Cusco, capital of the Inca empire, is a city rich in history, culture and spectacular landscapes. Nestled in the Peruvian Andes at approximately 3,400 meters altitude, it captivates visitors with its unique blend of Inca and colonial architecture, vibrant traditions and delicious cuisine. Whether you're passionate about archaeology, a keen trekker or curious to discover ancestral traditions, Cusco offers wonders at every turn.

History

Cusco, also spelled "Cuzco" or "Qosqo" in ancient Quechua, is said to have been founded around 3000 BCE. However, human presence in the region likely dates back 2,000 years earlier. Archaeological research has uncovered traces of the Chanapata (around 800 BCE) and Wari (600 CE) civilizations that developed in the region.

According to legend, the city was founded by Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, mythical figures sent by the Sun god, Inti, to civilize the peoples of the region. Cusco's golden age corresponds to the Inca era, between 1200 and 1400, under sovereigns such as Pachacútec. This emperor transformed the city into a true urban masterpiece. During his reign, he restructured it on a grid plan and initiated the division of Cusco into four great districts linked by roads leading to the empire's provinces.

The arrival of the conquistadors on November 15, 1533 marked a dramatic turning point for Cusco. Taking advantage of internal conflicts within the Inca empire, Francisco Pizarro's troops seized the city with little resistance. The destruction of numerous Inca buildings allowed the Spanish to erect churches and colonial palaces. However, the solid Inca foundations—testimony to advanced engineering—remained intact.

Later, rebellions led by Túpac Amaru, son of Inca Manco, and subsequently by Túpac Amaru II, were brutally crushed. This marked the failure of resistance attempts against Spanish domination.

Thereafter, Cusco lost its central role to Lima, which became the capital of the Spanish viceroyalty. Nevertheless, thanks to its strategic position on the route to the Potosí mines, the city enjoyed relative prosperity until the 19th century. Peru's independence in 1821 and the upheavals of the industrial era, from which Cusco benefited little, led to marked economic and demographic decline.

From the 20th and 21st centuries onward, Cusco has been reborn through the boom in tourism. The discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911 and the city's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 have played a key role in this revival.

Today, it is a dynamic city welcoming millions of tourists each year. Despite its tourist flow, Cusco retains an authentic atmosphere thanks to its inhabitants, predominantly Quechua speakers, who continue to preserve their ancestral traditions.

Festivals and Local Traditions

In June, the city celebrates the national beer, Cusqueña. This festival features traditional and modern music concerts as well as festive parades attracting large crowds over 3 days.

Corporis Christi sees around fifteen statues of saints and virgins from surrounding parishes carried in procession to the cathedral. Furthermore, on June 24, Inti Raymi, the ancient Inca festival dedicated to the sun, is celebrated at Sacsayhuamán during the winter solstice.

Finally, on August 1, Pachamama Raymi celebrates Mother Earth on the occasion of the Andean new year. This festival is marked by rituals in which coca leaves, chicha de jora and sacred hyururos seeds are symbolically offered.

Cusco is easily accessible by various means of transport. Here are several options to choose from:

By Air

The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, located about ten minutes from the city center, receives regular flights from Lima and Arequipa.

By Bus or Car

By land, buses connect Cusco to several surrounding cities, with journeys varying between 6 to 25 hours depending on the point of origin. The route via Juliaca is safer, while the one passing through Espinar and Sicuani is shorter but unpaved.

By Train

Travelers can also take the Titicaca Train between Puno and Cusco or the Perú Rail trains connecting Poroy to Aguas Caliente.

What to See in Cusco?

Cusco has numerous monuments and historic squares to discover. Here are some essential sites and buildings in the city:

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas, a historic and central location in the city, was already used by the Incas for gatherings and ceremonies. Surrounded by major colonial buildings, such as the Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Jesus as well as other religious structures, built on the foundations of ancient Inca emperors' palaces. Today, the Plaza de Armas remains a bustling meeting point.

Qorikancha and the Santo Domingo Convent

Located a 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was one of the most sacred sites of the Inca empire. Its name meaning "enclosure of gold" or "quarter of gold" in Quechua, evokes the magnificence of this edifice. Indeed, this monument was adorned with gold and decorated in honor of the Sun. The temple was unfortunately devastated by Spanish conquistadors, who plundered the gold and desecrated Inca mummies. On the foundations of this sacred place, the Spanish built in the 16th century the Convent of the Order of Preachers, the Convento de Santo Domingo.

This convent still houses some vestiges of the original Qorikancha. Inside, colonial baroque architecture harmoniously blends with Inca elements, such as:

• Arches and columns in classical style
• Paintings from the Cusco school
• Gilded woodwork and silver liturgical objects.

This combination of colonial art and Inca heritage makes the Santo Domingo Convent a fascinating place.

The Museums of Cusco

The city is home to several interesting museums such as:

• The Inka Museum: This venue allows you to discover various remains from pre-Columbian civilizations including jewelry, tools, textiles, mummies, sculptures and pottery.
• The Pre-Columbian Art Museum: As its name suggests, this museum showcases the history and evolution of art from ancient pre-Columbian civilizations. You'll find ceramics, paintings, ancient objects as well as sculptures.
• The Machu Picchu Museum: It is in this museum, housed in an old colonial house called Casa Concha, that approximately 366 objects discovered at the Machu Picchu site during Hiram Bingham's 1911 expedition are displayed.

The "4 Essential Ruins"

Most travelers also visit Cusco for its 4 famous ruins located only a few kilometers from the city:

• Sacsayhuamán: Located 2 km from the city center, this archaeological site is an ancient military complex famous for its gigantic stone blocks.
• Q'enqo: Located 8 km from the city, this is an important ancient Inca ceremonial center.
• Puca Pucara: This site was once a strategic fortress controlling the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Tambomachay: A historic site known for its ancient baths reserved for the Incas (emperors).

Note that visitors will need to purchase a boleto turístico in order to access these sites.

What to Do in Cusco?

There are numerous activities to enjoy during a visit to the city of Cusco. Among them, travelers can:

Browse the Central Market of Cusco

The central market of Cusco, located near San Pedro station, is popular with locals. A wide range of fresh local products can be found there such as:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meats
• Fish
• Flowers
• Medicinal herbs.

Visiting this market is an opportunity to taste local dishes such as ceviche, roasted guinea pig, or chicharrón, accompanied by chicha morada. Furthermore, you can also purchase souvenirs and authentic handicrafts.

Visit the San Blas Neighborhood

San Blas, Cusco's bohemian quarter, is known for its narrow streets. Along the way, you discover Calle Hatunrumiyoc, home to the famous stone with twelve angles, an impressive testimony to Inca ingenuity. The Plazota de San Blas, a small lively square, is surrounded by ancient houses built on Inca foundations. This neighborhood is also an art hub, where the city's artists and sculptors display their work in galleries, craft shops and trendy cafés.

Other Activities

For chocolate lovers, visiting the Museo del Chocolate allows you to learn about the history and production of Peruvian chocolate. Workshops are also organized for visitors.

Taking a tour through the city's coca museum offers the opportunity to learn more about the importance and use of the coca leaf in Peruvian culture.

Finally, it is possible to undertake hikes around the city to discover other archaeological sites, witness to the existence of ancient civilizations.