Travel Guide to Magical Cusco, Peru

The Incas considered Cusco (Cuzco) the nucleus of the Inca Empire, which extended from Colombia to Chile. In 1534, the Spaniards entered Cusco, transforming the Incan palaces and temples into colonial homes and churches. Little by little the city became a symbol of colonialism, not only architecturally but culturally.₁

The 1650 earthquake reduced the city and its surrounding areas to rubble, but under the direction of Bishop Molinedo, the city was reconstructed with greater emphasis in wood carvings, paintings, and the modern architecture of the period. Today, these antiquities surround the lovely city of Cusco.₁

Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO, and it is a major tourist destination in South America.

Geography and Climate

Located at 11,100 ft, Cusco enjoys a semi-dry, cold climate, with maximum temperatures of 67.3 F, and minimum of 39.6F. The rainy season is from November to the end of March, and June through July are the coldest months, with occasional snow falls; yet, this is the time of year when hiking the Inca trail is most popular. We visited during the month of June, and while the day temperatures were a comfortable 45-50F, the nights were bitterly cold.

Why visit Cusco?

The province of Cusco allows visitors the opportunity to experience the culture of the Incas. The city retains a good deal of the Inca architecture which has been incorporated into modern structures. The enormous stones used by the Incas fit together so well that even a razor blade cannot be inserted between them.

Cusco is rich in history and traditions, and there are many impressive churches, monasteries, museums, archeological sites, and neighborhoods one should not miss. The Cathedral of Cusco is a Renaissance building whose interior is mostly made of cedar and alder woodcarvings; here one finds an impressive choir and pulpit stand. Another fine example of colonial architecture is the Templo de la Compania de Jesus, originally erected in 1571 and rebuilt in 1688. The design and façade are excellent examples of the Andean Baroque. Important works of arts are on display in this church.

Picturesque neighborhoods abound, and San Blas is one of the prettiest in Cusco. The area is characterized by narrow, steep streets and gorgeous colonial houses; the neighborhood is also known as the "artisan's neighborhood'. The church of San Blas, built in 1560 features a masterpiece wood carved Baroque pulpit, built by an indigenous artist.

For more information, visit: www.peru.info.com

Beyond Cusco

If time permit, the visitor should visit other important Inca sites located only one hour from Cusco. Of notable interest is Sacsayhuaman which contains the largest quarried stones in the world; how these immense blocks of stone were carved and moved, remains a mystery. Other locations include the nearby Inca ruins of Qenko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, and requiring a day trip, is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which should include a visit to the traditional Indian market at Pisac, the beautiful village of Ollantaytambo. and the small village of Chinchero located high up in the mountains.

For more information and ideas, visit: http://www.peru.info/en/where-to-go-7-2

Machu Picchu

Seems as if the reason most tourists visit Cusco is Machu Picchu, a perfectly preserved Inca city located on the summit of a mountain. This ancient city provides mesmerizing views of mountains suspended over valleys, and rivers that glitter in the Andean sunshine. The Inca trail is part of the Inca highway syst1em, and one of the most important South American trekking routes; many visitors will hike the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu.

Alternatively, visitors can take the easy way to Machu Picchu, from the town of Aguas Calientes, which lies at the base of Machu Picchu. The bus rides up a switchback road from the village, and will you put you at the archeological site in 30 minutes.

Cusco is easily reached by plane, from Lima, the capital of Peru; flights are about 1.5 hours in duration.

Conclusion

Obviously there is more to Cusco than the attractions listed here. The city has much to offer, such as colorful festivals, fascinating markets, history, culture, and scenery so captivating that one must see Cusco when visiting Peru.

For additional photographs taken on our trip to Peru, please visit: my photo album at: http://travel.webshots.com/album/571196183RfFRTT

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_{1 Reference from: http://worldfacts.us/Peru-Cusco.htm}