TRAVEL TO CUSCO

CUSCO

Stand in awe of the Center of the World (also spelled Cuzco, and in the local Quechua language as Qusqu IPA: [qos.qo]) is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley) of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region..

Was the capital of the Inca Empire (1200s-1532). Many believe that was planned to be shaped like a puma. Cusco had two sectors: the urin and hanan, which were further divided to each encompass two of the four provinces, Chinchasuyu (NW), Antisuyu (NE), Qontisuyu (SW) and Collasuyu (SE). A road led from each of these quarters to the corresponding quarter of the empire.

According to Inca legend, the city was built by Sapa Inca Pachacuti, the man who transformed the Kingdom of Cusco from a sleepy city-state into the vast empire of Tahuantinsuyu.

The first Spaniards arrived in the city on November 15, 1533. Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro officially discovered Cusco on March 23, 1534, naming it the Very noble and great city.

One of a kind architecture plus a profound feeling of history equals one of the most seductive cities on the planet. Radiant by day, Cusco main square dresses itself up for a party at night, soft yellow lights illuminating lovely arcades and the head turning facades of the Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Jesus.

Upon leaving the Cusco limits one comes to face with Sacsayhuaman with stones standing up to 29.5 feet and weighing 350 tons. A little farther along, there are other sacred sites, like Qenko, or the very popular Banos del Inca (Inca Baths) or Tambomachay, a fascinating site dedicated to worship water.

Then, there is a Sacred Valley of the Incas, an overcharged natural setting. Eye pleasing agricultural terraces descend down the mountains, like giant stair steps. The air is filled with the scent of baking bread, prepared in mud ovens, and endless fields of corn dance with the wind.

Under the intense blue sky sit picturesque villages like Pisac, Yucay and Ollantaytambo, and on their outskirts lie noteworthy Incan palaces.

Machu Picchu, the magical citadel, brings the visitor within reach of an intact ancient world where history is found in every nook and cranny. Choquequirao, is another Incan site that takes the breath away. In Cusco, the word mystical gets its true meaning.

Travel to Cusco, and make a tour of all the ruins in the city