Cusco: Complete Travel Guide

Formerly the capital of the formidable Inca Empire, Cusco Peru (alternatively spelled Cuzco) exudes an unparalleled allure that defies verbal description. The historic center boasts of splendid churches, exceptional museums, and winding cobblestone streets that warrant several days of thorough exploration. Furthermore, the presence of breathtaking Inca ruins within the city and its environs creates a recipe for an enchanting travel experience.

History Cusco Peru

The city of Cusco Peru embodies the culmination of centuries of indigenous and cultural amalgamation throughout the southern Andes region of Peru. Archaeological excavations conducted in the Cusco basin have unearthed relics and temples belonging to the ancient Killke Culture, dating back to as early as 900 AD.

The Inca civilization emerged as a city-state around 1200 AD, initially coexisting with and subsequently assimilating neighboring ethnic groups. According to Inca oral traditions documented post the Spanish conquest, Manco Capac was the inaugural Inca monarch.

The commencement of the expansion of the Inca Empire was not until the year 1438, during the reign of Pachacutec-Cusi Yupanqui, whose appellation translates to “earth-shaker.” The Inca referred to their territories as Tawantinsuyu, which extended across a significant portion of South America, and utilized their imperial capital of Cusco to enforce political, religious, and administrative authority.

The linear arrangement of Cusco’s thoroughfares is a testament to Incan heritage. Pachacutec mandated the reconstruction of the city in the form of a puma. The rivers Saphi and Tullumayo were channeled to regulate flooding and delineated the contours of the puma’s physique (the rivers currently flow subterraneously), with its haunches centered on Qorikancha and its head represented by Sacsayhuaman. This region of Cusco was reserved for the upper echelon: the monarch and his lineage, clergymen, aristocratic families, and their entourages. Distinct areas were allocated for agriculture, craftsmanship, and industry.

In 1531, Francisco Pizarro and his Spanish soldiers arrived on the shores of the Inca Empire, signaling the commencement of the Inca’s downfall. For a captivating account of the Conquest and collapse of the Inca Empire, we recommend reading The Last Days of the Incas, authored by our Peru Specialist, Kim Macquarrie.

Following the fall of the Inca Empire in 1533, the Spanish assumed control of Cusco. Numerous Inca palaces and temples were completely demolished, and their stones were utilized as the foundation for Spanish-style churches and casonas. However, in certain instances, the Inca walls were preserved and integrated into the new structures. Examples of such buildings, which showcase long stretches of Inca walls, include Santa Clara Monastery, the Archbishop’s Palace, and Palacio Nazarenas (previously a convent, now a 5-star hotel).

Why Go To Cusco Peru

Cusco, renowned as the archaeological capital of the Americas, boasts a rich history that encompasses the ascent and decline of the Inca Empire, followed by the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the early 1500s. Presently, vestiges of both epochs coexist along the city’s narrow streets, ranging from centuries-old baroque cathedrals to exquisite stone masonry, resulting in a unique fusion of Andean and Spanish styles that renders Cusco unparalleled.

In recent decades, the city has emerged from the shadow of Peru’s capital, Lima. Millions of tourists embark on a pilgrimage from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to witness South America’s most remarkable spectacle: Machu Picchu. Discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century, the legendary ruins represent one of the most impressive architectural accomplishments of the ancient world. If you intend to visit Machu Picchu while in Cusco, maximize your time with these recommendations. However, do not allow this UNESCO World Heritage Site to be the sole attraction you experience while in Cusco Peru. This captivating city offers more, from the shimmering Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) to the delectable Andean cuisine. It takes only a day to be captivated by this significant Peruvian city and all its marvels.

What is Cusco’s Elevation?

Cusco’s altitude measures 3400m above sea level, equivalent to 11,150ft. This elevation is approximately one-third of the altitude at which commercial jets operate, thus indicating a considerable height. Unless one is accustomed to living at high elevations, the effects of thin air may be experienced, resulting in common symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. However, most individuals acclimate to the altitude within a few days.

