A beautiful city with well preserved colonial architecture, Cuzco is a fascinating city located in the Southern Sierras of Peru. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Peru’s most visited cities. The city represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes and can be experienced by merely walking down the cobblestone streets. The city is surrounded by a number of ruins, attracting visitors to sites like Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley of the Incas and Sacsayhuaman, the site of the 1536 battle in which dozens of Pizzaro’s men charged uphill to battle the forces of the Inca. Cuzco’s appeal does not only lay in its historical charm, the city also offers outdoor activities that include trekking and hiking the Incan Trail, excursions, rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, paragliding and hang gliding and river or lake fishing – making it the ideal destination for adventure travelers.
60-Second Geography
Cuzco, Peru
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Blessed with the richest ocean in the world, largely unexplored Amazon forest and the highest tropical mountain range in the planet, Cuzco is a city where Inca majesty and Andean ornaments coexist. In this high-altitude conflation of Amerindian and Mestizo cultures, visitors will find extraordinary textiles, lively summer festivals, vibrant museums and archeological wonders.
Aerial View of Cuzco
The Sacred Valley
Cuzco Plaza
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- Cuzco City and its historical center were once the ancient capital of the Incas. It is without a doubt one of the most important destinations in Peru. The city was constructed on the foundations of Inca palaces and is a cultural world heritage site. The architecture, customs, and traditions are well preserved here and are the pride of the people. Likewise, the city has progressively been incorporated to modernity. A tour of the city includes sights such as the Cathedral, the Jesuit Church of the Company of Jesus, the Temple of Sun and La Plaza de Armas.
- Cuzco is home to four famous archaeological sites –Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puka-Pukara and Tambombachay. Each year, visitors flock to these destinations to experience their historical significance. Just outside the city walls, these sites are well preserved and offer an experience that is unrivaled. Embrace the scene where Inca warriors fought Spanish soldiers at Sacsayhuaman or Explore the caves of Qenko and view the altar on which llamas were once sacrificed.
- Cuzco’s Sacred Valley is a must see for visitors. Here, guests can enjoy a full day excursion that will take you to the sacred valley of the Incas, passing Pisac, with its typical market and picturesque terraces in the mountain slopes. Pisac is aslo famous for its fairs. Then, continue up to Urubamba Valley and visit the Ollantaytambo fortress. During Inca rule, the Urubamba valley was the empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas of maize production in Peru.
- Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful view of the snow peaked Veronica Mountain as they walk along the Inca Trail. Trailblazers can trek the famous 23,000 kilometer road built by the Incas as they walk alongside the Vilcanota River. The trail is a deep ascent, followed by 3 hours of walking until reaching the first step, warmiwanuswa, ‘Dead Woman’. Upon reaching end of the trail, travelers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views!
Along the Incan Trail
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