Cusco, Peru
Region: Cusco
Geographic Coordinates: -13.525000, -71.972200
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 20.0°C (50°F to 68°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 428450
Language: Spanish
Cusco, Peru is a city with a fascinating history and culture. It was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of over 11, 000 feet above sea level, Cusco has around 350, 000 inhabitants and is known for its beautiful architecture, Vibrant nightlife, Delicious cuisine, And welcoming locals. One of the most famous landmarks in Cusco is Sacsayhuaman – an ancient Incan fortress built using massive stones that were transported from miles away without any modern machinery or tools.
The site offers breathtaking views of Cusco and its surrounding mountains. Another popular attraction in Cusco is Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient citadel was built by the Incas around 1450 AD but remained hidden from outsiders until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Cusco’s historic center boasts stunning colonial architecture with narrow streets lined with shops selling traditional Peruvian textiles and handicrafts.
The Plaza de Armas – also known as “The Square” – sits at its heart and features two magnificent cathedrals: Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of Jesus) and La Catedral del Cuzco (The Cathedral). Foodies will love exploring the culinary scene in Cusco; Peru’s gastronomy has become renowned over recent years thanks to unique ingredients like quinoa, Potatoes (of which there are over 3, 000 varieties), Corns (over 55 varieties), Chilies (over 300 varieties) among many others that are local to this region which makes Peruvian cuisine some of South America’s most diverse and exciting.
The city offers traditional dishes such as cuy (guinea pig), Alpaca meat dishes , And ceviche among others. Cusco also has a lively nightlife scene with bars and clubs catering to both locals and tourists. Cusco is the perfect gateway to outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains including hiking, Trekking, Mountain biking, White-water rafting, Zip-lining among others. The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers incredible views of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys dotted with Incan ruins.
Cusco is a city that should be on every traveler’s bucket list due to its rich history, Stunning architecture, Delicious cuisine and friendly locals that make it an unforgettable destination that will leave you wanting more.
- Machu Picchu
- Sacsayhuaman
- Plaza de Armas
- Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
- San Pedro Market
- Cathedral of Cusco
- Tambomachay
- Puka Pukara
- Moray Terraces
- Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Tourism: Cusco is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and cultural heritage. The city is home to several ancient Incan ruins, including Machu Picchu.
- Agriculture: Cusco has a diverse agricultural sector that produces crops such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, and coffee.
- Textile industry: The city has a thriving textile industry that produces traditional Peruvian fabrics such as alpaca wool.
- Mining: Cusco is home to several mining operations that extract minerals such as gold, silver, and copper.
- Construction: The construction industry in Cusco is growing rapidly due to the increase in tourism and infrastructure development projects.
- Food and beverage industry: There are many restaurants and cafes in the city that serve traditional Peruvian cuisine along with international dishes.
- Handicrafts industry: Local artisans produce handicrafts such as pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, and textiles which are sold at markets throughout the city.
- Education sector: With several universities located within the city limits of Cusco there are many opportunities for education related business ventures or services catering towards students or faculty members alike.
- The Inca Empire: Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, which ruled over much of South America from the 13th to 16th centuries.
- Pachacuti: One of the most famous Inca rulers, Pachacuti expanded and transformed Cusco during his reign in the mid-15th century.
- Spanish conquest: The Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro arrived in Cusco in 1533 and quickly overtook the city, leading to the downfall of the Inca Empire.
- Sacsayhuaman: This ancient fortress located just outside of Cusco is a testament to Incan engineering prowess and has become a popular tourist attraction.
- Machu Picchu: This iconic archaeological site located near Cusco was built by the Incas in the 15th century and is considered one of their greatest achievements.
- Tupac Amaru II: A leader of an indigenous rebellion against Spanish rule in Peru during late 18th century, Tupac Amaru II was executed by colonial authorities in Cusco’s main plaza.
- Inti Raymi festival: This annual festival held on June 24 celebrates Andean culture and honors Inti (the sun god) with traditional dances and ceremonies that date back to pre-Columbian times.
- Manuela Sáenz: A revolutionary who fought alongside Simon Bolivar for South American independence from Spain, Manuela Sáenz lived out her later years in exile in Cusco after being exiled from Ecuador for her political activities.
