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REVIEWS
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