Cusco, City Information, Activities, Prices and Photos

Cusco’s city stands 3,400 meters above sea level, between Vilcanota and Apurimac. Called also Qosqo or Cuzco, it was the capital of old Peru, a place chosen by the Inca empire of the Tahuantinsuyo.

Today, thousands of travelers visit it every year to enjoy its attractive attractions and start their journey to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Cusco impresses visitors with its magic and history lodged in its streets and buildings. A city is a place of narrow streets, Inca walls, colonial houses, and exciting nightlife.

Cusco is among millions of travelers’ favorite places in Latin America. One of its main attractions is the famous Plaza de Armas, which was called Huacaypata in Inca times. It continues to be the central point of reference for tourists and Cuzco as it was during the Inca empire.

When traveling the Plaza de Armas, the traveler will find cultural symbols, monuments reminiscent of the fallen during the conquest, and a water source claiming the Inca empire.
As a result of the conquest, Inca temples were destroyed or camouflaged, building on these churches, stately mansions, and palaces.

One of the constructions is the present Cathedral of Cusco (1560–1664). The original Church of Triumph was erected in Viracocha’s palace (this church was constructed with blocks of volcanic stone looted from the temple of Sacsayhuaman); the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo were both buildings built on the Qorikancha. The Koricancha was an essential sacred temple where the sun was honored. Its walls were covered with gold, plundered along with the valuables that remained in the temple.

Cusco constantly discovers many myths and legends that envelop the place and manifest in every archaeological remnant of the Inca culture.

Visiting Sacsayhuaman or staying a few minutes from Cusco is necessary, following the route that leads to Pisac. You will see Q’enqo (a sanctuary distinguished by its underground galleries and ceremonial table carved in stone where what embalmed the dead). Puca Pucara (security post and place of supply for travelers of that time), and last before reaching Pisac, Tambomachay, where you will find slopes that worship the water.

Another unique place of Cusco that is essential to visit is Mercado Central, El Mercado de San Pedro, where you can buy all kinds of products typical of this Andean culture. El Barrio de San Blas is an area of artists, colonial houses, and narrow streets where people must pass and continue on the path. There are also stalls of fabrics, crafts, and gifts to buy beautiful clothes and lovely accessories.

In 2012, according to the World’s Best Awards—Travel + Leisure Tourism magazine, Cusco was chosen as the best city in Latin America. Peru also stood out as The World’s Best Culinary Destination at the World’s Travel Awards, while Machu Picchu triumphed in the World’s Best Green Destination category.

Cusco offers tourists a combination of attractions that make their stay a unique and dreamlike experience. Peruvian cuisine, history, colors, culture, joy, ecology, nature, magic, mystery, and beauty are the protagonists and make Cusco a special place globally.

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