Nevertheless, some individuals may experience severe symptoms and develop altitude sickness, a grave condition that requires immediate medical attention. Further information on altitude sickness can be found here. In the event of persistent symptoms, medical assistance should be sought.

Things to Do in Cusco Peru

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas serves as the cultural epicenter of Cusco. During the Inca era, the square was referred to as Huacaypata and served as the primary venue for the Inca Empire’s most significant ceremonies. Presently, the Plaza de Armas showcases the city’s amalgamated architecture, where pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary histories are superimposed upon one another. The perimeter of the plaza is adorned with numerous restaurants and bars, providing an ideal setting for a leisurely afternoon of observing passersby while acclimating to the altitude.

San Blas Neighborhood

The Plazoleta San Blas, with its charming San Blas Church and a delightful assemblage of whitewashed adobe edifices adorned with cobalt blue balconies and red-tiled roofs, constitutes the nucleus of Cusco’s bohemian quarter. This area has been a hub of artisanal activity since the Inca Empire era and continues to be the favored abode of indigenous artists who welcome visitors to their workshop stores to showcase their exquisite religious sculptures, gold and silver metalwork, woodwork, and other artistic creations.

Cusco Cathedral

The historical narrative of colonial Cusco is inextricably linked to its ecclesiastical edifices, and none is more emblematic than the Cusco Cathedral. Erected on the grounds of an Inca palace, utilizing materials from said palace and Sacsayhuaman, the construction of this church commenced in 1560 and culminated almost a century later in 1656. The interior of the cathedral boasts numerous masterpieces from the renowned Escuela Cuzqueña (School of Religious Art), including a depiction of the Last Supper attributed to the indigenous artist Marcos Zapata, which showcases a customary Andean dish of cuy (guinea pig) on the table.

Coricancha

The Santo Domingo Church encompasses one of the most remarkable Inca ruins in Cusco, namely the Coricancha or Temple of the Sun. As per the chronicles written after the Spanish conquest, it was the most extensive and luxurious temple in all of South America, adorned with gold, silver, and precious gems. According to Inca oral traditions, the temple was constructed during the reign of Manco Capac in the 12th century, dedicated to the veneration of Inti, the sun god, atop an existing temple. Commencing in 1536, the Santo Domingo Church was erected on the ruins of the Coricancha, while preserving intriguing remnants of the former Inca temple. The most captivating feature is a remarkably well-crafted semicircular wall that is visible from Avenida El Sol.

Sacsayhuaman

The Sacsayhuaman ruins are situated atop a hill that affords a panoramic view of Cusco. They are situated in front of a vast esplanade that spans the length and width of four football fields. The walls, originally constructed by the Incas, were 10 feet (3 meters) taller than their present height. At the highest platform, three circular towers can be observed. The sheer magnitude of the zigzagging, terraced walls of Sacsayhuaman is awe-inspiring, particularly when one considers that they represent only a fraction of the original site.

Tambomachay

Tambomachay is recognized as “The Bath of the Ñusta (Inca Maiden)” or simply referred to as the “Inca Baths.” Constructed circa 1500 AD, the site comprises of four tiers of terraces that are integrated into the hillside. At the apex platform, an underground spring emerges from an aperture and flows down the terraces via intricately carved channels. On the final tier, the channel bifurcates into two streams that subsequently empty into a stone basin. This exceptional illustration of Inca hydraulic engineering serves as a precursor to the sixteen fountains that are situated at Machu Picchu.

Qenko

Qenko exemplifies a huaca, which is a naturally formed rock structure that has been transformed into a temple. These sacred sites are ubiquitous throughout the Andean region and have been utilized for thousands of years. Qenko is particularly noteworthy due to its substantial size and the elaborate and abundant nature of its carved embellishments. At the ground level, a passageway leads to a natural chamber, the walls and surfaces of which have been polished to create walls, niches, and a table. A beam of light penetrates through a crevice in the rock wall and is reputed to illuminate the table during full moon evenings.