Cusco

Cusco, tucked away high in the Peruvian Andes at 3,400 meters, is a city where history is literally etched into the stone. As the former capital of the Inca Empire, it was designed in the shape of a puma, with the fortress of Sacsayhuamán forming its head. Following the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the invaders built their palaces and cathedrals directly atop the impeccably crafted Inca foundations, creating a unique 'Inca-Baroque' style that defines the city's UNESCO-listed historic center. The Qorikancha, or Temple of the Sun, stands as the most dramatic example of this fusion, where the monastery of Santo Domingo rests upon the finest stone masonry in the New World. The Plaza de Armas remains the pulsating heart of the city, surrounded by colonial arcades and the majestic Cusco Cathedral. Today, Cusco is the undisputed tourism capital of Peru, serving as the essential hub for explorations of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Rainbow Mountain. Beyond its role as a transit point, the city is a living center of Quechua culture. Indigenous traditions remain spirited, visible in the intricate textiles sold by local weavers and the bustling San Pedro Market, where traditional Andean products meet modern commerce. The city’s geography is challenging but impressive, with narrow cobblestone streets climbing steep hillsides that offer dramatic vistas of the surrounding peaks. Demographically, Cusco is a melting pot of local Andean people and an international community of travelers and expats. Cultural highlights include the feast of Corpus Christi and the Inti Raymi festival, which re-enacts Inca sun worship. Cusco’s culinary scene is also a major draw, blending ancient ingredients like alpaca and quinoa with contemporary techniques. The city's enduring allure lies in its ability to honor its imperial past while embracing its role as a global cultural crossroads.

History & landmarks

Q'enqo

One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.

Coricancha

The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.

Cristo Blanco

A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.

Cusco Cathedral

The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.

Tambomachay

An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.

Sacsayhuamán

A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.

Pisac Ruins

An extensive Inca site in the Sacred Valley, known for its huge agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers.

Moray

An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.

Nature

Urubamba River

The Urubamba River forms the Sacred Valley of the Incas and flows past the historical site of Machu Picchu.

More places

Qorikancha

The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti, on which the Spanish built a monastery.

Puka Pukara

An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.

Potato Park of Pisac

An agricultural zone managed by indigenous communities that protects over a thousand native potato varieties.

Pisac

Inca ruins with extensive agricultural terraces above the Sacred Valley.

Tipón

An impressive Inca complex known for its advanced agricultural water system.

Pikillaqta

One of the few well-preserved pre-Inca ruin cities of the Wari culture near Cusco.

Constancia Mine

An open-pit copper and molybdenum mine located in the Chumbivilcas province of Cusco.

Megantoni Sanctuary

A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.