The capital is Cusco.

Cusco is located in the central and southern parts of Peru, approximately 1,494 km from Lima.

The altitude is 3,399 meters above sea level.

The climate in Cusco is cold and dry, with an average annual temperature of 11°C. November through April are the rainy seasons.

Cusco has an area of 71,892 km2.

Because it was the political and territorial center of the Inca Empire and is believed to be the navel of the world.

Cusco has a legacy from the Inca Empire, known for its impressive engineering feats using stone as the primary tool.

Cusco was inhabited by primitive settlers about three thousand years ago. According to legend, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo emerged from Lake Titicaca in the 12th century to find a new kingdom and improve the conditions of life for the people. They founded the city of Cusco, also called Qosqo or Cuzco, which means “the navel of the world.”

On March 23, 1534, they built a Spanish city on the Inca foundations.

The most important rebellion against Spanish rule in Cusco during the colonial period was led by José Gabriel Condorcanqui (Tupac Amaru II) in 1781. The Angulo brothers and Mateo Pumacahua also led rebellions in 1814.

Cusco became a republic in 1825.

Since it is an intact Inca site, Hiram Bingham’s 1910 discovery of Machu Picchu is significant to Cusco.

Cusco is renowned for being an Andean mountain city where visitors can access the magnificent Andes, well-known Inca archaeological sites, and the famed Machu Picchu archaeological park. The Inca Trail, the Manu and Tambopata reserves, and the Sacred Valley are all accessible from Cusco.

The Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s central square, is encircled by the Church of Triumph and the Church of Jesus Maria, two churches, a lovely cathedral, and other essential buildings. It makes a great place from which to explore the historic Inca city.

San Blas is a neighborhood in Cusco located on a small hill just a few minutes from the city center. It is characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets, where you can find shops and cozy restaurants for breakfast, coffee, or traditional pizza cooked in clay ovens.

The Pachacuteq Ovalo viewpoint in Cusco offers spectacular views of the city from the statue of the Inca leader “Pachacuteq,” which stands tall on top of the hill. If climbing the stairs of this viewpoint is not enough for you, take on the challenge of hiking to the giant white Christ statue atop the city, which dominates the valley of Cusco.

Qorikancha is an Inca archaeological monument that once became one of Cusco’s most important Inca temples.

Sacsayhuaman is an extensive Inca-walled complex located outside the city of Cusco.

Cusco offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, paragliding, and ziplining. Visitors can also relax in the hot springs of Lares, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes.

The main reason people visit Cusco is to access the famous Machu Picchu archaeological site nearby.