Cusco is a city located in southeastern Peru at 3399 MASL on the eastern slope of the Andes mountain range, in the Huatanay river basin, a tributary of the Vilcanota.
It is the capital of the department of Cusco and, in addition, as declared in the Peruvian constitution, it is the “historical capital” of the country.
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cities of the Viceroyalty of Peru. During the colonial era, under the sovereignty of the Spanish crown, various churches, universities, palaces and baroque and neoclassical squares were built. These constructions are the attractions that make the city the main tourist destination in the country. It was declared a National Historical Monument in 1972 and a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO and is often called, due to the large number of monuments it possesses, the “Rome of America”.
In Cusco, every corner is full of history. Because the ancient capital of Peru (during the Inca Empire), still maintains vestiges of what was the most important power of this ancient civilization.
The ancient history is breathed in every step you take through the streets of its towns, which seem to have stopped in time. Its cities, which are full of so much mysticism that you will never want to leave.
How to Get to Cusco
Due to the high demand of tourists, it was impossible not to have an international airport in Cusco, although most flights have to pass through Lima before reaching the imperial city.
From the Peruvian capital, it takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes to reach the chosen destination. However, it is not the only way to access Cusco: for those who love road trips, there is the Lima-Abancay-Cusco and Lima-Arequipa-Cusco routes that take about 21 to 26 hours, respectively.
Cusco Tourist Attractions
If, we are talking about a visit to one of the modern wonders of the world, the great jewel of Cusco and of Peru: the imposing, revered and ostentatious Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu, the final and starting point for all tourists who visit Cusco.
This cultural and natural heritage of humanity was one of the most important religious, cultural and political centers of the Inca empire and those who visit it agree that a unique energy is felt.
Huayna Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, Vinicunca, Urubamba, Choquequirao, Laguna Humantay, Ollantaytambo, and the Inca Trail for lovers of trekking. The options for sightseeing in Cusco are endless. Even in the city itself there are endless activities and attractions to discover: you can begin to learn a little about the history of Cusco through a walk through its Historic Center or the Andean Baroque route, where you can appreciate buildings with the old touch colonial.
Museums are a favorite space for visitors and one that you cannot miss is the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha). Also, be amazed by the stone of the twelve angles or marvel at the art of the artisans of the San Blas neighborhood. A visit to the colorful San Pedro market can give you an idea of the idiosyncrasies of the people of Cusco.
So, if you are an adventurer, do not think about it too much: Cusco is waiting for you. And if you don’t have that wild soul, Cusco is also for you: the city has hotels and restaurants with the highest quality standards, which meet the requirements of the most demanding travelers. Make up your mind now, Cusco is ready to welcome you.