- Túpac Yupanqui: He was an emperor who expanded his father’s empire significantly towards modern-day Bolivia.
- Queen Mama Ocllo: She is believed to have been one of the founders of Cusco and was considered a goddess by the Inca people.
- Machu Picchu is one of the most famous Incan ruins in the world.
- Sacsayhuaman is an ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Cusco.
- Qorikancha is a former Incan temple turned Spanish colonial church, featuring impressive stonework and architecture.
- Museo de Arte Precolombino is a museum showcasing pre-Columbian art from across South America, including pottery, textiles, and metalwork.
- Plaza de Armas is the main square in Cusco, featuring colonial architecture and a central fountain.
- San Pedro Market is a bustling market selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
- Cathedral of Cusco is an impressive cathedral built on top of an Incan palace in the heart of the city center.
- Tambomachay is an ancient site believed to have been used for ritual bathing by Incan nobility.
- Museo Inka is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts from the Inca Empire’s history and culture.
- Moray Terraces are circular terraces used for agricultural experiments by Incas.
- Inti Raymi is the most important festival in Cusco, celebrated on June 24th to honor the Inca sun god.
- Qoyllur Riti is a pilgrimage to the Sinakara Valley in May or June, where participants honor the Lord of Qoyllur Riti with music and dance.
- Corpus Christi is celebrated on the ninth Thursday after Easter and includes processions and dances in traditional costumes.
- Pachamama Raymi is a ceremony held on August 1st to honor Mother Earth with offerings of food and drink.
- Señor de los Temblores, the patron saint of Cusco, is celebrated with a procession through city streets on Holy Monday.
- Festival Internacional de la Cultura takes place in November and features music, dance, theater, film screenings, and art exhibitions from around the world.
- Fiesta de la Vendimia takes place in March or April as a wine harvest festival that includes grape stomping competitions and wine tastings.
- Warachikuy is an ancient Inca ritual held annually at Sacsayhuaman fortress that reenacts battles between different groups of warriors to test their strength and skill.
- Carnaval Cusqueño occurs before Lent as a colorful celebration featuring parades, water fights, live music performances, traditional dances such as huayno and salsa criolla.
- Yawar Fiesta happens in July or August as part of an Andean tradition known as bloodless bullfighting where a condor fights against a bull after being released from nearby mountain.
- Cuy (guinea pig) is a traditional Andean dish commonly served in Cusco.
- Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian stir-fry dish made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries.
- Rocoto Relleno are spicy stuffed peppers filled with meat and vegetables.
- Chicha Morada is a refreshing purple corn drink often served as a welcome drink in restaurants.
- Pisco Sour is Peru’s national cocktail made with pisco brandy, lime juice, egg white, and syrup.
Some popular restaurants in Cusco include:
- Cicciolina – known for innovative fusion cuisine using local ingredients.
- Pacha Papa Restaurant & Bar – offers traditional Andean dishes such as alpaca steak and cuy (guinea pig).
- Greens Organic Restaurant & Cafe – serves healthy vegetarian and vegan options using organic produce from the Sacred Valley.
- Kion Peruvian Chinese Cuisine- offers a unique blend of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine.
- La Valeriana Bakery & Cafe- A bakery offering freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes etc.
- Plaza de Armas: This is the main square in Cusco and a great place to relax and people-watch.
- Sacsayhuaman: An ancient Incan fortress located just outside of Cusco that offers stunning views of the city.
- San Blas Neighborhood: A bohemian neighborhood with narrow streets, art galleries, and cafes.
- Cristo Blanco: A statue of Christ overlooking Cusco that can be reached by hiking or taking a bus.
- Qorikancha: An ancient Incan temple dedicated to the sun god Inti that has been partially restored and turned into a museum.
- Parque de la Madre: A park in central Cusco with playgrounds, fountains, and benches for relaxation.
- Mercado Central de San Pedro: A bustling market where you can buy local food, crafts, and souvenirs.
- Pisac Market: Located about an hour outside of Cusco, this market offers handmade crafts from local artisans.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): A popular day trip from Cusco where you can hike to see stunning rainbow-colored mountains.
- Sacred Valley Tour: Explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Cusco on this guided tour which includes stops at archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins as well as traditional villages like Chinchero.
