Cusco was the
capital of the
Inca’s Empire.
Nowadays, Cusco is a
cosmopolitan city,
located about 10,800
feet above sea level,
where you will be
able to find the
best of the Peruvian
culture. The
mysticism of Cusco
will make you feel
as if you are in a
different world.
Most people arriving
to Cusco for one or
two days go back
home regretting
their choice. There
is never enough time
while in Cusco
because it is a city
where archeologists
are constantly
discovering original
Inca walls,
buildings, and
sometimes pre-Inca
structures.
In Cusco, you will
be able to visit Pre-Inca,
Inca, and Colonial
buildings and one of
the new wonders of
the new world, Machu
Picchu. Cusco City
offers several
conventional tours.
The most popular are
the City tour, the
Sacred Valley of the
Incas tour, and the
Machu Picchu tour.
Please find below a
description of these
tours.
The City tour
includes a visit to
the Cathedral; the
Qoricancha Temple;
the fortress of
Sacsayhuaman; and
the ruins of Qenqo,
Puca Pucara, and
Tambomachay. The
Cathedral was built
between 1560 and
1669. At the
Cathedral you will
be able to observe
painting and
handcrafts of the
famous School of art
of Cusco. During
Inca times, the
Qoricancha was the
Temple of the Sun,
but once Spaniards
arrived in Cusco
they destroyed part
of the temple and
built the Convent of
Santa Catalina. The
fortress of
Sacsayhuaman is an
amazing Inca
building built with
gigantic stones to
form big walls in
zigzags. Nowadays
the Inti Raymi is
celebrated here.
Qenqo was a sacred
site during Inca
times. In Qenqo you
will be able to
observe a sculpted
altar. It is
believed that Puca
Pucara was a small
hunting Inca lodge.
Tambomachay is known
as the Inca’s bath
and it is believed
that it represents a
center of water
worship.
The Sacred Valley of
the Incas tour will
take you through the
Urubamba Valley. The
Urubamba River
crosses the valley
which is surrounded
by colorful
mountains and Inca
terraces. Terraces,
water ducts, ruins,
and a great view of
the valley can be
observed. The next
stop will be the
marketplace of Pisac
where you will be
able to purchase the
artwork created by
Cusco natives. Your
final stop will be
the town of
Ollantaytambo. In
Ollantaytabo the
Incas built the
fortress of the same
name. Ollantaytambo
is a magical place
where spending a
night before
starting the Inca
Trail is a plus.
If you are an
adventurist, there
are a few treks to
choose from as well
as whitewater
rafting in the
Urubamba River with
class I, II, and III
rapids. The most
popular activity in
Cusco is the Inca
Trail to Machu
Picchu.
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