City of Cusco
The City of Cusco is one of the most incredible cities in South America and one of the main destinations in the world. To visit the ancient capital of the Inca empire must be one of the best cultural experiences that can be had in life, recognized as the archaeological capital of the Americas, known since the time of the Incas as the “Navel of the World”; And as if predestined, Cusco is an integrating city, where experiences, people of all cultures, religions and nationalities come together and exchange experiences; Making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
Cusco is a city of multiple contrasts between the Andean culture and the modern western world. It is these contrasts that give Cusco its particular beauty. Almost all people who like to travel, have the city of Cusco among the places they have to visit in life.
Main square of Cusco
Cusco: Former capital of the empire of the Incas
Cusco was the ancient capital of the empire of the Incas; On the walls of Inca palaces, temples and residences, were built Churches, cathedrals , residences and other structures of the new old world culture in America. Cusco is the oldest continuously populated city in South America. You can see people dressed in traditional costumes with llama or small alpacas as pets. You will also find some of the best Alpaca garment stores in the world, some of which can be purchased for S/. 100 or S/. 200 (between US $ 30 and 60) and others that can cost several thousand dollars.
Where is Cusco?
Cusco is located in a fertile valley, bathed by the waters of the rivers Huatanay (tributary of Vilcanota) and Tullumayo, in the south-eastern Andes to the south of Peru, at 3,360 masl. The department of Cusco is divided into 13 provinces: Acomayo, Anta, Calca, Canas, Canchis, Chumbivilcas, Cusco, Espinar, La Convención, Paruro, Paucartambo, Quispicanchi, and Urubamba. The City of Cusco is divided into 8 districts: Ccorca, Cusco, Poroy, San Jerónimo, San Sebastián, Santiago, Saylla, and Wanchaq.
What to do in Cusco?
In Cusco you can spend weeks fully occupied, with cultural experiences by some of the most amazing historical places that exist, such as Sacsayhuaman or Machu Picchu, or have astonishing adventure experiences in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- In the City of Cusco
- Nearby Cusco
- Outside the City of Cusco
- Where to start your visit to Cusco?
- Why visit Cusco?
In the City of Cusco
Nearby Cusco
Outside the City of Cusco
Where to start your visit to Cusco?
On the first day in particular, take things slowly so that you can acclimatize smoothly and slowly; Consider acclimatization for at least 2 days; Especially if you plan to do any hiking route like the Inca Trail or the Salkantay trek.
The main square of Cusco is a mandatory place during his visit to Cusco, from there depart most tours around the city and surrounding areas within the Plaza de Armas you will come across some of the most important and beautiful churches of city; But you will also find handicraft shops, jewelry bars and some discos, is that in case you did not know, the nightlife in Cusco is one of the most incredible in South America.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the amazing San Blas district, find excellent craftsmanship, cafes, bars and several shops installed in old houses, from here you can pass to Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay and some other amazing Inca sites.
In its narrow streets you will find traditional cafes, old balconies, incredible buildings where Inca and Spanish cultures are mixed in an artistic way, especially in religious buildings. TOP ▲
Why visit Cusco?
Tour the historic center of Cusco is like walking through a giant museum; The city of Cusco will delight you with Spanish constructions, built on impressive walls of ancient Inca constructions. Among the most amazing are the Cathedral of Cusco, the Company of Jesus, the Convent of Santo Domingo, built on one of the most amazing Inca temples of the city, the Sun Temple, but there are many, many constructions that can be Considered architectural works of art. TOP ▲
Hatun Rumiyuc Street
A few minutes from the main square of Cusco, begins the circuit of Inca tourist places, among these the most impressive is the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Although there are many impressive Inca sites near Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is one of the most mysterious and impressive places on the planet; It is as difficult to understand as they did to arm those enormous rocks in that way, that theories that point out that the great wall of Sacsayhuaman may have been built with the help of extraterrestrial technology are not ruled out. TOP ▲
Christ Blanco in Sacsayhuaman
The most important city of the Inca Empire, is the undisputed Archaeological Capital of America. Few travelers to South America will miss the opportunity to know a destination like Cusco; It is also the gateway to the Sacred City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. One of the most used ways to get to Machu Picchu is by train. But it is not the only place on the outskirts of Cusco; The Sacred Valley of the Incas is another of the places that can not be missed in Cusco. Villages such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo will provide you with excellent historical sites as well as beautiful landscapes. But the Sacred Valley are not only traditional villages, it is adventure, excellent climate, And one of the places where you can experience the inheritance of the Incas. TOP ▲
Cusco Crafts
If you have already decided the date of your trip, well then the most important thing is to determine how to get there, choose a hotel, and decide what activities you will do during your time in Cusco. If among them is the Inca City of Machu Picchu, know that you will have to reserve the tickets Machu Picchu in advance.
Cusco is one of the most important destinations in the world. It is a fascinating journey to a place that mixes history, adventure, nature, gastronomy, art and living ancestral customs. Cusco is a warm town and accustomed to visitors, and waiting for you. If it is the first time you visit Cusco, the Inca walls will impact you; Are built with huge blocks of carved granite that fit perfectly without the aid of mortar; Many of them serve as bases for the construction of the new Spanish city. TOP ▲
Advice from people who have been there
By: Dante V.“Cusco - where Inca walls support the colony“
“In the square of arms of Cusco you will see Inca constructions everywhere, you can appreciate the Inca work and above them, impressive Spanish structures; Has a lot of history, you have to see the blue sky from Sacsayhuaman, walk their portals knowing why they were given each of these strange names is an unforgettable experience; Do not forget to bring a good camera and several memory cards.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last Update, 10-07-2017