Cusco-The mountain capital of the Incas

Staying in Cusco will be a memory that will stay with you. This town, situated high in the Andes, has Incan roots entwined with influences of Spanish architecture. The centre is a UNESCO world heritage site with a long and dramatic history.

• Incan historical sites

• Architecture, museums & markets

• Heart of the Andes

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It is thought that 13 Incan Emperors ruled here from the 12^th to 15^th century until their devastating defeat by the Spanish in 1533. Incan walls thread through this town, due to their construction they weren’t destroyed by the Earthquake of 1650, unlike most of the Spanish architecture which had to be rebuilt.

We recommend you spend several days exploring Cusco, leaving time to acclimatise to the high altitude.  From your hotel room gaze over the layers of orange tiled roofs, have a cup of coca tea and listen to the sounds of the town below.  See the Quechua women sitting outside, wearing vibrant layered skirts, stovepipe hats, with their hair tied into a long plait.

What Places In Cusco Should I Visit?

A great place to start your exploration is the Plaza de Armas.  Sit on a bench and admire your surroundings. Observe Spanish style architecture and arches lining the square with the renaissance style La Cathedral standing over la plaza.  Take a look at Marcos Zapata’s painting of the last supper which has a supper of roasted guinea pig (cuy) and corn drink, a very Peruvian meal!  You will see two flags flying proudly here, the red & white of Peru & the rainbow flag of the Incas.

Head to Coricancha/ the church of San Domingo.  This site was considered the holiest Incan site; each wall was thought to be covered in gold.    All the gold was stripped by the Spanish and the stone was used to build the church of Saint Domingo upon the ancient Incan temple base.  Museo Inka is another worthwhile stop.  It includes artifacts from pre-Incan times, mummies, ceramics, textiles and gold.

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Wander to the bohemian San Blas District. 

This is the traditional, older quarter of Cusco where you will find Incan stone walls and colonial houses.  Artisans thrive here, browse the art galleries and see weavers, craft shops and cafes lining the narrow streets.  I even had a pair of cowboy boots made here! Enjoy a Peruvian coffee and lunch, photograph Iglesia de San Blas, the oldest church in Cusco, built in 1563. Leave room in your suitcase as Mercardo central de San Pedro needs to be perused.  Drink a freshly squeezed fruit juice here.

In the afternoon catch a taxi just outside of Cusco to the Incan site of Sacsayhuaman, a prime example of military architecture.    Walk between these three zigzag terraces with their perfectly aligned stones. Amazing vistas of Cusco from here.

Start your Cusco holiday today. From a Peru escorted tour to a self guided holiday. Have a Peruvian adventure!

Where should I stay in Cusco?

Here are a few of our favourites...

1. Palacio del Inka

2. Inkaterra La Casona

This former home of a Spanish conquistador has been carefully refurbished to create a hotel with the wow factor. It's a real fusion of Andean textiles and Spanish wooden furniture.

PERU ITINERARIES

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